Ch. 1 Choice

I was proud to be who I was.

I was proud to be a member of my family.

I was proud to uphold the honor we earned.

We were the blades which could halt nations.

And I was happy to have lived up to my families expectations and gave pride to my parents for being their son.

I was young, but I was strong.

I stood in front of military units, armed guards, police forces, militias, mercenary groups, terrorists and even other martial artists, only for them to be defeated.

I won the right to hold the family's prized blade and to be named as the strongest we had to offer at the young age of 19.

Meaning, as I graduated from highschool and began university, I could already stand at the peek of what humanity could achieve in terms of physical abilities.

I had taken on missions and assignments around the world since the age of 6.

I walked through more war zones and impoverished nations in a decade than most generals did in their lifetime.

But I was not simply a blade.

A human cannot be a tool or it will lose its edge. And a dull blade cannot truly be called a blade anymore.

I used my families vast connections and wealth for the betterment of people close to home. Building shelters, founding groups dedicated to feeding the poor, helping children build futures for themselves and giving people in bad marriages or families places to go to and live a real life without fear.

I was able to create jobs and growth by funding new schools and hospitals to help others.

Even if it sounds self-righteous, it helped to balance the spirits of our family to do good without having to fight in wars or shed blood. And make no mistake, as much as I had avoid senseless death and severely punished members of the family who had lost themselves in it, I have shed plenty of blood in this world.

But never have I slain the innocent. Never has my blade slain those i used for training. Never have I silently watched as so called leaders of the world enriched themselves by beating down those they were supposed to lift up.

The people celebrated us, but those in power feared us.

We have always been at odds with the powers that be in this world, simply because it corrupts.

Our family may have great power, but we try to do good in this world. Those who don't wish to follow the way of the warrior are free to establish themselves in any field they desire with full support of the family, as long as you can help others.

We are taught chivalry, kindness, empathy and wisdom from a young age, especially so if one picks up a blade and joins the cores of our family.

Most arguments within the family were about what would actually help others the most and what actions the world is taking which would cause the most people to suffer.

For ten years I led the family as best I could.

But I had reached a crossroad.

The divergence of life and death.

A place I had experienced too many times in my life.

Unfortunately, this time hadn't been as simple as using my willpower to not fall into an eternal slumber or killing my foe before he could kill me.

My family's main location had been leaked, someone had betrayed us. A person I had trusted. My own brother.

"Why did you do this Kain? You're actions have cost the lives of our family. You've led those who wish to end us out of fear right into our home. Why?" I asked him in a freezing tone of voice as I held my blade at his neck.

"Ha! Our family? Since when has it ever been ours? It's always been about you! Always better! Always more Noble! Always smarter! Always the better son! Always first at everything! They never looked at me! No one ever thought I was fit to lead with you around overshadowing me!

They mocked and humiliated me! For years I endured it, but no more! All those self-righteous hypocrites who kill entire families for the so-called good of the world aren't looking down on me anymore! Now they're all dead! Hahahahaha! And I get to have the last laugh." My elder brother answered in a state damn near madness as he continued to laugh over the corpses of our own family.

I did not respond to his reasons once I received them. I felt like I lost the ability to care about this person who used to be my role model.

He killed our parents, led a slaughter against our family, caused the death of everyone as he leaked everything about us, and all because his pride couldn't take me being better than him.

So with one smooth motion, I sent his head, with a crazed grin on his face, flying off his body. Letting it roll away, still frozen in its madness, finally cutting off his mad laughter.

And without uttering a single word or sparing him a single glance, I started walking towards the remains of the group which invaded our compound. I looked at the wounds my brother had given me during our fight, most are light but he managed to slice some of my lung when he sneak attacked me.

'Too bad the initial explosions got me or he wouldn't have had the chance.' I thought as I felt the injuries I'd received before the fight itself.

But this was the end of the family. And as its head I would take as many as I could before I fell. That was my last duty.

With my blade still dripping with blood I burst forward at near superhuman speed. I ignored the pain, the blood and emotions. I was going to go out with a bang, so why care about what hurts?

Using the momentum I built, I vaulted over the first few lines of enemies and before I completed my flip, six heads were sliced off as I spun gracefully in the air.

Completely shocked by the sudden attack of a single individual, they allowed me to get within melee range before they could react. By the time they could properly grasp the situation, five more bodies fell on the ground without heads.

Without a pause I moved forward.

Take out the weapon carrying hand then slice the artery.

Move forward.

Bisect the woman trying to shoot her shotgun.

Move forward.

Kick the grenade on the ground to block the sniper round, kill four more and injure 5.

Move forward.

Flip over a man yelling something as he tries to rally his comrades. His torso falls to the ground behind me causing the enemy morale to drop in fear.

Move forward.

I sense a shot coming from behind me, shift using the families footwork as I weave through the enemies, resulting in cases of friendly fire.

Move forward.

