After spending the day with his family, Kael began the hard work of preparing for the apocalypse. His mind was already spinning with plans, strategies, and concerns, but one issue loomed large: money. Kael knew that if he wanted to protect his family, he would need resources—money to buy a home in the most secure place after the apocalypse began, a place called "Heaven in Hell". But with their current financial situation, that seemed impossible.
As Kael stood alone in the dimly lit room of his house, the weight of the world seemed to press down on him. He could hear the distant hum of the city outside, a stark contrast to the chaos he anticipated. His heart raced as he considered the enormity of the task before him. For a moment, he felt a wave of despair. How could he possibly achieve all of this? His family needed protection, and he was running out of time.
But then, he remembered something—a blessing that had once felt like a curse. Kael had a photographic memory. He remembered everything, even the moments in his mother's womb. This ability had often overwhelmed him, with images and details flooding his mind like an endless stream. Now, he realized it could be the key to their survival.
Kael sat down, his hands trembling as he sifted through his memories like a gallery. He recalled every financial strategy he had ever encountered, every investment opportunity he had seen in his previous life. The memories were vivid, like a series of snapshots replaying in his mind. But the realization quickly hit him: he didn't have enough money to start any of these plans. His heart sank as he realized that even with his knowledge, without the initial capital, he was stuck. The numbers he recalled seemed like a cruel joke when he couldn't access them.
Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hit him. He still remembered the big lottery numbers from before the apocalypse. He could hit the jackpot and start strong from there. It was a foolproof plan, but there was one problem: Kael wasn't old enough to play, and he knew his parents wouldn't do it for him. His father was staunchly against gambling, not believing in luck, and his mother would never oppose his father on such a matter.
Kael stood there, grinding his teeth, knowing this was the only fast and guaranteed method. The frustration gnawed at him as he realized how close he was to a solution, yet how far it seemed due to circumstances beyond his control. He clenched his fists, the weight of his situation pressing heavily on him.
As Kael was deep in thought, he suddenly heard a whisper in his ear. It was Arkael. "I already see you've encountered your first obstacle. Speak, human—what is the problem?"
Kael, caught off guard by the god's sudden intrusion, tried to lighten the mood with a joke. "Aren't you a god? Can't you read minds?"
But Arkael was not amused. His voice, majestic and filled with divine authority, was cold and stern. "Fool! How dare you disrespect me. And how ignorant of you—if we could read minds, you would already be dead. The other gods would have no need to constantly monitor you if they could simply pry into your thoughts. Do not take your safety for granted, mortal."
Kael felt a chill run down his spine. The weight of Arkael's words hung heavy in the air. He realized the gravity of his situation. He needed to navigate these treacherous waters with caution and strategy.
Arkael's presence seemed to fill the room, his form radiating an aura of power and ancient wisdom. Kael, now apprehensive and feeling vulnerable, pondered whether he could trust Arkael. He thought to himself, I've already been betrayed by gods once. What's stopping him from doing the same to me? He could abandon me in an instant. I must be more cautious.
Arkael interrupted Kael's thoughts, his voice cutting through the tension. "Even though I cannot read your mind, fool mortal, I can read your face. You are afraid. Know this: I am not like them. I seek revenge for their betrayal as well. So until then, you have nothing to fear from me."
Kael's apprehension eased slightly. He took a deep breath and explained his plan, detailing the numbers he remembered and the obstacles he faced. Arkael listened intently, a faint smile playing on his lips as he processed the information.
Arkael's laughter, resonant and powerful, filled the room. "Ah, a simple solution, indeed! You seek to play the lottery, yet you lack the means. Fear not, for I shall assist you."
With a dramatic wave of his hand, Arkael transformed into a human form. Kael's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed a god taking on a mortal guise. This was a sight he had never expected, as in his old world, gods were barred from descending to Earth directly. They could only manifest through their strongest followers, known as messengers.
Kael, shaking his head in disbelief, managed to say, "How is this possible? I can't believe my eyes. A god becoming human?"
Arkael's eyes glinted with amusement. "Do not be so surprised. Time and reality bend to my will. I am capable of many things. And yes, I have had many identities throughout my eternal existence, a means to remain hidden from the eyes of the other gods."
Kael took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. "But you need an ID to buy the ticket."
Arkael laughed, a sound filled with ancient mirth. "Do you think I am unaware? My identities are numerous, a clever disguise to elude the gaze of the divine. Now, quickly, human. I do not relish this form."
Kael hurriedly provided the lottery numbers, his hands shaking slightly. Arkael took the numbers and, with a final nod, prepared to leave. The urgency of the situation hung heavy in the air, and Kael knew that even as their financial situation was improving, he still had a pressing need to increase his own strength.
Recognizing the dire situation and his urgent need for help, Kael turned to Arkael with a mix of fear and determination. "Knowing that you can do anything, I need to ask for your assistance. The situation is really bad."
Arkael smiled, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Finally, you admit your need for help. I can assist you, but the decision is entirely up to you. I can grant you my martial arts—the very techniques that enabled me to ascend to godhood. However, it is no easy feat. You will need to endure immense pain. To even begin receiving these arts, every bone in your body will break, every muscle will tear apart. You will be reborn as a vessel capable of wielding my techniques. But be warned: if you lose focus, you will die, and there will be no second chance."
Kael's heart raced at the thought of such suffering. Yet, he understood there was no other viable option. Despite his trepidation, he agreed to undergo the grueling process.
Arkael continued, his voice carrying a tone of divine command. "Go to the Mountain of the Old Wrath. There, I have engraved everything you need to proceed. It is the place where you will begin your journey to acquire strength."
With a heavy heart and determined resolve, Kael set out on his arduous journey to the Mountain of the Old Wrath, seeking the strength he so desperately needed.