The story of his birth echoed in Gershion’s mind as he closed the door to his room. He stood there for a moment, staring at the empty walls, the weight of Miss Fiona’s words pressing down on him. He wasn’t like everyone else. He was different, marked from birth. The village saw him as a curse, but Miss Fiona believed he was something more. The question gnawed at him—what?

He couldn’t just sit around waiting for the answer. His low celestial essence didn’t have to define him. There had to be another way, a path that wasn’t written in the stars.

Determined, Gershion sat at his desk and pulled out his small, worn-out laptop. It was slow, the screen flickering at the edges, but it worked. He opened a browser and began researching Celestial Guilds—the prestigious organizations that trained the best celestial warriors.

As he scrolled through list after list of guilds, each more impressive than the last—Radiant Dawn, Stormcallers, Astral Legion—his heart sank. These guilds were legendary. They trained the most powerful defenders of humanity. But every one of them had a minimum essence requirement, and his pitiful score of two wouldn’t even get him through their front door.

"None of them would accept me," he muttered, frustration building inside him as he clicked through the endless requirements.

But he didn’t let that frustration crush him. “Fine. If the guilds don’t want me, I’ll make my own way.”

His search shifted to something else: *portals.* Portals were gateways to other realms, where celestial warriors honed their skills, gathered resources, and earned recognition. They were rifts in space, connecting Earth to pockets of reality filled with demons and creatures most people couldn’t comprehend. It was where awakeners went to test their strength and train in combat.

After a while, one portal stood out to him: *Genesis*. According to reports, Genesis was the most explored and the safest angelic portal for beginners. It was still dangerous, filled with low-level demons and hostile creatures, but manageable—even for someone like him.

"Genesis... this might be my chance," he whispered to himself, a spark of hope igniting.

Most portals had a human community established at the entrance, a base camp where supplies, weapons, and basic gear were sold to newcomers like him. The camp also had teleportation facilities and barracks for resting between dungeon runs, ensuring safety within the human-held zone.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

"This is it," Gershion decided. If no guild would accept him, he’d prove himself in Genesis. Alone.

With newfound determination, he jotted down a list of basic necessities: food, water, basic weapons—anything he could afford to survive. His celestial essence might be weak, but that didn’t mean he had to be helpless.

Satisfied with his plan, he closed his laptop and went to find Miss Fiona. She was in the kitchen, humming softly as she cleaned up from dinner. When she saw him, she smiled warmly.

“Gershion, is everything alright?”

He nodded, though anxiety churned in his gut. “Miss Fiona, I... I need your help.”

Her smile faded, concern etching her features. “Of course, what is it?”

Taking a deep breath, Gershion explained, “I’ve decided to enter a portal. I’ve been doing research, and I think the Genesis portal is the safest place for someone like me to start. But I’ll need some supplies. Can I... borrow some money? Just enough to get what I need.”

Miss Fiona blinked in surprise. “A portal? Gershion, you don’t have a celestial guild or anyone to guide you.”

“I know,” he said quickly, “but I can’t sit here doing nothing. I need to try. Maybe I don’t have a guild or a high essence, but I can still make something of myself. I have to.”

She sighed, her expression softening as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “I knew this day would come... I just hoped you’d have more support.” Her voice grew more somber. “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s dangerous out there, even in a portal like Genesis.”

“I don’t have a choice,” Gershion replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “I need to prove myself.”

Miss Fiona studied his face for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Alright. If this is what you’ve decided, I won’t stand in your way. I’ll give you the money for supplies. But please, Gershion... promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will,” he promised, relief washing over him. “Thank you.”

Miss Fiona reached into her purse and handed him some bills. “This should be enough to get you started.”

As he took the money, guilt crept into his chest. She had already done so much for him, and now he was asking for more. But there was no turning back now.

“Thank you, Miss Fiona. I won’t let you down.”

She shook her head, smiling sadly. “Just don’t let yourself down, Gershion.”

With a nod, Gershion hurried back to his room. Tomorrow, he’d enter the Genesis portal. It was risky, but it was his only shot. If the guilds wouldn’t take him, he’d carve his own path.

That night, he packed and prepared meticulously. A backpack, some rations, water, a basic sword, and a small shield—everything he could afford. It wasn’t much, but it would have to do.

As he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, doubts crept in. Was he really ready for this? Could he survive out there on his own? The voice he’d heard when he failed his celestial exam echoed in his mind.

“You are different, Gershion. You have something they can’t see.”

*Maybe I am different*, he thought. But different didn’t always mean stronger. Sometimes it meant cursed, rejected. Alone.

But tomorrow, he’d find out the truth.

He closed his eyes, steeling himself for what lay ahead. Whatever awaited him in Genesis, he would face it. Because he had no other choice.