The sniper is trying again... I sliced the incoming round in two and caused the halves to kill the men behind me.

Move forward.

Three soldiers rushed me with combat knives in their hands. Probably thinking melee combat was the smarter option when everyone else is an ally. I simply shifted back slightly to dodge the first and placed my blade to his neck, killing him with minimal force as I passed by. The second I redirected using the pommel of my blade, letting me pierce his throat in one smooth motion afterwards. The last threw his knife and attempted a tackle, but I caught his blade, killed someone trying to sneak attack me from side with my own, then stabbed the tackling man's knife into his own skull.

Move forward.

Grab the gun of the last attacker. A CZ 75 B handgun. Full clip and one in the chamber going by its weight. That meant 17 more bodies as I used every round to the upmost precision. I would feel pride over my performance so far if I wasn't bleeding too much and my adrenaline wasn't making me hyper focused on the fight.

Move forward.

I can see the commander. I am disappointed. A waste who yells at others. Not a true warrior. Not a general. A piece of shit with too much pride and ego. One of those paperwork munchers or bureaucrats. He notices me. I see complete horror.

Move forward.

The weakling's guards step up to protect him as he insults them from behind. Only two. Behind me are two dozen men who have lost themselves in fear. They could shoot, but they haven't. So I stepped forward again.

One starts raising his gun first, he volunteered to be my target. His eyes widened when he saw me close the distance in an instant. Half his gun starts falling. Second slash, his hands bring the second half of the gun with them.

The other guard sees his ally is going to die, I sense his intent, he opens fire.

I use the handless guard as a shield and push forward. The protective gear these people have might not be able to stop me from slicing them apart, but it certainly is helpful when it comes to stopping bullets. Too bad it doesn't protect your face.

The moment he ran out of ammo I took the bullet sponge's knife and threw it to the guard, resulting in him clutching his throat as he bled to death.

Now for the disappointment trembling on the floor.

I wasn't expecting much after seeing him, but a puddle of piss. Really? This is who they sent to oversee my family's extermination? It's just insulting now.

He tried to beg, offered everything he could to live, but none of it mattered anymore. My family is gone, my purpose would turn to vengeance and my death is all but assured. I pushed myself too much and now blood is filling my lung almost completely. The only reason I'm not coughing up blood on the ground right now is because I am currently relaying on my ability to control my body in order to only use a single lung.

And yes, that is my ability. A rather lackluster superhuman ability, but it allowed me to become what I am. Sure it doesn't compare to some of the powers others can wield, but I honed it into the perfect tool.

I didn't think any longer and simply stabbed my blade through the quivering mess in front of me's skull. His body stiffened in disbelief for a moment, then slumped like a puppet without its strings.

Now I guess I take out as many behind me before I collapse.

So I turned and faced the two dozen soldiers with ashen faces from fear. Understandable since not many armies train you to be unaffected seeing decapitations, bissections, witnessing someone get turned into a perforated tomato and losing over half of your comrades in less than two minutes. It'll affect a person.

But before I could start, an advanced looking VTOL appeared overhead, distracting everyone. Out of curiosity I also took a quick look and what I found made me conflicted to say the least.

In the next few moments five figures dropped down from the aircraft in quick succession. Two of which were flying out of it.

The first to land was a tall and muscular man. Someone with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing stylized protective wear with a with star on his chest and wielding a circular shield with red, white, blue and another white star. Captain America has decided to come.

With him gracefully landed a stunning red head wearing a skin tight black suit displaying her sensual body, gadget filled belt, high-tech bracers and pointing a pair of handguns at me. The Black Widow had me in her sight.

Next to her was a man with a bow and arrow drawn at me. He had short blonde hair, customized sleeveless military apparel and a quiver full of dangerous toys on his back. Hawkeye was ready.

Then came a loud thud as a long blonde haired man in near medieval combat gear and a red cape created a small crater upon his landing. He had a short handled battle hammer in his right hand which tingled with electricity. They had brought in Thor, the damn Demi-god like alien.

And lastly we had the Iron man, in his red and gold motif, floating above the team with his glowing palms point at me.

"Dorian Damascus, surrender now and no more death needs to come after." The Captain ordered as if he was actually on the moral high ground in this issue.

"No more death?" I asked, but I had a hard time recognizing my voice at the moment. It was too raspy.

"That's right. We can end this peacefully." The blonde boy-scout confirmed, which damn near enraged me.

"Like there's anyone else for you hypocrites to kill anyway. Look around! Do you see any member of my family still alive to even kill!" I hoarsely yelled out as blood crawled up my throat from my outburst.

"I am sorry, but you and your family have killed hundreds, if not thousands. The UN and SHIELD agreed that it has to end. Now please surrender or we will have to use force." The blonde hypocrite said as he half threatened me.

"That's because they couldn't take the fact that they could die next. They know exactly why they have this fear. Because those you don't even think about punishing, the ones who sent you here, they are some of the biggest criminals on this planet." I spat out before I started coughing a bit.

