The God Paradox

1.2 - The Beginning

I assure you that it's not often that someone will describe the sensation of dying, especially from a nuclear bomb. Well... it's quick, nothing special either. I think my pain inhibitors spared me from any feeling. What I didn't expect is that I'd still be conscious.

Apollo wasn't responding, so my brain was definitely affected. The implant should have kept it functioning at all costs. Besides, I can't see, hear, or feel anything, but surprisingly, my mind remains intact.

It must have been about half an hour since everything happened. I guess the thought acceleration implant was activated instinctively and is prolonging my farewell to this world.

<<"Crossing complete... initiating character creation system.">>

What?! Was that Apollo? His voice is definitely more feminine than I remembered. Did he mention something about a character? The implant must have glitched. My boss will kill me.

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Okay, much more time has passed, I don't know how much, but I know it has. I've been meditating in silence, reminiscing about my life—everything I did and didn't do. Truly, it's like watching a movie in your head when you die. But it is still sad to have not lived longer, I suppose it were some good two hundred years. Despite it all, I have no regrets. I'd kill each one of those damn terrorists again if I had to live my life over.

<<"Understood. Epic Skill Acquired: Assassin.">>

What the hell was that? A skill? Apollo? Work, robot! What happened to your system?

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Even more time has passed. I'm definitely not in standard thought acceleration; it only makes time 10,000 times slower, so one second would be equivalent to about 2.5 hours. But I've been stuck here for much longer than just one day.

My death probably took a maximum of 10 seconds—no, maybe 5 seconds after the explosion. I was right at the epicenter; there was nothing left. But it's been more than 24 hours; I'm sure of it.

Seriously, it's suffocating—even though I'm not breathing. I miss my implants and all the conveniences they provided: the enhanced body, the heightened senses.

<<"Understood. Common Skill Acquired: Extra-Sensory Perception.">>

Oh, Apollo, I've missed you! Even though I can't speak, you still hear me—even if your name doesn't quite match your now-feminine voice. Should I start calling you Artemis?

Anyway, you gave me a common skill this time? Could be better! As if that matters—I should have prepared better before entering that office.

<<"Understood. Epic Skill Acquired: Preparation.">>

You're really glitching, man. Explain to me, did the State save me? Are they going to clone me or implant my brain into a snake or something?

<<"Understood. Preparing skills from the Ophidian Physiology set.">>

<<"Estimated duration: 1680 hours.">>

What? Are you telling me I have to wait 1680 hours for you to work again, you damn thing? I can't sleep here, you know?

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He wasn't kidding. I think I'm starting to lose it; it can't be standard thought acceleration. I've lost track of time, and I swear I'm feeling a bit cramped and strangely warm. I miss my friends, I miss my family, I miss everything, even that gross soda they used to sell at the headquarters.