The beyonder (Genshin Harem x M.Reader)

Chapter 2

I watched time progress, I watched my mother mourn, I watched my own funeral, and oddly enough a plaque dedicated in my honor built on the hospital grounds, alongside the names of those individuals I had, regrettably, been unable to rescue.

As people spoke the words, "I'll always be with you," I found that promise to be a reality in my case. I observed my family from afar, a silent guardian. The weight of my absence fell heaviest on my mother, I was her son, her only son. My little sister, too young to recognize me, would grow up without a brother by her side. My father, while attempting to mask his sorrow by immersing himself in work and family matters, couldn't escape the nightly moments of anguish and tears that he suffered in solitude.

Regrettably, I couldn't linger here any longer, so, in the end, I had to move on. As I passed on, allowing my soul to finally find peace, I observed one last scene - my family visiting my tombstone. Due to my service in the Marine Corps and my sacrifice for my country, I was laid to rest in the revered Cemetery of Heroes.

Mother: "Wherever you are, dear, please take care of yourself. We will always love you. From the moment you first opened your eyes, I've loved you. I'll make sure to share the tale of the hero that is your brother with your little sister."

Father: "You're one mighty hero, son. I'm proud of you. Now that you're gone, I can't tell you directly, but I hope you can hear this. I love you, son. Even if the world gave you a short end, you faced it with dignity."

Me: "Mom, Dad, thank you for everything. I love you both," I whispered, though I knew they couldn't feel it, I still reached out to hug them, holding their shoulders. I approached my sister's stroller, and to my surprise, she gazed at me, reaching out her tiny hand. Kneeling down to her level, I spoke softly, "Hey, kid, I'm sorry we don't get to spend more time together. I wanted to watch you grow up a bit, but it seems that's not possible now." I kissed her forehead and rested my cheek against her tiny hands as she cooed. "I love you, little sis." With that, I closed my soul's metaphorical eyes.

Once again, I awoke amidst a celestial expanse of stars and galaxies. A voice, gentle yet inquisitive, presented me with a proposition.

Voice: "You've lived a life that seemed destined for obscurity, but instead of resisting it, you accepted it and ventured out in one last heroic act. Why?"

Me: "I'm going to die anyway, so why not? I was meant to serve in the Marine Corps, and that path probably led to my end."

Voice: "You say that with such nonchalance," the voice chuckled. "I admire your audacity, your willingness to defy death itself."

Me: "I've always yearned to be recognized as a hero, ever since I was a child. Well, I got what I wanted, but not in the way I expected." I couldn't help but feel intrigued.

Me: "Who are you anyway?" I inquired.

Voice: "I am a celestial, or at least, I'm the celestial tasked with guiding you to the afterlife," she revealed, her form coalescing from the stars, creating a luminous, womanly figure in front of me. She settled gracefully and continued, "But instead of sending you to the typical afterlife, which, to be honest, can be quite dull, heaven is rather boring, you know. Valhalla would have been an option, but, alas, you're not of Norse descent. So, I'd like to offer you something more captivating."

Me: "If you can offer something more interesting, then why can't you send me to a non-boring afterlife?" I asked.

Voice: "Because the gods of those afterlives won't allow it. Instead, I'm going to send you to another world where you can start a new life. But, of course, I will need something in return." ; "I would need *click* one of your eyes as a bargaining chip" she pointed at my right eye