'Damn, looks like I'm losing control of my lung.' I thought as I looked at the blood in my hand.

"That might be true, but you can't just kill people and expect to make a true difference." Rogers preached like he was the messiah.

"Kukuku... hahaha...HAHAHAHAHA!! *cough cough* Did you actually say that and believe it? HAHAHAHAHAHA!" I couldn't hold it in when I heard that and seeing the entire group in front of me agree with him.

"What's so funny Samurai Jack?" The Iron Man asked as the group frowned at my response.

"The level of hypocrisy! That's what's so funny tin man!" I answered between coughs of blood. "You're telling me someone who fought in WW2 doesn't believe killing can make a difference?"

"Times change." Was the golden boy's only answer as he adopted a somber look.

"Yeah, just ask the two master assassins whose body counts rival my own, the merchant of death and the thousand year old alien who's been fighting for most of his life. Times sure are changing." I replied with a lot of poison, making the majority of the so called Avengers shift uncomfortably.

"That doesn't matter right now. We have a job to do." Responded Natasha as she maintained her cold demeanor.

"Yes, but you are unnecessary. I will die today, my lungs are already failing. Your handlers did a wonderful job turning my own brother against the family." I said as I finally calmed my emotions.

Death was coming soon, I could almost hear her calling me with her temptations.

"We can get you to a doctor. This doesn't need to end like this." The former capsicle offered like that would be a better option.

Truly a waste of enhanced brainpower that one. What does he think is going to happen to me after? I go on trial and then they put me in a nice prison? No. Someone will either kill me, try to break me out to get me under their wing, attempt to brainwash me, try to weaponize me, some might try to clone me, shady organizations will attempt to offer me deals, wouldn't put it pass SHIELD to try this nonsense on me too, or I could just be stuck in a hole somewhere to be tortured or experimented on until I die.

And those are just the human options. Don't get me started on damn Magic related beings and aliens. And yes we know about magic. Our family was too old and strong to be ignored by the sorcerers.

But yeah, not great as options go and I don't really want to live anymore. It was time for me to die.

"I will die soon. But I can still have a good death." I simply said, the response making the Avengers ready themselves for battle as their bodies tended.

I ignored them and looked at the only person present who could be considered a warrior.

"Thor Odinson, I beseech you to send me away as a warrior." I declared as I pointed my blade at him.

"You understand what you ask for Dorian Damascus?" The thunder god asked in response with a look devoid of any lightheartedness.

I have no answer besides raising my blade above my head into my stance.

"So be it." The Asgardian replied as he stepped forward with a serious look on his face.

"Thor you can't seriously be thinking of going along with him!" Steve shouted in disbelief.

"What did point break just agree to?" Questioned Stark, not due to stupidity, but because this is so far removed from his understanding of how things work. He might be a so-called hero, but he is no warrior.

"I think they just agreed to Thor killing Damascus." Answered Hawkeye as he relaxed his draw.

"Do not interfere friend Steve, this is a matter of warriors." Thor said as readied his hammer.

"Shouldn't we do something? We were asked to bring him in alive if possible." Natasha suddenly asked the two team members near her.

"I don't think we can. Thor doesn't make that kind of face often so this must be pretty important." Barton answered with a sigh since he knew this will end with people yelling at them again. Not that he really cared, but it was still annoying.

"I'm with Legolas on this one Nat. I just got Jarvis to scan the guy and we wouldn't be able to keep him alive to reach the Quinn Jet, much less stand in a trial." Tony added as he looked over the data in his helmet.

"That bad?" The Black Widow asked with mild surprise.

"That guy should have died a while ago. He's got several broken bones, a few perforated organs, one of his lungs is filled with blood and most of his body's already shut down. I can't even tell how he's conscious, much less fighting." Answered the baffled genius.

"Damn. And he did all that in that condition?" Hawkeye asked in slight awe over what their target could do in such bad shape.

"Is that true Tony?" Questioned Cap after hearing my state through his enhanced senses.

"Yeah. The guy's basically a dead man already." Iron man answered.

"I do believe Mr. Damascus is currently using his mutation to forcibly control his body, hence delaying his death. The pain however, must be immense." Informed Jarvis as he spoke to the Avengers through their communication channel.

That silenced anymore form of debate from the more ordinary members of the Avengers, the last revelation making them turn their eyes to their teammate standing at the ready before their supposed target.

"Are you ready Dorian Damascus?" Thor asked with absolute seriousness, leaving his usual boisterous tone behind.

Hearing no answer beyond the look in my eyes, he understood.

"So be it." He declared as he pushed off the ground with great force, causing it to crack.

Even with great speed and momentum the god-like alien approached, everything was in slow motion for me. My everything was focused on the one moment when I would swing my blade.

Then the moment came as I watched the space Viking slowly enter my range. And with everything I had and am, I swung my blade down. I would leave nothing behind. All of me would be in this strike.

