Chapter 30: First Wish Granted

Chapter 30: First Wish Granted

In the quiet of his hostel room, Alex sat cross-legged, the wish crystal glowing softly before him. It had been days since he ascended to the title of the God of Wishes, and the weight of his newfound responsibilities still felt heavy upon his shoulders. Around him, his friends—Sarah, Jenny, and Mark—waited with eager anticipation, their eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and excitement.

"Alex," Sarah began cautiously, breaking the silence that had settled over them, "do you think it's really true? Can you grant wishes now?"

Alex nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the shimmering crystal. "Yes, I believe so. The notifications and the divine voice—it all seems too real to be a dream."

Jenny leaned forward, her voice tinged with awe. "So, what's the first wish going to be?"

Alex smiled warmly at his friends. He had already decided what his first wish would be—a gift to those closest to him, a token of gratitude for their unwavering support and belief.

"I wish," Alex began, his voice steady yet filled with earnestness, "to grant each of you control over elemental powers, so you can wield magic and assist me in our quests across other worlds."

As soon as the wish left his lips, a gentle hum emanated from the wish crystal. It glowed brighter, pulsating with energy as if responding to Alex's command. A wave of warmth washed over the room, enveloping Sarah, Jenny, and Mark in a soft, ethereal light.

Sarah gasped as she felt a surge of power within her, a deep connection to the element of water. Jenny's eyes widened as flames danced around her fingertips, responding to her newfound mastery over fire. Mark felt the earth beneath him tremble slightly, responding to his command over the element of earth.

"It's... it's real," Mark whispered in awe, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jenny laughed joyfully, flames flickering around her in a mesmerizing display. "This is incredible, Alex! Thank you!"

Touched by their reactions, Alex nodded, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude. "You're welcome, my friends. Consider it a token of our friendship and a promise of the journeys we'll undertake together."

Just as the moment of celebration began to settle, a notification appeared in the air before them, its words solemn and clear:

**Notification: You cannot grant wishes to yourself or those close to you if it aids in the completion of quests. This wish to your friends is granted this time, but henceforth, wishes must be granted only to your believers.**

Alex read the notification silently, his brow furrowed in thought. He understood the implications of the rule—it meant he could no longer use his powers to directly benefit himself or those he held dear in ways that might shortcut their journey.

"I see," Alex murmured, his tone contemplative. "From now on, my powers must be used carefully and with purpose."

Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder. "Don't worry, Alex. We're believers in you, through and through. We'll help you fulfill your destiny, no matter what."

Alex smiled gratefully at his friends, a renewed sense of determination settling within him. With their support and his newfound abilities, he knew they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the vast, unexplored realms beyond.

As they basked in the glow of their shared moment, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism for the future. Together, they would forge a path as they embarked on their quests, bound not only by friendship but by the unbreakable bond of belief in the God of Wishes.

**To be continued...**