Power of Zero

The voice paused for a moment after the boy had made his decision, letting the weight of his choice settle in the void. Then it continued, its tone both kind and serious.

"The choice you have made will take you on a path that is difficult and dangerous. Understand that you will face horrors you cannot yet fathom. While I will provide you with many benefits, I cannot guarantee that you won't be subjected to pain and suffering—many times worse than what you experienced in your previous life. As a Knight of Light, you will protect the Land of Dreams and Legends from nightmares, demons, rogue gods, and other creatures that seek to consume and destroy it. Know this— the battle between light and darkness is ancient, and it is never-ending. Every joyful dream gives birth to new nightmares, and for every legend born to save the world, a demon is spawned to try to destroy it."

Cipher listened intently, trying to absorb the enormity of the task ahead of him. As the voice finished speaking, he took a deep breath and spoke, his voice steady but carrying a quiet determination.

"I want to experience what it feels like to have my own strength, to choose my path, and to make the decisions in my life. What you offer me is the chance to do all of that, and more. I understand the risks, but I intend to embrace the role and responsibilities you've given me."

His chest swelled with pride as the words left his mouth. Despite the gravity of what lay ahead, there was a sense of clarity now, a certainty. This was the life he'd dreamed of, the opportunity to shape his destiny.

With a quiet "Thank you," Cipher let the silence fall between them for a moment, letting his decision solidify.

After what seemed like an eternity, the voice spoke again, its tone softer now, almost with a sense of approval.

"I would like to congratulate you on your decision. It is the first step in building your own power. Now, I will explain the new world you are about to enter."

The voice's words reverberated with purpose, creating vivid pictures in Cipher's mind.

"In the Land of Dreams and Legends, anything and everything can exist. Magic, for example, flows freely here, along with a multitude of other elements. There are no limits to the wonders you will encounter—from fairies, dragons, and mushroom forests to underwater cities, robots, and flying vehicles. As one of my Knights of Light, you will also witness atrocities, fight against nightmares and demons that will terrify you. But fear not. I will provide you with the tools necessary to face these horrors. How you use them will be up to you."

Cipher's mind swirled with excitement, but there was also a deep sense of unease. The possibilities were limitless, yes, but so were the dangers.

"You will be given a new body," the voice continued, "one similar to your previous form, but with two key changes to aid in your transformation into a Knight of Light. Your hair will be white as snow, your eyes a brilliant silver, and they will shine even in the deepest darkness. These features will mark you as a protector, someone who stands against the night."

Cipher's hand instinctively reached to touch his own hair, his fingers brushing against an invisible strand of white. He could already imagine how he would look—how others would see him. It didn't feel bad, in fact, it made him feel stronger.

"You will also have an affinity for every type of magic imaginable," the voice added. "Your only limitation will be your own comprehension of them. You will have the potential to wield any magic, but your ability to use it will depend on your understanding of it. Any questions so far?"

Cipher hesitated, thinking deeply about the implications. Magic… all kinds of magic. But the limitation? That part made him nervous.

"Could you elaborate on the 'limitation will be your own comprehension' part before you continue?" Cipher asked, his voice still tinged with uncertainty.

The voice responded in a calming, patient tone:

"Of course. While you will have an affinity for all magic, it doesn't mean you'll be able to use it right away. For example, you may have an affinity for fire magic, but you won't be able to use it unless you understand its principles—how fire behaves, how to control it. But do not worry, for I have a system in place that will help you learn. Wherever you go, you'll find opportunities to study new magics. And you'll also have access to a guide, a partner of sorts, that will help you navigate this world and assist you in making the right choices."

Cipher found himself caught up in the possibilities. The idea of learning magic, of having a guide, felt strangely familiar—like he was the protagonist of some RPG. But just as quickly, the voice cut through his thoughts with a more serious tone.

"This may sound like a game, but understand—it is not. This world is as real as the one you left behind. And now, let us focus, for there are several important matters still to discuss before you enter the Land of Dreams and Legends."

Cipher straightened, his thoughts once again aligning with the gravity of the situation.

"First," the voice continued, "you will need to make your way to the Knights of Light Church in the town of Sol. There, you will be given a set of weapons specially crafted for you. The Knight stationed there will explain more when you arrive. The location has already been entered into your system, so there is no need to worry about getting lost."

Cipher nodded, mentally making note of the details.

"Second, you will have a partner—an AI, a second voice in your head—that will guide you in using the system and help you make decisions that best suit your needs."

"Third, I will give you a new name," the voice said. "From this moment on, you shall be called Cipher Starlight. The name 'Cipher' represents zero—a symbol of infinite potential. And your surname, 'Starlight,' reflects the stars that shine bright in the darkest of nights, just as you will."

Cipher felt the weight of the new name settling over him, as though it had always been meant for him.

"Fourth, you may make one request of me," the voice said. "Choose wisely, for this will be your final chance."

Cipher thought for a moment, his mind racing. A new life, a new identity, but there was one thing he had always wanted. One thing that had been taken from him far too early.

"I know what I want," Cipher said, his voice firm. "I want it to be incredibly hard for anyone to kill me. I don't want to be vulnerable in my sleep, to be taken from this world when I'm not looking. I need the ability to survive."

There was a long pause before the voice spoke again, its tone soft but heavy.

"Cipher, I understand your request. And I will grant it. You will be made immortal—your body will grow, but you will not die by ordinary means. However, know that there are things worse than death. And that immortality does not make you invincible. You will face many dangers, and while you cannot be easily killed, the path ahead will be treacherous."

Cipher took a deep breath, accepting the voice's warning. He wasn't naïve enough to think immortality would make him untouchable—but it was a chance to live longer than the fifteen years he had on Earth. A chance to make a real difference.

"Understood," Cipher replied, his resolve clear.

"Then it is done," the voice said. "You will awaken in the Land of Dreams and Legends. Any further questions can be directed to your partner when you meet them. And now, your journey begins."