The other side of the portal was remarkable. He stepped onto a great terrace of a villa. Over a magnificent landscape enveloped with the warm rays of the sun. The air felt hot yet still refreshing. With the acid undertones of fresh grapes.

  Jake looked back just to see that as they stepped outside, the opening shrank and closed. The godlike being offered Jake a seat at the big wooden table on a wide terrace overlooking the fields below. Wine, figs, and various cheeses with nuts and honey were carefully presented on the dark wooden table.

  “No need to hold back. Suit yourself to your heart’s content. It’s only natural for the master of the house to serve a welcome meal to their guest. Oh, and this wine is particularly good. It’s from the yield worth around three of your lifetimes. I recommend it.”

  The man waved, and one of the wine bottles flew towards Jake on the other side of the table. Filling his glass by itself. The dark red wine glistened inside, its deep ruby hue sparkling in the soft light, revealing hints of a velvety, dazzling texture.

  “Well, I see no reason to refuse. So I will gladly accept your hospitality.” A short respite would not hurt. Not that I’m in a hurry to be anywhere.

  Without a hint of hesitation, Jake raised the glass, looking at the beverage inside, waving his hand lightly to bring out the smell. The aroma wafted gently towards his nostrils. A rich bouquet of ripe cherries and dark plums mingling with nuanced layers of warm spices and barely traceable whispers of vanilla. Never could he imagine such an exquisite smell. It carried the essence of a sun-drenched vineyard, evoking memories of sunlit harvests and gentle breezes.

  With just a single sip, pure perfection enveloped his palate, entrancing. The smooth body lingered like silk. The flavor exploded with ripe blackberries and dark cherries, the sweetness perfectly balanced by earthy undertones of young wood and a hint of toasted nuts. Each note danced gracefully, complemented by a subtle acidity that was lightly prickling at his taste buds. Making the whole experience much more vibrant yet extraordinarily refined. Absolute balance! How remarkable. Nothing ever tasted so exquisite.

  As the wine lingered on his tongue, a complex tapestry of flavors unfurled even further. The aftertaste of dark chocolate intertwined with hints of leathery undertones, creating richness both indulgent and sophisticated. The tannins provided a backbone, firm yet supple, enhancing the wine's structure without ever overshadowing its elegance.

  The powerful man scrutinized Jake's face with keen intensity, taking note of the myriad emotions that flickered across his features like shadows crawling in a dusky room.

  Jake savored the red wine like gold. With a warm embrace of ripe fruit and spices that beckoned him to take another sip. It was apparent that this was no mere beverage. The sensory journey it provided was second to none. An orchestra of flavors singing of passion, artistry, and the everlasting charm of a finely crafted elixir. With each sip, he felt an electrifying surge, a blend of vitality and purpose coursing through his veins.

  “Indeed, I can see that it suits your taste. Ha-ha!” Grognos’s voice finally broke through Jake’s reverie, pulling him back from this sensory overload journey.

  “Oh, sorry, I was too consumed with this,” Jake stammered, while his cheeks warmed under the effect of alcohol. “But this is so captivating. This is just incredible, and it makes me wonder… Yet I have more pressing questions.” He threw a piece of goat-looking cheese into his mouth. The creamy texture was stunning.

  “Naturally, this is the reason I called you here. I will answer what I can.” The godlike being replied. A glimmer of playfulness and amusement danced on his marbled features.

  “Well, Gronos, I know your name. But you mentioned that you are the master and creator of this domain. What does that mean?” He scratched the back of his head with quite the puzzled expression and looked toward people working out in the fields.

  “Aahhh,” the man mused, stroking his braided beard. “This one is a sophisticated question indeed. Most of the answer is beyond your current level of comprehension. But I can tell you something, at least. Think of me as a being that has transcended a certain level of existence. I'm from a different, let’s call it, level, a plane. I wield the power that allows me to do a lot. As you can see.” He waved his hands around.

