A world of advanced science, and magic.

I flipped through the brochures, my eyes scanning countless realms. Each one seemed interesting, but none seemed right. I looking though the pile, and I glanced over far more brochures than he pulled out. One realm caught my attention, and I almost selected it. But, a flicker of hesitation passed through me, and I set the brochure down on the table before me. I turned my gaze to the grey scaled being, and spoke in a guarded, suspicious tone. "Is my reincarnation going to be left to chance? Or will you intercede, and place in the best position to experience a happy life?"

At my question, the being smiled thinly, and nodded its head. "You're right to be suspicious, John. But, I'm a friend. I just want you to be happy. I'll place you in a position where you will be free to do what you want, and have the power to act as you will." The being gestured with one hand to the brochure placed before me. "Take that realm as an example. It's a realm of magic and science, in the far future. You'll the be the ruler of an small galaxy, maybe half a million stars, free to control it as you wish. Billions of planet's worth of resources at your disposal. You'll have the rank of count, with only the emperor, dukes, and marquesses above you." A teasing grin splits the face of the grey being. "I figure that having other above you will give you something to strive for, and let you lean on someone else if you fuck up to badly."

After the grey being has finished speaking, I turn to look at the brochure I have placed before. I mutter my thoughts to my, "A realm of uncounted luxury, where I will be free to act as I wish. Trillions of souls whose fate rests in my hands." A grin splits my face, and I pick up the brochure before me. "Well, I'm selecting this realm. Anything else I need to do while I'm here?"

The grey scale being smiles widely, and snatches the brochure from my hands. It burns with a black and white flame, vanishing entirely. Somehow, I know that there is now a door behind me. "Oh, and by the way, you can call me The Guide." I stand up from the table, and nod once towards the guide. Then, I turn towards the door, and walk in.