Chapter Two

Resonance.

I awake from the pitch black. It’s still dark even as my eyes are open. Are the lights turned off? I turn my head right, then left, then right again. On the right side there is a light source. I wobble in that direction as I am understanding my surroundings more. This is not a hospital or my home, this is a cave.

The rocky interior is becoming more clear to my senses proving my theory that I am in a cave. I arrive at the light source which is composed of multi-colored neon-like crystals and a pond reflecting the light from the hundreds of said crystals in this massive cavern. This place reminds me of a discotheque, all it's missing is the spinning shiny ball. I didn’t know Japan had places like this.

What exactly happened? The last thing I remember is my morning walk in Japan. Apartment, coffee, crosswalk, truck, school-children.

At least I’m remembering all these details. Usually in these types of situations, I’d imagine some sort of amnesiac diagnosis.

I want to get my feet wet so I head over to the pond, and that’s when I saw what I could only describe as a metamorphosis. I’m all green and slimy and booger-looking, this is disgusting! I’m a slime! I think that’s a slime. I don’t think I’m ready for the responsibility of managing an entire country!

[Unique Ability Unlocked - Mind Reader]

[This ability is granted upon rebirth and is unique only to you.]

A voice speaks inside my head. I can’t tell if it’s male or female, maybe both. The best way to describe it is as neutral or androgynous, but captivating. At the very least, it’s speaking to me in English. At least I think it’s English, the letters forming inside my head project like augmented reality into the air.

Ohmygosh. That is super overpowered! Think of the mind games. But wait. I am a slime, is there anything else I can do with this body? I probably have acid and bouncy attacks, but there is not much I can do with this gelatin body. I’d rather have limbs. Is there a way I can even evolve to a humanoid in this body? I start thinking out loud. There is a lot I have to consider.

But there is also the fact that I’m reincarnated. At least I think I’m reincarnated. Could it be a dream? I’m pretty sure I can tell when I’m awake or dreaming and weird stuff like this would not feel so real.

“Yeah. Let’s go with real life. This is reincarnation and a second chance at life.” I say with no mouth.

I’m taking this type of news too well. Is this a grief factor? Is it that it hasn’t settled in yet? Is there a moment where I will break down and cry? Am I even thinking in English? Or is this the world’s language? Do slimes even cry? I don’t want to be a slime, I think this is a grief factor kicking in.

[Would you like to customize your body?]

“What is this? A pity system? I mean, can I?” I ask several questions rapid-fire style.

I am being reincarnated, so I’d rather not be a simple slime. I think up the possibilities as I hover my imaginary hand over the ‘YES’ option.

I felt a lot at once. Starting with a chill down my spine and throughout my whole body. Wait a second, why am I explaining it as if I had body parts? Well, because I’ve lived more years as a human than a slime, so I imagine my body having phantom limbs. My thoughts are interrupted as I feel my leg (I don’t know if it was the right or left) twitching and producing a pain similar to pulling a muscle. Tingles and spasms would be the right way to describe it, but it had a physical and mental toll. I felt like screaming, but I had no mouth.

Wait, wait, WAIT! I thought it was getting a menu option where I could choose hairstyles!

The pain transformed to agony, and I could feel bones forming and cracking. I passed out.

I wake up again, wanting to feel refreshed. But there was no way I would forgive this voice for this torture. That was hell! I don’t care what type of underworld exists, but that was hell!

[Unique Ability Unlocked - Celestial Fire]

Anyways, how much time has passed? Minutes, hours, days? There is nothing in this cave that I can use to let me grasp the concept of time.

I approach the water again to get a look at this customization. I gasp at the reflection staring back at me. I look like a model. I can’t tell what species I am now, but it is definitely humanoid. The nose, mouth, pointy ears, I look like I would be trending on social media. I take a look at my hands. In my past life, they were covered in bruises from my days at the dojo. Which reminds me, I still hadn’t found a dojo or a gym in Japan to keep practicing my martial arts. With hands like these, I would probably have to retire from such activities. So slender and beautiful. I can’t stop being fascinated at myself.

And let’s not forget this unique ability. Celestial Fire? Sounds much better than mind reading. I remember my middle school role playing video game phase. I would always choose the mage class. And as I kept playing, the abilities received upgrades through skill points and then in turn would naturally get stronger. Celestial Fire sounds like the strongest magic. Fire so strong it is capable of burning away even the darkness.

I’m satisfied with this transformation so I hover at the ‘YES’ option. Wild panic sets in as I completely read the message: [Would you like to customize your body?]

I feel a chill down my spine and pain surges across my entire body.