The golden light of the portal gave way to the cool, damp air of Mahatala. Manu and Lava
stepped into a cavernous space, its walls lined with glowing green veins of bioluminescent
moss. The floor was slick and uneven, made of polished black stone that reflected the faint
light.
Above them, massive stalactites hung from the ceiling like the fangs of a giant serpent, dripping
faintly glowing liquid into shallow pools scattered across the cavern. The air was thick with the
scent of damp earth and something acrid—venom.
Lava wrinkled his nose, glancing around warily. “Okay, this place already feels like a bad idea.
And by the smell of it, I’m guessing we’re not alone.”
Manu nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Mahatala is the realm of serpents.
Every path is designed to deceive and entrap, and the guardians will not hesitate to strike if we
falter.”
As if on cue, a faint hissing sound echoed through the cavern. Manu and Lava froze, their eyes
scanning the shadows. From the darkness ahead, a sleek, serpentine figure slithered into view.
Its body was covered in iridescent scales that shimmered faintly in the green light, and its
glowing yellow eyes locked onto them with predatory intent.
Lava groaned, raising his bow. “Great. Snakes. Why does it always have to be snakes?”
The serpent coiled, its forked tongue flicking out as it let out a low, guttural hiss. More hissing
followed, and several smaller serpents emerged from the shadows, their bodies weaving
sinuously across the cavern floor.
“Lava,” Manu said, his tone calm but firm. “Stay close. The serpents will attack in unison. Do not
let them surround you.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Lava muttered, nocking an arrow.
The largest serpent reared back, its body coiling tightly before it lunged forward with lightning
speed. Manu raised the Aegis of Varuna, the translucent shield glowing brightly as it
intercepted the strike. The serpent’s fangs scraped against the barrier, sending sparks flying.
Lava fired an arrow at one of the smaller serpents, striking it in the neck and pinning it to the
ground. “One down,” he said, stepping back to keep the others in his line of sight.
The remaining serpents hissed in unison, their movements unnervingly synchronized. They
darted toward Lava, their sleek bodies moving like rippling water.
“Manu!” Lava called, loosing another arrow that struck one serpent in the side. “Little help
here!”
Manu sidestepped the largest serpent’s strike, his sword igniting with the flames of Agni’s
Charm. He brought the blade down in a wide arc, cutting through two smaller serpents as they
lunged toward Lava. The flames flared brightly, reducing the creatures to ash.
The largest serpent recoiled, its body coiling protectively around a shallow pool of glowing
liquid. Its yellow eyes narrowed, and it let out a guttural hiss that echoed through the cavern.
“It’s guarding something,” Manu said, his gaze fixed on the serpent.
Lava adjusted the grip on his bow, his grin faint but determined. “Yeah, well, I’m guessing it’s not
a welcome mat. Let’s take it down.”
The serpent lunged again, its movements faster than before. Manu deflected the strike with his
sword, the flames flaring as they burned through the creature’s iridescent scales. The serpent
let out a screech of pain, retreating slightly.
Lava seized the opportunity, firing a carefully aimed arrow at its exposed underbelly. The
projectile struck true, embedding itself deep in the serpent’s body.
The creature writhed, its movements growing frantic as it let out a final, guttural hiss. With a
burst of green light, the serpent collapsed, its body dissolving into a pool of faintly glowing
liquid.
The cavern fell silent, the oppressive tension lifting slightly.
Lava lowered his bow, exhaling sharply. “Okay, that was gross. But we made it.”
Manu nodded, his sword still blazing faintly. “The serpents will only grow more dangerous as we
move deeper into the realm. We must remain vigilant.”
As they stepped past the shallow pool, the glowing veins on the walls pulsed faintly, illuminating
a narrow tunnel that led deeper into the realm. The air grew colder, and the faint sound of
hissing echoed in the distance.
Lava glanced at the tunnel, his expression wary. “Let me guess—more traps, more snakes, and
probably something even nastier waiting at the end.”
