[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: GLOBAL UR RANK DISTRIBUTION UPDATE]
1. India – 2 UR Duos
2. Japan – 1 UR Duo
3. Russia – 1 UR Duo
4. Vatican – 1 UR Duo
5. Pakistan – 1 UR Duo
6. China – 1 UR Duo
7. USA – 1 UR Duo
8. Korea – 1 UR Duo
9. Germany – 1 UR Duo
10. Brazil – 1 UR Duo
[NOTE: All UR duos previously killed on the First Floor have been revived. Global UR balance is restored.]
---
Scene 1: Celebrations Across India
Fireworks exploded over Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and every state capital. Dhol drums thundered in the streets. In slums and skyscrapers alike, people danced. TV anchors broke into cheers mid-broadcast.
"India has done it! We've cleared the Gate! Our Awakened have achieved the impossible!"
On every channel, footage of Veer Jatav and Princess Aishani Rathore played on loop. The moment they struck down the final monster together had become a national symbol. Merchants sold toy swords labeled "Veer Slash" and plastic crowns labeled "Princess Power."
Children painted their faces with their duo's sigils. Social media erupted with memes, praise, debates, and wild fan theories. Songs were composed overnight.
Even rival nations had to acknowledge it.
Scene 2: Global Reactions
In the Vatican, Elijah Voss watched silently as the System broadcast replayed the victory. Beside him, Xenovia Kael muttered, "India just changed the game."
In Moscow, Dmitri Volkov smashed his vodka glass. "Tch. They gave them another UR duo? The System's playing favorites."
WAU headquarters lit up with discussions, concern, and strategy sessions. The global balance had shifted.
Scene 3: The Duo in Hiding
Veer and Aishani sat inside a secure facility, refusing all media requests. Aishani remained regal but exhausted. Veer sprawled on a sofa, scarf tied loosely around his neck.
"You know we're trending globally?" Veer said, scrolling. "Someone made a ship name for us. VeerShani. Sounds like a soft drink."
Aishani smirked. "Better than 'RathoreJatav.' Sounds like a law firm."
He laughed. For a moment, their banter drowned out the chaos outside. But the System's victory message replayed on every screen:
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: THE GATE HAS BEEN CLEARED. INDIA'S SACRIFICE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. NEW TOWER CHALLENGE WILL OPEN SOON. ALL NATIONS: PREPARE.]
Scene 4: Kaito and Aya's Quiet Corner
Kaito lay lazily on the rooftop, chewing gum. Aya sat beside him, arms crossed.
"So," she said, watching the sky light up in celebration, "India won. Think we're next?"
Kaito smirked. "Let them enjoy the fireworks. The Tower never gives gifts for free."
Aya frowned. "You think the System will retaliate?"
He didn't answer.
Scene 5: WAU's Strategy Room
A global conference unfolded. Holograms flickered with rising concerns.
"Two UR duos in India? That tilts the power scale."
"We need to reallocate resources."
"Should we consider interference protocols?"
Behind the glass, a hooded observer grinned, whispering, "Let them celebrate. The next floor... will make them beg for mercy."
[END OF PART 1]
Part 2: "Peace Before the Climb"
1. [5 Days After India's Gate Was Cleared]
The world hadn't stopped clapping.
India, now hailed as the "Gatebreakers of Humanity," had become the center of global admiration. Streets were flooded with flowers, flags, and firecrackers. Bollywood stars released tribute songs. Memes exploded—Veer Jatav's punch vs. the Gate was now a cultural moment.
In a celebratory press meet, Veer had been asked:
"Sir, how did it feel punching a Gate Beast in the face?"
To which he famously replied, "Pretty solid. Like hitting a brick wall that owed me rent."
The meme went viral. Merch followed. Kids wore gauntlets. Teenagers tried to copy his street-fighter stance and failed magnificently.
Princess Aishani Rathore, meanwhile, had become an icon for elegance and leadership. Fashion houses begged to recreate her "battle gown." Political advisors began whispering: "She might be future Prime Minister material."
---
2. [Meanwhile in Tokyo]
The vibe in Japan was… weirdly domestic.
Aya Shirogane and Kaito Yamada had returned to their shared apartment. They'd survived the First Floor, helped with Gate logistics (from the shadows), and were now left with… laundry.
Kaito sat on the living room floor, folding socks like he was defusing bombs.
Aya, in a hoodie, was brushing her hair on the couch, glaring at the toaster.
"Why isn't it popping?" she muttered.
"You didn't plug it in," Kaito replied without looking.
"...That's your job."
Kaito sighed, stood up, walked over, and plugged it in. "And here I thought the Queen of Lightning could handle appliances."
