The next few days felt different for Prince.
Every morning, his smartwatch would buzz softly.
[Daily Training Activated.]
[Strength: Below Average.]
[Speed: Below Average.]
[Host is advised to improve physical limits before entering First God Sanctuary.]
Prince sighed as he stared at the glowing screen. Below average in everything… Not surprising.
He wasn't weak, but he wasn't strong either. Just an ordinary boy with a quiet nature and average confidence.
But now, that had to change.
---
🏫 At School
During lunch break, the group sat under their usual neem tree spot. Anaya scrolled through her tablet, showing videos of First God Sanctuary training routines.
"Look at this," she said. "You have to pass the entry test first. It's not just fighting—they check stamina, reflexes, and how well you adapt under pressure."
"Sounds scary," Kabir muttered.
"It's more than scary. People have failed and returned crying," Mira added. "If we're going, we need to prepare properly."
"I've already started running in the mornings," Arjun said proudly.
"Of course you did," Rhea teased. "Don't get too excited and break your legs before the test."
They all laughed.
"What about you, Prince?" Mira asked suddenly. "Don't tell me you're still sleeping late and eating biscuits all day."
Prince hesitated for a moment. Then he said softly, "I started training too."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Didn't expect that answer."
"Good." Anaya smiled faintly. "If you're serious, we'll all help each other. We go in together, we come out together."
Prince felt a small warmth in his chest.
---
🌌 The System Speaks Again
That evening, Prince stood in the small park near his house. It was empty, except for a few stray dogs sleeping under a tree.
"System… can you help me train?" he whispered.
[Affirmative.]
[Activating Beginner Training Program.]
A faint glow surrounded his body. Suddenly, his legs felt heavier, as though invisible weights had tied themselves to him.
"W-What's happening?"
[Simulated gravity field: 1.5x normal gravity.]
[Run five laps around the park.]
Prince took a step—and almost fell flat on his face.
"This… is harder than I thought."
[Host must adapt to pressure. Weakness will not survive First God Sanctuary.]
Gritting his teeth, Prince began jogging slowly. Sweat dripped down his forehead after just one lap. His heart pounded, and his lungs burned.
But for the first time in his life, he didn't stop.
---
🌠 A Quiet Promise
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Prince collapsed on the grass, breathing hard.
His smartwatch buzzed softly.
[Training Complete. Progress: 2%.]
[Good work, Host.]
Prince stared at the glowing screen, then at the stars above.
"I'll catch up… no matter how hard it gets," he whispered. "This time, I won't let myself stay ordinary."
Far away, in the depths of space, the First God Sanctuary shone like a jewel. Waiting.