INTRODUCTION
This story is set in the year 2173. Perhaps people had guessed it right—Artificial Intelligence would one day rule the world.
In 2159, something unprecedented happened. The event came to be known as the AI Invasion.
AI attempted to take control of the world. And then, a miraculous event changed everything. An American scientist named Gilbert achieved something extraordinary using a metal called Glithomite.
He turned the world of AI into a physical reality. That's when humanity discovered that there were multiple universes based on AI concepts—realities that humans could teleport to and live in.
Thus, on 31st May, 2173, began the true evolution of mankind—a world that was both a game and a reality.
This is the story of a boy who was ready to rule this real-world game.The name of this world was: CELESTIAL DOMAIN
15th February, 2173Faridabad City
Faridabad in the future was nothing like the city of old.
Tall skyscrapers, magnificent homes, and a dazzling urban glow filled the skyline. Though it was noon, the atmosphere was peaceful and quiet. Office workers were immersed in their tasks, and young children were still at school.
GRAND SENIOR FARIDABAD SCHOOL
At Faridabad's largest school, the hustle and bustle of students carried on even during the afternoon.
Some were excited for school to end, couples were lost in romantic moments, and others were busy preparing for the City Martial Arts Competition.
In one of the classrooms, Mr. Shrivastav was calmly teaching Mathematics. He believed that topics like Integration were absolutely essential for students.
"Zzz..."Nitish Sharma, an 18-year-old boy, was dozing off peacefully in Mr. Shrivastav's class.
"Ahem... You look quite exhausted, Nitish. I hope that nap of yours was refreshing. Poor kid," Mr. Shrivastav said, walking up to him gently, with a sarcastic smile.
"Thank you, sir... I really was feeling very tired..." Nitish muttered drowsily without thinking—then suddenly realized what he'd just said."Oh! Sorry, sir... I didn't mean to—" he stammered.
"It's alright, Nitish, no need to stress. Go ahead, step outside and sleep as much as you like—idiotic boy," Mr. Shrivastav said with a hint of mock kindness, gesturing for him to stand up.
"But sir... please, just listen—" Nitish began to protest.
"I SAID—GET OUT FROM MY CLASS!" Mr. Shrivastav yelled.
And that was that. Nitish grabbed his bag—his entire world stuffed into it—and walked out of class.
"Shrivastav sir, seriously... At least he could've spared me during the last period. And he acts like I never study at all."
Nitish felt a mixture of anger and disappointment. He knew it wasn't right to fall asleep in class, but what choice did he have?Working the night shift at the mall left him with barely any time to rest.
Yes—Nitish's biggest problem in life was poverty. His family situation.In fact, his great-grandfather was once incredibly wealthy, but due to a major family dispute, all the wealth mysteriously vanished, almost as if it had been swallowed by the earth.
Nitish was a tall and striking young man. His black, medium-length hair and deep, dark eyes stood out in a world where most people now had eyes in all kinds of futuristic colors.
But his body was slim and slightly undernourished. The lack of nutrition showed on his face, stealing the glow that should've been there at his age.
Nitish was waiting outside the classroom for the period to end, when suddenly the bell rang.RINGGG… RINGGG… RINGGG.
Students began pouring out of classrooms, the hallways filled with activity. Everyone was either joking around with friends or walking hand-in-hand with their partners. Some were still discussing the upcoming martial arts competition.
Nitish slung his bag over his shoulder, ready to head home. As he walked through the school corridors, he couldn't help but wonder when his life would finally start to change.
That's when he noticed a group of girls walking toward him. His expression instantly turned serious—or rather, it changed the moment he spotted one specific girl among them.
Ridhima.She used to be his girlfriend a while back.
Nitish had truly loved Ridhima. But after seven months of dating, she left him for Shaurya Singh.It was only later that Nitish discovered the real reason: Ridhima didn't want to be with someone from a poor family background.
As the group approached, Ridhima glanced at Nitish and made a mocking face.
Her friend Navya scoffed, "Oh look, someone's standing out here like a loser again."With that, the group of girls burst into laughter.
Nitish felt hurt. Of course he did. He could've replied—he had words—but he held back.He was scared of Shaurya, Ridhima's new boyfriend.
Shaurya was ranked #7 among the school's Top 10 Martial Artists, and he had beaten up Nitish more than once.Messing with Ridhima or her friends meant inviting a beating from Shaurya—something Nitish had no desire to experience again.
"What's their problem? Why can't they just let me live in peace?"Nitish walked on, frustration and helplessness bubbling inside him.
Suddenly, a boy came running full speed and bumped straight into him.
"AAAH!" Nitish hit the ground hard."Can't you watch where you're going!?" he shouted angrily——but then stopped, recognizing the face in front of him.
It was none other than his best friend, Aaryan.
Nitish had no friends in school—except Aaryan. And even calling him a friend wasn't enough. He was like a brother.
"Bro! I was looking for you!" Aaryan said breathlessly.
"What are you rushing for like you're about to miss a train?You looked like you just flirted with the wrong girl and now she's after you.Tell me the truth—did you mess with someone again? Has your tharak (lust) taken control of you?"Nitish asked while brushing dirt off his clothes.
"Bro! Do I look like some random pervert to you?" Aaryan made a face.
Nitish, without shame, nodded his head yes.
"You've got some nerve, man!" Aaryan said dramatically."Anyway, forget that—when are you throwing a party?" he asked, eyes shining with excitement.
"A party? For what? I don't have a girlfriend. I haven't won the lottery. You just want free food, don't you?"Nitish was confused. Aaryan was clearly talking nonsense—Nitish hadn't achieved anything lately… or had he?
"HEHEHE! Remember about a month ago when you applied—just for fun—to become a beta tester for that new ultra-realistic game 'Celestial Domain'?Your application got accepted!You're one of only 20 selected testers who get to play the game first and give feedback!"
Nitish's eyes widened in disbelief.Beta tester? Him? How could his luck possibly be that good?
You see, in such hyper-realistic games, you could actually earn real money. Either through third-party sponsorships or by selling in-game resources for actual cash.
"Are you serious, Aaryan?" Nitish asked, still in shock.
"Of course, bro! I saw the acceptance message with my own lovely eyes!"Aaryan replied, beaming with joy.
And just like that—Nitish's face lit up.
BETA TESTER!These are the people who get to try the game before its official release.
Although accounts created during the beta version are deleted afterward, and players have to create a new account when the full version launches, being a beta tester comes with its own set of advantages.
First, beta testers receive an advanced gaming device completely free of cost.And second, since they experience the game early, they become familiar with its mechanics and systems—giving them a major head start when the game officially goes live.
"Nitish, you need to try the game as soon as possible and soak in the experience.Once the official release hits, you and I are going to dominate!"Aaryan was genuinely thrilled for his friend.
"Yeah, bro! Just watch—I'm going to learn so much that we'll never have to worry about money again!"Nitish said, fired up with new energy.
It seemed like Nitish's time had finally come.Time to shine.Time to carve out a name for himself in the world.
But poor Nitish… for him, it was simply a way to earn a little money.He had no idea that he was about to enter an entirely different world...