Aya turned, mock-shocked. "What did you say?"
"Nothing, my Empress of Hairdryers."
She threw a pillow. He dodged, grinning.
---
3. [World Reactions – Comedy Highlights]
USA: Released a blockbuster titled "Gate Crashers: Freedom Punch Edition." Kaito's masked figure had a cameo… voiced by Ryan Reynolds.
Russia: Claimed they would have cleared the Gate faster if vodka was allowed as a buff potion.
France: Released luxury perfume "Essence of Ascension" inspired by Meera Sharma's last flaming attack.
India: A temple was accidentally built in Veer's hometown with a statue holding a golden lunchbox. Apparently, he asked for "a biryani break" mid-battle.
---
4. [WAU Notice – Floor 2 Countdown]
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION – TOWER UPDATE]
[Floor Two will open globally in 48 hours.]
[Eligible Awakened must report to National Trial Centers for re-entry scans.]
[Note: Awakened may form new squads. Marital bonds remain enforced.]
[Warning: Difficulty will be 8x higher.]
[Clearance Required for Next Global Stability Phase.]
---
5. [Last-Minute Chaos – Apartment Edition]
Aya burst into Kaito's room holding a flyer.
"Why did someone send us a wedding invitation!?"
Kaito looked up from a manga. "Huh? Who's getting married?"
"It says 'Congratulations Kaito and Aya – Tower's Hottest Couple!'"
He blinked. "...That's illegal."
Aya huffed. "I'm going to fry someone."
"But we do look good together," he said smugly.
Aya blushed slightly. "T-Totally delusional."
"I mean, legally bound. Emotionally bonded. Spiritually unhinged—classic couple recipe."
She threw a shoe.
---
6. [Quiet Moments Before the Storm]
That night, Aya sat by the balcony, legs curled beneath her. The stars sparkled. Earth felt peaceful—for now.
Kaito joined her with two cups of coffee.
"Tomorrow, we go again."
She nodded. "This time... it'll be worse."
He leaned against the railing. "I'll protect you."
Aya smirked. "You wish. I'm stronger."
"You are," he said, genuinely.
She looked at him, surprised.
Then softly: "Don't die."
He raised his cup. "Not before I teach you how to use the toaster."
---
END OF CHAPTER 18 – PART 2
Part 3: The Price of Victory
A strange silence gripped the Earth, as if the very atmosphere held its breath.
Then, the System spoke—not in pride, not in glory, but in a voice cold and merciless.
---
[System Notification – Global Broadcast]
[The country of India has successfully cleared the First Global Gate.]
[India shall now be excluded from the Second Floor of the Tower.]
[Duration of Exclusion: One Floor]
[This is the reward of survival.]
[As such, only the remaining 191 countries are eligible to enter the Second Floor.]
[IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:]
[Failure to clear the Second Floor within the allotted time will result in Total Global Termination.]
[This includes all countries—India is not exempt.]
---
The world froze.
Not even the wind dared to move.
---
Somewhere in Europe
A president stood from his desk and shouted, "What the hell do they mean, India won't enter?!"
An aide's voice trembled, "They cleared their Gate, sir. They're... resting."
"Resting? The rest of us are going to die!"
---
Inside China
A UR-ranked duo stared at the sky, their faces pale.
"They're giving us a chance... without the strongest nation involved."
"Or they're testing if we can survive without them."
---
United States Military Base
The countdown reappeared over the base.
48:00:00
47:59:59
47:59:58
An old general sighed. "The true trial begins now."
---
Inside India – A Nation Torn Between Relief and Dread
While streets across India lit with fireworks, while temples sang prayers and schools waved flags, a shadow loomed over every television screen, every mind.
Veer Jatav looked up at the red sky from a hospital balcony.
Aishani Rathore stood beside him, arms folded, her expression unreadable.
"They've excluded us."
"For now," Aishani replied. "But if the world fails…"
"We die with them."
"Yes."
And then she said something she had never said before, voice trembling just slightly:
"I'm scared."
Veer didn't reply.
He simply looked up… as if trying to see the Tower itself above the clouds.
---
A Final Global Message Echoed Across Earth
[The Second Floor of the Tower will open in 48 hours.]
[Eligible Nations: All except India.]
[Warning: This floor is designed to be cleared without India's strength.]
[Should all participants fail…]
[Total planetary annihilation will be enforced.]
---
The last word lingered in the air.
Annihilation.
It was no longer just about clearing floors.
It was survival without saviors.
India was silenced.
And the rest of the world would either rise…
…or vanish forever.
---
End of Chapter 18 – Part 3