Thor's eyes widened a bit at my strike, but he kept going. And has both of us exchanged attacks, the victor was obvious as I shot backwards.

Couldn't even feel pain anymore anyway so I didn't care much about that. But I was satisfied with going out as a warrior who could at least wound a supposed god.

And yes I did at least draw blood. I saw my blade dig into Thor's shoulder enough for that before I was launched backwards.

So with at least that much accomplished, I started closing my eyes. But before I could fully drift off into eternal sleep I had one more odd thing in my sight.

'Is that a truck?' I thought as I closed my eyes.

I couldn't feel anything anymore anyway, so who cares?

And with probably the most surprising ending to a mission the avengers ever had, I died with a truck crushing my already destroyed body. The super team wondering how in the world this could even happen. Even the Black Widow was staring at the scene with an open mouth due to the utter shock.

...

...

...

"Did a truck, in a model unavailable within a thousand kilometer from my home, take away my chance at a proper afterlife by somehow appearing out of nowhere and falling on me?" I asked in the dark void I suddenly found myself in.

"I do believe think we should at least apologize about that. Don't you think so dear? Now the poor boy doesn't even have a proper corpse to bury." A soft and warm woman's voice said from behind me, causing me to get startled.

"What the-?" I felt a bit embarrassed getting sneaked up on and jumping like that, but it's weird when you're dead.

Once i could see who had spoken, it was surprising to actually see two people who are looking like actual people. You never know when it's things or beings from different planes, afterlives or dimensions.

One is a man seemingly nearing middle aged judging by his salt-pepper hair and neatly trimmed beard on his sharp face, making him look like stern man. He had the red eyes which almost seemed to glow with how intense they were and was wearing almost blood red robes kinda similar to what those annoying sorcerers wore. He gave me the feeling of facing off against someone who has gone through immeasurable bloodshed.

The other was a woman: she had pitch black hair and eyes, looking like darkness itself, but her features were gentle like a mother waiting for you to fall asleep, wearing a similar robe to the man but black as her hair and they were doing nothing to hide her bountiful examples of womanly charms. She made me feel at peace and like I didn't have anything to worry about as long as I was near her.

Although the woman looked warm and caring, she was the one who actually made me feel more dread. The man I could understand, but she made me want to give in and that just didn't feel right to me.

"It was a... sudden request after all." The man said as he chose his words carefully.

"Our Lily was very happy with the trade though. She has been eyeing that soul in our afterlife for eons. But even if I love seeing our baby so happy, what made you trade it for this young man?" The scary feeling motherly one asked to who appears to be her husband and the father of their child.

'Did she say that they traded a soul and that even their child is eons old? Can't really fight something with that kind of power so might as well just go with it.' I thought as I watched what could be a normal married couple if it wasn't for the enormous power, apparent immortality and weird vibes I'm getting.

"It's been a long time since I saw a soul embrace my concepts and yours at the same time, so I thought to give him another chance. Also, you know how the one running things in this universe is." The man seriously answered.

"True, he made the poor boy's world so bad for his kind and he was even considered a anti-hero at best. Stan really doesn't treat those people kindly. He doesn't even treat one of his favorites kindly. That poor Parker boy." Sighed the woman as one arm supported her assets and the other her face.

"Um, excuse me? Sir? Ma'am?" I said as I tried to get the couples attention.

"Hm? Was is it young man? Do you have a question? Mortals always do." The black haired woman asked with a patient look on her face.

"At least he's more composed than the last kid." The man said a bit quietly as his wife gave him a quick look before returning her attention to me.

"Yes ma'am I do have a question. While you and you're husband were talking, a second chance was mentioned. Does that mean what I think it means?" I asked as politely as I could given the circumstances.

"Absolutely. My husband took a liking to you and after seeing your path towards death myself, I do have to agree with his choice this time. Especially when you're a good boy and not one of those murder happy rapists that follow his concepts most of the time. Those cultivators really disgust me and don't get me started on all those heroic age bastards." She explained as she started to rant about the people she meets due to her husband, who is quietly waiting this one out behind her. "*ahem* So to get back on topic, we will be giving you a second life, in another world and with a few bonuses."

"As much as I'm grateful, I'm not sure I really want to live again. I'm tired you know? All my life I strived to be the best Damascus ever. I endured training to go beyond human limits, experienced the darkness in people, worked tirelessly to improve the family and help others, and through all of it I faced the discrimination a mutant has to go through even if my mutation was not visible or substantial.

And at the end of all that work and effort, I watched my entire family die, was betrayed and died because the world no longer wanted us. *sigh*

I just want to rest now." I tiredly said as my shoulders slumped visibly.

As much as a second life sounds enticing, I've spent the last 30 years dedicating myself to my family. Even my marriage was arranged, not that I didn't have a good relationship with my wife, but it was more a union built on mutual respect than love. We never even managed to make a child.

