The arena continued to echo with the aftermath of Satya's disastrous first battle. His underpants, the only item still intact after being set on fire, had somehow become a viral sensation. Every spectator, every guild member, every guild leader had witnessed the humiliating spectacle, their reactions ranging from laughter to genuine concern. Satya's pitiful form, standing in charred remnants of his once-pristine clothes, had gone viral across all major platforms, becoming a meme that the world would not forget for some time.
From the stands above, the Guild Council box, the leaders of the ten guilds exchanged looks. They had all seen Satya's performance—or lack of it—and they were already making mental calculations. The initial laughable moments aside, the real question was whether he would survive the trials ahead. Could a warrior so humiliated, so defeated, even be trained to become something more? Or was he just a flash in the pan, an amusing spectacle, and nothing more?
The guild leaders began to speak one by one, their voices filled with different levels of skepticism and curiosity. Each one of them, whether they wanted to admit it or not, could feel something tugging at them—the faintest whisper of potential, a chance to mold a diamond from this rough, charred lump of coal.
Aryan the Etherbane, leader of the Mythic Valor Guild (Rank 1), was the first to speak. His cosmic spear gleamed with a faint aura, as though it too was watching Satya. Aryan's silver eyes narrowed as he locked his gaze onto Satya.
"I'll give him a chance," he said coolly, his voice full of calm authority. "His resilience, despite his current state, could be harnessed. I see potential. He might be of use in my guild."
Ravya the Silent Frost, the enigmatic leader of the Frostwind Guild, who radiated an aura of ice that could freeze even the bravest of souls, was next. She tilted her head slightly, the chill in her gaze turning the air around her into a winter storm. Her lips curled into a cold smile, a calculated, almost mocking expression.
"He's not cold enough for my guild," she said, her voice like the sound of ice scraping against steel. "But there's something there. Perhaps he could be useful for a trial. If he can withstand the mental pressures I impose, then we might see his value."
Adhiraj of Thunderclap, leader of the Sky Rend Guild (Rank 3), was a massive figure who seemed to make the very air tremble with his presence. He cracked his knuckles with a sound that echoed like thunder. His voice boomed like the storm itself.
"He'll need power," Adhiraj grunted, his deep voice rumbling through the arena. "I don't have time for mediocrity. But if he survives, maybe, just maybe, I'll give him a shot. If he can stand the tempest, we'll see what he's truly made of."
Meenal the Trickster, the sharp-eyed leader of Twilight Masquerade (Rank 4), leaned back in her chair, her half-mask gleaming in the dim light of the room. A chuckle escaped her lips as she spoke, her voice laced with playful malice.
"He's too predictable right now," Meenal mused. "But I could work with him. A little illusion here, a little deception there. Who knows? Maybe I'll teach him how to hide his true potential. If he's clever enough to learn, that is."
One by one, the guild leaders spoke, their interests piqued but none truly convinced that Satya could live up to their lofty expectations. But there was something undeniable about the boy. They could feel the weight of the trial ahead of him—and perhaps, just perhaps, he might rise to meet it.
The last leader to speak was Karna the Steadfast, leader of the Inferno Guild (Rank 10). His stoic expression gave nothing away, but his glowing eyes suggested something more. His voice, calm yet filled with quiet authority, broke the stillness.
"I've seen many like him—those who are broken, burned, and battered. But something about him feels... different," Karna said thoughtfully. "He'll come to me. If he survives the trials of the Inferno Guild, then we'll see where he belongs. But the road will be long, and it won't be kind."
But before anyone could speak further, the atmosphere in the room shifted. A cold, oppressive silence fell over the chamber. The tension grew palpable, as all eyes turned to the figure who had remained silent through the entire conversation.
President Vayunanda, the ancient and ageless leader of the Guild Council, had sat unmoved throughout the entire discussion. Known for his indifference to the politics of guilds and his preference for maintaining silence, Vayunanda's presence was so overwhelming that even the other guild leaders paused, waiting for his thoughts. His reputation as a figure of monumental strength and wisdom gave him the power to command attention, and no one dared to interrupt him.
