Beep... Beep... Beep.
I woke up to the smell of disinfectant and expensive flowers.
I opened my eyes. Private hospital room. Very fancy. Probably Vikram's doing.
I tried to move my left arm. It was in a cast.
"Don't move," a voice said.
Riya was sitting in the chair next to the bed, peeling an apple. She looked tired.
"You've been out for two days."
"Did we win?" I croaked.
"We won," she nodded, handing me a slice of apple. "The Necromancer is gone. The students are safe. The government has classified the incident as a 'Gas Leak and Mass Hallucination.'"
"A gas leak?" I laughed, then winced. "That created a fire tornado?"
"People believe what they want to believe," she shrugged. "But... your secret is out to the ADTF. Agent Rathore is outside. He wants to talk."
She leaned in closer.
"But before he comes in... look at your stats."
She pointed to the bracelet sitting on the bedside table. It wasn't rusted anymore. It was gleaming silver.
Two icons were lit up brightly: Agni and Vayu.
But a third icon was flickering faintly.
Icon: PRITHVI (The Earth).
"You took a hit for the team," Riya smiled. "You stood your ground to protect the school. Prithvi is awakening. That's the Defensive Form."
The door opened.
Vikram walked in. He was on crutches, his leg heavily bandaged.
He hobbled over to the bed and looked down at me.
"You drooled on the pillow," he said.
"Nice to see you too, Vikram."
"My father saw the footage," Vikram said seriously. "He's... interested. He wants to sponsor you."
"Sponsor me?"
"Better gear. Training. Protection from the government." Vikram smirked. "In exchange, you join my team. We're going to clear the High-Rank Rifts."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then Rathore arrests you in five minutes."
I looked at Riya. She nodded.
I looked at the bracelet.
I looked at Vikram.
"Fine," I sighed. "But I'm not wearing a uniform."
Vikram laughed. "We'll work on it."
He turned to leave, but stopped at the door.
"By the way, Aryan. That last move? Not bad."
He left.
Riya stood up. "Get ready. Volume 2 is going to be harder. The Asura King knows you're awake now."
I looked out the window at the city skyline. Somewhere out there, monsters were waiting.
I grinned.
Let them come. I have eight more gods to unlock.