I am the Entertainment Tycoon Chapter 1 Arrival

A pervasive soreness afflicted Theo's entire body upon waking.

'Wait… why am I sore? And which body is this? Didn't I die?' he questioned internally as he opened his eyes.

His vision cleared to reveal a worn-out couch, evidently quite ancient. He found himself alone in what appeared to be one of the most antiquated apartments he had ever encountered.

Despite its age, the apartment was remarkably tidy and clean. This led him to believe that, though potentially impoverished, the owner possessed a decent character.

As Theo began to orient himself, a voice resonated within his consciousness.

[Binding…]

[10%]

[40%]

[84%]

[Binding successful!]

[Congratulations host for binding the Company Management System granted by the Universe Laws according to the karma that the host accumulated in your previous life]

'What? A System? Laws? Karma?' Theo pondered.

Overwhelmed by the successive barrage of bizarre events, Theo remained in a state of profound confusion for about ten minutes, unable to elicit a response from the so-called system.

'Let me process this. Firstly, I died in a hospital. Secondly, I awakened, seemingly reborn. Thirdly, I've been granted a system by these 'Universe Laws,' whatever that entails, owing to past karma? Karma… if I recall correctly, it's the consequence of aligning with the universe, at least that was my understanding.' Theo mused.

[Yes, host. Everything you stated is accurate.]

'What?? You can access my thoughts?'

[Indeed, I am linked to your mind.]

'I suppose I can accept that…'

Having read numerous system-based novels, Theo possessed some familiarity with the concept, though his recollection was incomplete.

'System, how could I have accrued enough karma for rebirth as a mere ordinary person?'

[Host, your request for a couple to manage your orphanage led them to establish numerous facilities, saving thousands upon thousands of children from starvation and premature death.]

Tears welled in his eyes as the realization of saving those children dawned upon him. Theo needed a moment to regain his composure amidst the surge of emotions.

Once he felt more centered, Theo directed a query to the system.

'System, what precisely are the Universe Laws?'

[Host, the Universe Laws are $%#%¨%$]

Unable to comprehend the cryptic response, he awaited an explanation.

[Host, your current understanding is insufficient for such complex information. In simpler terms, the Universe Laws oversee and govern the countless universes.]

Theo gained a partial grasp of the system's explanation, and then his eyes widened in a sudden realization.

'Hold on… UNIVERSES? Does that imply multiple universes exist? Is the multiverse real??' he inquired urgently.

[Affirmative, the multiverse is indeed real. The host has transmigrated to a different universe.]

[Memories of the predecessor are available for merging.]

[Do you wish to merge? YES OR NO]

[WARNING! The merging process will induce immense pain. Proceed with caution.]

'Wow, I was so focused on myself that I completely forgot I'd inhabited a different body.'

Theo rose and examined himself. He noted his height of 1.78m and a noticeably thin physique, appearing skeletal. His long, straw-like grey hair fell around him. He sought a mirror and found one in a corner of the room.

Approaching it, still contending with bodily aches, he beheld his reflection. The sight was grim; his entire being radiated an aura of severe malnutrition.

'It seems my predecessor endured a harsh existence.'

His facial structure held potential handsomeness, but the visible effects of malnutrition rendered him unattractive. He sighed and returned to the couch, eager to understand the circumstances that led to this state.

'System, merge the memories,' Theo commanded mentally, steeling himself for the anticipated agony.

Initially, there was nothing, then suddenly, an unbearable pain surged through his head, unlike anything he had ever experienced.

"Aarrrghhhhhh!" he screamed.

He endured the torment for what felt like an eternity before it subsided, leaving him gasping for breath on the couch.

"Oh my… that was far worse than I anticipated… But at least I now comprehend how the predecessor fell into such misery," Theo sighed.

From the assimilated memories, he learned that his name in this life was Theodore, with a different surname, Theodore Gray. He was the same age, 18, as when he had died previously. In this existence too, he was an orphan, but with a crucial difference: a younger sister, Aurora Gray, aged 16.

Curiously, Aurora was not his biological sister; their parents had adopted her at age five, showering her with even greater affection.

Their parents had passed away four years prior, when he was 14.

Since that tragedy, he had worked tirelessly to support his sister, as the inheritance from their parents was modest, and they had no close kin. Theo toiled relentlessly day and night.

His predecessor hadn't excelled academically but had managed to reach the final year of high school.

But today marked the absolute limit for him. Having been dismissed from his employment and denied payment for the entire month, he returned home, his mind consumed by the terrifying thought of his sister facing starvation. The realization struck him with such force that it triggered a heart attack.

It was at this critical juncture that Theo's soul traversed dimensions, taking possession of the man's body.

Theo let out a sigh, his thoughts solidifying.

'Though I may not be him, I pledge that Aurora will never know hunger again; I'll ensure she lives like the princess she deserves to be.'

A sense of profound relief washed over Theo as the lingering will of the body's former occupant seemed to fade, appeased by the promise concerning his sister.

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Author's Note: Greetings, esteemed readers! This marks my inaugural venture into novel writing, so I kindly ask for your patience and understanding. Should you encounter any plot inconsistencies or grammatical errors, please do not hesitate to comment, and I will diligently endeavor to rectify them.

I sincerely hope you find enjoyment in my creation :)