Chapter 13: Aron's Fate

In the modern world, Aron was a wealthy director, a man of status and power.

But before that, he had been a champion.

As a teenager, Aron was the star of every sports club he joined. Whether it was basketball, swimming, or track and field, he dominated the competition, his name was whispered with admiration in the hallways. His physique was sculpted from years of training, his confidence was unmatched. Every girl in school wanted his attention, and his teammates idolized him. He thrived under the spotlight, pushing himself to be the best.

He had someone who truly appreciated him—his first love. She had been his greatest supporter, watching from the sidelines, cheering for every victory he achieved. For Aron, those were the golden years, the years when he was truly alive.

Then, everything changed.

One night, as he was driving home, reminiscing about his past glories and the love he had left behind, fate intervened. His mind was clouded with thoughts, distracted by regret—he never saw the truck barreling toward him.

Darkness.

A Fall from Glory

At fifty years old, he carried himself with authority, yet physically, he was no longer the strong, athletic man he had been in his prime. Once, he had a well-built body, sculpted from years of discipline, but time had stolen that from him. His mind remained sharp, but his body had grown weak.

His life had been prosperous, and filled with achievements, but his greatest treasure was his family. He had a loving wife, a beautiful home, and the security that wealth could bring. Yet, all of it shattered the day he found his wife hanging in their bedroom. The sight of her lifeless body crushed him, leaving him broken and questioning everything he had ever built.

As if the gods themselves had cursed him, misfortune struck again. The company he had dedicated decades to suddenly laid him off, replaced by artificial intelligence and automation. He had been a director, yet technology had deemed him obsolete. Wandering home in a daze, grief and anger consuming his mind, he stepped into the street.

Then—darkness again.

When he awoke, he wasn't in the hospital. He wasn't in the modern world. He had been transported to another realm.

And he became the 325th champion.

The Awakening

Aron gasped for breath as he found himself in an unfamiliar world. His head throbbed, his body still aching from the accident—yet, he was alive. Where was his car? His wife? His life? The questions clawed at his mind, but answers eluded him. Staggering through the unknown terrain, he kept running, his thoughts spiraling into confusion.

Then—

He collided with someone.

A young woman stood before him, her beauty mesmerizing yet otherworldly. Her piercing gaze locked onto his, studying him with an amused smirk. Vaelora, Goddess of Chance.

Aron froze. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at her. Something about her eyes, the way she carried herself—it was familiar. Too familiar.

Then, it struck him.

She looked just like his first love.

Aron instinctively stepped back, unsettled by her presence. He didn't know who she was, but something in his gut told him she was no ordinary woman.

"You look lost, traveler," Vaelora said, her voice silky yet playful. "Would you like to play a game of fate?" She held up a single die, its golden surface shimmering in the light. "If it lands on six, I shall become your tenth wife. If it lands on one through five, you shall receive a single wish."

Aron scoffed. A game? After everything he had lost? He wasn't in the mood for foolish tricks.

He swatted her hand away, sending the die tumbling into the air.

As the die tumbled through the air, Aron's mind was flooded with memories. His wife's smile, the way she used to hold his hand; his first love, cheering for him in the stands, her voice full of admiration. The weight of everything he had lost crushed him in that instant.

He turned to leave, but before he could take another step, the die landed.

Six.

Vaelora's laughter rang out, rich with amusement and delight. "Interesting," she mused, stepping closer. "Fate has spoken. As promised, I shall grant you a gift."

A surge of energy pulsed through Aron's body. His muscles tensed, strength flooding his limbs like a force beyond comprehension. He could feel his old self returning—the powerful, well-built physique he once possessed, but now even greater. Faster. Stronger.

Vaelora smirked. "A body fit for a warrior, worthy of being my husband. Consider it my blessing."

Aron barely had time to process what had happened before shouts echoed in the distance. Guards were approaching, their weapons drawn.

Then, he saw him.

A man who looked eerily familiar—his wife's former lover.

Rage ignited in his chest. Without thinking, he lunged forward, his newfound strength propelling him toward the man. But before he could strike, the guards intercepted him, restraining him. Yet, even as they held him back, his eyes remained locked on the man.

Vaelora merely watched, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Luck has only begun to shape your path, Aron. Let's see how far you can take it."

And with that, his fate in this new world truly began.