A detour though the new world

I didn't expect to wake up in an all-white room today. I thought death was a one-time deal: you die, then nothing. I guess I was wrong.

Most people are wrong about death. They think there's nothing after, but there is something. Some believe they're recycled, but most never consider they might meet me.

So, who are you, mysterious white dude, and where exactly am I?

This is the 5th dimension. That's why everything looks white to you. Your brain can't process it, so it perceives the room as white, and a white guy is talking to you. As for who I am, it's a little complicated, but to yoe known as a god—or something similar.

So to you, mister god, why am I here?

Oh, you died.

No, I didn't.

Yes, you did. That's why you're here.

There must be some mistake. I'm 18. I can't have died. I still have so much to do.

You're right. This was a mistake, but I can't change it now. If I did, it would create too much of a disruption in your world.

Then how did I die?

You died in your sleep.

"I see," I said, my voice heavy with sadness, my head hanging low. "What did you mean when you said I was right?"

Truth is, you were supposed to live to 87. But your universe flagged this as an error. When you died earlier than expected So, it deleted your body and created a new version of you. The latest you is about to wake up, go to the bathroom, and return to bed, completely unaware anything happened.

So, what happens to me now?

All I can do is reincarnate you. But not in the same world. I'll send you another one. I'll let you choose three types of knowledge from a career and shove them into your mind. That should give you an edge, I think.

"Thanks, I guess," I said, unsure but grateful.

Okay, I'll send you to the world of the Overlord light novel.

"Wait, what? Why there? That world is freaking dangerous! There's a murder-happy guy with the power to kill everyone, and you're sending me there?"

Look, I can only send you to a world you know about in your mind. You loved battle animes and movies, right? Or would you prefer I send you to the DC Comics world?

"Nope, I'm good. Thank you for reincarnating me," I said a little too quickly. Honestly, I didn't want to go to DC. Sure, Overlord was dangerous, but at least there, world-ending events don't happen every week.

"That's what I thought. So, what three careers do you want?"

"Can I please get four?" I asked, hoping he'd agree.

He paused for a moment, as if considering it, then finally responded, "Sure, why not? It won't harm anyone."

"Great! Thanks so much. So, first, I'll choose a Doctor, because I don't know how to treat myself if I get hurt. Second, I'll pick an Agronomist, so I can understand how plants work and maybe grow my food. The only thing I've managed to grow before was an apple tree. Third, I'll choose Scientist, because if I understand science, I might be able to make something of myself here, maybe become a scholar or something. And lastly, I'll go with Construction and Carpentry. Sorry, I forgot the exact name of the career, but you get the idea."

"Okay, that's all then. If you have any questions, ask now, because it'll be a while before we meet again."

"Oh, um, how does experience work in the Overlord world?"

In this world, all living beings have Life Essence—metaphysical energy that stores memories, skills, and experiences. It's like a spiritual imprint of everything someone has learned, achieved, and endured.

When a creature dies, its Life Essence is released into the world, returning to the cosmic flow of energy. However, a part of this essence, especially a fragment tied to their recent struggles or actions, can attach itself to the person responsible for their death. This fragment serves as a catalyst for the killer's growth, transferring a portion of the slain's wisdom, strength, and experiences.

For example, when someone trains every day as a fighter, they gain experience in fighting. After training for a while, something you call a "level-up" happens. To grow stronger as a fighter, they need to keep training in different ways to keep leveling up.

"I see," I said, nodding slowly. "Okay, I think I get it now."

Since we're talking about leveling up, I should give you something to help track that.

From his hand, a book appeared and floated toward me, then entered me. And yes, there's no other way to describe it—it entered me.

"Wow, what was that?"

"That's just something to help you track your levels and other things. Okay, it's time for you to go. Have a good time being a baby again," said the god with a cheeky grin.

"Wait, what? No, I don't want to be a—" That's all I had time to say before I disappeared.