COMPENSATION
'where am I. Its so dark. And this terrible headache. Feels like someone's splitting my skull.'
Suddenly a voice sounded from distance
" FYI your skull actually was cracked open and your brain crushed into paste. But the headache has nothing to do with that."
Bright light illuminated the space. A young man in early 20s was lying on his back tightly holding his head with his hands. He quickly sat up with a start. Looking around he noticed a silhouette of a man in few meters apart looking at him. His features were not clear. But he gave off a divine feeling.
" Oh. I am relieved. Thanks for cheering me up." He sneered
" Don't mention it. I occasionally do some pep talk." The silhouette said in an unconcerned voice.
' This jerk. Making fun of a poor freshly deceased soul. No integrity at all.' the young man cursed inwardly.
" You do realise i can hear your thoughts loud and clear, right."
" Can you blame me. You were quite rude." The young man was scared a bit and withdrew instantly. The voice of the mysterious being was emotionless. So it was impossible to tell if he is serious or joking. 'Better safe than sorry' he thought.
" So anyway I'm Lee S.. "
" I know who you are and why you are here." He said before the young man finished.
" That's reassuring, because i really want some answers right now"
" I'll make this quick, we don't have all day, so listen well."
.......................................
" So, you are saying that I wasn't supposed to die just yet, But because of some mistake made by your subordinate I died an untimely death."
" Mm." The silhouette nodded in agreement.
" And as a compensation, I get to live in a different fantasy world like in those isekai novels?"
" Yes, that sums it up."
" Who or what are you anyway? "
" A divine servant? or an angel? Whatever you call it. "
" I don't see any wings." That was an honest question. Angels always had wings in all the stories.
" I don't need wings to fly. Don't see any need for unnecessary decoration. Besides this is not my true form. I just assumed human figure for easy communication with you. "
'You could have added wings. It would have made the communication a lot easier' He thought to himself. But hearing an annoyed grunt from the self proclaimed angel, he stopped his thoughts running wild.
' Well this is a dream come true.' He then thought inwardly. Then another doubt emerged in his mind and questioned the angel.
" Just curious, do accidents like this happens a lot? "
" No, We aren't slackers. A tiny mistake once in few millennium is unavoidable. " The angel was visibly agitated.
" So this is not the first case huh. Wait, 'tiny mistake'? I thought it was a serious issue."
" The mistake in itself is a negligible one. But since the responsibility we hold is great the consequences will be too. "
" Butterfly effect? One small thing led to another and escalated to the point where it claimed my life. " the young man said with a sad smile.
" You are right " the angel nodded in agreement.
' Even though I am not that attached to that world I still have to part with my family. And I am now all alone. I don't know if I should be happy that I have another chance in life or sad that even my predetermined fate couldn't save me from death.'
He was having conflicting thoughts.
After settling down his heart a bit they talked about various things, mainly the young man asking questions and the angel answering. At least the ones he is allowed to answer
.......................................
After some time passed :
" Do I have complete any kind of task or am I responsible for anything. You know, like saving the world from dark powers or demon lords. I mean that's how it usually goes."
The silhouette silently looked at him for a few seconds. Since the face couldn't be seen it was unknown what kind of expression he had. After a while while he said in a teasing voice.
" You read too many novels "
" Oh." ' Aaaah it's so embarrassing' his face turned red.
" Ahem. Anyway, you are saying that I am completely free. I can do whatever I want, right"
" Yes, you are not tied by anyone. You are to act as you please. But remember, you have yourself to thank or blame for where your actions will lead you to. Both good and evil will be repaid one way or another." The divine servant seemed really serious when he said that. Especially the last part.
The young man's expression became thoughtful.
" Did you mean reincarnation or hell and heaven. "
" I am not allowed to say that. Your head stopped aching right? "
" Eh! Oh right its completely fine now" he answered. It seems that he already forgotten about the terrible headache he had before.
" Good, it means its time for you to go" The angel said.
" What. Wait! I don't know anything about this new world. How am I supposed to survive there." He said hurriedly.
" Don't worry. Information enough for your survival and more is already stuffed into your brain. You just have to do your best to access it. "
' So that's what that headache all about.' he thought in sudden realisation.
" What if I want some advise. Can I meet you again "
" It is unlikely that we will meet again, at least not when you are alive. You already have what you need in your head, you just have to access it. It won't be easy. But that's all I can do. Anymore it will be completely unfair to the denizens of that world.
" At least tell me what kind of power do I have" he asked loudly and in hurry since he started to glow all over. It was obvious that he is leaving this space to the new world, his new life.
The angel looed at him and said in a solemn voice. " VOID."