"A dueling realm?" Elian questioned.

"Yes, it's a realm created by Lord Indra for fierce battles between deities," the voice replied.

"So Lord Indra created an entire realm just for entertainment?"

"While I can't say for certain, it seems so. Currently, there's no other supreme being as mighty as Lord Indra. When you wake up, you'll see the dueling realm clearly. It's another manifestation of light, so only those worthy can enter and survive. Weaker-willed humans simply lose consciousness as their light drains, leading to their demise."

"What do you mean by draining?"

"Light isn't meant for human bodies or Earth. Your bodies gradually lose it until death. The weakest humans, the 'unworthy,' perish instantly. Those with slightly stronger wills, the 'blue wills,' go unconscious and lose light until they die. 'Green wills' can stay conscious and absorb light slowly. 'Red wills' are stronger, absorbing more light than mid-ranking deities. And 'silver wills' become 100% light, ascending to become deities themselves."

"So humans can become deities... Why does Indra want that? Doesn't he just see us as a mere entertainment, why would he want us to get stronger?"

"As a green will, I can't access all knowledge yet. I draw knowledge from Earth. We'll discuss more next time. Remember, as a green will, your body will keep draining light."

"And if I lose all my light, I'll die?"

"Yes."

"What do I need to do then?"

"That's why the duelling realm exists. You'll have to duel other humans and deities to survive. You need to DUEL."

"I... have to... fight... Deities?" Elian stuttered in disbelief.

"Elian, just as there are stages of human will, there are ranks among deities... I can't tell you more now. You're waking up; everything you need to know about duels... you'll discover in the dueling realm. For now... I must go, but we will meet again. When we do, I'll tell you about the formation of the Anshelborn deities and... THE EARTH..."

"Wait! Please, don't leave me," Elian pleaded desperately, his voice trembling with fear and urgency. "I can't face them. They're on a different level. They... they turned Liora to nothing in the blink of an eye. I'm not ready for this. Please..."

The voice paused, a moment of silence stretching before it responded with a calm yet resolute tone, "Elian, I understand your fear. But you have a strength within you, a will that can grow stronger. The dueling realm isn't just about power; it's about strategy, about finding your path amidst challenges. You can't face them head-on now, but you can learn. Trust in yourself. Trust in what you will become."

Elian's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing with uncertainty and dread. "I... I don't know if I can do this. I'm not like them. I'm just..."

"You're human," the voice interjected gently but firmly. "And that makes you capable of more than you realize. The journey ahead is daunting, but remember, I'll be here to guide you. Together, we'll find a way."

Elian nodded slowly, the weight of his destiny settling upon him. "Okay... I'll try."

"We'll meet again soon," the voice assured. "Until then, prepare yourself. Your journey is just beginning."

As the presence faded, Elian was left alone, grappling with his fear and the uncertain path ahead.

"Until we meet again.... my will"

Elian's eyes flickered open, the remnants of the dream clinging to his thoughts like a shroud of uncertainty. Blinking against the harsh reality of waking, he found himself amidst chaos. Earth lay in shambles, makeshift camps scattered across the landscape, A massive portal to the duelling realm loomed ominously in the distance, its energy crackling with latent power.

Confusion gripped him as he staggered to his feet, disoriented and searching for familiar faces. "Where... where am I?" he asked a nearby group of survivors, their faces grim and wary.

"You're in Camp Nine," one grizzled man replied, his gaze wary but sympathetic. "The authorities brought you in unconscious. Said you were out for a month."

"A month?" Elian repeated, disbelief mingling with the dread in his gut. "But... my family. Where's Ashun?" His voice trembled, heart pounding with fear.

"I'm sorry, I don't know who Ashun is. Is he a friend or family?"

"I... he's my brother," Elian choked out, his voice thick with emotion. Weakness trembled through his limbs as he stood, gripping the man's collar tightly. Tears welled in his eyes. "Where is he? Where can I find him? And my mother... Is she okay?" His voice cracked, the fear and urgency palpable.

The man's expression softened, understanding the turmoil Elian was going through. "Easy now," he said gently, trying to pry Elian's grip off his collar. "Your brother... I haven't seen anyone matching that description. "

Elian staggered back, his legs trembling with weakness, but his determination burned fiercely. "I need to see them," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

Lucas and Barron entered the tent to check on Elian, hoping he had woken up. They saw Elian gripping a man's collar, tears streaming down his face as he desperately asked about his mother.

"Elian, calm down," Lucas said softly, stepping forward and placing a hand on Elian's shoulder. "We're here. Let's take a moment."

Barron nodded, gently prying Elian's fingers from the man's collar. "We've all been worried about you. You've been unconscious for a month."

Elian's eyes widened in shock. "But my brother... and my mother..."

"We'll find Ashun," Lucas assured him, his voice steady. "But right now, let's check on Mother Aurelia. She's been unconscious too, but she's stable."

Elian took a shaky breath, his legs still weak. "Okay... okay. Let's go see her."

Lucas and Barron guided Elian out of the tent, supporting him as they made their way to the makeshift medical area. "You've got to stay strong, Elian," Barron said quietly. "We'll get through this together."

As they approached Mother Aurelia's side, Elian's heart pounded with a mix of hope and fear. "Mother..." he whispered, reaching out to touch her hand gently.

"We're here for you, Elian," Lucas said, his voice filled with empathy. "We'll figure this out together."

Mother Aurelia lying on a makeshift cot. She appeared serene yet fragile, her breathing slow and steady.

Elian knelt beside her, his hand reaching out to touch her cheek gently. "Mother... please wake up," he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion.

Beside him, Lucas and Barron stood silently, their own worry etched on their faces.

As Elian sat down, sobbing and holding his mother's hand, two men walked in, radiating a golden aura.

Everyone turned to look at them. Elian, his voice trembling, asked, "Who... who are you?"