System, are you messing with me?

The chill of the night air bit at Shu Ning’s exposed skin, a stark contrast to the burning rage in his chest. Below him, the streetlights blurred into streaks, the sounds of distant traffic a dull hum against the pounding in his ears. He gripped the cold metal railing, knuckles white, the scent of stale river water filling his nostrils. Just moments ago, he'd been cornered, insulted, and then, with a brutal shove, sent tumbling from the bridge.

His vision swam, the world tilting precariously. He felt the impact more than saw it, a blinding flash of white followed by a creeping numbness. Consciousness flickered, then dimmed, the cacophony of screeching tires and approaching clamor fading into a distant echo.

'Why… why did I have to die like this?' he wondered, a final, strangely calm thought before darkness swallowed him whole.

Then, a faint glow. A voice, strangely cheerful, echoed in the void.

"Hello Host. I'm your own personal system and will assist you in fulfilling your duty as a Transmigrator."