Chapter 3- Part 1 "Midnight Approaching"
[Back in Vivek's Realm -Time 4:59 PM]
Before the alarm could buzz, the black cat lunged onto Vivek's bed, gently licking his cheek. The wet sensation startled him awake, pulling him from his peaceful sleep. As his eyes fluttered open, the buzzing of the alarm filled the room, and he glanced at his phone's cracked screen—5:00 PM.
The events of the day came rushing back. The morning message had been burned into his memory:
{Protection period of realm #RU527 has ended.}
{Beginning second phase: - Conqueror of Realm}
{To all mortals in this world: I have observed countless universes over eons. For reasons I cannot fully disclose, I am now commencing the second phase— "Conqueror of Realm" and the awakening process. In time, the purpose behind these events will be revealed to all of you.}
{The awakening process will begin at midnight. Expect sweeping changes across every aspect of your world. Those who reject these new rules and transformations will be eradicated without mercy. If you doubt the seriousness of this declaration, you may make a wish. If I find the time to review your request and deem it worthy, it may be granted. Yet, remember, there are no free gifts in this realm. Yours truly, "God: Controller of Everything."}
Everyone in the Third Realm was on edge. People feared what might come when the clock struck midnight. Vivek had felt the tension all day—from the academy, where exams had been postponed, to the streets where rumours spread like wildfire. Even the vice-principal had issued a warning: "Prepare for the worst."
Remembering how Garrick had helped him secure the commission to get supplies and how the battle with the Gravelmaws had taken a toll on him, Vivek felt a renewed sense of urgency. His wand was still being fixed by Thalia, and there was no time to waste.
He glanced down at the black cat, who was now sitting contentedly by his side. "Thanks for waking me up on time, you're the best." He scratched the back of her neck, eliciting a soft purr in return. "I have an important task to take care of. I'll be back soon, so take care of the room as usual, okay?"
The cat blinked at him, as if understanding, before hopping off the bed to curl up in her usual spot by the window.
Vivek grabbed his phone, checked the time once more, and bolted for the door. There was still some time left until the wand would be ready, but after everything he had heard, there was no point in waiting. Time seemed more fragile now, as if the very fabric of their world was on the verge of unravelling.
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The streets were bustling, yet eerily different from any other evening. People whispered in hushed tones about the impending midnight. Some townsfolk, lost in despair, were spending their entire fortunes, believing the end was near. They threw extravagant parties, indulging in food and drink, convinced that the message heralded doom. Others, particularly adventurers and mages, were preparing for the worst—hoarding supplies, arming themselves with enchanted gear, and strategizing as if readying for a war.
Vivek overheard snippets of conversations as he rushed through the narrow alleyways toward Thalia's Rune Shop.
One man shouted to his friend, "If this Conqueror of Realm thing is real, we need to be ready! They say portals are going to open, and those who enter will face trials beyond our understanding."
A woman, clearly shaken, clutched her child's hand as she said, "It's the end of days. I can feel it. No one can stand up to the gods! We'll all be wiped out..."
But another passer-by, a mage in long, weathered robes, spoke with more confidence: "The message didn't say we were all doomed. The trials are for those who want power, who want to rule. There's always a way to survive—if you're strong enough."
Vivek couldn't tell which side was right. The fear and speculation swirling around him only added to his unease. Was this a chance to seize power? Or was it a death sentence for those who dared step forward?
By the time he reached Thalia's shop, his mind was racing with possibilities. Whatever midnight brought; it was clear that no one was safe. And if the message had been right, sweeping changes were coming—changes that would reshape the entire realm.
Vivek took a deep breath as he stepped into the shop.
[Inside Thalia's Shop – 5:15 PM]
The soft glow of enchanted runes illuminated the dim room, casting flickering shadows across the various magical artifacts. Behind the counter, Thalia's fingers danced over a wand, making precise, delicate movements. The air was thick with the hum of magic, and Vivek could almost feel the energy from the Tier-2 crystal embedded in his own wand, even before he reached the counter.
Thalia glanced up at him. "You're early," she noted, her eyes shifting briefly to the wand she'd been working on. "But I managed to finish your wand ahead of schedule."
Vivek's gaze shifted to the wand resting on the counter. Externally, it seemed identical to what he remembered, but there was something more—something deeper. As he picked it up, the energy pulsing from the crystal thrummed through his fingertips.
"It feels... different," Vivek murmured, testing the weight in his hand.
"It should," Thalia said, crossing her arms. "That crystal will make your magic a lot stronger. But don't get overconfident. Power without control can be dangerous. Just because you have the strength, doesn't mean you should use it recklessly. Take it slow and practice control."
Vivek gave a small nod, taking in her usual mix of bluntness and concern. "I will. Thanks for the reminder."
He turned to leave, but then hesitated, shifting awkwardly. "Thalia, I need more supplies. Things are... unpredictable."
Thalia exhaled sharply, her gaze sliding to the nearly empty shelves. "You're not the only one. People are buying everything like the world's about to end."
Vivek grimaced, already knowing what her response would be. "I figured. I still need potions, bandages, maybe some food."
Her expression softened a little. "Look, I know things aren't easy for you right now, but I'm out of most essentials. No bandages, no food pills left. But here—" She reached under the counter and placed two small vials before him. "One D-grade HP potion, one D-grade MP potion. On the house."
Vivek opened his mouth to object, but she cut him off with a quick wave of her hand.
"And for your cat—" she continued, pulling out a small, intricately crafted necklace imbued with faint protective runes. "It's 100 coins for the necklace I can't give this one free though. But it'll keep your little friend safe."
Vivek's lips curled into a grateful smile. "Thalia, I appreciate it. I'll pay for the necklace, and I'll figure out the rest."
He counted out the 100 coins and handed them to her before pocketing the potions and necklace. As he stepped outside into the fading light, he knew that his next stop was the marketplace. There were still a lot of things he needed, and time was running short.
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To Be Continued...