Gamer, fixing the fates of fictional characters

On a bustling street in a metropolis, a group of about 20 people, mostly kids aged between 4 and 15, walked along the sidewalk. At their helm was Liam Solis, the sole adult, who was chatting with some of the older kids as they moved together. The group was lively, the younger kids laughing and darting about while the older ones helped guide them along. To outsiders, it might have seemed like a chaotic outing, but to Liam, it was the happiest kind of chaos - these kids were his family.

Liam had organized this outing as a reward for the kids' hard work in school and the kindness they showed one another. Each child had picked their favorite treat from the local bakery, their sticky hands clutching colorful pastries, and now they were on their way to the park. The group's energy was infectious, their laughter ringing through the air. Liam's heart swelled with pride and joy. These children, who had endured so much, were thriving.

When they reached a crosswalk, the group paused, waiting for the signal to change. Liam took a moment to adjust his bag, which was filled with extra snacks and water for their outing. Liam turned his attention briefly to Ethan, the oldest of the kids, a serious yet compassionate 15-year-old who often took on a protective role among his younger peers.

"Ethan," Liam said, "make sure everyone stays close. You're my second-in-command, alright?"

Ethan gave a small salute, a smile breaking across his face. "You got it, Captain."

In the midst of the chatter and playful teasing, Mikey, the youngest child, suddenly darted onto the street. The four-year-old's tiny legs carried him forward with the carefree abandon only a child could muster.

"Mikey, wait!" Ethan shouted, his voice cutting through the laughter.

Liam's eyes snapped toward the child, and his stomach dropped. A car was hurtling toward Mikey, its horn blaring as the driver slammed on the brakes. The screech of tires and the collective gasp of the children snapped Liam into action. Without a second thought, Liam sprinted forward with every ounce of strength he could muster. His body moved on pure instinct, propelled by the single thought: Save him.

Time seemed to slow as Liam reached Mikey, his arms outstretched. He shoved the boy out of harm's way just as the car struck him. The impact was brutal, sending Liam rolling across the concrete. He came to a stop several meters away, his body crumpled and motionless.

The children screamed, their earlier laughter replaced by cries of fear and anguish. They rushed to Liam's side, tears streaming down their faces. Ethan was the first to reach him, dropping to his knees. His hands trembled as he gently touched Liam's shoulder.

"Liam, please!" Ethan cried. "Stay with us."

Pain racked Liam's body, but he managed to open his eyes. He saw their faces, etched with fear and sorrow. He summoned all his strength to speak, his voice faint but steady.

"It's okay," he whispered, his gaze landing on Mikey, who clung to Ethan's arm, sobbing. "You're all okay. That's what matters."

These kids were his family - the family he had always yearned for. Liam's life had been shaped by hardship. His parents had died when he was just six, leaving him to the mercy of an uncaring world. Forced into a harsh orphanage, he endured years of mistreatment. The memories of cold nights, empty stomachs, and cruel caretakers haunted him. Yet, those experiences had forged a fierce determination in him. He vowed that if he ever had the chance, he would create a better life for kids that like him had to experience early loss.

As an adult, Liam had worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs, saving every penny and contacting help organizations one after another, until he could establish his own orphanages. These weren't just shelters - they were homes, filled with warmth, laughter, and opportunity. Liam poured his heart into these children, ensuring they felt loved and valued.

Through the haze of pain, Liam's mind drifted to the life he had built for these kids. Though orphans, they were a big, happy family. Every smile, every laugh, every step forward they took was worth more to him than anything in the world.

As his vision dimmed, Liam mustered his last breaths to calm the children. "Don't cry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Ethan... you're in charge now. Make sure everybody is safe, I know it's a great responsibility, but... promise me."

Ethans face crumpled, but he nodded, clutching Liams hand tightly. "I promise," he choked out, his voice breaking.

Liam's breathing grew shallow. Darkness enveloped him, and the sounds of the children's cries faded. Time lost meaning. For what felt like an eternity, there was only silence and void.

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'Is this what death feels like? This is... eerily close to that nirvana those Buddhists keep preaching about. Guess there's some truth to those beliefs after all, huh? Ha.' Liam mused, floating in the infinite void.

"Child, there is always truth in everything," an ethereal voice cut through the emptiness, startling Liam.

His eyes darted around instinctively, but all he saw was the same endless nothingness. No source for the voice. Confused but slightly comforted by the calm tone, he decided to call into the void, his voice tinged with cautious curiosity. "Uh… excuse me? Who's there? And where the hell am I?"

A low chuckle echoed in response. "Hohoho, I suppose it's time to stop hiding. Let's make this conversation a little easier, shall we?"

Before Liam could respond, his surroundings changed abruptly. The void dissolved, replaced by what could only be described as... an office? It was a cozy, old-fashioned study, complete with towering bookshelves, a crackling fireplace, and an ornate wooden desk at its center.

Sitting behind the desk was a man - or at least something that looked like a man. His features were strikingly ordinary, but he radiated an aura of power so intense it seemed to bend the air around him. The sight was oddly magnetic, making it impossible to look away.

"I hope this setting is more to your liking, Liam Solis," the man said with a sigh, his tone tinged with regret. "It's been quite some time since I've wanted to meet you, though I must admit... you arrived a bit earlier than I'd hoped."

"Uh... okay," Liam began, his voice laced with confusion. "But... wait a second. What do you mean, 'wanted to meet me'? And how does someone die 'too early'? Also, please don't phrase it like that - it sounds really ominous!"

The man - or whatever he was—let out a startled cough, waving his hand as if to dismiss the notion. "Cough... ah, yes, I see how that might've come across. My apologies. That wasn't my intention at all."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "Alright... I'll bite. Who are you, and why am I here?"

The man straightened, his posture becoming more formal. "Ah, forgive me. You may call me ROB, as my true name is beyond mortal comprehension. As for where you are, this is my domain - a place outside time and space."

Liam tilted his head. "ROB? Wait, hold on. Does that stand for 'Random Omnipotent Being,' or...?"

"Precisely," ROB said with a small smile. "Think of me as... a god, if you will. It simplifies things."

Liam blinked, his expression caught between disbelief and resignation. "Alright. Sure. I just died, so meeting a god or... whatever you are isn't completely out of the question. I guess?"

ROB chuckled again, his voice warm and oddly reassuring. "Indeed. Now, let's move on to why you're here, shall we?"

Liam folded his arms, his skepticism still lingering. "Yes, please. I'd really like to know why I'm sitting in what looks like a billionaire's study after getting hit by a car."

ROB's expression turned serious. He leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on the desk. "Liam Solis, you are a rare being. In a world consumed by apathy and selfishness, you dedicated your life to others. Not only did you make the ultimate sacrifice to save that child, but you also committed your years to improving the lives of countless others who shared your pain. You are, by every measure, a true hero."

Liam felt his face flush. He scratched the back of his neck, offering a sheepish grin. "Well... thanks, I guess. Not many people saw it that way back on Earth. Most just thought I was... obsessed, or wasting my life."

ROB smiled knowingly. "Their opinions matter little now. Your actions speak for themselves. Which brings us to the purpose of this meeting."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "And that would be...?"

ROB spread his arms wide, his voice booming with theatrical flair. "Liam Solis, do you wish to become a god? To shed your mortal shell and ascend to a higher existence, far beyond the limits of humanity?"