Ravi returned to his cave, fatigue settling into his bones as he stepped back into the familiar darkness. The Hell World, with all its dangers and challenges, had tested him like nothing else. The overwhelming victory over the Slime Emperor still surged through him, a reminder of the strength he had gained. But as he caught his breath, he couldn't shake the feeling that time had been an illusion.
---
When he glanced at the sky, it still bore the same deep crimson hue, but he felt a sense of urgency wash over him. **How long was I gone?** he thought. **A month? Two?**
He quickly activated his system interface, checking the elapsed time. The notification confirmed his suspicions:
---
**[Time Spent: 1 Month]**
---
Relief flooded his veins; it was only a month since he had left the village. But it was time to return—time for his awakening. **The ritual is tonight,** he remembered. In this world, every boy turned eighteen on their birthday would awaken their soul servant, the mystical being bound to their essence and linked to their weapon of choice.
---
As he hurried down the rugged path leading back to the village, memories of the villagers and their stories filled his mind. He had heard about the awakening ceremonies from the local children, who spoke of the glowing spirits that emerged from the weapons wielded by their elders. The thought excited him, yet dread pooled in his stomach.
**What if I don't awaken normally?**
He pushed the thought aside. He had trained hard; surely, that would count for something. Yet, the nagging voice persisted.
**What if my destiny is different?**
---
Finally, Ravi arrived at the village just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the quaint houses. The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the sounds of preparation for the ceremony. Colorful lanterns adorned the streets, illuminating the way to the central square, where the ritual was set to take place.
He felt a rush of anticipation and anxiety. He spotted familiar faces among the crowd, including those of the friends he had made in his short time there. They were all talking, laughing, and preparing for their own awakenings.
Ravi approached, and soon he was surrounded by his peers, all eager for their turn.
"Ravi!" a voice called out. It was Aiko, a girl with sparkling eyes who had become one of his closest friends. "You're back! Did you hear about the ceremony tonight? Everyone is so excited!"
"Yes, I just got back," Ravi replied, trying to mask his unease with a smile. "Are you ready for your awakening?"
Aiko nodded, her expression bright. "I can't wait! My father said I might awaken a rare spirit!"
"That's amazing! I hope you get the one you want," he said, genuinely happy for her. But as the conversations flowed around him, his mind drifted to his own awakening.
---
As the hour approached, the villagers gathered in the central square, forming a circle around a large, ornate pedestal. Atop it rested an ancient stone tablet etched with symbols. The elder of the village, a wise man with flowing gray hair and a deep, resonant voice, stepped forward.
"Tonight, we gather to witness the awakening of our young souls," he began, his voice echoing through the crowd. "As they turn eighteen, each will summon forth their spirit servant, a manifestation of their potential and dreams. May they find strength, wisdom, and courage!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Ravi felt his heart race in response to the energy around him. One by one, the youths stepped forward, taking their place at the pedestal, each performing their awakening with hopes and dreams etched on their faces.
The spirits that emerged were varied: some were fierce creatures with scales and wings, others were ethereal beings of light, each showcasing the unique bond between the individual and their spirit. Ravi watched in awe, wishing he could experience the same thing.
---
Finally, it was Aiko's turn. She stepped forward, her weapon—a beautifully crafted katana—glinting in the lantern light. She focused, and as she raised the sword, an explosion of light erupted from the blade.
A majestic phoenix emerged, its fiery feathers illuminating the square as it circled above her. Gasps of admiration filled the air, and Aiko's joy radiated as she embraced her spirit.
"That was incredible!" Ravi exclaimed, clapping alongside the villagers.
As the ceremony continued, Ravi felt a sense of despair creeping in. **What if I don't awaken at all?** he thought, his heart heavy with doubt.
---
The moment finally came for him. The elder called his name, and Ravi stepped forward, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety within him. He grasped the simple sword he had been training with, a weapon crafted from the rugged materials of the Hell World, its weight comforting in his grip.
As he raised the sword above his head, he felt a pulse of energy surging within him—a flicker of something deeper, something waiting to be unleashed. He closed his eyes, calling upon the strength he had gained through training and the trials he had faced.
**"Spirit of my heart, I summon you!"**
He waited, but nothing happened. The villagers were silent, watching him with anticipation. A faint whisper of wind brushed past him, but there was no blinding light, no spirit emerging from the weapon.
Panic surged within him. **What's happening? Why isn't anything coming out?**
---
As moments passed, he felt the weight of disappointment pressing down on him. Was he truly destined to awaken nothing? The doubt began to suffocate his spirit.
**Then, unexpectedly, he felt a warmth flowing through him, a familiar presence stirring in the depths of his soul.**
A voice, soft yet powerful, echoed in his mind.
**"You may not see me, but I have always been with you. You have faced trials, and now it's time for me to emerge."**
Ravi's eyes flew open as a surge of energy enveloped him, a radiant light emanating from his sword.
---
**[System Activation: Hell World Traveling System unlocked!]**
---
The villagers gasped, and the air vibrated with energy as a translucent interface manifested before his eyes. He had not just awakened a soul servant; he had awakened a system that would amplify his abilities.
---
**[Welcome, User. You have unlocked the Hell World Traveling System. Task: Harness your potential and become stronger.]**
**[Current Status: Awakening Complete.]**
---
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, their faces filled with amazement. A few murmurs of confusion mingled with their excitement, but Ravi felt a sense of exhilaration wash over him.
**"I did it! I actually did it!"** he thought, feeling the energy coursing through his body.
---
The elder stepped forward, a mixture of awe and curiosity on his face. "Ravi, this is unexpected. Not many can awaken a system alongside their spirit. This is a sign of great potential."
Ravi felt a rush of pride, knowing that he had not only awakened but had done so in a way that could reshape his future. His journey was just beginning, and with the newfound strength and abilities granted by the system, he felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the ceremony concluded, Ravi's heart raced with anticipation for the adventures that awaited him. With a spirit bound to him and the power of the Hell World Traveling System, he was no longer just a boy from Kolkata. He was a warrior in a world filled with possibilities, ready to carve his path and face whatever came next.