In the dimly lit Store Room of The Academy of the Ascendant Souls, a place forgotten by time, I find myself trapped in a corner. The air is heavy with anticipation as a circle of my classmates closes in around me. Their smirks and taunting glances reveal their true motive - to assert their dominance and revel in their amusement at my expense. They seek to demonstrate their superiority, but deep down, I understand that it's merely a game for them.
As the oppressive atmosphere tightens its grip, one tall boy in the group breaks the silence, his voice dripping with mockery. "Hey, Tarun, did you know that this loser wants to venture into the fabled dungeon?" He directs the question to his companion, a smirk stretching across his face. The words hang in the air, a mix of disbelief and amusement as if daring me to prove them wrong.
Tarun, the companion of the tall boy named Manush, responds with a chuckle, his tone laced with condescension. "Yes, Manish, can you believe it? He thinks he can gain access to the dungeon just by working hard. What a complete and utter loser." The two of them exchange knowing glances, their laughter echoing through the deserted store room, fueling their superiority over me.
Amongst the three tormentors, Tarun, Manish, and Harsh, I am the sole outcast without a system. They take great pleasure in reminding me of my status as the world's ultimate loser. While they were blessed at birth with systems that connect them to their chosen gods, I am left to navigate this world alone. It is an unfair playing field where power is directly proportional to the might of their respective gods and what they represent. Among them, Tarun's system is the most formidable, giving him an edge over his companions.
Among the trio of tormentors, Manish and Harsh possess weaker systems with a level cap restricted to a mere 60 levels. In stark contrast, Tarun wields a system that allows him to surpass that limit, reaching an impressive 80 levels. However, there exists a realm of power beyond their comprehension, reserved for those with the most formidable systems in the world, capable of ascending to a staggering 300 levels.
In this world, every individual is born with a system that serves as a conduit to a divine entity. The system bestows unique abilities and attributes upon its bearer, denoted by a status displayed for all to see. Yet, I stand as an exception, born without a system but burdened with a status that bears only my name—Abhishek Mahar.
As I endured their relentless taunting, I couldn't help but curse my luck for being the target of their abuse. They hurled insults and belittled me as if I were insignificant compared to their esteemed positions. However, such mistreatment was nothing new to me, as I had grown accustomed to being treated differently by most, save for a few pure-hearted souls who saw beyond my lack of a system. To them, I was not defined by my shortcomings, but rather by the essence of who I truly was.
As Riya entered the room with her vibrant pink hair swaying, her presence instantly brought a sense of relief. She was one of the few individuals who didn't judge me based on my lack of a system. Riya possessed a formidable system herself, allowing her to reach impressive levels of power, surpassing even Tarun. Her kind heart and genuine care for others made her a beacon of hope in this sea of discrimination. With a warm smile, she questioned the group, her voice filled with concern, "What are you doing with Abhi?"
As the tormentors hastily exited the room, their cruel words lingering in the air, Riya's compassionate nature took centre stage. She approached me with genuine concern etched on her face, her pink hair cascading around her like a soft, comforting veil. With a gentle touch, she asked if I was alright, her voice laced with genuine care. At that moment, the weight of their hurtful words began to dissipate, replaced by Riya's unwavering support. I mustered a faint smile and reassured her that I was fine, grateful for her presence and understanding.
Riya's playful inquiry momentarily lifted the sombre mood that hung in the air. We shared a lighthearted chuckle, finding solace in the absurdity of the situation. As we left the confines of the deserted store room behind us, we ventured towards our classroom, ready to face the challenges of the day. Engaging in casual conversation along the way, we found comfort in each other's presence, our steps echoing with the promise of camaraderie amidst a sea of misunderstanding.
As the teacher's lecture drew to a close, a hush fell over the classroom. The anticipation hung in the air, each student waiting to hear what announcement awaited them. Lost in my thoughts, I initially paid little attention, my focus consumed by my dreams and aspirations. But then, the words pierced through the fog of indifference, jolting me from my reverie. The announcement was unexpected, catching me off guard and leaving me stunned, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Suddenly, the world seemed to shift, as if fate itself had taken notice of my existence. Little did I know that this announcement would shape the course of my journey, igniting a flame of determination within me that would propel me towards the unknown.