  “Those powers allow me to craft realms and worlds. To manipulate the very fabric of time and space to a certain extent. But there are limitations, naturally. You can’t consider me to be the all-powerful one.”

  “So, you’re like an actual GOD!” Jake gasped. “Or at the very least in a sense. Something like a divine being?” The man tried to phrase it carefully while his curiosity was running rampant, just like his heart. It could be dangerous if I say something wrong and anger him.

  “Well, yes,” the glowing man replied with a slight nod. “You can put it like that.”

  “So what was the reason for your invitation?” Jake frowned as confusion mingling with intrigue played in his voice. His pulse quickened even more.

  “I won’t pull on the string and be straightforward.” The glowing eyes drilled into Jake. “I wanted to meet you. And to offer you an opportunity.” His tone transformed to one of gravity.

  “To meet me… How is that possible? An opportunity?” The man’s mind raced, trying to grasp the implications of this conversation. Where is he going with this?

  “You see,” the goldike being explained, leaning forward slightly, the light now glinting well beyond his glowing eyes with long, extending hues twisting like eels.

  “I’ve been observing you for quite some time. As you can guess, one’s physical form is but a single facet of existence. But there are certain qualities one can possess only through a strong will of the soul. And I need your qualities.”

  “Sorry, I’m not really following. What does it entail?” The man asked, perplexed.

  “Well, you see,” Grogonos began, his voice suddenly dreadful.

  “Whenever you reach this certain level of existence, you gain immeasurable power. Yet, you must face countless restrictions… For the sake of the greater balance.” He clicked his tongue.

  “And that means you cannot directly intervene with the physical realms anymore. But we still have to. For that, require assistance of sorts. We call them Champions, if you will. As far as it goes, we require individuals whose souls are still anchored to those lower, simpler levels of existence. To enact our will and facilitate necessary changes within those worlds.”

  “I see… I think I get it now.” Jake said, nodding slowly, as realization crept into his mind. “So, it’s like a job review for me? Sounds intriguing. What’s that task of yours? Tell me more.”

  “Hah!” the monumental man chuckled like thunder, with a glimmer of approval. “I like your attitude. It’s perfect. You humor me indeed. The offer is another chance, another life.” Grognos voice now sounded grander, with the gravity of a star.

  “You people call it a reincarnation. However, there are restrictions. You can’t return to your original world on Earth. So, you will find yourself on an entirely different planet. Yet, I will make sure that you still have all the previous knowledge of your previous life.”

  “A different world?!” Jake’s expression was a whirlwind of excitement and awe, yet beneath it lingered a touch of bitterness. Could I ever believe something like this was possible? But what about what’s left undone?

  “I can clearly see what you’re thinking under those features,” the figure replied plainly, the weight of these words hanging heavily in the air. “But that chance is lost for you, no turning back. My offer is the only way forward. Another chance, another place. Yet your scars will stay your own. Think if you are ready.”

  “And what if I refuse?” Suddenly the man inquired, with a hint of defiance flaring in his eyes.

  “Huh, you can. But I would not advise that,” came the measured heavy response, tinged with an ominous undertone.

  “This is a unique opportunity offered to a single one among tens of billions. But should you choose to refuse, you will find yourself wandering the Labyrinth of Souls, the very path you used to come in here, lost without yourself.”

  The next words planted a sense of primal fear that pierced Jake’s entire being.” I’m quite sure you did not notice. Even if you think that you came here with all your memories. However, you lost them after wandering beyond time and space for eons. It would be at least a thousand years in your terms. This was your fifth time reconstructing yourself, as I only recently managed to secure a passage for you.”

  The revelation came crashing down. Jake visibly paled as he processed what he heard..

  The godlike being continued. “This can happen until every last bit of you fades away. Upon each reconstruction, part of yourself can wither away. There are two outcomes that may await you in such a case. Within the Labyrinth, you can end up consumed as a part of a higher being, fully lost within its essence, nothing but a silent hum. Or you could be reborn anew in any place, but as a blank soul devoid of all your past and memories.”

