The aftermath of the battle left the park in a tense hush, interrupted only by the occasional murmurs of the crowd. Aryan stood amidst the remnants of the Hobgoblin's defeat, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. He knew the peace wouldn't last long; the portal's emergence was just the beginning.
The crowd slowly began to disperse, but a few lingered, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and awe. Among them, Aryan noticed a familiar face—Riya, a young reporter for a local news channel. She approached cautiously, holding a microphone, her cameraman trailing behind.
"Aryan, wasn't it?" Riya's voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed her nervousness. "You've just saved a lot of people. Can we get a few words for the viewers?"
Aryan hesitated. Public attention was something he needed to manage carefully. Too much exposure could draw unwanted scrutiny from those he sought to avoid. Yet, a well-placed message could serve as a warning and a call to arms.
"Just doing what needed to be done," Aryan said, keeping his tone measured. "This is only the beginning. More portals will appear, and with them, more dangers. People need to prepare and stay vigilant."
Riya nodded, her expression serious. "Are you saying there will be more of these… dungeons?"
"Yes," Aryan confirmed. "And the monsters that come through them will only grow stronger. But so will those who stand up to fight."
With that, Aryan turned and walked away, leaving Riya to wrap up her report. He knew he had to act quickly. The dungeons would continue to spawn, and with each one, the threat to the world would escalate. But they also presented an opportunity—for power, for resources, and for the unearthing of hidden secrets that could turn the tide in the coming war.
Back at his apartment, Aryan sat down to plan his next steps. He opened his Status Window, reviewing the changes.
[Status Window]
Name (Age): Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Level: 1
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 14
Agility: 14
Aura: 10
Intelligence: 10
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
None
The boost in his stats had given him an edge, but it wasn't enough. He needed to level up, to grow stronger and unlock new skills. He also needed to find the hidden dungeons scattered across the city and beyond. The Aura Stones and items they contained would be crucial in rebuilding his strength.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Aryan got up, cautious, and opened it to find an old friend, Rahul, standing there with a broad smile.
"Aryan! I saw you on the news!" Rahul exclaimed, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "You've already become a hero."
Aryan managed a small smile. "It's not about being a hero, Rahul. There's a lot more at stake here."
Rahul's expression turned serious. "I know. That's why I'm here. I want to help."
Aryan studied Rahul for a moment. He remembered his friend's potential from the previous timeline, how he had grown into a formidable Awakened warrior. But that had been after a slow start. This time, Aryan could change that, help Rahul awaken his power sooner.
"You really want to help?" Aryan asked, his tone firm.
Rahul nodded. "Absolutely."
"Then you need to awaken," Aryan said. "And fast."
The next day, Aryan took Rahul to a secluded area in the outskirts of the city. He explained the basics of the Awakening process—how one had to face and overcome a life-threatening situation to trigger the latent potential within.
They didn't have to wait long. Another portal had opened nearby, this time emitting a horde of E-rank Goblins. Aryan stepped back, letting Rahul take the lead. He watched as Rahul hesitated, fear flickering in his eyes as the Goblins charged.
"Remember, Rahul," Aryan called out, "this is your moment. Fight or die. Awaken or fall."
Rahul took a deep breath, his grip tightening on the iron rod Aryan had given him. As the first Goblin lunged, Rahul swung with all his might, the rod connecting with the Goblin's head and sending it sprawling.
A sudden surge of energy coursed through Rahul, his body glowing faintly. Aryan smiled. Rahul was Awakening.
[Status Window]Name (Age): Rahul Patel (22)Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: E
Level: 1
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Aura: 10
Intelligence: 10
Unallocated Stats: 10
Skills:
None
"Yes!" Rahul shouted, feeling the newfound power within him. He charged at the next Goblin, each strike more confident and powerful than the last.
Aryan watched with satisfaction. This was the first step in assembling his future guild, the beginning of a new era where he would control the destiny that had once eluded him.
The path was clear, and Aryan was ready to walk it.