The weight of those words hung in the air, sinking into my consciousness. The school's decision to unveil the dungeon to its students, guided by experienced veers, sent shockwaves through my being. The dungeon, a place shrouded in mystery and danger, held the promise of untold treasures and unimaginable challenges. The veers, renowned warriors with formidable systems, possessed skills and power beyond compare. Their very existence commanded respect, and their ability to conquer the dungeon had become the stuff of legends. The government's recognition of their prowess granted them special authority and elevated their status to that of protectors and champions. The realization that I would have the opportunity to witness this extraordinary spectacle ignited a flicker of hope within me. Perhaps, just perhaps, this would be the key to unlocking my latent potential, a chance to prove myself in a world where systems defined worth. As the classroom buzzed with excitement, my gaze turned resolute, my mind brimming with newfound determination. The journey to the dungeon awaited, and I was ready to seize this opportunity that fate had placed before me.
My excitement deflated like a balloon being punctured. The realization hit me with a heavy blow. The dungeon exploration was reserved for students who had achieved a minimum level of 30, and I, with my level 0 status, was automatically disqualified. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, a reminder of my inherent disadvantage in a world where levels and systems reigned supreme. The unfairness of it all gnawed at me, fueling a fire of frustration within. How could they deny me this opportunity, consigning me to the sidelines once again? I couldn't fathom why my safety was deemed more important than my dreams as if protecting me from the risks of the dungeon was justification enough to deny me a chance at growth and discovery. But our teacher, in his attempt to console me, tried to convince me that it was for my well-being. His words fell on deaf ears, unable to quell the burning desire within me to prove myself, to challenge the limits imposed by my systemless existence. As my classmates chattered excitedly about the upcoming adventure, my mind raced with thoughts of defiance, of finding my path to the dungeon, even if it meant defying the rules and facing the dangers alone. The determination in my eyes was unyielding, a silent promise to myself that I would not be held back by arbitrary restrictions. The dungeon may be off-limits for now, but my journey to transcend my limitations had only just begun.
As I watched Riya stand up from her chair, a flicker of hope ignited within me. She, my childhood friend who had always seen me for who I truly was, had taken a stand on my behalf. Her voice, laced with determination, echoed through the classroom as she pleaded with our teacher for a way to include me in the dungeon exploration. Her unwavering belief in my potential, and her refusal to accept the limitations imposed upon me, touched my heart in ways words cannot describe. But the teacher's response was disheartening, suggesting that perhaps she could appeal to the principal for an exception. Though the chances seemed slim, the mere fact that Riya was willing to go the extra mile for me gave me a glimmer of hope. At that moment, I realized the power of friendship, the strength that can be derived from someone who sees your worth when the world seems determined to overlook it. I knew that, no matter the outcome, Riya would be by my side, fighting alongside me in whatever way she could. And with that knowledge, a newfound resolve surged through my veins. If there was a sliver of a chance to change my fate, to prove that I was worthy of stepping foot into the dungeon, I would seize it with all my might. The journey to defy the odds had just taken a new turn, and together, Riya and I would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Riya made her bold declaration to the entire class, my heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and anticipation. Her unwavering support and determination to fight for my inclusion in the dungeon exploration left me speechless. Without uttering a single word, we shared a silent understanding, and I quietly followed her out of the classroom, bound for the principal's office.
The atmosphere between us was charged with unspoken emotions. Riya avoided making eye contact with me, her focus fixed on the mission at hand. Her determination was palpable, and I couldn't help but admire her tenacity. We walked side by side, each lost in our thoughts, as the weight of the upcoming conversation settled upon us.