  “So, what you’re saying is that the only option for me is to accept your terms?” Jake finally replied, skepticism still lacing his tone.

  “Mostly… Yet, that choice is still yours alone. I will not force you to choose.” The marble man shrugged as he leaned back.

  “Huh, well… That’s quite a lot to digest. Seems like choice without a choice, hmm…” Jake shook his head from side to side and then threw up with a loud sigh. Gazing at the puffy white clouds passing by.

  This one reminds me of her face… He let his emotions and thoughts settle in slowly.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Snapping out, he finally replied. “I’m pretty sure you knew my answer the moment you invited me here. Otherwise, I don’t think we would be having this conversation at all.” A smirk now danced on his lips. A certain sense of confidence radiated through him.

  “Oh my, you got me there! Seems my judgment was on point,” the figure acknowledged with a hint of admiration that crept into the godlike voice. “So, how about we get straight down to business? Just like you used to say! Ha-ha!” The mighty laugh shook the very foundation of the building.

  “You can still enjoy the meal and the scenery here for as long as you wish. Time has no meaning here, at least for now.”

  “I think I won’t refuse such an offer. Thank you!” Jake said, a mixture of resignation and determination settling within him.

  While Jake was getting his fill, Grongos, the divine, godlike being, explained the nature of the new world and the mission he would have to undertake. Their discussion continued for quite a while.

  The realm would be absolutely different from Earth. A place filled with magical powers, skills, unique techniques, auras, monsters, and fearsome beasts. And a wide variety of humanoid races.

  Although Jake struggled to comprehend the provided descriptions, he was rooted in his previous life experiences. The bearded man, like a true sorcerer, was capable of showing him glimpses of that other world through portals, revealing what likely lay ahead.

  The task that was offered appeared to be incredibly complex. Yet Jake was certain he could rise to the challenge. No matter how surreal everything was to him, he decided to think of it as a mission briefing and planning. Oh, yeah, just like a contractor job. Just a soul department! Huh!

  Overall, he didn't mind such a chance and such an experience at all. He felt proud and elated to be the one offered such a second chance. The royal opportunity was before him, and he was determined to seize it with both hands and unwavering resolve.

  “Now, look here,” the old man said, snapping Jake from his train of thoughts. He opened a portal beyond which was a place that resembled the interior of a cave. The picture was staying still, like a photograph.

  “Listen carefully. This young boy is Drake Antos. This young lad is about to perish in a battle with this creature, a hawkbeak Volibear. As you can see, I’ve stopped the flow of time at this very moment. Next, I will transfer your entire soul into his body. This way he will be able to survive, and you will live in his stead, able to fulfill the mission I have bestowed on you.”

  “I get it, but what will happen to that young boy’s soul? Will he wander the labyrinth? Isn’t that too cruel?” Jake asked, with concern and doubt lacing his tone.

  “You need not worry,” the Grognose replied with an emotionless expression. “I will just swap you souls. So his soul will enter my domain. His true essence will not be lost. You don’t need to stress about it. Focus on the task.”

  “Well, if you say so… That should be fine. I was just thinking if I could even live like that, like someone else. Knowing he would get lost in that place.” He took a deep breath, steadying himself, aware that he did not know what actually lay beyond the threshold.

  “I think that I'm ready now. We can proceed.” The man’s eyes burned with determination.

  “Good, I’ll start the process then. Step right on the edge of this portal. First, I will have to grant you a portion of my divine power. Think of it as a blessing. This will increase your power and strength, granting you great potential in that new world. Remember that you will have to fight the beast immediately.” Grognos put his marble hand on Jake's back. The hues of blue lightning struck down his shoulder and invited themselves inside his body with an excruciating pain.

  “So, it is true! Do you expect me to stay idle while you do that? My old friend!” Suddenly an unfamiliar voice boomed out of nowhere, reverberating with a twisted, overlapping delay like an echo. The shadows of black smoke began to swirl, covering the entire domain with a thick shroud of dark fog.