"There there young one. There is nothing shameful about embracing eternal rest. You have more than fulfilled your duties. My hubby just wanted to offer you a chance to live a life you want. Isn't that right dear?" The black haired woman said as she pulled me into her soft and comfortable body.

She still kinda scares me and it felt a bit weird getting hugged like this as a fully grown man, but damn if it didn't make me feel better to get such a caring hug and reassured like that.

"Like my wife said, you have lived a life not truly of your own choices and you have still done a remarkable amount of good as a true warrior, hence I traded a highly valued soul to offer you a second chance." The stern looking man said, completely ignoring his wife smothering me.

'I guess when you're an immortal couple these kinds of things just stop bothering.' I thought with a shrug.

"Thank you for that. Truly. But I don't understand why you would do so. If it's not too rude, I would like to know why you've done this?" I asked from the nice and way too comfortable woman's bosom.

"Oh that's simple, after you're second life is over you would become a champion of our afterlife. And it is one of the few sources of entertainment we have in this existence of ours, watching our future champions challenge the destinies of worlds. Quite thrilling and satisfying I have to say." The lady happily explained as she pated my head in a soothing manner.

Not sure why I'm letting her do this, but my instincts are telling me this is for the best.

"Exactly as my wife said. Of course you will receive a few boons which can't clash with the world you would be put in, but those rules can be bent depending on the world. And we can always numb your emotions regarding your first life to help you enjoy your second.

But this is on the premise you accept. Even if you do not, your soul does now belong to mine and my wife's afterlife. This means you either move on now and rest, or you take our offer and return later as our champion." The red robed man said as he continued the explanation.

"What makes being a champion a good thing? I understand that by definition a champion usually gains special status and probably some perks, but what would I need to do to maintain such benefits?" I asked carefully.

First rule of making deals involving Magic, souls or anything with too much power: Always know exactly what you're agreeing to.

"Hmm, it varies if I answered honestly. The simplest answer would be that you would be a valued option to represent us in formal instances or competitions between entities such as ourselves. Depending on the champions skill set, the type of competition can vary widely. I do believe we even had a bake off not too long ago." The man answered thoughtfully as he tried to remember.

"Oooh, those kids made the best pies! I still have to ask for the recipe. My children would love it!" The woman excitedly said as she squeezed me tighter.

"Yes, I'm sure they would. But back on the topic of champions. Aside from participating in such events there is not much required of you, but you must maintain a certain degree of loyalty towards ourselves and defend our afterlife should someone be foolish enough to try anything. Beyond that you would be free to do as you pleased within our afterlife and even visit others after obtaining permission.

No visiting the worlds of mortals however. You would, in essence, become a type of spiritual envoy, making worlds of mortals dangerous for you to be in and dangerous for the world itself. Only during special circumstances would you be able to visit those." He elaborated.

I knew there was more to this, but as far as I learnt from the sorcerers champions were relatively free unless called upon by their masters. They receive some power ups and had to do some errands or quests from time to time in exchange. Much better than Avatars who lose most of their freedom in exchange for a lot of power.

But the power isn't what interests me in this offer, it's the chance to live a freer life.

My brother might have hated me for being the family head over him, but there have been an untold amounts of times I've wished to be able to roam the world freely like he could. Meet people without having to kill most of them for being pieces of garbage and even maybe actually fall in love.

"You know, you don't have to worry too much child. Our afterlife will welcome you with open arms and it won't be going anywhere anytime soon. So please, try to live again. This time by finding things you want to fight for yourself and not living to uphold weights passed down to you. Live, laugh, love, fight, be merry and free. And when you're done truly living, then you can really enjoy my embrace." The woman still gently hugging me from behind said as she encouraged me.

"Why me? I am not that strong. And I don't have many special skills beyond combat. There must be many others better than me who can be your champion." I asked out of curiosity since I am very aware of my limits.

"In death you are no longer bound by the limits of your body, only the strength of your soul matters at that point. Meaning that, after some adjusting, your strength as a member of our afterlife would grow tremendously due to your owns strength. I simply see the potential for you to become our ideal champion after some more refinement, meaning a second life in this case." Answered the man straightforwardly as he looked at me.

"So what do you say? Are you willing to go through another go and become our champion or will you move on to our afterlife now?" The woman asked as she let go of me and returned to her husband's side.

I didn't answer immediately. Only after thinking about everything properly did I respond.

"You said you could numb my emotions regarding my life right? Basically making me feel detached so I could remember everything but I wouldn't be too affected by it?" I asked, to which they nodded.

"And I receive a few boons to help me live a better life in this new world?" To which they nodded again at the question.

*deep breath* *exhale* Alright then. I'm in." I finally said.

"Good. You didn't disappoint." The man said approvingly.

"I'm glad you gave yourself a chance child. Now which world do you want to go to?" The woman asked with a motherly smile on her face.

"I get to chose?" I asked back in surprise.

