Darkness.
Then—
The Universe appears.
Countless galaxies, endless stars , vast cosmic silence.
The view slowly zooms in.
A calm, slightly bored background voice speaks:
"This universe is… boring."
"No magic. No system. No miracles."
"Just laws, physics, and limitations."
The camera moves deeper—
Past galaxies, through glowing nebulae, across countless solar systems.
"Humans haven't even reached Type-1 civilization yet."
"No advanced technology. No paranormal powers."
"Nothing exciting at all."
The view stops at one familiar place—
The Milky Way Galaxy.
Then one solar system.
Then a small blue planet—
Earth.
"If this world ever gets involved in something bigger…"
"I'll have to take responsibility."
"And that sounds exhausting."
---HYDERABAD – INDIA
The camera dives into Earth.
India appears.
Telangana.
Hyderabad — Gachibowli.
A school building.
Inside—
A classroom.
Students sit quietly as a physics teacher writes formulas on the board.
In the last row sits a boy.
NIKHIL. Appearance
smooth jawline with soft shadow underneath
expressive dark eyes with a sharp,
calm, confident expression,slightly wild texture and thick hair ,warm brown shading with blended screentones,high contrast along the cheeks and nose ,soft highlight across forehead and cheekbone,almond-shaped, slight highlight on the lower iris , darker shading on upper eyelid,small reflection dot for intensity.
Black eyes.
Brown skin., neat hairstyle.
Tired expression.
The school bell rings loudly.
RIIIING—
The background voice returns, now clearly Nikhil's thoughts:
"Ah… finally."
"That boring physics class is over."
"I know it depends on the student's perspective…"
"But still—boring."
Students rush out.
Nikhil grabs his bag and walks out calmly.
---
NIKHIL'S HOME
Nikhil unlocks the door and steps inside.
Right side there was bed and study table on right side of bed . On back of bed there was large windows.
He throws his bag aside, changes clothes, and lies down on his bed.
Silence.
A few hours later, the door opens.
His mother enters.
Mother silently worry tone :
"Did you eat anything after school?"
Nikhil say in normal tone:
"Not yet, Amma. I'll eat now."
She looks at him.
Mother:
"Your final exams are coming soon. Don't get careless."
**Nikhil (smiling slightly):
"I know. I'll manage."
They eat dinner together.
Simple food.
Simple conversation.
A normal life.
---
NIGHT
Nikhil lies on his bed, phone in hand.
Instagram scrolls past.
He opens chat.
Adi (Cousin & Best Friend):
"Bro, one day we'll start our own business."
Nikhil:
"First survive exams."
Adi:
"( laughing emoji )After that—games, anime, money."
Nikhil:
"Deal."
They chat for a while.
Nikhil yawns.
His eyes slowly close.
---
UNKNOWN PLACE
Nikhil suddenly opens his eyes.
Silk curtains.
Golden lamps.
A massive royal bed.
He sits up, confused.
"Where… am I?"
A blue light flashes.
A transparent screen appears before his eyes.
---
SYSTEM ACTIVATED
[Candidate System Initialized]
Name: Nikhil
Status: Candidate
Event:War of Candidates
---STATS
Speed: F
Attack Power:E
Endurance: F
Intelligence:A+++
Potential:X
Weapon:Mystery – F
The screen flickers.
Nikhil stares in shock.
"Candidate…?"
"War…?"
The system remains silent.
END OF CHAPTER 1