Chereads / Elemental Warborn / Chapter 2 - Chapter 2:The War God's Offer

Chapter 2 - Chapter 2:The War God's Offer

Bolt's consciousness drifted in a void of absolute nothingness.There was no sky, no ground—just an endless abyss stretching in all directions. He felt weightless, neither falling nor standing. Was he dead? The last thing he remembered was collapsing in the rain, body battered, mind shattered.Then, a voice—deep, commanding, ancient."You are chosen."Bolt's eyes snapped open, his breath caught in his throat. Before him stood a colossal figure, its presence alone sending shivers down his spine.The God of War.The being radiated a divine power unlike anything Bolt had ever felt. His towering form was wrapped in battle-worn armor, engraved with symbols of ancient wars. Scars lined his muscular arms, each one whispering tales of countless battles. His eyes burned like molten gold, and in his right hand, he wielded a massive war axe, humming with raw destructive energy.Even standing still, the god exuded dominance, as if the universe itself bowed before him.Bolt swallowed hard. "Who… are you?"The god smirked. "I have been called many things. The Slayer of Kings. The Conqueror of Chaos. The Eternal Warlord." His voice was like thunder, shaking the very fabric of the void. "But to you, I am simply the God of War."Bolt's heartbeat pounded in his ears. He had heard stories—legends of divine beings who controlled the fate of warriors. But now, standing in front of one, those stories felt insignificant.The god took a step forward, and the void trembled beneath him."You have suffered," the god stated, his golden eyes piercing through Bolt. "Betrayed by those meant to protect you. Rejected by those meant to stand beside you."Bolt clenched his fists."And yet, you survived."His words carried weight, as if he were acknowledging something greater than mere endurance."Now, the world is changing. The Awakening has begun. Humans have gained elemental abilities—but you, boy, are different."Bolt's breath hitched."You have been granted the power of all elements. Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Ice, Shadow, and Lightning—they are yours to command."Bolt's mind raced. It made sense. The moment he awakened, he felt something raw, something limitless coursing through him. He didn't just control a single element like everyone else. He had them all.The war god's gaze darkened. "But raw power means nothing without strength. Without control, you are just a fool holding a sword too heavy to wield."Bolt exhaled sharply. "Then teach me."The god chuckled. "You wish to become strong? Then you must step onto the battlefield."With a wave of his hand, a shimmering portal appeared, swirling with golden energy.Through it, Bolt saw an academy—a massive institution surrounded by towering walls. It looked like an ordinary school at first glance, but there was something different about it. The air hummed with power. The training grounds were filled with students sparring, unleashing flames, controlling water, summoning gusts of wind, and cracking the ground beneath their feet.This wasn't just a school.It was a place where the strong thrived."This is the Academy of Elemental Warfare." The war god's voice carried weight. "A place where awakened warriors hone their abilities. There, you will train, fight, and rise."Bolt's mind raced. It was perfect. If he wanted to survive, if he wanted to master his abilities, this was the best place for it.But then, reality struck him like a punch to the gut.He was broke.Even before his family abandoned him, he barely had enough money to eat. How was he supposed to pay for an elite academy?His lips tightened. "I can't afford it."For a moment, there was silence.Then—The God of War laughed.Not just a quiet chuckle, but a deep, thunderous roar that shook the very void.Bolt scowled. "What's so funny?!"The god smirked, amusement glinting in his golden eyes. "You are thinking like a mortal."With a flick of his hand, a golden bag materialized before Bolt. The air around it warped from the sheer energy it contained."I will pay your tuition." The god's voice was calm, yet firm. "Consider it an investment."Bolt exhaled in relief. "Alright, then—""But."The god's voice sharpened like a blade."That is all I will give you."Bolt stiffened. "What?""Your entrance is secured, but everything else—your food, weapons, survival? That is your responsibility."Bolt's stomach twisted. "You're a literal god. You could just—"The war god's aura surged, drowning out his words. The sheer force of it nearly crushed Bolt, sending shivers down his spine."I am not here to coddle you." His voice was final, unwavering. "You have been granted power beyond mortals. Now, you must learn to earn your strength."Bolt gritted his teeth."Fine," he muttered. "I'll take care of myself."The god's smirk returned. "Good."The golden portal pulsed, growing brighter. Its energy crackled, sending sparks through the void.The war god's voice echoed one last time. "Step through, and your journey begins. There is no turning back."Bolt's fists clenched.He had nothing. No family. No home. No wealth.But now?He had a chance.A chance to become something more.His breath steadied. His eyes burned with determination.He stepped forward.Light engulfed him.And then—Everything changed.