"Of course. It wouldn't be fun for you if you ended up in a world you hate. We want you to shine brightly after all and wanting to destroy the world you live in will do the opposite of that." She responded patiently.

"What worlds can I be reborn in then?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Hmmm, right now we can bring you into a good amount of worlds without other champion candidates currently living in them. We have one of our own in Harry Potter right now so you can't go there. But I can give you a list." She informed me as she really made a list appear and handed it to me.

"That's a lot of worlds." I said as I gave the very long list an overview.

"It'll help you if you chose a world you're familiar with. Many stories in your world are depictions of worlds on that list." The man advised.

With a nod I began to look through the list.

-A certain magical index

-Ace of diamonds

-Air Gear

-Akame ga kill

-Assassination Classroom

-Attack on Titan

-Beelzebub

-Berserk

-Black clover

-Bleach

-Blue exorcist

-Classroom of the elite

...

-Danmachi

-Douluo Dalu

-Dragon Age

-Dragon Ball

...

-Infinite Stratos

-Inuyasha

...

-Magi

-Mass Effect

-Medeka box

-Mob psycho 100

-My Hero Academia

...

-Naruto

-Nisekoi

-Nurarihyon no mago

...

-Reverend insanity

-Re:zero

-RWBY

...

-Shaman king

-Star trek

-Star Wars

...

-Tales of demons and gods

-The asterisk war

-The Breaker

-The Legend of Heroes

...

"So, any suggestions? I don't know much about any of these. I didn't have enough free time to be able to enjoy watching these shows." I asked with a bit of embarrassment.

Mostly because because the only ones I've really watched a bit of or heard about were the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. And even then that was because my father was involved in producing the films.

"That's a bit tricky. Usually our candidates are really into these types of things and know what they really want after some thinking." The woman answered as she adopted a thoughtful look and started tapping her finger on her lip.

"In that case I believe choosing a place with a culture you recognize and worlds with relatively the same level of technology would be best for you." The man commented after some thought.

"I know! How about we watch them and then you can choose? It's not like we are rushed for time or anything. We can make it a movie night and get to know each other better since Dorian agreed to become our champion. What do you say hubby?" She suddenly said as she deployed the puppy eyes I've heard some of my family talk about in the past.

"Alright, a movie night it is. But I'll be taking some of the stupider worlds off the list. I mean, what's the kid going to do in Nisekoi?" The man said as he acquiesced, but I couldn't really understand his point about that world without knowing about it.

And so began something I never really expected: a months long marathon of various animes, movies, novels and games with two of the oldest and most powerful aspects of death in existence.

It was pretty fun though. I will admit to that. It was nice not having to worry and enjoy things others could for once, even if it could only happened after I died.

"So what do you think? Know what world you want to go to now Dorian?" Freyja asked enthusiastically.

And yes the nice and scary aspect of death lady's chosen name is Freyja apparently. We all got on first name basis after about a week since they found it odd that I was calling them sir and ma'am all the time. The red-eyed man's name is Ernesh. Nice incredibly powerful people.

"I believe I do. Good level of technology, the power leveling isn't completely ridiculous like Dragon Ball or Highschool DxD, my skills are applicable there, the people I could meet looked nice and I think I could do some good there. Although the villain looks like a pain to take down, but that wouldn't be the first difficult job I've taken on." I replied with a confident smile.

Although it would be a fairly hostile world, it's not like my previous one was actually any less dangerous. Thugs, criminals, powerful martial artists, costumed criminals, super powered nut jobs and bastards, a bunch of alien species running around, mutants with god/messiah complexes showing up, the mutant hunting groups, powerful artifacts or random science experiment which can give anybody way too much power, and not even mentioning all the magical and inter-dimensional threats. Yeah, not the safest place to those who weren't ignorant sheep.

"Remnant then. A sound choice for one such as yourself. I was hoping for you to go to Bleach or Shaman king to hone you soul directly, but this is a good choice nonetheless." Ernesh said with a look of acceptance. "So what bonuses are you thinking about?"

"My first one is to keep my ability to perfectly control body, but changing it so it works on aura, semblance and whatever other energy goes into my body too if it can't already do that." I answered firmly.

It might have been lackluster compared to other powerful mutations, but I knew the advantages of this ability the best and adding in aura to the mix will increase my combat capabilities through the roof.

"More than doable and yes your ability would have already worked with your aura." He said with a nod then gestures for me to carry on.

"My second wish is to have the Superman syndrome of Wakatsuki Takeshi. I saw the man fight during a tournament in Japan and thought this would be useful." I said as I complied.

"Now I can see where you're going with this and I quite like it Dorian. Approved." Ernesh said with an excited smile over my first two choices.

I mean can you imagine someone who can already theoretically bring down large buildings with his barehands, empowered by an aura, coupled with extremely deadly skills and absolute control over his body? I can and I shiver in excitement.

