"So what is your choice?" Miss Khushi asked. Her face was neutral, but her tone betrayed a certain eagerness to know my decision. I couldn't blame her; despite her general aversion to humans, our teacher-student-like relationship meant she would naturally be interested in my selection, much like a teacher is curious about a student's chosen field of study.
"I choose God of Nature and God of Space."
Initially, I'd considered choosing both the God of Water and the God of Fire, but since the rules prohibited selecting them together, I abandoned that idea.
After reading the paper one more time, my eyes had locked onto 'Regeneration' listed under Phase 5 of the God of Nature, and 'Fold Space' under Phase 6 of the God of Space.
Both abilities were captivating. Regeneration was simple to grasp, a powerful asset if utilized correctly. 'Fold Space,' however, truly snagged my attention. If it involved manipulating space itself, the potential applications were vast... That was why I ultimately chose the God of Space and the God of Nature.
"Hmm, okay then... We will arrange the essential items needed for you to become a Diviner," she said, already turning to search among some books. I turned back, ready to leave, when she called out, "Wait."
I turned. "Sign this contract. Signing it will make you officially a member of the Elites."
I took the paper she handed me and began reading. It was a standard agreement: a willingness to join the Elites, a pledge of loyalty, a commitment to serve with all my might, and so on. Blah blah.
I signed the paper, handed it back, exchanged a few more words, and left.
On my way back to the room, I encountered Krotas.
"Leader, how's it going?" I asked.
"Just came back from a mission," he replied, rolling his eyes slightly at the title 'Leader.'
"Which one? From Street 25?" I asked, remembering that two missions were scheduled for today: one to report on the situation in Street 30, and the second to subdue a person who had lost control. I had initially been part of the second team but was later withdrawn.
"Yes, we captured him, but this was a little strange case. He didn't completely lose control; he could talk and even follow our orders..." His words trailed off into a pause, which was understandable. As far as I knew, those who lost control could not comprehend or respond to orders.
Encountering a case like that must have been unnerving.
"There sure are many mysteries here," I said with a sigh. After a few more words, I continued on my way.
With nothing to do in my room, I headed to the library and retrieved the book I'd been reading earlier: The Abnormal Connection by Simon Khabki.
While earlier chapters had been vague, now the protagonist's name was mentioned for the first time: Nivaan. Due to his peculiar physical presence, Nivaan was abandoned by his parents, who were farmers working under a Landlord.
He was born in what is now Aurelia Street 1. At first, he was rejected by everyone, and some even whispered that he was the reincarnation of a Supreme Raka, the evil creatures formed by dp (Divine Particle).
At that time, the Nathana Abyss did not exist, so all the Rakas were present in the environment.
The fear and repeated reports concerning him spurred the Elites to action. They took him in as a research subject, a role that defined his value until he was about two or three years old.
The book ends here...? Who ends a biography on a cliffhanger?
I searched for similar books, but none of them were satisfying. Some painted Nivaan as a Raka, while others claimed he was the reincarnation of the six gods themselves. Every author seemed intent on promoting their own beliefs rather than stating the facts.
I went for a walk to shake off the bad mood caused by the sudden end to the book. The long corridor was nearly empty.
As I passed by the meeting room in the center of the headquarters, I encountered the Captain.
"Morning, boss," I said, bowing my head. He was wearing his favorite brown-colored long jacket, and all four of his hands were tucked into the four pockets of the garment.
"Good morning, boy. I heard that you have chosen your God." He spoke in his characteristically calm and cool voice.
"Yes, I have. I chose the God of Space and the God of Nature. Not bad, I guess."
"Gods and their powers can never be bad; if something can be bad, it's the user. Anyway, you look upset. Did something happen?"
"How do you know I was upset?" I was genuinely surprised.
"Fifty satras of experience comes in handy," he said with a smile.
"Sure it does. Do you know who Nivaan is?"
"Of course I know him. Who doesn't know who Nivaan is? But how do you know him?"
"I was quite interested in how the Earth and Eternis were connected, so I started reading a book about it, and it mentioned the first human was Nivaan."
"I see. You want to know about Nivaan. Come with me." He turned around and waved his hand in a gesture for me to follow.
I did so. He led me to his office and pulled a book from the bookshelves, titled The 7th God, Nivaan.
"The 7th God? Nivaan? Is Nivaan the 7th God??" I was so shocked that my thoughts slipped out loud.
"You didn't know about the 7th God?" The Captain seemed surprised, too.
"No, I've never heard of him."
"Then let me tell you about the God of Joy and Sorrow, the one who once ruled everyone's heart, the one who was connected to us the most, the one who answered every prayer, and the one who was the kindest..." His voice ended with a sad pause.
"Was...? What happened to him now?"
"Read it yourself." He pointed to the book and left.
*****************
Today was finally the day. When I woke up, Emma informed me that the 'power-getting ritual' would take place at the 11th period in ERU 1, and I was forbidden to eat anything until then.
When I reached the ERU 1 room, Miss Margaret and Miss Khushi were already there with Emma and Meena, both students from the research department. I stood at a corner of the room and watched the preparations.
Emma poured water into a bowl and boiled it, then added leaves from a Terranis tree. Meanwhile, Meena held the heart of a Shallow deer in her hands.
She approached me. "I know it might sound disgusting and weird, but you have to eat this."
"What? Why?" I asked with a look of disgust.
"It's a part of the process," she said, extending her arms toward me.
I looked at Miss Margaret, who nodded. Taking the heart, I began to eat it. It was devastating; every bite felt like I might vomit, but somehow, I managed to finish it.
Afterward, I was given a potion made from salt water, the blood of a sea turtle, and the roots of a curpin tree.
The after-effects of the potion were intense. I lost my sense of balance, everything became blurred, and I could barely register what was happening around me.
After some time, when the effects finally subsided, I turned toward Miss Margaret and asked, "How will I know the process was a success?"
"Simple. Close your eyes, focus on the area between your forehead, start channeling dp, and then open your eyes."
I did as she instructed.
"What do you see?" she asked.
When I opened my eyes, I saw a yellow aura surrounding everyone. The aura around Miss Margaret and Miss Khushi was dense and strong, while the aura around Emma and Meena was weak and less intense.
"I see aura surrounding you people," I said, describing what I perceived.
"What you see is dp, and that means this process was a success."