Shubhu touched his altered face, still adjusting to the weight of his new identity. No longer just an ordinary scientist, he now wore the mask of a different man, a forgotten heir with a hidden purpose in this new, unpredictable world.
Not far ahead, Shubhu spotted a small village nestled against the backdrop of mountains. If he was to gather information and resources, this village could be the first step. As he approached the entrance, a short, intense-looking guard blocked his path. Despite his stature, the guard's eyes gleamed with fierce determination. He held a spear firmly, his presence alone making it clear he was not to be underestimated.
"Stop right there," the guard said sternly. "Who are you, and which god's heir do you serve?"
Shubhu hesitated for a moment, quickly recalling the cover he had decided upon for his new life. He needed to conceal his true identity, especially with enemies all around. After a pause, he replied, "I am the heir of the God of Dust, a forgotten deity."
The guard's eyes narrowed. "Touch the 'Stone of Truth'," he commanded, gesturing to a dull stone nearby. "It will reveal whether you mean harm."
Shubhu inwardly called out to the spirits that resided within him. Their presence surged, calming his nerves. Placing his hand on the stone, he waited. A few tense seconds passed before the stone began to glow softly, indicating he was not evil.
The guard exhaled in relief. "It's good you passed. Be careful out there, though. There's been talk of someone targeting god heirs. Even us low-tier heirs must remain cautious. What's your name, brother?"
Shubhu answered without hesitation. "Shiva."
The guard nodded. "Remember, Shiva, this world is not what it once was."
Continuing on his way, Shubhu set his sights on the nearby Adventurer Guild. If he was to survive, he needed resources, allies, and most importantly, information.
Upon reaching the guild, Shubhu was greeted by a powerful-looking warrior standing near the entrance. His gaze was sharp, instantly recognizing something familiar in Shubhu.
"You're from Earth, aren't you?" the warrior asked.
Shubhu gave a small nod, unsure of what would come next.
"I am Satya," the man continued, his tone proud. "Heir of the God of Destruction, Shiva." His stature and aura exuded confidence, and it was clear he was no ordinary heir. Satya was a high-tier god's heir, his power palpable in the air around him.
Satya helped guide Shubhu through the guild's registration process. "To be part of this guild, you'll need to prove yourself," Satya explained. "There's a task for beginners—a dungeon run. F-rank. It's simple enough. Retrieve the 'Stone of Blood,' and you'll have your first payment and resources to begin your journey."
Shubhu listened carefully. This was a new challenge, but he could feel the spirits within him encouraging him forward. It wasn't just a task; it was his next step toward understanding this world.
---
The Dungeon's Call
The dungeon loomed ahead, its stone walls casting eerie shadows in the fading daylight. Shubhu stood at the entrance, contemplating his next move when he noticed a small group gathering nearby.
A calm and focused young man stepped forward. "I'm Ansh, heir of the God of the Pond," he said, nodding respectfully. Behind him stood a confident figure, "Kavi, heir of the God of Knives," and a fiery-eyed young woman named Tara, who was the heir of the God of Fire. Each of them carried a distinct aura of their godly heritage.
"You're alone?" Ansh asked.
Shubhu nodded. "Yes, I came alone."
Ansh frowned slightly. "You shouldn't go in by yourself. This place can be dangerous, even for low-tier heirs like us. We'll team up. It's safer that way."
Shubhu considered their words. It was true, he had been feeling the weight of isolation since arriving in this world. Maybe, for now, it was wise to align himself with others. "Alright, I'll join you," he agreed.
A faint smile appeared on Ansh's face. "Good choice. We also have someone stronger to help us—a mid-tier god's heir."
Just then, a figure appeared from the distance. Ansh bowed slightly. "Karan, thank you for joining us."
Karan stepped into the group with a confident smile. He looked ordinary at first glance, but Shubhu sensed something deeper—an unspoken power that lay beneath the surface.
"I'm here to help," Karan said, his voice calm yet commanding. "We'll conquer this dungeon together."
Shubhu silently observed him. Though Karan seemed friendly enough, something about him felt off, like a piece of the puzzle that didn't quite fit. He chose to keep his thoughts to himself for now.
With the team assembled, they ventured into the dungeon together. Shubhu could feel the presence of the spirits growing stronger within him. They, too, were preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
This was more than just a dungeon crawl; it was the beginning of something far greater. A journey marked by danger, allies, and perhaps even sacrifice.
---
Characters Introduced:
1. Shubhu (posing as Shiva) – The protagonist, heir to the God of Dust (disguised).
2. Guard – A cautious, low-tier god heir protecting the village.
3. Satya – Heir of the God of Destruction (Shiva), a high-tier god's heir.
4. Ansh – Heir of the God of the Pond, one of Shubhu's companions.
5. Kavi – Heir of the God of Knives, another companion.
6. Tara – Heir of the God of Fire, a determined and fiery individual.
7. Karan – A mid-tier god's heir, strong yet mysterious, who joins the group for the dungeon quest.
8. Spirits – Shubhu's inner companions, giving him strength and guidance.