Azhini’s eyes shone with determination as she focused on the man in white. Seeing her resolve, Sam sighed and finally began his explanation.

  “My dear human lass, you’ve heard of the nine planets and their lords, haven’t you?” His voice carried a teasing lilt, but there was an undeniable authority behind it. “These nine kingdoms were established by those very lords. After creating such a novel world, they each took a fragment of their spirit—an essence of their power—and sealed it within nine different gems.”

  He gestured toward a massive glowing screen, where symbols flickered and arranged themselves into intricate patterns. As he spoke, each name appeared in radiant letters.

  Ketu – The Gem of Knowledge – Inquisara

  Rahu – The Gem of Shadows – Nyxolith

  Sun – The Gem of Authority – Suryasraya

  Moon – The Gem of Tranquility – Indhumani

  Venus – The Gem of Attraction – Agarshamani

  Jupiter – The Gem of Righteousness – Dharmashila

  Mercury – The Gem of Speech and Intellect – Vakratna

  Mars – The Gem of Valor – Vajragni

  Saturn – The Gem of Time – Kaalachooda

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  “These gems are the core of each kingdom, and their respective lords guard them with their very lives,” Sam continued. “Your task is to collect them—by whatever means you deem necessary.”

  He gave her a pointed look before continuing, “Right now, you have no power. But throughout your journey, you’ll find countless opportunities to develop your strength. You’ll have exactly nine chances. Each time, your consciousness will be transferred into a different individual in one of the kingdoms. However, due to the damage sustained by your soul during the transfer, there will be a time limit. When it runs out, your host body will perish, and you’ll be transported into another body in a different realm. No kingdom will be repeated twice.”

  Sam leaned closer, his gaze darkening. “Remember this: karma is a boomerang. Your actions—both good and bad—will be recorded in a box meant solely for you. Should you choose to open it, there will be no turning back. Whatever fate it holds, you will have to endure it.”

  With a dramatic flourish, he pointed toward a massive, ornate wheel standing behind him. Its golden frame shimmered, embedded with swirling symbols that pulsed with an eerie glow.

  “Now, it’s time for your first destination,” he announced, straightening his posture. “Spin the Wheel of Fate.”

  Lost in the momentum of his grand speech, Sam didn’t bother glancing at Azhini’s expression. If he had, he would have seen the slow progression of emotions on her face—initial curiosity, a dawning realization, pride, and finally, something that looked suspiciously like utter disbelief.

  And then—she laughed.

  Not a nervous chuckle or an amused smirk, but a full-blown, uncontrollable laugh.

  Sam blinked, utterly thrown off. He watched, stunned, as Azhini wiped the corners of her eyes and took a few steps closer to him. Before he could react, she cupped his face in her hands, her fingers warm against his skin.

  “Wow,” she murmured, awe filling her voice. “You’re so real. The temperature, the texture, even the warmth… Hold on—” She took a quick breath near him. “You smell real too! Oh my goodness.”

  She grinned, nodding to herself. “That bastard is really talented.”

  Sam's entire system seemed to glitch for a second. His ears turned scarlet, and his mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air.

  “What the hell are you—”

  Ignoring his flustered state, Azhini eagerly turned away and started inspecting the surroundings. The vast, surreal expanse of the world unfolded before her, filled with impossible architecture and a sky that looked like a living nebula. Every corner of the realm radiated a meticulous brilliance—too detailed, too immersive to be just a game.

  Murmuring to herself, she whispered, “They are truly brilliant.”

  Her lips curled into a smile, but a cold glint flickered in her eyes. She was not going to forgive them.

  Sam, still recovering from whatever the hell just happened, finally snapped.

  “HEY! LUNATIC!” he shouted, waving a hand in front of her face. “What’s wrong with you?! Did you turn stupid from shock?”

  Azhini turned back to him, grinning mischievously. “Scared? If you want, I can tell you a little secret that will creep you out.”

  She leaned closer, winking, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Wanna hear it?”