Krishna continued his walk, the lingering scent of exhaust fumes and the distant murmur of the city filling his senses.
He was still processing the interaction with the police, the quiet confidence that had settled within him, when a familiar internal presence bloomed.
SYSTEM: Task 1: "The Trinity of Need" - Progress Updated.
•Objective: Identify and assist three individuals facing challenges.
•Parameters: Assistance must be genuine and address the core of their problem.
•Status: Task Completed Ahead of Schedule.
Krishna halted, a frown creasing his brow.
"Ahead of schedule?
But… I only helped one person. I thought it was supposed to be three?
"SYSTEM: Analysis complete.
While the stated objective was to assist three individuals, the nature and execution of your intervention have met predefined criteria for early completion.
Krishna was bewildered.
"What criteria?
I didn't even fight anyone.
"SYSTEM: The following factors contributed to early task resolution:
•1. Non-violent resolution: While superior physical capabilities were available, violence was not the chosen method.
•2. Strategic approach: Evidence was secured, and the proper authorities were involved efficiently.
•3. Alignment with Host's Divine Template: Actions taken were in accordance with the principles often associated with the God
Krishna – prioritizing wisdom, strategic intervention, and societal harmony over brute force.
Krishna processed this, a slow understanding dawning.
The System wasn't just a taskmaster; it was a judge of his actions, a guide that valued the spirit of his divine nature.
SYSTEM: REWARD INITIATED.
•30 Karmic Points Credited.
•Divine Skill Acquired: Golden Eye. (Functionality: Allows the Host to perceive the general disposition of individuals towards him. Scale: Loyal [100], Best Friend [90], Acquaintance [50], Hostile [Below 30], Very Harmful [Negative].)
A subtle shimmer, like a golden iridescence, flickered at the edge of Krishna's vision, then settled, becoming an intrinsic part of his perception.
He blinked, and suddenly, the world seemed layered with faint, colored auras around people he could see in the distance.
A faint golden hue emanated from the old woman, who was now being comforted by a more helpful passerby. The self-appointed spectators wore more muted, indifferent shades.
Krishna felt a quiet thrill course through him.
This "Golden Eye"… it was more than just seeing.
It was understanding. It was a tool to navigate the complex web of human intentions, a way to truly see the suffering and the kindness, the malice and the good.
He glanced back at the spot where he'd seen the bikers, a faint, almost imperceptible crimson aura lingering where their hostility had been strongest, now fading.
He looked at his own hands, the faint golden warmth of the body-strengthening still present.
The world was no longer just a place of suffering; it was a landscape of potential connections, of hidden truths waiting to be revealed.
SYSTEM: Further tasks will be presented as opportunities arise.
Host is encouraged to explore his surroundings and utilize acquired abilities.
Krishna smiled, a genuine, bright smile that felt more natural than anything he'd experienced since his rebirth.
The world felt… manageable. And he had a feeling he was going to enjoy learning how to navigate it, one "problem" at a time.
Krishna slept soundly, the quiet satisfaction of his first completed task, and the subtle hum of his new "Golden Eye" skill, a comforting presence in his dreams.
The next morning, he rose with the sun, performed his ablutions, and donned his school uniform.
The world felt… different. Not just brighter, but layered with an unseen complexity he was only beginning to perceive.Upon entering his classroom, he gravitated towards his usual back-bench seat.
He casually activated his Golden Eye, scanning the faces around him.
Most registered as neutral acquaintances, with a few boys hovering around the lower end of the scale – likely tinged with jealousy, he surmised, perhaps due to his undeniably handsome features.
It was within acceptable parameters.
Just as the usual classroom drone was settling in, the door opened, and their teacher, a woman whose reputation as "Female Demon" preceded her and whose unnerving, sycophantic smile was a harbinger of doom, entered.
A new student walked beside her, silhouetted against the hallway light.
"Alright, class," the teacher announced, her smile stretching unnaturally wide.
"We have a new student joining us today. Please be on your best behavior.
If I hear of anyone disturbing her, you know what happens.
" A collective shudder ran through the students.
Then, the new student stepped fully into the classroom, and a stunned silence fell. She was ethereal, breathtakingly beautiful, like a celestial being who had momentarily graced the mortal realm.
"Please, introduce yourself," the teacher prompted, gesturing towards the girl.
"My name is Radha," she said, her voice like the softest melody.
"It's nice to meet all of you.
"Krishna, who had been idly resting his head on his arm, jolted upright at the sound of her voice.
A strange, inexplicable jolt, like an electric current, shot through his entire body. His mind, usually so adept at processing information, simply… stopped. His heartbeat accelerated, a frantic drumbeat against his ribs, as if he'd just run a marathon.
Radha's gaze swept across the room, and then her eyes met Krishna's.
For a suspended moment, time seemed to cease.
They were locked, neither willing to break the connection.
"Alright, Radha," the teacher said, her smile faltering slightly at the interruption.
"Find any empty seat.
"Radha's eyes scanned the crowded room. All benches were occupied, save for the one at the very back. Krishna's.
He occupied the entire bench himself, a silent, unconscious guardian of his space.
But today was different.
Radha approached, her steps light, and paused before him.
"Can I sit here?" she asked softly.
Krishna's conscious mind was still a blank, a frozen tableau.
Yet, his body moved with an uncanny, innate grace.
He subtly shifted, creating ample space for her.
Radha slid onto the bench, settling beside him. Krishna remained mesmerized, his gaze fixed on her, his mind struggling to catch up.After what felt like an eternity, his thoughts began to reassemble, piecing together the fragments of his awareness.
What is happening?
he inwardly questioned, directing his query to the System.
To be continue.