Kent walked through the narrow, winding crevices of Devil Mountain. Unlike his past battles and journeys, this time, there was no force trying to stop him. No demonic beasts, no guardians of ancient secrets—just the eerie silence of the forbidden land. His instincts told him that whatever lay ahead was beyond any challenge he had ever faced.
As he reached the heart of the mountain, a large cave-like chamber revealed itself. At its center stood a tomb-like structure, radiating an ancient aura. The energy within the chamber was thick, swirling around the tomb like a silent storm waiting to be unleashed.
Then, as if summoned by fate itself, a figure materialized before Kent.
Veera Vikram Mahavir, the same elderly spirit who had once helped Kent open the space portal, appeared with a kind smile on his face.
“Finally, you came, young man,” Mahavir said, his voice carrying an ethereal weight. “I have been waiting for you since our last meeting.”
Kent immediately bowed his head in respect. “Elder Mahavir, I owe you everything. Because of your guidance, humanity now thrives, and the demons have been eradicated. I stand here today because of you.”
Mahavir chuckled. “You give me too much credit, young one. You were the one who fought and bled for your people, not me. But I am grateful you came back.”
Kent straightened himself. “That day, you mentioned that you had something I would desire the most… Can you tell me what it is?”
Mahavir’s eyes twinkled. “What you deserve the most… If it is the path to reach the Apex World, the Immortal World, then yes, I do have a way. With my method, you can directly enter the Immortal World along with your dearest family.”
Kent’s breath caught in his throat. He took a step back, utterly stunned.
“Elder Mahavir… are you serious? Do you truly mean that?” His voice trembled slightly.
Mahavir nodded. “I do not speak lightly of such matters. However, I will not offer this opportunity for free. Everything has a Price in this world. I need your help in return, and it will not be an easy task.”
Kent inhaled deeply, already understanding that this was not a simple favor. He met Mahavir’s gaze. “Tell me what you need. If I can do it, I won’t refuse.”
Mahavir’s smile faded slightly, and his voice took a more solemn tone. “My name is Veera Vikram Mahavir, and I am a Fate Reader. In my pursuit of immortality, I chose the path of fate itself. But just before my final tribulation, I was betrayed by the Jian family, a powerful household in the Immortal World.”
Kent narrowed his eyes. “Betrayed? How?”
“I agreed to teach them the art of Fate Reading in exchange for their family’s secret technique. But once they obtained my knowledge, they feared I would leak their family’s secrets to outsiders. Instead of honoring their promise, they imprisoned me, using my abilities to grow their wealth and power.”
Mahavir sighed. “I spent decades as a prisoner, waiting for an opportunity to escape. Eventually, I used a forbidden method to split my soul into seven fragments, scattering them across different worlds to seek help. So far, I have only found one capable person, a young woman in the Immortal World, but she is still weak. That is why I have chosen you, Kent. You are my next hope.”
Kent listened intently. “You want me to free you?”
Mahavir nodded. “You must always try to become a stronger wizard and reach the heavenly immortal world. One day, when you reach the heavenly Immortal World, you must find a way to release me from the Jian family’s grasp. If you agree to this, I will use the power of my soul to open a passage, allowing you and thirteen of your chosen family members to enter the Immortal World without having to wait for old age or sever your bonds with the mortal realm.”
Kent’s mind raced. This was a golden opportunity—one that would take him beyond the limitations of mortals. But he also knew nothing came without a price.
“Only thirteen people?” Kent asked.
Mahavir smiled knowingly. “Not more, not less. Thirteen is the maximum my soul power can sustain to bear the pressure of space.”
Kent clenched his fists. His fate was already pushing him toward the Immortal World, but to bring his loved ones along… that was priceless.
Mahavir continued. “However, there is something you should consider. Your fate is strong, Kent. If you truly want to step into the Immortal World along with your family, the best way is to exchange fate with the Kaban King.”
Kent frowned. “Kaban King? How do you know about him?”
Mahavir’s voice dropped. “I’m a fate reader… Kaban has done several wrong things in the past in the immortal world because of his wealthy and powerful family. That’s why his spirit now lingers in the realm of karma. If you exchange fates with him, you will enter the Immortal World under his identity. In return, his soul will be reborn somewhere in the Second World with your fate.”
Kent felt a chill run through him. “That means… I take his fate, and he takes mine?”
“Yes,” Mahavir confirmed. “But be warned, Kent. Kaban’s fate carries immense bad karma. You will face numerous trials. However, if you succeed in inheriting his fate, your identity will be changed in the immortal world and the Kaban family in the Immortal World will be a great aid to you.”
Kent fell silent, weighing his options. Was he truly willing to risk such a thing?
Mahavir watched him closely. “This is your choice, young man. It is not an easy path, and you will carry the burden of Kaban’s karma. But with your determination, you can survive. I’m offering you this by sacrificing a part of my soul. So, think carefully.”
After a long silence, Kent exhaled deeply. Then, with unwavering resolve, he looked up. “I accept.”
Mahavir’s face broke into a smile. “Good. You have thirteen days to settle your matters before I open the portal. Choose your companions wisely.”
Kent bowed once more. “Thank you, Elder Mahavir. I will not waste this chance. But I have many doubts… Please help with your knowledge.” Kent asked in a respectful tone.
–
Tq