  “STOP! Don’t you dare lay a hand on him!” Grognos shouted, his voice shattering the sky. As he summoned lightning and thunder that crackled in a thick wall formation high in the sky down to the ground.

  “What’s happening?! What is it all about?” Jake felt a sense of dread consuming him entirely, slowly devouring his strength and senses.

  “I did not expect him to actually get here so fast. There is not much I can do to shield you here. We can't proceed as expected, but you must still go.” Without any warning, the marbled being pushed Jake through the portal. Yeeting him inside with such force that he felt that his speed could rival that of a comet.

  Jake felt himself sucked into a stormy wormhole. As he turned around, he could only see the opening close behind him, while the glowing, godlike man unleashed a bolt of lightning at a strange, nearly formless being engulfed in black flames.

  And after that, there was nothing. He was left flying without a plan, without a direction, falling and accelerating even further.

  As he descended, the surrounding space warped and blurred. It seemed to expand and shift, twisting either inward or outward. The sensation was uneven, as though it either stood still one moment or raced at the speed of light the next. Nothing made sense once again.

  For a while, Jake felt helpless and trapped. Resigned, he focused on the direction of his movement, hoping this could increase his momentum or that it would help him arrive anywhere.

  He could not tell how much time had passed as he traversed the kaleidoscopic space of blurred stars and nebulas over the canvas of darkness. And finally, everything cleared out. He found himself floating in the darkness of a cave.

  From above, he could see the familiar scene that was frozen below. It was a brave young boy with coal-black hair and emerald eyes grappling with a deadly beast. All alone with the strange creature that resembled an oversized bear, complete with enormous metal claws and a beak.

  The sight puzzled Jake. Damn, shit out of luck! I have no idea what to do! Everything feels so odd, I’m on an entirely different planet. But the old geezer did not explain enough. He just threw me here! Think, Jake, think!

  I’ll have to fight it. But wait… I need to get to the body first. The man suddenly realized he did not know a single way.

  The beast looks incredibly dangerous and powerful. How old is this kid?! He appears to be well-built indeed, but he must be in his early teens. Is he insane?! Just look at those wounds. His ribs are broken; he must be choking on blood. Grognos did not lie. The boy is indeed about to fucking die!

  Before Jake could think further, time suddenly resumed its flow. It rewound itself a few moments back and immediately resumed its pace. And now Jake could see the scene unfolding underneath. When the battle raged on again, it became painfully clear that the young warrior got the short straw. His time was swiftly dwindling away. Yet, the boy's resolve remained unyielding.

  Jake saw as he summoned every trick and tactic he had ever known, refusing to back down or shy away from the impending doom. He now marveled at the boy’s extraordinary combat skills, wondering if every inhabitant of this world possessed such formidable power. Yet it was a cruel twist of fate to witness such a picture. It was gnawing at his heart, it wavered.

  Sadly, he was woefully ignorant of the complexities and dangers of what he had to do. Without Grognos, he was now completely at a loss.

  Yet snapping back to reality, Jake realized. He had to do, or at least try, something. He had to act, and act now. While the precise course of action eluded him. Time was slipping through like sand, and the young warrior was ever closer to his demise.

  With a rush of urgency, Jake accelerated his ethereal form and positioned himself between the terrifying beast and its intended prey. But the creature merely passed through his lucid form as though he was nothing more than a wisp of mist.

  Undeterred, the young boy faced the creature with unwavering courage, lunging forward for a final, desperate attack. Yet the beast caught on. Struggling, the boy managed to hit the jugular with his knife, only to be thrown back as the rampaging beast closed in.

  The beast's claws were lightning-quick, carving open a gruesome gash that ran over the entire boy’s cheek.

  In that instant, time seemed to slow down again. And while Jake was frozen, he could only watch as the claw slowly widened the wound, exposing the succulent red meat within, from which streams of bright blood began to flow. It was felt quite grotesque no matter the cruel things he witnessed in the past. Seeing a young kid die in such a way was just heart-wrenching. Time boggled down slowly, like forcing the man to watch this cruelty as a stop-motion.

