As the students excitedly moved forward to check their mana affinity, a floating screen appeared in front of Eagan with the words. "Congratulations; you have met the basic requirements, and you have been chosen by the gods."
"Would you like to proceed with your training as a chosen of the gods?" He looked away from the screen and then outside the window, and once again punched himself.
"Am I really experiencing the things I have read in books?' he mused, unable to hide his excitement.
'I have been given a second chance at life, and even now, I have a system!'
'But what does it mean I have been chosen by gods?' He pondered, his brows furrowed in confusion.
No matter how much he stared at the screen, he couldn't bring himself to understand what it meant.
As if sensing his hesitation, the words on the screen changed, and it read, "Do you wish to save humanity from their impending doom?"
Eagan's eyes widened as he read the new words, his mind racing with questions.
'Save humanity from their impending fall?'
'Is it talking about the event of thirty years in the future?'
"Yes. I am talking about the second and final apocalypse you experienced in the last moment of your past life! The one where humanity lost completely!" The screen's words changed according to Eagan's thoughts.
"Can you help me change that fate?" Eagan asked with scepticism in his tone. 'Can you really stop the world from ending?'
"Of course, however, I can't do it myself, which is why I am seeking your help! Unless you agree to our proposal, the Earth's final struggle will be decided quicker than the one you knew in your past life, and no one will survive."
Without needing any more convictions, Eagan's finger hovered over the screen, hesitating for a moment before making his decision. He nodded to himself, and his finger passed through the screen once more.
"Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
The screen flickered, and a new message appeared: "Congratulations, Chosen One. Your training will begin immediately. Prepare yourself for the trials ahead."
As Eagan read the message, the classroom around him began to fade away. Miss Chloe's voice grew distant, and the students' chatter became a muted hum.
Eagan felt himself being pulled toward a realm beyond the academy. An abyss where no light exists.
Suddenly, he stood in a vast, open plain, surrounded by towering mountains. The sky above was a deep, foreboding crimson with two blood moons.
A figure emerged from the shadows—a woman with piercing blue eyes and golden hair. Behind her, a bright halo, a radiant and otherworldly aura, illuminated her ethereal beauty.
It was as if the very essence of light had taken a human form. Eagan stated in shock and awe as her blue eyes gazed into his soul.
"Welcome, Eagan. The chosen one of the gods and the bearer of Earth's will," she said, her voice low and mysterious. "I am Arianna, your guide on this journey."
Arianna's words echoed within Eagan's mind, resonating with an otherworldly weight. Her voice sounded just as beautiful and peaceful as her appearance, lolling all Eagan's worries and confusion to sleep.
As he stood transfixed, the crimson sky seemed to deepen, and the blood moons cast an eerie glow on the surrounding landscape.
"Bearer of Earth's Will?" Eagan repeated, his tone filled with confusion and scepticism. "What does that mean?"
Arianna's enigmatic smile hinted at secrets untold. "You, Eagan, have been chosen to wield the planet's essence. Its power courses through your veins, awaiting release."
"Your training will prepare you for the trials ahead," she continued. "Trials that will test your resolve, strength, and wisdom. Are you prepared to face what lies within and beyond?"
"So let me get this straight," Eagan breathed out. "The gods have chosen me to save the world." He asked.
"Yes," Arianna replied.
"Why?" He questioned. "Why did they choose me of all the millions of talented people on earth?"
"Why was I, who remained weak till my last breath, chosen to be the saviour of humanity?"
Taken aback by his sudden question, Arianna remained silent for a brief moment. Flustered by his ability to remain sane and composed in the presence of a greater being.
"I am in no position to answer your question," she replied. "I am just a messenger and a guide sent to watch over you."
Arianna's response only fuelled Eagan's scepticism. "You're just a messenger and guide, but can't answer my questions?" He pressed, his tone laced with doubt. "What's the point of having a guide if you can't provide clarity?"
Arianna's expression remained serene, but a hint of tension crept into her voice. "I can provide guidance, Eagan, but the gods' motivations are complex. You will need to seek answers from them directly."
Eagan's eyes narrowed. "And how do I do that?"
Arianna's smile returned, though it seemed slightly forced. "In time, you will have the opportunity to communicate with the gods. But first, you must focus on your training."
Eagan's scepticism deepened at the vague answer he was getting from the guide. "So, the gods are going to give me powers to save humanity, but what's in it for them?" He crossed his arms, his gaze piercing. "What do they gain from this arrangement?"
"Would it not have been better for them to make more humans stronger? They should remove low-level hunters and give humanity more high-level hunters that can fight against the monsters."
Arianna's expression turned thoughtful, acknowledging Eagan's pointed questions. "The gods' methods may seem mysterious, but their intentions are pure. They seek balance, not overwhelming power."
"Balance?" Eagan repeated, incredulous. "By choosing a weakling like me to carry the burden of humanity?"
Arianna's gaze softened. "Your past experiences have shaped you, Eagan. Your unique perspective and resilience make you an ideal candidate."
Eagan's scepticism lingered, but Arianna's words sparked a glimmer of curiosity.
"Enough questions for now, as I have limited time to summon you into this dimension," Arianna said, her voice gentle but firm. "Your training begins immediately, as we do not have more time."
"As a chosen one, you will have access to the Divine Realm's resources," Arianna explained. "The screen you saw before coming here will be used as a means of communication between us, and occasionally you will be brought into this dimension."
"Your first task is to increase your mana affinity." She announced.
"How am I supposed to increase my mana affinity when I can't even feel mana? Did you not know my mana passageways are blocked?" Eagan tutted.
Arianna's expression remained serene, unfazed by Eagan's frustration. "Your mana passageways are indeed blocked, but that's a challenge to overcome. The Divine Realm will provide guidance."
Quest: Unblocking Mana Passageways.
Objective: Increase mana affinity.
The reward for completing the task:
One Divine Point. It is redeemable for skills or items.
Failure: You will get subjected to the trial of the disobedient. A day in a burning room.
One corruption point. It increases darkness within.
The time limit for the task is one week.
Eagan's eyes widened as the quest details appeared on the screen. "How do I unblock my mana passageways?" He asked.
"Mediation and focus," Arianna replied. "The Divine Realm will provide a meditation technique. Use it to clear your mind and unlock your mana potential."
"All props needed to clear the first task will be delivered to you in reality, as you cannot take anything out of this dimension until you get stronger." She explained.
"Now, return to the classroom," Arianna said, her smile warm. With a wave of her hand, the desolate landscape faded, replaced by the familiar classroom.
Eagan looked up to see Miss Chloe once again glaring at him.
"Are you seriously daydreaming in my classroom?" She demanded in annoyance. "Not only once but twice!"
"I'm sorry," Eagan replied calmly, ignoring the background noises of the students around him.
Messaging her temple, she walked back to the front of the classroom. "Come test your mana affinity!"
"Miss, is there a need?" Ryker mocked. "He can't even feel mana; how would he have it?"