Rebirth: Living Well In The Apocalypse

1

"F**k!"

[This System advises you not to curse. It's bad for children.]

"... Who and where the hell are you!?..."

==※==

What the hell just happened..?

Baby blue, peach blossom eyes blink open. The circular pupils wandering around in confusion. A slender, but slightly muscular figure sat up from laying on his ivory colored bedsheets. His hand reaching for his head, touching a bundle of healthy, blonde strands. The 19 year old young man looked around in the richly decorated bedroom, expression somehow disbelieving.

"M-my room..?"

Somehow shocked once again, he scrambles out of bed. His small feet lightly taps the dark, polished, wooden floors towards a lightly painted, thin door. Hurriedly opening the door that blocks his way of sight, a decently sized room filled with necessities for a bath and comfort room gathered neatly. The cold, white tiles gave numbing sensations to his feet, his toes somewhat twitching at the familiar yet foreign feeling.

"A clean bathroom..?"

Reaching the mirror, he stops. Seeing a clean, beautiful yet handsome figure. A hand reaches to touch the cold surface, and the mirror reflects the same movement. His eyes narrowed, unbelieving. This was like regaining his youth to 9 years ago. Quickly looking for his - assuming he has it - phone, he checked the date.

July 4th, 2032

"F**k!"

==※==

"Okay, so let me get this straight! (Gay-) You said, that I went back in time, 3 years before the apocalypse. And now you're in my head, saying that you're one of those systems that practically only exists in fiction novels..?"

[Affirmative.]

"You're not kidding me... right?"

[Once again, an Affirmative.]

"Can explain this to me again? But this time, don't shove it all in at once! One at a time, word by word, and f*****g slow down!"

[Of course.

Each and every single individual in this world have a strong soul depending on their luck and rounds of incarnation. Rarely is there a time would a soul deviate from the river's path, landing ashore in the vast void. Systems like I, coax those souls to come with and complete tasks designed for each system. Some of us, choose a soul beforehand if said souls fit the criteria of being partnered with systems.

Systems have many varieties and functions. Each slightly different from another. I, the Rebirth Apocalypse System, has a criteria fitting only for those who has either experienced doomsday, or was born from it. Someone like you, who has reincarnated for dozens of times in many worlds like mundane souls, gathered enough luck and with your strong soul energy, was able to check off one of the requirements. With countless regrets, wish to change your destiny, to protect your loved ones, to seek vengeance, and owning a space ability, you fit the criteria for this system.]

Brows scrunched up, lips pouting, and doubts rising, Lucian processed these words and etched them into his mind. Hearing nothing but silence, the system continues on.

[This system has many functions. One of the commonly used is the Shop, where things that you need when you can't acquire them in your world is available here. Consumables, Perishables, Buildings, Skills, etc., this store can provide you with what you need.

Quests, Missions, and Daily Tasks are what you must do to get stronger and prepare for the Apocalypse. With these, you can gain points to use for the shop. Failing means a corresponding punishment shall be immediately arranged.]

"Wait! Punishment!?"

[Affirmative.]

With wide eyes, nervousness slowly creep into his skin. Thinking of possible scenarios that are often exaggerated. But no one can blame Lucian, he has always been so pessimistic and over-imaginative. Despite always trying to convince himself to look on the bright side, his mind always wandered to all possible worst-case scenario. Making him slightly paranoid even before the apocalypse.

"Con-continue..."

[With whatever you need, this system will assist with all its abilities. And with every level broken through, this system shall offer many benefits. All this system asks in return is to do your best and upgrade this system. And with enough system upgrades, this system will leave under your permission to search for another Host.]

Before Lucian could speak, a loud ringing noise could be heard resonating around the spacious, yet stuffy bedroom. Clutching the flat, rectangular shaped device, Lucian answered the phone and with a shaky voice, said "He-hello..?"

"Lucy dear? Are you alright? I know it's your weekly break from the hospital, but I can't help but worry if something happened. Your voice is shaky, do you have a cold? Do you feel feverish? Does your body hurt?"

Hearing the warm, soft voice of his mother that he missed made Lucian tear up. Not wanting to worry his mother that he saw die in front of him a year or two ago, he answered.

"I'm okay mom.. Just a little tired. Have you eaten yet? It's already 8 in the morning. Did dad take a break from his work yet? Did you and dad rest well..?"

On the other side of the call, Kelly Vallon stood in her husband's office. The Lucian she knew has always been a workaholic. Only making short conversations, quick calls, and rarely spent a break from work. Hearing her son's voice taking the initiative to ask of their wellbeing, her eyes unknowingly teared up.

"Ah... don't worry about us, Lucy. Me and your father are currently on a little break and already ate. Didn't you say you were tired? I'm sorry for disturbing you, you should rest well."

Listening to the voice from the other side of the call, Kelly smiled in obvious delight. After chatting for a while, the call ended. Kelly then excitedly called her husband to tell the good news. Their son is finally opening up to them!

==※==

In a dark, desolate hallway, the scent of blood and disinfectant cover every wall and corner. In one of the many, cold rooms of this lonely labyrinth, dozens of individuals adorning white coats and surgical masks run amok. A few surrounding a sickly pale, and thin figure laying on a cold, metallic platform. Straps of Silver chains bound the skinny figure, yet even so, it lay unmoving.

Dull blue eyes with a darker iris stare at the concrete ceiling. Like a starless night sky, the pair of blue eyes that once held hope now stare blankly. Occasionally, syringes and tubes penetrate his sickly pale skin. Even with the accumulated energy and power surging through him, never once was there a spark of hope, the soul forever empty.

Many hours pass by, this figure lay on a metallic bed as the scientists run tests ever now and then. The man never knew how many days, week, months, or even years passed as he lay still. The cold always accompanying him. His hair grew messy and untreated, his body growing thinner and thinner each day.

Until the day he was thrown to the monsters that haunt his dreams, to the day he was killed with no mercy.

His eyes held no hope, no spirit, no soul.

Even with many regrets, many wishes, many 'what ifs'...

He can only hope to finally rest in peace...

==※==

This author has something to say:

Author: I'm in a f*****g mood. I'm tired af =_=.

Lucian: But that doesn't give you the right to infect me with it, doesn't it? ^_^

Author: Shut your sarcastic a**!

Lucian: You're the one who made me a sarcastic a**! (╯‵□′)╯︵┴─┴

ML: When will I appear..?