  Jake felt powerless as anger boiled within. But then he felt it. An unexpected pulse coursed through him, filling the air. Blue and golden-white ions filled the cave. Like glimmering stars on a moonlit night. The space around transformed, filled with a mysterious energy that thickened the air and made it electrifyingly suffocating.

  Jake felt a tug, then a pull. He started closing in with the boy. The closer he got, the more strange sensations intensified, surging through him like a tempest.

  Suddenly, with a deafening crack, every shimmering ion burst into life, unleashing a torrent of lightning strikes that froze in the air, aimed at the beast with blinding ferocity.

  A dozen ethereal hands appeared from Jake’s translucent body. Enveloping the young boy and drawing the man closer. He was unable to resist as he floated and merged with the young man’s body.

  An overwhelming flood of vivid flashes, pictures, and memories spilled into his consciousness. As Jake found himself in a pitch-black void, his own ethereal form mirrored that of the boy. In this stillness, they exchanged thoughts without uttering a single word. It was as if lifetimes passed in that shared space in the blink of an eye. Each and every moment stretching into the thin line of eternity.

  His mind swelled with the rush of emotions, memories, and sensations, making it a fierce challenge to maintain clarity.

  But just as quickly as it had started, it stopped entirely. Right before Jake, the boy's ethereal form began to slowly crumble, fading away. Dissolving right before his eyes as if the encroaching darkness were devouring it piece by piece.

  Instinctively, Jake reached out, grabbing the boy's disappearing hand, desperate yet uncertain about what to do next. He could not think of anything that he could do but felt the urge to stay by his side. What to do! Why is he disappearing?! Is this supposed to happen?!

  The man tried to focus. As he caught that extraordinary sensation, he felt right after Grognos granted him part of his blessing. A very soft blue light enveloped his form, and ethereal ducts, like delicate ribbons of luminescence, intertwined with the boy's fading silhouette. Supporting its frame like columns supporting the structure.

  With each rhythmic thump of his heart, Jake felt like he infused the boy’s spirit with newfound vigor, watching as the shadows began to recede ever so slightly, light filtering back into existence. Despite the weariness that threatened to drag him under and the pain beyond measure, Jake poured every ounce of his energy into Drake’s image.

  Damn, fuck, fuck! This hurts like hell! But I just can’t let you fade, boy! Grognos, you fucker, what am I supposed to do?! That dogshite mission of yours to fulfill. The anger momentarily clouded his judgment.

  Looking at the fading, yet still supported frame, Jake found the courage and resolve. So he said to the boy from within his mind. “Hey, listen, I’m not sure if you can hear me, boy. But… I saw; I saw what you did. I saw how you lived. Just know that you have it in you; there’s no doubt. I'm certain that you can be a part of something bigger. So please, hold on. You can do it! YOU CAN! HEAR ME BOY!” Jake's thoughts raced as he tried to maintain his concentration and control.

  Slowly expanding from within, a radiant orb surrounded the two figures, glowing brighter against the ever-black encompassing void. Like a burgeoning star, the sphere expanded, pushing out against the shadows with sheer determination.

  The heat emanating from their entwined spirits intensified, searing through the very fabric of space and time before bursting forth in a dazzling explosion.

  It was just a blink. Drake opened his eyes to find himself standing before the lifeless forms of his parents. Confused and disoriented, he pinched himself hard instinctively to try to wake up from this nightmare. And immediately, he found himself awake in the comfort of his warm bed of his room at the Adventurers Company's accommodation wing.

  “What the hell was that?!” He screamed as he sprang up.

  His heart racing and mind spinning. The bed was entirely drenched with sweat. The perspiration was flowing down his face like a river. Drake noticed small wisps of steam rising from his body. His skin was scorching hot, making his own sweat boil.

  W-wiat… Jake, what did you… how, you? Was it a memory, or was it just a nightmare? He did not find the answer. Jake was silent, buried deep.

  The final revision and update for RR of this chapter was done!

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