Now, his piercing gaze was fixed on Satya. It was as if he could see through the young warrior's soul, reading every thought, every fear, every doubt that lingered in the boy's heart. His expression was unreadable, his eyes sharp and calculating.
Finally, Vayunanda spoke, his voice like a rumbling thunderstorm that echoed across the chamber.
"Mine."
The single word struck like a bolt of lightning, sending a shockwave through the room. A ripple of disbelief spread across the guild leaders. They exchanged uneasy glances, each struggling to comprehend the meaning behind Vayunanda's declaration.
The most powerful being in the Guild Council had just chosen Satya. Not because of his power, not because of his potential, but because he was simply the first to be tested. A test of survival—where there would be no second chances.
Karna, despite his own vast power, was stunned. Even Agneyi, who had been standing by his side, couldn't mask her surprise. This was something none of them had seen coming.
Vayunanda's gaze hardened, his voice carrying the weight of an ancient promise.
"From now on, you are my first disciple. Not one of the guilds. Not for any leader. You will survive my trials, or you will die. There will be no easy road, no second chances. This is your test. If you survive, maybe—just maybe—you will get to choose a guild. But for now, you are mine."
The words fell like a death sentence. The room remained still, and the tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a blade. All eyes were now fixed on Satya. His entire future had just been sealed by the President of the Guild Council himself. There would be no escape, no turning back.
Satya, in his tattered and scorched underwear, stood frozen. His mind raced, struggling to grasp what had just happened. His first battle had ended in humiliation, and now, he was being thrust into a challenge unlike anything he could have imagined. It was almost too much to process.
"Wait," Satya finally found his voice, though it trembled. "What? Survive your trials?"
Vayunanda's expression remained unreadable, but his words carried the finality of a decision made long ago.
"Yes," he said, his voice like a cold wind. "It's your road to death, boy. Good luck."
At that moment, Oorja, Satya's ever-present system guide, couldn't help but speak up. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm as she floated beside Satya.
"Oh, God! I thought I was stuck with a potato, but now I'm stuck with a walking, talking disaster!" she exclaimed, her voice full of exasperation. "Why, why did you pick this potato? Why couldn't you at least choose a handsome, capable warrior? I'm stuck with a disaster on two legs!"
Satya, still dazed and confused, glanced at Oorja, feeling more lost than ever.
"Hey! I heard that!" he protested weakly.
Despite the humorous exchange, the gravity of the situation was not lost on Satya. The guild leaders were still processing what they had just witnessed. Vayunanda, the President of the Guild Council, had chosen Satya. Not because of his power, not because of his potential, but because he was simply the first to be tested—thrown into the fire. Whether he lived or died would determine whether anyone else would ever get the same chance.
The arena was silent, and the eyes of every spectator were now fixed on Satya. The stakes had just been raised to a level he couldn't comprehend. Would he rise to the challenge? Would he survive?
Then, a strange sensation rippled through Satya's body. The system—his ever-present guide—whispered into his mind.
Challenge complete. Reward: Power increase. Agility enhanced. Hell Gates destroyed. New abilities unlocked.
For a moment, Satya felt something shift within him. A surge of energy, an influx of power he had never experienced before. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper, his movements more fluid. It was as though something deep inside him had awakened. His potential was no longer just a distant dream—it was becoming a reality.
With his newfound power, Satya stood a little taller, feeling the weight of the eyes on him once again. But this time, it wasn't the weight of ridicule—it was the weight of a challenge. A challenge he now had to survive.
Vayunanda's cold eyes met Satya's, and for the first time, a faint smile played at the corner of the ancient leader's lips.
"Let the trials begin," Vayunanda said, his voice echoing through the arena.
And as the crowd watched in stunned silence, Satya steeled himself for the trials ahead.