Also yes, the months long entertainment binge helped me relax a lot and work through the minor depression I had before. Now I'm quite looking forward to this second life of mine. I could also finally understand some of the nonsense my younger cousins were saying about men of culture and whatnot thanks to it.

"Third, I want the experience and skills of Ou ki/Wang Ki from the kingdom anime." I requested seriously, making Ernesh look at me with some curiosity.

"Although easy enough to do since he happens to be in our afterlife, why would you desire this?" He asked since it was a surprising request.

"A few reasons really. The first because I admired his skills and actions from the anime. The second is because I believe that a glaive would be a much better weapon for me to use when confronting the creatures of Grimm. And lastly, it's because this is a new chapter for me and I don't want to be burdened by my past, so I wish to use a different weapon from now on." I answered honestly.

"Alright, but you do know you can wish for bigger things yes? The gods of that world are gone from it, making it rather easy to bend some rules." Ernesh informed as he approved my request.

"Then I would want a limited Magic to do three things: create separate spaces where I can store things, minor illusion abilities to change my appearance and the ability to read minds." I answered back with since these would make my time in Remnant so much easier.

"An inventory space-like ability is fairly standard, approved. Such illusions could easily be passed off as a semblance, approved. But why the mind reading?" He asked once again simply because it doesn't really sound like a me thing to do.

"It's mostly for integration and learning. It'll help me blend in by learning how locals think, act and move, while also allowing me to get knowledge and theoretical skills from experts. Say I learn directly from Pietro Polendina, I could become an expert in bionics in almost an instant. Aside from that, it'll help me know if someone is trying to betray or harm me like my brother did." I explained truthfully once again.

No point in lying to your future bosses is there?

"Hmm, alright then. Just be careful with this ability Dorian, it can led to a very dark path." Ernesh finally said after contemplating for a bit.

"I know. This is why I only specifically want mind reading and not full telepathy. I do not want the temptation of being able to play with the minds of others. It would be far too tempting to 'fix' people this way." I replied, fully agreeing with the man.

I've read reports of what powerful telepaths could do and they were not reassuring in the least. The only reason humans weren't getting lobotomized by that bald Professor was because he was an ardent pacifist at his core. That frightened me. Even as a mutant I felt like this kind of power was far too tempting in the hands of man.

"It is always good to know your limits. Now what kind of Semblance do you want?" Ernesh asked, meaning that was it for special boons.

"If possible, I would want an equalizer. No semblance, no Magic, no energy blasts or special Grimm abilities. A semblance that turns a fight between two people or a hunt between Grimm and man into into contest of skill and martial prowess or instinct and experience for Grimms." I answered having given this a fair amount of thought when we were watching the series.

What kind of semblance represents me the most? And I think this would be the best. No bullshit lucky power. No annoying Magic. And no death lasers from Grimms. Just a straight up fight for survival.

"There would need to be some limits obvious. The first would be that it can't affect dust or the effectiveness of the opponents weapon. The second will be that it would cost stamina as long as it remains active. And the last limitation would stop you from targeting many people at once unless you evolve it." Countered Ernesh since it would be pretty cheap without any kind of limit.

"That's more than fine for me." I happily answered since I still get what I asked for.

"Now that all that is out of the way, time to pick where you will be put into the world. How. When. And what your appearance and race will be." My future boss informed.

"Ooh ooh, let me do your appearance. Everyone's been very satisfied so far and that means 24 very satisfied customers." Freyja suddenly asked energetically.

"24?" I curiously asked back.

"Yes. We currently have 23 true champions and our candidate in Harry Potter. None have ever complained." She quickly explained and reassured me.

"Alright then, I'll leave it to you Freyja." I simply said since I don't consider myself to have a better aesthetic sense than someone with her experience.

"Anything you want me to add before I start? You still didn't choose if you want to be a Faunus or human." She asked considerately instead of just starting on her own.

"Silver-eyed white tiger Faunus." I answered with a small smile.

Freyja raised an eyebrow in slight judgment, looked towards her husband who gave a nod, then back at me.

"That would technically be a boon, but we'll let it slide since we do like you and those two brats aren't around anyway." She finally said with a bit of a scolding look, but turns around to start working on my appearance soon after.

"You're lucky you get the bonus kid." Ernesh said with a slightly pointed look.

"Sorry about that. Thanks for letting it slide though." I replied sheepishly.

"It's fine, not a big deal. Now that Freyja is handling your looks, all that's left is when and where we will place you. Also how." He then said as we all moved on from my cheeky move.

"Alright, for when I'm thinking as a three year old the year Yang, Weiss and Blake are born. I don't want to deal with being an infant, that would be mind numbing torture. This way I can also be in the same generation but a bit older.

As for where, I think getting picked up by a skilled mercenary group would be good. Something along the line of Fie Claussell's past from The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. I think a ruined settlement somewhere in Mistral would be good for that.

As for how, I don't really have a preference between just creating me and putting my soul in a body that had already passed." I said as I tried to fill in all the information they would need for my set up.