Entering the principal's office, we found ourselves face to face with the authoritative figure who held the power to grant or deny my participation in the dungeon exploration. Riya took a deep breath, mustering her courage, and began to present our case. She passionately articulated the reasons why I deserved an opportunity, highlighting my perseverance, determination, and untapped potential. Her words painted a vivid picture of my character, breaking through the constraints of my systemless existence.
As I stood beside her, listening to Riya's persuasive arguments, a sense of hope enveloped me. I dared to believe that, against all odds, the principal would recognize the value of granting me this chance. I felt a surge of gratitude for Riya, who had become my unwavering ally, the one who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.
Though the outcome remained uncertain, I knew that, with Riya by my side, I had already won a battle far more significant than any dungeon exploration. The strength of our friendship, the unspoken bond that connected us, would carry us through whatever lay ahead. And as we awaited the principal's decision, I braced myself for the turning point that awaited me on this extraordinary journey.
As I anxiously waited outside the principal's office, my mind raced with anticipation. Riya had taken it upon herself to plead my case, her voice carrying the weight of our friendship and her esteemed reputation. The minutes ticked by, stretching into what felt like an eternity.
Finally, the door creaked open, revealing Riya standing before me. But her posture told a story of disappointment and resignation. With her head bowed and her gaze fixed on the floor, it was clear that the outcome had not been in our favour. My heart sank, and a wave of disappointment washed over me.
Riya slowly approached, her footsteps weighed down by the burden of delivering the news. I braced myself for the words that would confirm my fears, yet I couldn't help but hold onto a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a sliver of good news amidst the solemn atmosphere.
As the weight of disappointment threatened to consume us both, I watched as Riya's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. Her words hung in the air, causing my heart to skip a beat. Could it be possible? Had the principal reconsidered?
Hope surged within me, drowning out the voice of doubt that had plagued me moments ago. I leaned in, eagerly awaiting the details of this newfound opportunity. Riya's excitement was contagious, and I found myself holding my breath, afraid to let the moment slip away.
With a hint of a smile gracing her lips, Riya revealed the conditions laid out by the principal. My eyes widened as she spoke, my mind racing to process the implications. It seemed that fate had granted me a chance, albeit with certain provisions.
"You can come with us, Abhi," she declared, her voice filled with triumph. "The principal has agreed, but there are a few conditions we need to meet."
As I wrapped my arms around Riya in a grateful embrace, a surge of warmth enveloped us both. The weight of unspoken emotions seemed to dissipate at that moment, replaced by a profound sense of connection. Her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, mirroring the intensity of my gratitude.
"Thanks," I whispered earnestly, my voice tinged with emotion. It felt inadequate, the words unable to fully convey the depth of my appreciation. But in that simple utterance, I hoped she could understand the enormity of what her support meant to me.
Riya's eyes met mine, and I could sense a mixture of surprise and happiness within them. We stood there, locked in that embrace, the world around us fading into the background. It was a fleeting moment, but one that spoke volumes of our unspoken bond.
As the realization dawned upon me that I might have hugged her too tightly, a tinge of concern washed over me. However, the knowledge of her system's power control reassured me. Despite my accidental intensity, I knew she possessed the ability to protect herself and prevent any harm from coming to either of us.
Reluctantly, we pulled away from the embrace, our gazes lingering for a moment longer. Words seemed inadequate in that fleeting instance, as the depth of our connection transcended mere verbal expressions. It was a silent understanding, an unspoken vow to stand by each other's side.
With a shy smile gracing her lips, Riya broke the silence. "You're welcome, Abhi. We're friends, and that's what friends do. We support each other."
Her words echoed in my mind, resonating with a newfound sense of belonging. In that tender moment, I realized that our friendship was more than just camaraderie; it was a lifeline in a world that often felt unforgiving. Riya's unwavering support gave me strength, reminding me that I was not alone in my struggles.
And as the echoes of our footsteps resounded through the halls, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Hope for a future where even the systemless could rise above their limitations, where dreams were not bound by arbitrary rules.
