The news of the Nasca Kingdom's sudden wealth spread across the continent like a wildfire. Within days, the once-struggling nation was overflowing with treasures, rare ores, and shimmering gems. To the outside world and other kingdoms, there was only one logical explanation a massive, untapped mining area had been discovered within The Kingdom of Nasca's borders.
The neighboring kingdoms like the Theocracy of Valerius to the north and the Iron-Bound Sultanate of Khorvegas to the east ,watched with eyes full of envy and jealousy. In their courts, the conversation was not about trade, but about acquisition.
A weak , small nation like Kingdom of Nasca has no right to hold such a fortune, the Sultan of Khorvegas sneered during an emergency council. Wealth belongs to those with the strength to keep it.
They assumed that Nasca would simply bow and hand over a major part of the "mines" once pressured. In their eyes, the weak didn't have rights they only had obligations to the strong. They began mobilizing their diplomats and shadow agents, never imagining for a moment that King Nasca would ever dare to disagree with their demands. After all they know in this world weak people don't even have the chance to choose their destiny.
Meanwhile, back in the quiet corners of the Nasca castle, Rudra was deep in his foundations training under Origin's watchful eye. He was practising his swordsmanship, his movements full of youthful energy.
"Mr. Origin!" Rudra shouted excitedly as he slashed his sword through the air sending a slash of concentrated magicules, the blade whistling. "When will I go and fight that Demon Lord Guy?"
Origin watched him. Looking at this energetic boy, he could hardly connect him to the image of the future strongest rival of Guy Crimson and The Strongest Hero. But his voice remained calm and strict.
Rudra, you are currently very weak. Too weak, Origin said. You would die just by being grazed by his haki. To reach a level where you can stand before him, you need to train very hard. It may take years, decades, or even centuries so that you can just withstand his intense powerful Haki.
Rudra stopped his swing, listening intently.
But first, Origin continued, we need to go and meet Ramiris.
Who is Ramiris?, Rudra asked.
Well, Ramiris is one of the strongest beings in the world, okay? And she is also the Queen of Spirits. we are going to go and meet her and have you get a blessing of her and a greater elemental spirit of light or darkness, okay? That way you get the Hero's Egg, and then we can begin our proper training. And be ready—it will be strict and dangerous, but don't worry you will not die, okay?
Rudra gulped, looking at the serious expression on Origin's face. He paused for a second, then nodded firmly. Okay, Origin!
Without another word, Origin grabbed Rudra's shoulder. The space around them twisted and folded as he teleported them away toward the Dwelling of Spirits.
As they arrived in the shimmering halls of the spirits, the Queen of Spirits herself immediately made her presence known.
Origin! How can you randomly teleport here? Ramiris shouted, flying toward them. Shouldn't you at least inform me that you are coming?
Well, sorry for not informing you, Ramiris, Origin replied casually. But I am here with the most promising candidate for Hero and student of Veldanava, who is currently under me for a while as I will train his foundation.
Origin stepped back, looking at Ramiris and waiting for her reaction. As expected, she was surprised. She hovered in front of Rudra, her eyes narrowed.
Are you sure he is the person Veldanava and you chose? she asked. Are you sure that he is ready for the task of fighting Guy and maintaining the title of The First Hero?, After all Guy is truly powerful.
Of course, don't you trust us, he will reach Guy's level Origin said.
Rudra took a deep breath, stepping forward to face the Queen. Ramiris, don't worry! I will train hard for this! I will make you understand that I am the best candidate for the title of The First Hero! I will reach the level of that Demon lord and defeat him.
Ramiris stopped her hovering and looked at him. You do indeed have courage to talk so big. So, I want to ask you... what is your dream?
World unification, Rudra replied instantly without any hesitation.
Ramiris was taken aback. World unification? Isn't that just another form of world domination?
"No," Rudra shook his head. I want to unite the world so that people can be happy. I want to create a world, a utopia, where conflicts could be settled through discussion and mutual respect rather than violence.
Ramiris stared at Rudra. You are indeed a naive boy, she said softly, but I respect your ideals and dreams. I hope you succeed. She looked over at Origin. He is indeed the best person for this title.
So, shouldn't we let him get the blessing? Origin asked.
Ramiris nodded. Well, if you agree, let's begin.
She turned toward the center of the hall and raised her hands high. The atmosphere in the Dwelling of Spirits shifted instantly. The ambient magicules, already thick enough to make a normal human faint, began to swirl into a localized cyclone of pure, white-bright energy.
Greater Elemental Spirit of Light! Come forth! Ramiris commanded with authority. A summoner is standing before you! See and check if he is worthy! Heed my call and come forth!
From the heart of the light, a silhouette emerged. It manifested as a small, joyful humanoid creature with distinctive long blonde hair and light blue eyes. The spirit had pointed ears and blue markings across its form that pulsed with "Holy" power. Looking at the spirit, Origin felt that it looked a bit similar to Rudra. No wonder elements take forms of their summoner's soul.
The Spirit of Light circled Rudra, feeling his soul, his ideas, and his ideals. Finally deciding, it lunged forward, turning into a streak of pure radiance that slammed directly into Rudra's soul.
"GUHAH!"
Rudra was blasted off his feet. He hovered in mid-air, encased in a sphere of golden light. Inside his spiritual body, the spirit was being forcibly compressed by Ramiris's authority, turning the spirit into the form of an egg. It wasn't a gentle process. This was a soul-level fusion, and it made Rudra feel like his veins were being filled with molten iron and his soul was burning.
Slowly, the light faded, and Rudra slumped to the ground. He stayed there for a moment, face-down, before slowly pushing himself up.
"Did... did I get it?" he whispered. He opened his hand, and for a split second, a faint, crystalline glow flickered in his eyes that resonated with his soul.
The Hero's Egg has settled, Ramiris said, looking a bit exhausted. After all, this was the first time she was doing this, and the Hero System was a newly created system by Veldanava. It's just a seed for now, Rudra. You'll have to feed it with your own growth and deeds and experience to make it hatch.
Rudra looked at his hands, a wide, goofy grin spreading across his face. I have done it! I am now one step closer to becoming a hero! He started laughing.
Origin, seeing Rudra laughing, said in his mind, 'En Sof, run a scan on him.'
[Notice.] En Sof responded immediately. [Individual: Rudra Nam Ul Nasca. Status: Hero's Egg Acquisition confirmed. The Greater Elemental of Light has successfully compressed into a spiritual 'Seed' within the subject's soul.]
[Analysis Results: Integration Rate: 98%. Soul Integrity: Stable. Physical Feedback: Feeling extremely happy. Current State: The 'Egg' is feeding on the subject's High-Human magicules to stabilize properly.]
'Well, you have done enough. Thanks for the analysis,' Origin said.
[Master Origin, whatever you ask is my desire to help you,] En Sof replied.
Origin stepped over and patted Rudra's head—a bit too hard, making Rudra stumble. Don't get happy so quickly. Having the 'Egg' doesn't make you automatically strong. You now just have a proper strong foundation. Now your real training begins. We're going back to the Kingdom of Nasca.
Rudra's grin didn't falter. Bring it on! I can handle anything!
Origin then looked at Ramiris. Thanks for this, Ramiris.
No problem. We all are working for the betterment of the world anyway, she said.
Origin grabbed Rudra and teleported out of the Dwelling, arriving back in the Kingdom of Nasca. The seed was planted, but the world was already preparing to test it.