Chapter 1: An Average Life Ends
Ethan Carter was an average man living an average life. At 26 years old, he had an average job, an average apartment, and an average daily routine. He had never done anything particularly exciting, never traveled anywhere far, and never had a girlfriend. Life was monotonous, and truthfully, he was fine with it.
His days consisted of waking up, going to work, coming home, watching anime or reading fanfiction, and then sleeping. No dreams of grandeur, no aspirations beyond paying bills and surviving the daily grind.
But all of that changed in an instant.
A truck. He wasn't even sure where it came from. One moment, he was walking home, and the next—impact. A deafening crash, a blinding light, and then… nothing.
But Ethan soon found himself in an unfamiliar space. A peaceful, empty room that seemed to calm his heart just by existing. He knew he was dead. He wasn't a fool. The lack of pain, the eerie stillness—everything screamed afterlife.
His thoughts drifted to his family. His parents, his older sister, now married and living her own life. He was the only son, the one expected to carry the family name forward, yet here he was—dead.
Despite the sorrow, another thought crept into his mind. Is this it?
He had read countless Isekai stories, where people died and woke up in new worlds with godly powers. Could this be something like that?
And as if answering his thoughts, an old man entered his view.
Ethan's eyes widened as the man sat before him, radiating a strange yet comforting aura.
The man smiled, his presence exuding warmth.
"You must be Ethan Carter."
Ethan hesitated before nodding. "…Yeah."
"I imagine you have a lot of questions."
"A few," Ethan admitted, eyeing the man warily. "First, where am I?"
The old man chuckled. "A waiting room of sorts. A place between life and death."
Ethan's lips thinned. "So it's true, huh. I am dead."
The man sighed. "Yes, you see… Truck-kun who is responsible for sending People to other worlds... hit the wrong person."
There was silence. Ethan just stared.
"…You're joking."
"I don't joke about these things," the old man said with an amused smile. "Someone else was supposed to die, not you. But due to an unfortunate mix-up, you were the one who got hit."
Ethan rubbed his face. "So, let me get this straight. I died because of… a clerical error?"
"Essentially."
"Unbelievable."
The old man chuckled. "Oh, believe me, it happens more often than you'd think. That's why I'm here—to fix it."
Ethan let out a sigh. "And who exactly are you?"
The old man's expression remained calm. "You wouldn't be able to comprehend my true name. It would just sound like static to you."
Ethan frowned, trying to listen as the being said something—but all he heard was garbled noise, like a radio stuck between stations.
"…What the hell was that?"
"See?" the old man said, amused. "Just call me ROB—Random Omnipotent Being. It's what most people go with."
Ethan gave him a flat look. "That's the dumbest name I've ever heard."
And as punishment for this blunder, Truck-kun had been… disciplined.
Poor Truck-kun.
ROB simply shrugged. "It's better than trying to hear my real one."
"…Fair enough."
ROB clasped his hands together. "Now then, since you weren't supposed to die, I'm offering you compensation. A new life—with gifts."
Ethan blinked. "You mean… like an Isekai situation?"
"Precisely."
Ethan mulled it over for a second—then shook his head. "No thanks. I'd rather move on."
ROB blinked and was taken aback. "Come again? You don't want a second chance?"
Ethan sighed. "Living sucked. I did it once, and that was enough."
There was silence. Then, ROB laughed—a deep, amused laugh that shook the very space around them.
"You're the first to say that to me," ROB said with a grin. "Most people beg for another shot, asking for powers or revenge or a fantasy adventure."
Ethan just shrugged. "Yeah. I don't see the point of doing it all over again."
ROB studied him for a moment, then smirked. "Then how about a drink before you go?"
Ethan hesitated, but ultimately, he figured—why not? It wasn't like he had anything to lose. He took the cup ROB offered and drank.
The liquid was sweet, refreshing, almost divine.
Then, ROB's smile widened.
"You just drank from the Enhanced Fountain of Youth – The Divine Spring."
Ethan froze.
It was like an overpowered version of the Fountain of Youth from Seven Deadly Sins. And as ROB's words echoed in his mind, a wave of information flooded Ethan's consciousness.
....
Enhanced Fountain of Youth – The Divine Spring
1. Adaptive Evolution (Body, Soul, and Mind)
The user evolves beyond any injury, illness, or attack.
Physical, magical, and reality-warping attacks become ineffective over time.
2. Absolute Regeneration & Immortality
Instantly regenerates from any damage, even total disintegration.
If completely erased, the soul reconstructs the body stronger than before.
3. Evolution Absorption (Perfect Regeneration Steal)
Instead of just healing, the user absorbs traits from attacks or enemies.
Example: If an opponent has super speed, the user adapts to match or surpass them.
4. Resistance to All Forces
Immunity to diseases, poisons, and mental attacks.
Adapts to extreme environments, including vacuum, hellfire, absolute zero, and reality-warping effects.
5. Pain Dullification (True Pain Resistance)
The user never feels pain, no matter how severe the damage.
Their nervous system adapts, turning pain signals into strength.
Immune to mental and soul-based agony, making torture and mind attacks useless.
6. Limitless Strength, Speed & Reflex Growth
Every battle pushes their power beyond limits, making them exponentially stronger and faster.
Instantaneous reactions, allowing them to predict and counter attacks effortlessly.
7. Mind Evolution & Cognitive Enhancement
Intelligence, perception, and strategy continuously evolve.
Instantly masters skills, weapons, and combat techniques by witnessing them once.
8. Soul Transcendence & Rebirth
If both body and soul are destroyed, they reform in a more powerful state.
9. Infinite Stamina & Endurance
Can fight for extended periods without tiring.
Body remains in peak condition without needing food, water, or sleep.
10. DNA Lock (Absolute Self-Protection)
His DNA is locked to prevent external manipulation, cloning, or forced modifications.
No one can copy, steal, or alter his genetic structure.
Even reality-warpers and divine beings cannot forcibly change him.
11. World Sustaining Blood (Planetary Growth Acceleration)
Ethan's blood has miraculous properties that enhance and sustain planetary life.
A single drop can rejuvenate barren lands, restore dying ecosystems, and accelerate plant growth.
His blood can make a planet self-sufficient, ensuring endless fertility and sustainability.
.....
Ethan was speechless. His mind struggled to process what had just happened.
ROB leaned back with a smirk. "I know your fear of both death and life. That's why you wanted to pass on. That's why I gave you this."
Ethan's face twisted in horror. "Wait. What? No! I don't want this!"
ROB simply waved his hand. "Good luck."
A black portal opened beneath Ethan's feet.
"Wait! You son of a—"
And just like that, Ethan Carter was thrown into the unknown.