"Hmm. Doable. I'll just divert a few people to where you would spawn." Ernesh replied as he began to plan everything.

"Are you sure you don't want a family dear? I am sure we can arrange a good one." Freyja suddenly asked out of concern and sported a caring look on her face.

"Yeah, this is better for me. I want to be able to choose those I call family this time. And this setup will let me grow accustomed to the world a lot faster. Plus it's not like my mother and father never showed me any love, so it's not like I will be missing out, and this way I won't have to lie to or take away anyone's love." I answered the best I could.

I think I was just a bit scared of the whole concept of a family if I was being completely honest. Losing all of it and being betrayed by one of your closest relatives will do that to a person, but I'm pretty sure she knew that.

"Fine, but I'll make sure those mercenaries are nice people then." She responded with a bit pout before going back to whatever she was doing to create my body and future appearance.

"She just wants you to have a better second life. She is the one who embraces all equally after all." Ernesh said with a shoulder pat.

"I can see why you married her." I responded with a small smile at the beautiful concept of death with a pout.

"Worth every struggle to get her. I hope you find someone or someones like that in your new life, it'll make everything much more vibrant. We'll even bring them into our afterlife with you should they agree." He advised with a serious father-like expression.

"I'll do my best." I replied with a wry smile since it's not exactly something I can control.

"Just keep in moderation. Knowing my wife she will be giving the best looks she can to fit what you envisioned for yourself, so at the very least you will be quite attractive to women. All you'll need is to not be an ass or idiot and you'll be golden." Ernesh added as he tried to reassure me on my looks and a possible future harem for some reason.

"Um yes sir." I wryly agreed.

"Done!" Freyja suddenly yelled out sporting a satisfied expression on her face.

"Looks like everything is set now." Ernesh said with an understanding nod. "Anything you want to know or thought about last minute?"

"Nothing comes to mind. But thank you for everything. I owe you two a lot more than just the second chance. Thank you for choosing me and helping me get through a hard time." I sincerely said with a bow to express my thankfulness towards them.

"It was our pleasure Dorian. I truly hope this life will be better than your last and that you find true happiness in it." Freyja replied with her motherly look and tender voice.

"I expect to see good things from you down there, show me I wasn't wrong." Ernesh said as held out his hand for a man's handshake.

Without any doubt I met his hand and we firmly shook them.

"Good luck down there son." He said as he let go with a satisfied smile.

And then darkness enveloped me, sending me to my new life.

*sigh* "Such a good child. I hope he doesn't strain himself too much down there." Freyja said with some worry over their new champion candidate she grew found of.

"He will be fine. I chose him after all." Ernesh confidently replied with a small smile as he looked down towards the person they had just reincarnated.

"Yes yes, my hubby is the best. Now how about we have some... quality time. We were rather occupied for the last little while and I could use a distraction." She then seductively said to her husband as she gently traced his chest.

"It would seem duty calls, and I never fail to fulfill my duty." He replied as he swept his wife of her feet and opened a portal to their bedroom in their afterlife.

"Kyaa! Hehe!" Was all one could hear before the portal closed and silence returned to the void they had been in.

-A few moments later a black haired woman with black lipstick, white marks under her eyes and mouth, wearing a black top covering the upper half of her chest, a small black loincloth and cape appeared in that space.

*sigh* "Mother and Father are finally gone. Did they have to tell that mortal my name even if he is going to be their champion? It was embarrassing." The beauty said to no one as she complained.

"But at least I got such a great new toy out of their visit this time. Hmm, I wonder if that mortal was really worth the soul of The Flash. I heard it took ages to catch him. I should take a peek or watch the mortal with mother and father from time to time, he has my curiosity." She then said with a pleased smirk and left the void herself.

— extra author thoughts because the official one was too small.

(I feel like this prologue was a bit all over the place, but no one really cares about the prologue except for the wishes. I did what I could to make them not completely OP. He can't bulldoze through the land of darkness and bitchslap Salem to death or just insta-kill everything and everyone, that'd be boring. But he won't be a weak guy who can't impact anything even though he's pretty young either. Basically I wanted to give him a kind of ultimate warrior set-up, with a learning advantage so he doesn't need to spend a decade to be an expert in one thing. The inventory and illusions are just for convenience in a racist and sparsely populated world.

I also decided to build on my death couple from my last fanfic because I felt like it would just be an interesting thing to do. Give powerful beings an actual reason to do something beyond karma or them fucking up. And I thought the image of a motherly death and stern fatherly death having a super movie marathon was nice. Not like they were in a rush since they are immortal and maintaining a soul they already own for a few months wouldn't be difficult, plus they get to know someone who'll be under for a long time and make him feel closer to them so win-win. Logical reasons for actions are nice.

As a side note, sorry for everyone who wanted me to do Douluo Dalu or anything else. I started doing research for the both of them and ideas for RWBY were popping in my head a lot more than any Douluo ones, so that's why this is happening.)