As Riya shared the condition set by the principal, a flicker of concern passed through my mind. The weight of her responsibility hung heavy in the air, reminding me of the potential dangers that lay ahead. She was willing to take on the burden of ensuring my safety, even at the risk of her well-being.
Without a moment's hesitation, I nodded in understanding. "Sure, Riya. I promise I won't do anything to jeopardize our safety or your reputation. I'll be cautious and follow your lead."
Her eyes met mine, and I could see a mixture of relief and determination reflected in them. It was clear that she took this responsibility seriously, and I respected her unwavering commitment. It was a testament to the depth of our friendship and the trust we had in each other.
I reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, a gesture of reassurance. "You have my word, Riya. I'll do everything in my power to stay safe and make this journey a success. We'll face whatever challenges come our way together."
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and I could sense a renewed sense of confidence in her demeanour. "Thank you, Abhi. I believe in you. Together, we'll overcome any obstacles that come our way."
With our pact made and a shared understanding, we turned our attention towards the adventure that awaited us. The dungeon loomed on the horizon, a place of mystery and untapped potential. While uncertainties lingered, I felt a newfound determination burn within me, fueled by the trust and support of my friend.
As we left the principal's office and ventured back into the bustling halls of the academy, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air. Our classmates whispered and exchanged curious glances, unaware of the profound journey that lay ahead for Riya and me.
With each step, our bond grew stronger, fortified by shared dreams and a mutual understanding of the challenges we faced. The path to the dungeon may be treacherous, but together, we were ready to forge ahead, defying the odds and proving that even a systemless individual like me could rise above expectations.
And so, hand in hand, we embarked on a journey that would test our resilience, forge unbreakable bonds, and ultimately reveal the true extent of our abilities. The dungeon beckoned, and we were prepared to face whatever lay within its depths, united in our pursuit of discovery, strength, and the realization of our dreams.
Timeskip
As the weight of the school council's judgment bore down upon me, I found myself standing before them, facing a panel of teachers and our stern principal. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the sound of my laboured breathing. The principal's voice rang out, cutting through the stillness.
"Ms Riya Mishra," he began, his words laced with accusation, "you shall be held responsible for the tragic demise of Abhishek Mahahar."
With each syllable, my heart sank deeper into despair, and tears welled up in my eyes, cascading down my cheeks like a torrential downpour. I fought to maintain composure, refraining from uttering a single word. The weight of the accusation hung heavy in the air, suffocating me with its unjust burden.
The council room, once a place of familiarity and camaraderie, now felt like a cold, sterile chamber of judgment. The eyes of the teachers bore into me, their gazes laden with disappointment and scrutiny. I kept my head bowed, unable to meet their piercing stares. How could they lay such heavy blame on me, a mere student?
It had been days since that fateful incident, and yet the pain of Abhishek's loss still haunted me. I replayed the events over and over in my mind, desperately searching for answers, for a way to turn back time. But no matter how much I blamed myself or questioned my actions, the reality remained unchanged.
The principal's voice resonated once again, breaking through the haze of my thoughts. "Ms Riya Mishra, you shall bear the burden of this tragedy. The responsibility lies squarely on your shoulders."
I stood there, silently accepting the weight of their judgment. The tears, unyielding, continued to flow, a testament to the grief that consumed me. Though I longed to defend myself, to speak out against their unjust accusation, I knew it would be futile. The decision had been made, and my fate was sealed.
With a heavy heart, I nodded, acknowledging their pronouncement. No words could convey the depth of my remorse, the pain that etched itself into my very being. As the tears mingled with the cold, hard floor beneath me, I braced myself for the journey that lay ahead.
The story of Abhishek Mahahar's death had taken a new turn, one that would forever alter the course of my life. In the face of this unfathomable tragedy, I could only hope to find redemption, to seek solace in the memories of our friendship. The road ahead would be treacherous, but I was resolved to carry the weight of responsibility, to honour Abhishek's memory in whatever way I could.
To be continued in Chapter 2...