Ever since the beta version ended, Nitish had been counting down the days until Celestial Domain would officially launch.
He wasn't the only one.The excitement he felt was shared by thousands of others.
The entire virtual reality gaming community was buzzing—almost as if an earthquake had hit the digital world.For the first time, a new world had been discovered, and people were both thrilled and overwhelmed with anticipation.
Faridabad Senior High SchoolTime: 8:00 AM(School Ground)
Nitish was walking across the school ground on his way to class.That evening, Celestial Domain was finally going live, and he could barely contain his excitement.
As he walked at a relaxed pace, someone suddenly slapped a hand on his shoulder.
Turning around, he saw Aaryan.
"Dude, what are you doing wandering around here?" Aaryan said, clearly in a rush. "Dhruv Jindal—the richest guy in our school—is forming his own guild! And today's the recruitment for new members. Come on, let's go register our names!"
"But why do we need to join his guild, Aaryan?" Nitish asked calmly.
"What kind of question is that?" Aaryan looked baffled. "Dhruv's offering actual salaries to his guild members. He's even paying for private teleportation devices so they can enter Celestial Domain. Dude, joining a guild like that beats working a job after graduation!"
Nitish could tell Aaryan genuinely didn't get it.
"To be honest," Nitish said, "I'm not interested in joining Dhruv's guild."
Aaryan stared at him in shock.
"Bro, what the hell are you saying? You know we're not exactly rich, right? You've got the beta tester's device, fine—but what about me? Where do I get my own device from if I don't get into a guild?"
He looked like he was about to faint.
"Wait... don't tell me you're saying this just because Shaurya is Dhruv's friend! Come on, man, don't let personal drama mess with your future. I know Shaurya's dating your ex, but that doesn't mean you throw away a good opportunity!"
Aaryan had now grabbed both of Nitish's shoulders, pleading with him.
"Aaryan... Don't take this the wrong way. I understand where we stand."
"I know we're not wealthy. I know we aren't pampered princes like Shaurya or Dhruv. I know you don't have the money to buy a device on your own."
"But Aaryan... people like them? They're loyal to no one. Dhruv and Shaurya will use us for their gain—and the moment they're done with us, they'll toss us aside without a second thought."
"Trust me, bro. I'm a beta tester. I've learned a lot. We can make it—without their guild, without their help. In fact..."
"I want to create my own guild."
Nitish's words left Aaryan wide-eyed with disbelief.
Nitish's best friend had always been a little timid. He was scared of Shaurya, and wouldn't even go near someone like Dhruv.
But today… today, that same friend was looking him in the eye—filled with confidence—and saying all this.For Aaryan, this was something completely new.
"Bro, your own guild? But how? Starting a guild needs money, funding, people… We don't even have the cash to buy a device," Aaryan said, still thinking practically.
"Don't worry about the money. I'll arrange it," Nitish replied. "As for the device… I heard that the Celestial Domain company is offering one-week trial devices. You can use that for now. I'll get the money sorted within the week."
"But it's up to you, bro. If you want to join Dhruv's guild, you can. I won't be upset. You'll always be my brother—I just want what's best for you."
Nitish hadn't told Aaryan about the system guide in his mind.
He wasn't going to tell anyone—because he knew that if word got out, people might become enemies just to get to him.It was better to keep it a secret.
After a long pause, Aaryan suddenly shouted, "You sneaky bastard! You call me your brother, then talk like I'm a stranger? I'm not going anywhere. You're a beta tester, right? That's more than enough. We'll figure something out together—but I'm not leaving you alone."
He grabbed Nitish in a tight hug.
They'd always been close—both underdogs, both constantly worried about being crushed by the rich kids who controlled everything.
But today... his best friend had taken a stand. He'd begun his fight against their reality.How could Aaryan not stand with him?
"Okay, okay, chill—stop hugging me like that," Nitish chuckled, gently pushing Aaryan aside."People are staring. Those hot girls think we're up to something."
"Shut up, man. Wait—where are the hot girls?" Aaryan looked around, confused.
Nitish facepalmed.
"God help you…"
"God help my enemies…"
With that, the two friends headed off to class, joking as usual.
As soon as the school bell rang that afternoon, Nitish and Aaryan rushed out and made their way to a nearby electronics shop.But what they saw there left them stunned.
Over a thousand people were crowded outside the store, all desperate to get their hands on a Celestial Domain device.
"Come on, give me my device already! What kind of pathetic service is this?!"
"Hurry up and open the shop—I've been standing here forever!"
"I'm a student! And a girl! Do I get a discount?"
Nitish and Aaryan looked at the chaos and then at each other.
"This is real global warming," Aaryan muttered.
"You're not wrong," Nitish replied with a smirk.
The moment the store opened, they slipped inside.
After waiting a long while, Aaryan finally got a trial device, which he would need to return after one week.
Nitish gave him a few helpful tips for navigating Celestial Domain, and after saying their goodbyes, they both went their separate ways.
On the way home, Nitish stopped at a grocery store and picked up some cup noodles.He had a feeling they were about to become his new best friend.
Once he reached his apartment, Nitish headed straight to the fridge.Before sitting down, he took out a small bottle labeled A-Rank Solution.
These were the same special nutrient solutions he had received as a beta tester.
"I've never actually tried one of these… Guess now's the time."He opened the bottle and downed the full 100 ml in a single gulp.
The effects were immediate.
A strange, sticky black substance began to seep from his skin.
This was known as body smoke—a physical manifestation of the toxins, stress, and "pollution" that had built up inside him.
Nitish wiped off the body smoke with a towel and took a deep breath.
His body felt completely fresh. Energized. Lighter than ever before.
"Mmm… I didn't expect an A-Rank solution to be this amazing.If this is how good A-Rank is… I can't even imagine what an S-Rank would feel like."
Determination surged through him.
He would get his hands on an S-Rank solution one day.
Feeling fully rejuvenated, Nitish lay down and strapped on his device.
"I'm coming, Celestial Domain…"
He powered the device on.
And just like that, Nitish was teleported into the world once again.