The First Choice
The neem leaves rustled softly above Garud's head.
The night felt calm—but beneath that calm, something waited.
Garud focused inward.
System… open shop.
The interface appeared instantly.
"System Shop Active."
Garud didn't hesitate.
"I want to increase Divine Power."
For the first time, the system paused.
"Divine Power cannot be purchased."
"Divine Power grows through trials, authority, and recognition."
Garud's eyes sharpened.
"Then give me a way."
The system responded.
"Query accepted."
A new window appeared.
🛒 FIRST PURCHASE AVAILABLE
Recommended Purchase:
📜 Skill Scroll — Body Reinforcement (Uncommon)
Description:
Strengthens bones, muscles, and internal organs.
Required for survival in high-intensity trials.
Cost:
1× Mid-tier Demon Soul Stone
Garud looked at the purple crystal in his inventory.
If I'm going to walk this path… I need a body that won't break.
"Purchase."
The soul stone dissolved into light.
The scroll burned in Garud's hand and merged into his body.
A wave of heat surged through him.
"Skill Acquired."
Body Reinforcement — Level 1
⚠️ SYSTEM NOTICE
"Divine Power resonance detected."
"Heir qualification confirmed."
Another panel appeared.
🎯 NEW QUEST GENERATED
Quest: Trial of the Heir
Objective:
Survive divine training
Increase Divine Power to 5
Location:
Training Realm (Other World)
Conditions:
Solo Entry
Death results in forced ejection
Time flow differs from Earth
Reward:
Divine Power Unlock
Growth-Type Access
Skill Evolution Chance
Garud stood up slowly.
"You're sending me away."
"Correct."
Karan approached, sensing something wrong.
"Garud… you look serious."
Garud met his eyes.
"I'm going somewhere."
Karan stiffened.
"Where?"
Before Garud could answer—
The air in front of him split open.
A massive black gate formed, its surface rippling like liquid night. Ancient symbols glowed across its frame.
The ground trembled.
Karan stumbled back.
"WHAT IS THAT?!"
The system spoke coldly.
"Gate to Training Realm opened."
Garud felt a pressure—
not hostile, but overwhelming.
So this is a gate…
He turned to Karan.
"If I don't come back immediately… don't follow."
Karan clenched his fists.
"You better return," he said quietly.
"I still owe you answers."
Garud smiled faintly.
"Then wait for me."
He stepped forward.
The gate swallowed him whole.
OTHER WORLD – TRAINING REALM
Garud was thrown onto cracked stone.
The sky above was blood-red.
Gravity crushed down on his body like a mountain.
He tried to move—
And screamed.
"Warning."
Environmental pressure: Extreme
"Body Reinforcement — Active."
Garud's bones creaked but did not break.
He pushed himself to his knees.
The system spoke again.
"Training Realm Rules:"
Strength grows through survival
Pain accelerates adaptation
Fear is irrelevant
Garud wiped blood from his mouth.
"So you want to break me… and rebuild me."
The ground shook.
From the horizon—
Massive silhouettes began moving.
"First Trial Incoming."
Garud stood.
Bare-handed.
Eyes burning with resolve.
"Then let's begin."