The Ascendant Mortal: Beyond Divine Boundaries

After a long, exhausting day, Aamir stepped into the warm bath, allowing the soothing water to wash away the grime and tension. Once refreshed, he wrapped himself in a robe and approached the mirror. What he saw made him pause.

His reflection was unfamiliar yet striking. His height had noticeably increased, and his previously lean physique was now sculpted with defined muscles, as if forged by an artisan's hands. His skin seemed healthier, with a faint luminescence that added an otherworldly charm. Aamir couldn't help but wonder if these changes were the result of his intense training or something deeper, more mysterious.

"What's happening to me?" he whispered, running a hand over his reflection.

Shrugging off his thoughts, Aamir decided to rest. Tomorrow held more answers, he hoped.

The next day, curiosity tugged at him as he made his way to the famed **Library of Wisdom**, a monumental structure at the heart of Nalanda. Its towering spires seemed to pierce the heavens, while intricate carvings on the stone facade depicted legendary heroes, mythical beasts, and scholars from bygone eras.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of aged parchment. Rows of bookshelves stretched endlessly, each laden with tomes of ancient lore and modern records.

Guided by his curiosity, Aamir wandered through the aisles until he stumbled upon a massive book titled *"All Continents and Their Countries."* The sheer thickness of the book, nearly the size of his fist, intrigued him. With some effort, he carried it to a nearby table, opened it, and began to read.

As he flipped through the pages, something extraordinary occurred. Every detail etched itself into his mind, as though the book's contents were being transcribed directly onto his memory. Surprised, Aamir continued at an astonishing speed, flipping through entire sections within moments.

Unbeknownst to him, his actions caught the attention of others in the library.

A girl sitting nearby, engrossed in her own reading, noticed him. Her sharp eyes, framed by loose strands of dark brown hair, narrowed in skepticism. She wore a simple yet elegant outfit: a pale blue tunic with intricate silver embroidery at the collar, paired with fitted trousers and soft leather boots. A silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon rested at the base of her throat, catching the light as she stood and approached him, her expression a mix of curiosity and derision.

"You... what the hell are you doing?" she asked, her tone sharp.

Without looking up, Aamir replied coolly, "Reading. What else does one do in a library?"

Her mocking laughter echoed through the hall. "Reading? Don't make me laugh. You're just flipping pages like a child playing pretend."

Aamir finally looked at her, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Ask me anything from this book."

The girl hesitated, but the smug expression on her face betrayed her disbelief. "Fine. Let's see how much you actually know."

Aamir closed his eyes briefly, visualizing the book's contents. The chapters, maps, and charts formed a vivid mental image as if imprinted in his mind.

"This world," he began, his voice calm yet confident, "has four continents: Eridoria, Valtor, Kyrope, and Zhinai. Each continent consists of five nations, and every nation is divided into five states. Across these states are 16 cities in total, including one capital city for each state. Take Aryavarta, for example, the largest nation in Eridoria."

He placed a hand on the book, flipping back to Aryavarta's section without glancing at the pages, continuing:

"In Aryavarta, there are five states:

1. Kanakapuram, the cultural and political heart. Its capital is Amritakshetra, which also serves as Aryavarta's central capital.

2. Vedikabhumi, known for its scholars and the famed Vedangiri, where ancient texts were penned.

3. Dhanujya, a martial hub, with its capital Dhanurjaya, renowned for training legendary warriors.

4. Saurabha, the land of fertile plains, where Saurabhumi thrives as an agricultural epicenter.

5. Himagiria, the icy realm, home to Himagiri Nagar, perched atop towering peaks.

"Beyond these capitals, Aryavarta boasts cities such as Purushottamapuri, Kshetrapuram, and Jaya Vijaya—each with unique cultural and strategic significance."

He looked at the girl, who seemed to falter under his steady gaze.

Without pausing, Aamir leaned into the detailed descriptions of Aryavarta's geography.

"The Aryavati River flows majestically through Amritakshetra, feeding its people and its traditions. Similarly, Vedangiri is graced by the tranquil Vedika River, a symbol of enlightenment. The Dhanu River, wild and untamed, reflects the martial prowess of Dhanujya. The icy Himagiri River carves its way through the snow-laden peaks of Himagiria, while the Saurabha River winds lazily through fertile farmlands."

He gestured at the book, as if inviting her to verify. "The Himagiri Mountains, home to Himagiria's capital, rise above the clouds, while the verdant Aryavarta Jungle sprawls across Kanakapuram. These lands are not merely borders; they are stories woven into Aryavarta's essence."

When Aamir finished, the girl stood frozen, her expression shifting from disbelief to awe. Around them, the murmurs of the onlookers faded into silence.

With a cold smile, he said, "If that impressed you, let me enlighten you further. Aryavrata is just the beginning. I can recount every detail about the other continents and their nations—states, cities, and histories—all with the same precision. Shall I continue?"

"You were... just flipping the pages," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "How... how can you remember all this?"

Aamir shrugged, standing up and closing the book with a quiet thud. "That's not your concern, miss," he said, his tone polite but firm. "If you'll excuse me, I have more to learn."

As he walked away, leaving her and the gathering crowd in stunned silence, Aamir couldn't help but smile inwardly. The changes he had noticed in himself were not merely physical—they extended to his mind, unlocking a potential he was only beginning to understand