Divine Protocol: Rise Beyond Mortals

King Haruto was so stunned by the nine-colored lights radiating from Hiroshi that he collapsed to the floor, his body trembling from the shock.

Sayuri rushed to his side, kneeling beside him with worry etched on her face.

"Grandfather, are you okay? What happened all of a sudden?"

Her voice pulled him back to consciousness. He blinked, his eyes focusing on her as he rasped,

"Where did you find Hiroshi?"

Sayuri frowned, unsure of his intent, but answered,

"I went hunting in the forest, and that's where I met him. Why, Grandfather? Is there a problem?"

The king shook his head slowly, his voice low and cautious.

"No, no problem… but listen carefully, Sayuri. Don't tell anyone about Hiroshi's nine-colored lights!"

"But why, Grandfather? What's so special about these lights?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

King Haruto's expression grew solemn.

"Hiroshi harbors the powers of the Navagraha—the nine planetary forces. He's their master, though his strength is weak now due to his low Seishin level. When he reaches my level or beyond, no warrior will stand against him for even a moment. He'll become a prodigious warrior, blessed with the sun's brilliance, the moon's grace, the mountains' resolve, and love from his kin. If anyone harms his loved ones, he'll drench this world's soil with his enemies' blood. He'll possess the foresight to understand all things before their time. Hiroshi will be a war god—his mere presence will send enemy armies fleeing, and his gaze alone will make their souls abandon their bodies. He'll be a legendary hero."

Sayuri listened, her disbelief evident. She turned to Hiroshi, who now sat cross-legged, the nine-colored lights—red, green, blue, yellow, pink, orange, black, purple, brown—still emanating from him. As she studied him, her eyes widened, and her legs trembled. Suddenly, warm winds swept through the room, and a blinding white light burst from Hiroshi's body.

King Haruto acted swiftly, shielding Sayuri with his powers. His heart skipped a beat as he whispered to himself,

"Divine Fire…"

His eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and joy.

Meanwhile, Hiroshi's body remained in the throne room, but his consciousness drifted into the vortex of his powers. There, he floated amid nine glowing orbs, each representing a color, swirling in a radiant dance. Guided by Ryūjin, the orbs began to expand, growing larger with each passing second, their light intensifying.

Ryūjin's voice echoed in his mind, directing him.

Thanks to this guidance, Hiroshi channeled his energies into the orbs. Thirty-four minutes passed in this trance, and when he opened his eyes, he saw the orbs had grown to the size of footballs.

Ryūjin's cheerful voice broke through.

"Wow, buddy! From the first stage of Seishin straight to the eighth—congratulations, hero!"

Hiroshi grinned, elated.

"Thanks, bro. I couldn't have done it without you."

Ryūjin chuckled.

"No problem, but focus now. Control your Divine Fire. The king seems to know about it, so be careful, or trouble might find you."

Hiroshi nodded mentally and emerged from the vortex. Opening his eyes, he found King Haruto and Sayuri staring at him intently, the king's excitement palpable. His heart raced under their scrutiny.

King Haruto rushed forward, flustered.

"Hiroshi, forgive me! I didn't recognize your potential."

His gaze shifted to Hiroshi's power level—eighth stage of Seishin—and a mix of respect and amazement filled him. Sayuri, too, was stunned by the leap.

Hiroshi realized the king had seen his Divine Fire, explaining the sudden humility—especially after nearly crushing him earlier.

He rose gracefully, bowing with joined hands.

"No need to apologize. I understand your concern for Sayuri, but I'm here only to design the bride's outfit for your family's wedding. Please don't doubt my intentions."

King Haruto felt a pang of guilt at Hiroshi's earnest words. Laughing lightly, he said,

"I misjudged you, but I'll make it right."

He reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small bottle, handing it to Hiroshi.

"This is a Power Supplement Pill, washed with blue lotus water, infused with immense spiritual energy. Take it, and you can advance another stage in the Seishin level."

Hiroshi, impressed by the praise, couldn't resist accepting it. With a humble nod, he said,

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty."

The king waved it off.

"No thanks needed. Consider it compensation."

Hiroshi smiled, then an idea struck him.

"Your Majesty, I've reached the eighth stage of Seishin and need to test my powers. May I spar with Princess Sayuri?"

Sayuri stepped forward, smirking.

"No need to ask permission. Let's go, but beware—you're still at the Seishin level, while I'm at the fourth stage of Tenrai. Without a technique, you won't last a moment. Do you know any?"

She was right—raw strength without skill leads to defeat, a fact Hiroshi understood. He shook his head sadly.

"I just reached the eighth stage of Seishin today. What technique could I have?"

Seeing his disappointment, King Haruto interjected,

"No need to be disheartened. You can visit our Technique Shrine and choose any technique that suits you."

Hiroshi's eyes lit up.

"Your Majesty, I'll never forget your generosity."

The king shrugged casually.

"No need to be so formal. If you wish, you can also join Shiva Academy for more learning."

He paused, then added,

"In six months, a tournament will occur, featuring warriors from four great kingdoms. The winner receives the Solar Blade—five percent of the true Solar Blade's power—and a chance to study at Nalanda University. There, you'd gain vast knowledge."

King Haruto envisioned Hiroshi's rise, knowing his Navagraha and Divine Fire powers could elevate Shivakura's prestige if he won as their champion. His mind buzzed with pride.

But Hiroshi declined firmly.

"Thank you for the suggestion, Your Majesty, but I'm not interested. However, with your permission, I'd like to visit the Technique Shrine."

The king's heart sank at the refusal, though he hid it with a laugh.

"Why not? Go ahead."

He turned to Sayuri.

"Help him find a good technique."

Sayuri nodded and turned to Hiroshi.

"Come on, I'll help you pick a technique."

Hiroshi smiled, and they headed out. As they reached the door, he paused, turning back to the king.

"Your Majesty, do you know a girl named Aoi? She's incredibly beautiful."

Hoping the king, ruler of the realm, might know, Hiroshi waited. King Haruto fell into deep thought, then shook his head.

"No, Hiroshi, I've never heard of such a girl."

Disappointment washed over Hiroshi, though he trusted the king's honesty. He bowed and turned to leave, but the king called out,

"Wait, Hiroshi! If I don't know, it doesn't mean nothing can be found. Check Nalanda University—every detail is recorded there. If she's talented, she might have visited. But only if she's skilled."

Hiroshi's eyes sparkled with hope. He knew Aoi's talent, so he asked,

"How do I get to Nalanda University?"

The king's face brightened.

"Win the upcoming tournament, and you'll be sent there. But you'll need to prove yourself to gain admission."

Hiroshi nodded inwardly.

To find Aoi, I'll have to prove myself.

Aloud, he said,

"I'll join that tournament, Your Majesty."

The king beamed, while Sayuri's heart twinged with unease.

Who is this Aoi? Is she more beautiful than me? No… but why doesn't he notice me? Maybe she's his sister or friend. What am I thinking? It shouldn't matter, but it does.

Torn by conflicting emotions, she followed Hiroshi out, while King Haruto sank into his chair, lost in thought.

What thought consumed King Haruto? Is he planning to harm Hiroshi? Which technique will Hiroshi choose at the Technique Shrine? What is Nalanda University, and will Hiroshi truly find Aoi's information there?