Adrian stood in the hallway of the Divine School, surrounded by students who looked more like demigods than teenagers. Robes shimmered with elemental sigils. Eyes glowed with latent power. Some floated. Others radiated heat, frost, or lightning.
He had no memories of the previous Adrian's life, but the body responded to his thoughts with ease. He was a god-in-training, and today was the final test.
A teacher appeared in a flash of light, holding a scroll that pulsed with divine energy.
"Adrian Innovashine," the teacher said. "Your test begins now. You will be assigned a small world. Your task is to spread your divinity, gain believers, and ascend in rank. You may use any method, but interference with other gods will be monitored."
Adrian nodded. "Understood."
The scroll unfurled, revealing a glowing map of a small world. Seven kingdoms. Millions of mortals. A few minor gods already present.
He was given a divine cabin—a private space in the divine realm where he could monitor his world, send his consciousness, and manage his divine power.
Adrian stepped inside, sat in the chair, and closed his eyes.
His consciousness descended.
He arrived in a mortal world, in the body of a young man named Athenos—his emissary. Athenos was known as a scholar, a mage, and a quiet figure in the kingdom of Arcantor.
Adrian smiled.
He had a plan.