The morning light filtered faintly through the curtains of Gabriel’s office as Ethan stepped inside for the first time. The room was unexpectedly elegant, blending a military aesthetic with touches of biblical grandeur. The walls were adorned with framed sketches and paintings, one of which bore a striking resemblance to Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam,” though in this version, the hands did not touch but instead hovered apart, separated by a sliver of glowing energy. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient tomes and artifacts—a testament to Gabriel’s divine heritage.
The desk at the center of the room was simple yet commanding, its surface meticulously organized with neatly stacked papers, an inkstand, and a single feather quill that seemed more ornamental than practical. Behind the desk sat Gabriel, his piercing eyes focused on Ethan as he gestured for him to take a seat.
Ethan hesitated for a moment before sitting down, feeling the weight of the atmosphere pressing on him. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled as he spoke. “You’ve requested a radio,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “May I ask why?”
Ethan straightened up, trying to sound as respectful as possible. “I thought it might help me learn more about the realm, sir. News, culture… anything that could give me an edge in understanding where I am.”
Gabriel’s lips twitched in a faint smile. “A practical answer. Good. But let me remind you, Ethan: distractions are a double-edged sword. While a radio may provide you with knowledge, it can just as easily pull your focus away from your training. Discipline is the foundation of survival here.”
Ethan nodded quickly. “I understand, sir. I’ll make sure it doesn’t interfere.”
For a moment, Gabriel studied him in silence, then reached into a drawer and pulled out a stamped approval slip. “Very well. Take this to the logistics unit. They’ll issue you a standard-issue radio. Use it wisely.”
Ethan took the slip with a small bow of gratitude. “Thank you, sir.”
As he turned to leave, Gabriel’s voice stopped him. “One more thing, Ethan. Don’t forget why you’re here. Knowledge is important, but survival takes precedence. Keep your priorities straight.”
“I will, sir,” Ethan replied, before stepping out of the office.
----------------------------------------
The logistics unit was a bustling hub of activity, with recruits and staff moving in and out, collecting supplies and equipment. After handing over his approval slip, Ethan was directed to a counter where a gruff-looking quartermaster handed him a small, boxy radio. It was old-fashioned in design, with a dial for tuning and an antenna that could be extended or retracted.
“Take care of it,” the quartermaster grunted. “These things are sturdy, but they’re not indestructible.”
Ethan nodded, thanking the man before heading back to his room. As he walked through the halls, he couldn’t help but think about how much had changed in just a week.
----------------------------------------
When Ethan entered his room, it felt markedly different from the barren space he had first arrived in. The bed was now neatly made, though the blanket was slightly askew, evidence of his rushed mornings. The once-empty desk was cluttered with newspapers, a toolkit, and three notebooks: one for vague observations, another for detailed notes from theory classes, and a third for sketches and miscellaneous thoughts. The diary with the “D” on the cover lay on the bedside table, its pages partially filled with Ethan’s scrawled handwriting.
The faint smell of warm bread, paper, and ink lingered in the air, a comforting mixture that made the room feel more like a personal haven. The sofa had a small side table beside it, where a toolkit rested, filled with screwdrivers, pliers, and other basic tools he had borrowed from the logistics unit.
Ethan placed the radio on the kitchen counter, carefully extending its antenna. After fiddling with the dial for a moment, he found a channel broadcasting soft instrumental music. Satisfied, he left it playing in the background as he opened the small pantry. The military provided basic rations: bread, eggs, fresh vegetables, and even a few packets of instant noodles—a nod to the human cravings that even this realm seemed to acknowledge.
As he prepared a light meal of scrambled eggs and toast, the radio shifted to a news broadcast. The announcer’s voice was crisp and professional:
“In the main city of Region 13, Infernia, the Knights of Veles successfully apprehended a notorious criminal, who has been sentenced to either erasure or forced reincarnation as a lower creature. Meanwhile, a new line of enchanted tools has been released in the marketplace, promising increased efficiency for both combat and domestic use. Finally, the Council of Pluto has announced a temporary restriction on inter-regional travel due to rising tensions in Region 21.”
Ethan listened intently, absorbing the information. “Infernia,” he muttered to himself. “A city named after fire and the underworld. Fitting for a place governed by gods like Pluto and Veles.”
As the announcer moved on to less relevant topics, Ethan turned his attention back to the radio itself. He adjusted the tuning dial slightly, testing its range. “So this is the distance it can cover,” he murmured. “Not bad, but if I want to learn more about this realm as a whole, I’ll need something with a broader signal range. Maybe there’s a way to modify it…”
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
His thoughts trailed off as he continued tinkering, wondering if any of the channels broadcast music or programs beyond news and updates. “I’ll have to explore more later,” he said, making a mental note to revisit the idea when he had spare time.
With his meal ready, Ethan sat down at the small dining table, the soft hum of the radio filling the room. Despite the challenges of the past week, this quiet moment of normalcy felt oddly comforting. As he ate, his mind wandered to the possibilities the radio could offer—not just as a source of information, but as a connection to the world around him.
