How long is this going to take…
Riku thought in the absolute silence of the darkness.
Even though after meeting that god… this madness is about to begin… I almost prefer this darkness. Being alone like this…
Soon after, Riku found himself in a room still wrapped in darkness, illuminated only by small candles. A faint scent of incense lingered in the air.
"Where am I now?"
He looked around, tense.
More candles lit up one by one, slowly revealing the chamber. The walls were carved with bas-reliefs depicting unclear historical events. From them, small waterfalls flowed downward, merging into three rivers that led toward an open, wall-less edge—beyond which stretched a night sky.
"Wow… this place is massive."
Riku was genuinely impressed as he approached where the rivers converged.
He leaned forward—and saw only absolute void beneath him.
Startled, he immediately stepped back.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
A male voice came from behind him.
Riku jumped in shock and nearly fell into the abyss, but a trunk caught him just in time.
"Ah, that was close!"
A deep laugh followed as Riku was gently placed back on solid ground.
He was still shaken.
That wasn't funny at all!
Riku turned around to see who had saved him.
"Th-thank you—"
He froze the moment he saw the towering humanoid figure in front of him, with the head of an elephant and four arms.
Riku stared at him in disbelief.
What even is this now!?
Despite the overwhelming presence, the creature looked at Riku with a gentle, almost childlike expression. And strangely enough, that immediately calmed him.
I don't know why… but being near him feels reassuring…
"Alright, let's get to the important part! I am Ganesha, god of wisdom, and I am the deity you will represent on your journey…"
Ganesha paused for a moment, as if confirming something.
"You must be Inari Riku, correct?"
"Y-Yes, that's me," Riku replied calmly.
Then it hit him.
I'm casually talking to a god… and not just any god. Ganesha is one of the most important deities ever!
"I already know quite a bit about you… so let's move on to choosing your weapon!"
Behind Riku, Ganesha manifested a massive table filled with countless weapons.
"Holy… this is insane…"
Riku stepped closer, inspecting them.
"Yes, they are! They are divine weapons after all," Ganesha said, pleased by his subordinate's reaction.
Riku remembered Bragi's words about divine weapons and their importance.
He turned back to Ganesha, confused.
"Why are you giving me something like this?"
Ganesha tilted his head slightly.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"You said you already know everything about me… someone like me won't last long in this tournament. A coward like me doesn't stand a chance."
Riku let it out, then lowered his gaze.
"I'm useless…"
Ganesha remained silent for a few seconds, taken aback by his words. Then he smiled.
"A man is not without hope forever. You just need to live long enough to find new ones."
Riku slowly raised his eyes.
"Then who better than you? You, who are starting from nothing to find meaning in your life… who could be a better bet than you?"
Those words struck something deep inside him.
"I know what you've done in the past… but I believe you understand now that you've been given a second chance, haven't you?"
Ganesha stepped closer.
"So go out there and do your duty. Raise not only me in this tournament… but yourself as well. You are my bet, Inari Riku."
Riku was speechless.
Slowly, tears began to form in his eyes.
"Now choose your partner for this wonderful journey on Aetherion… time is almost up."
Encouraged by his deity, Riku wiped his tears and quickly scanned the divine weapons.
There were many, but his eyes stopped on one in particular.
A long, perfectly balanced spear made of golden metal that seemed to trap light within itself. Its blade was thin and sharp, almost ethereal, with a tip that shimmered like a compressed flame.
Divine engravings ran along the shaft, pulsing faintly like a steady breath. The moment it was held, the air around it vibrated, as if war itself had taken form.
Ganesha noticed his choice and chuckled.
"The Vel Spear! Excellent choice!"
Riku lifted it carefully, testing its weight.
It's light… I don't know how to use it, but I guess just holding it for now is enough…
"That spear belongs to my family. It was once wielded by my brother Kartikeya. So you'd better live up to my expectations!"
Riku stiffened slightly.
Ganesha laughed.
"There's no need to force yourself to prove something that takes time."
Riku nodded, his eyes finally carrying a hint of hope.
Ganesha paused for a moment.
"Oh! I almost forgot… there's another rule I need to explain!"
Riku immediately focused.
"During the tournament, we will only have two more chances to speak. Five minutes each."
His body tensed.
Only twice… five minutes each… that's not much…
"One of those will depend entirely on me—I will decide when the moment is right. As for you subordinates, it works a little differently…"
Riku suddenly felt a presence behind him and turned sharply.
"Time's almost up…" Ganesha said, noticing something.
The space behind Riku began to tear apart.
It's just like when Aetherion appeared!
Riku felt himself being pulled toward the rift.
"Riku, listen carefully!" Ganesha called out. "To summon me, you must have the will to meet me!"
Riku frowned in confusion.
"I don't get it! What does that mean!?"
He tried desperately to resist the pull.
"I can't explain it now! But don't worry… when the time comes, you'll understand better than I do!"
Riku could no longer hold on.
Ganesha watched as he was dragged away.
"I hope we meet again. Remember: fight and—"
The rest of his words were swallowed by the void as Riku disappeared into darkness once more.