The forest was alive with the soft hum of nature—birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the distant gurgle of a stream. A faint light filtered through the dense canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. Amidst it all, a young boy lay unconscious, his chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of life.
Rax Stark—or rather, the boy who had once been Ritik Agarwal—slowly opened his eyes. The world looked… different. Everything felt sharper, clearer, and yet heavier. His body tingled with energy, each limb feeling both stronger and lighter than before.
A voice, soft but commanding, broke through his confusion.
"Master… you're awake."
Three figures stood over him. Their forms were humanoid, yet there was a glint of the impossible in their design.
"Luna… Mina… Miko?" Rax asked, struggling to sit up.
"Yes, Master!" Miko's cheerful voice rang out as she jumped forward, her little hands grabbing his arms. "You scared us!"
Luna, the combat automaton, stood tall and composed, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Her expression softened slightly as she saw him awake. Mina, the medical automaton, had a gentle smile, checking his vitals with her integrated instruments.
Rax took a deep breath and slowly tested his new body. Everything felt… perfect. Faster reflexes, more agility, enhanced senses. His mind raced, recalling the goddess' promise, the abilities she had granted him. It was time to test them.
He closed his eyes and activated God's Eye, instantly analyzing the terrain, the companions around him, and every detail of the forest. Nothing escaped his perception.
Next, he flexed his hands, imagining a small magical barrier. With a thought, the Imagine Breaker activated, nullifying a minor spell Mina had been casting for practice. He smiled, pleased by its precision.
"Alright," he said aloud, standing fully. "Let's see what you three can do."
Miko stepped forward, summoning her elemental shield. Fire, wind, and water swirled in harmony around her, forming an unbreakable barrier. Luna drew her weapons, testing combat routines with precision unmatched by ordinary humans. Mina began simple healing spells, demonstrating her medical skills.
Rax experimented with his gear: the Aegis Nova shifted seamlessly from sword to bow to shield; the Chrono-Gauntlet slowed a falling leaf; and the Stark Dominion Armor adjusted perfectly to his movements. Each skill, each weapon, each ability worked flawlessly.
Hours passed. The forest echoed with the sounds of training, laughter, and occasional sparks of magic. Eventually, Rax called a halt.
"It's enough for today," he said, surveying his companions. "We'll need to test these in the real world soon. But first… let's find civilization."
Using his Runic Interface, he pinpointed a nearby settlement. The path was clear, and his companions readied themselves. Miko chattered excitedly, Luna checked her weapons, and Mina adjusted the medical supplies.
Together, they stepped into the unknown, leaving the forest behind, their first adventure in this strange, new world just beginning.