The morning sun bathed the Awakening Academy in a warm, golden glow as students streamed through the towering gates. The air buzzed with excitement and nerves, the kind of energy that could only come from a day as monumental as this. Today, every student in the academy would awaken their Godhead—a moment that would define their destiny as gods.
Devid walked among the crowd, his steps steady but his heart racing. He adjusted the strap of his satchel and glanced at the bustling groups around him. Friends teased one another, some whispered their hopes, while others simply tried to hide their nerves. Unlike them, Devid carried a secret. He wasn't from this world. As a transmigrator from Earth, he had spent years blending in, carefully concealing the truth. Today, he would take another step into a life he was still getting used to.
"Hey, Devid! Think you'll awaken as the God of Napkins or maybe the God of Missing Socks?" Jayden's voice rang out from behind him, laced with the usual mischief.
Devid turned and smirked. "Better than the God of Useless Banter, which is clearly your calling."
Jayden grinned, throwing an arm around Devid's shoulder. "Harsh, but fair. Honestly, though, I'm betting on something boring for you. Maybe God of Accounting. You look the type."
Before Devid could reply, a familiar voice cut in. "Or maybe he'll surprise us all and awaken as the God of Excuses." Celia stepped into view, her tone sharp but playful. Her confidence always left Devid tongue-tied, though he hid it well.
"Whatever it is," Celia continued, "let's just hope it's not something embarrassing. I wouldn't want to die laughing today."
The three of them laughed as they approached the Awakening Hall, though Devid's thoughts wandered. The towering structure loomed ahead, its intricate carvings glowing faintly with divine energy. This was where their destinies would unfold.
Inside the hall, rows of students lined up before the awakening platforms. The air was thick with anticipation as one by one, they stepped forward, their Godheads revealed in celestial visions that lit up the sky above. Each vision was unique, showcasing the divine realms and powers tied to their awakening.
Mira, a shy girl from their class, stepped onto the platform. Moments later, the sky above the hall bloomed with images of endless forests, teeming with life and vibrancy. "The Goddess of the Verdant Bloom," the hall's overseer announced, and applause erupted. Mira beamed as she descended, her confidence visibly growing.
Devid's turn came sooner than he expected. He ascended the platform, feeling the weight of countless eyes. As he closed his eyes, a surge of energy engulfed him. It started as a faint warmth in his chest, growing until it felt like his entire being was alight.
When he opened his eyes, the vision in the sky was unmistakable. A sprawling cosmic marketplace took shape, its sheer scale breathtaking. Stalls and shops lined endless avenues, bustling with traders and patrons from countless worlds. Portals shimmered at the edges, connecting this grand market to distant realms. At the heart of it all was a magnificent golden palace, its gates adorned with the words: God of All Trade.
Whispers filled the hall.
"Trade? That's... different."
"Is he even a real god or just a glorified shopkeeper?"
Devid stepped down from the platform, the teasing starting immediately. Jayden smirked. "So, when do we get discounts? Friends and family deals, right?"
Celia's laughter was light but cutting. "Don't forget loyalty points. Maybe you'll even have a bargain bin."
Devid rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his small smile. The sarcasm didn't bother him; if anything, it kept things normal. But his mind was elsewhere. He could still hear the voice that had spoken to him during his awakening:
"System activated. Welcome, Devid, the God of All Trade. Your trading system is now online. Access to the multiverse established."
Later that evening, Devid retreated to his quarters, eager to explore his newfound abilities. Closing his eyes, he willed himself into his God World. It was just as the vision had shown—a sprawling marketplace surrounded by an infinite starry expanse. Stalls and shops stood ready, waiting to be filled with goods from countless civilizations.
A glowing orb materialized before him, its voice calm and efficient. "Greetings, Master Devid. I am your system assistant. This world will grow as you gain power. Transactions here will grant you resources—taxes, rents, and trade points. Faith is not your only path to strength; trade will be your true foundation."
Devid listened, absorbing every word. The system revealed options for auctions, restaurants, shops, and more. It spoke of portals that would connect his world to the multiverse, allowing beings from countless civilizations to trade, grow, and prosper. Tokens would serve as entry passes to his cosmic market, and his unique economy would use currencies like Divine Stones, Faith Points, and Trade Points.
For a moment, Devid stood in awe of the possibilities. The multiverse stretched before him, teeming with civilizations and opportunities. His journey was just beginning, but he knew one thing for certain—this was his path, and he intended to walk it to its fullest.