Lizard

E...

A persistent, haunting echo in Arjun's digital realm – "Error."

Error...

The recurring messages, an unyielding barrage, flashing relentlessly across his screen.

The frustration intensified as each attempt to unravel the mystery yielded the same result.

"This information is not available."

The words taunted him, leaving Arjun in a state of digital despair.

These messages were coming again, a relentless reminder of his unanswered inquiry.

Arjun's mind, once filled with curiosity, now shattered as the enigmatic reality quest remained elusive.

He had dared to pose a question within the Phoenix system – a query about its creator and the genesis of the reality quest.

Since then, a persistent headache plagued Arjun, a digital affliction that transcended the boundaries of his virtual existence.

Currently sequestered within his room, the digital frustrations mirrored in the physical world around him.

Arjun falls to his knees, his hands gripping his head as if trying to suppress the screams within his mind. "Stop here, please stop," echoes his silent plea.

Screaming intensifies in the recesses of Arjun's thoughts, his inner turmoil reaching a crescendo. Blood trickles from his nose, a physical manifestation of the mental anguish he endures. Unable to bear the weight, he collapses onto the floor, unconscious.

After four agonizing hours, Arjun awakens in his room. This time, he finds himself lying in his bed. His mother, vigilant beside him, has witnessed his tumultuous ordeal. Reacting swiftly, she brings a glass of water as her son regains consciousness, a soothing gesture in the aftermath of his digital struggle.

Meenakshi's anger radiates as she confronts her son, "Tell me the truth. What happened to you? I've been watching you for two months, and you've changed a lot. Arjun, let me hear the whole truth from your mouth today."

Entering Arjun's room, Meenakshi finds him lying in a vulnerable state. With urgency, she lifts him gently, placing him on the bed. She lies down beside him, waiting for his consciousness to return, a concerned mother by his side.

As Arjun gradually regains awareness, he remains motionless, absorbing the weight of his mother's words. Meenakshi, determined to understand, implores him to reveal the truth about his transformation.

Despite the emotional plea, Arjun hesitates to disclose the complexities of the Phoenix system. Fearing disbelief, he weaves a different narrative, tears streaming down his face. "One night, I overheard you and Papa talking. Both of you were very upset because you had borrowed a lot of money from relatives for my treatment. I am worthless; I never respected both of you," he confesses in a voice laden with sorrow.

Meenakshi listens intently as Arjun opens up. He continues, "I know how much trouble both of you went through to make me capable of standing on my feet, but I have never respected both of you."

Arjun shares these sentiments to find solace, fully aware that he inhabits the body named Arjun, his true self having been gone for a considerable time. Meenakshi and Rajat, blissfully unaware of their son's demise, remain in the dark.

Placing her hand on Arjun's head, Meenakshi reassures him, "Since when did you start talking such big things? No matter how old you become, you will remain my son and child."

Encouraging him to rest, Meenakshi leaves the room to prepare something for Arjun, a tender gesture reflecting the unwavering love of a mother.

Arjun swiftly freshens up after Meenakshi leaves, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events caused by the Phoenix system. He hadn't anticipated such an intense experience today.

Quickly preparing for his upcoming exam, Arjun immerses himself in his studies, fully aware of the necessity to be ready for tomorrow's challenge.

Later that night, Meenakshi informs him that his father has left on a trip with the family. Arjun's father, a taxi driver, had taken them somewhere, and he's expected to return in a day or two.

With his father away, Arjun and Meenakshi share a quiet dinner before retiring for the night. The routine continues, though the enigma of the Phoenix system lingers in the background of Arjun's daily life.

Sitting alone in his room, Arjun struggles to shake off the fear lingering from the afternoon's incident. Sleep proves elusive as his mind replays the unsettling events.

Eventually succumbing to exhaustion, Arjun drifts into an uneasy slumber, unaware of when sleep claimed him. The next day, heading to the exam hall, he notices Ayush's absence, realizing the impact of their confrontation.

Over the following 10 days, Arjun maintains his routine of attending school, giving exams, and returning home. However, a subtle change in his classmates' gazes hints at something extraordinary. Arjun comprehends the meaning of this scrutiny – the transformation brought about by the Phoenix system.

Having accumulated numerous experience points, Arjun's body undergoes significant changes with each level-up. His classmates, unaware of the digital intricacies at play, observe him with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

Arjun, oblivious to the impending events, carries the weight of his newfound abilities, unaware that the journey with the Phoenix system is about to take an unforeseen turn.

Exiting the exam corridor, Arjun is startled by a peculiar notification from Phoenix, instructing him to give birth to a lizard. Perplexed, he contemplates the unusual request, realizing this is an unprecedented occurrence in his interactions with the system.

As Arjun grapples with confusion, a sense of alertness envelops him. Aware of the enemies he has amassed, both directly and indirectly, he navigates the unexpected directive from Phoenix with caution.

The unfamiliar task hints at a shift in the dynamics of his journey, leaving Arjun on edge about the challenges that may lie ahead.

End of the chapter