The evening air was filled with a low hum of anticipation as the recruits gathered in the multi-purpose hall, its wide expanse illuminated by soft, golden lights embedded into the high ceiling. The room was simple yet functional, with rows of chairs arranged in neat lines and a raised stage at the far end. Ethan stood with his team near the middle, his gaze distant as he absently rubbed his thumb against his palm, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, the others were engaged in hushed conversations. Herbie, ever the chatterbox, leaned toward Iris, his expression animated. “I’m telling you, if they’re making us stand here this long, it has to be something big. Maybe they’re bringing out real weapons tonight.”
Iris rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Or maybe it’s another lecture. Honestly, Herbie, you should save your energy for actual training.”
“Lecture or not,” Zane interjected, leaning casually against a nearby chair, “it’s better than running laps until our legs fall off. Besides, knowledge is power, right?” His tone was light, but his sharp gaze flicked to Yin Xue, who stood silently at the edge of their group, her hands clasped in front of her.
Yin Xue’s voice was soft but carried an edge of quiet authority. “Power without discipline is useless. Whatever they’re teaching us, it’s meant to shape us into something more. You should listen.”
Herbie groaned dramatically. “Fine, fine. But if it’s boring, don’t blame me for nodding off.”
The faint creak of the doors at the back of the hall interrupted their exchange. Heads turned as the room fell silent. Gabriel entered first, his posture as commanding as ever, followed closely by Rudra and several other supervisors. Their presence was enough to stifle any remaining whispers. Gabriel’s piercing gaze swept across the room, ensuring that everyone’s attention was focused.
Rudra ascended the stage with a fluid grace, his robes billowing slightly as if moved by an unseen wind. He stepped to the center, clasping his hands behind his back. “Good evening, recruits,” he began, his deep voice resonating through the hall. “Tonight, we delve into the essence of what sustains this realm and the core of your potential: Prana.”
As he spoke, the air above the stage shimmered, and a projection screen seemed to materialize out of thin air. It glowed faintly before displaying intricate diagrams and symbols. The first image depicted a flowing river of light, connecting various celestial bodies.
“Prana is the divine energy that drives everything in this realm,” Rudra explained, gesturing toward the screen. “It is the force that fuels life, shapes reality, and binds the mortal to the divine. To exist here is to be intertwined with Prana. It permeates the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the very ground beneath your feet.”
The screen shifted, now showing a human figure surrounded by an aura of light, streams of energy flowing into and out of it. “For you, recruits, Prana is both a resource and a responsibility. Learning to channel it effectively will determine how far you can go in this realm. Misuse it, and it may consume you instead.”
Ethan’s eyes sharpened, his daze giving way to focused curiosity. The concept of Prana intrigued him, its vast implications stirring something deep within.
Rudra continued, his tone unwavering. “By stepping into this realm, each of you has already undergone an initial awakening. This process, while rare in the mortal world, is a natural consequence of entering a divine plane. It grants you the ability to channel Prana, though not all awakenings are created equal.”
The screen changed again, now displaying two distinct symbols: one resembling a glowing flame, the other a radiant star. “There are two primary types of awakened,” Rudra explained. “The first and most common is the Innately Awakened. This is what most of you are. Each Innately Awakened individual possesses a unique ability or skill. These abilities are as varied as the stars in the sky. Some may allow you to manipulate your form, wield elemental powers, or even summon creatures to aid you in battle. The potential is vast, but it is up to you to cultivate it.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, recruits glancing at one another with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Ethan’s hands clenched at his sides, his heart pounding as he imagined the possibilities.
Rudra raised a hand, silencing the room once more. “The second type is far rarer: the Blessed Awakened. To become one, you must not only excel in your abilities but also attract the attention of a god. A divine blessing is both a gift and a testament to your worth. Some gods have thousands of followers blessed in their name, while others have none. It all depends on the deity and their judgment.”
The screen shifted to display an ethereal image of a golden harp surrounded by radiant light. “Blessings granted by gods often manifest as buffs or enhancements. They may not be overtly combat-oriented, but they are invaluable on the battlefield. For example, a blessing from Aphrodite might grant you unparalleled charisma, allowing you to inspire allies and disarm foes with mere words. Such blessings are as versatile as they are powerful.”
As Rudra spoke, Ethan felt a surge of excitement, his hands trembling slightly. The idea of becoming a Blessed Awakened, of gaining the recognition of a god, ignited a fire within him. His mind raced with questions and possibilities. Could he achieve such a feat? What would it take? And which god, if any, would deem him worthy?
Rudra’s voice softened, his gaze sweeping across the recruits. “Remember, your journey has only just begun. Whether you are Innately Awakened or aspire to become Blessed, your growth depends on your determination and discipline. Prana is both a gift and a challenge. Embrace it, and you may find yourself capable of greatness beyond imagination.”
The room was silent, every recruit lost in their thoughts. For Ethan, the silence was electric, charged with possibility. His clenched fists relaxed, but his eyes remained alight with determination. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since arriving in this realm, he felt a glimmer of purpose.
And he wasn’t about to let it slip away.