“Most likely,” Manu said, his tone calm. “But we will face it together.”
Lava adjusted the pendant of the Boon of Vayu, a grin breaking across his face. “Alright, let’s
keep going. Just remind me to bring some anti-venom next time.”
The two warriors stepped into the tunnel, their resolve unshaken as they ventured deeper into
the serpentine depths of Mahatala.
The narrow tunnel stretched before Manu and Lava, its walls glistening with faintly glowing
green veins. The air was cold and damp, carrying a faint hiss that seemed to echo endlessly. As
they moved deeper, the ground beneath their feet grew uneven, forcing them to tread carefully.
Lava glanced at the shimmering walls, his expression wary. “This whole place feels alive. Like
it’s waiting for us to make a wrong move.”
Manu nodded, his sword raised to cast a faint light ahead. “Mahatala is a realm of cunning. The
serpents use the environment to their advantage, laying traps for those who tread its paths. Stay
alert.”
They turned a corner, entering a wider section of the tunnel. The walls were lined with intricate
carvings of coiled serpents, their eyes inlaid with faintly glowing stones that flickered like
f
ireflies.
Lava studied the carvings, his brow furrowing. “These look… familiar. Do you think they mean
something?”
Manu paused, his gaze sweeping the patterns. “They are warnings. The serpents use these
symbols to mark areas of danger. Proceed with caution.”
As they stepped forward, the ground beneath them trembled faintly. Manu halted, holding up a
hand. “Wait.”
Lava froze, his eyes darting to the floor. The faint outline of a pressure plate was visible beneath
a thin layer of dust.
“Great,” Lava muttered, stepping back carefully. “Booby traps. Because snakes weren’t
enough.”
Manu studied the plate, his expression thoughtful. “The serpents of Mahatala are masters of
ambush. This trap is designed to force intruders into panic, making them vulnerable to attack.”
He crouched, using the tip of his sword to lift a small rock from the ground. With a swift motion,
he tossed it onto the plate.
The effect was immediate. The walls of the tunnel shook, and several panels slid open, revealing
rows of sharp, venom-coated spikes that shot out with terrifying speed.
Lava let out a low whistle, watching the spikes retract. “Remind me never to step on one of
those.”
Manu straightened, his tone calm. “Watch the ground closely. The traps will only grow more
intricate as we progress.”
They continued forward, their movements deliberate as they navigated the treacherous terrain.
The tunnel split into multiple paths, each one marked with faint symbols carved into the walls.
Lava studied the markings, his expression uncertain. “So… which way do we go? They all look
the same.”
Manu pointed to the rightmost path, where the carvings of serpents seemed to coil inward
toward a central symbol of an open eye. “The markings guide us. This path leads toward the
heart of the realm.”
They stepped into the rightmost tunnel, its narrow walls pressing close on either side. The faint
sound of hissing grew louder, and the air grew colder.
Lava glanced over his shoulder, his grip tightening on his bow. “Manu, do you hear that?”
Before Manu could respond, the ground beneath them shifted, and the walls of the tunnel
began to move. Massive stone blocks slid into place behind them, sealing off the path they had
come from.
Lava spun around, his eyes wide. “Well, that’s not good. Looks like we’re committed now.”
“The path forward is the only option,” Manu said, his sword blazing faintly as he stepped ahead.
“Stay close.”
As they moved deeper into the tunnel, a faint green mist began to seep from the walls. Manu
raised the Aegis of Varuna, its translucent surface glowing as the mist swirled harmlessly
around them.
“Poison,” Manu said. “The serpents use it to weaken their prey before attacking. Do not breathe
it in.”
“Noted,” Lava said, holding his breath as they quickened their pace.
The tunnel opened into a larger chamber, its floor lined with glowing runes that formed a spiral
pattern. At the center of the chamber stood a massive coiled serpent statue, its eyes inlaid with
glowing emeralds that seemed to pulse with light.
Lava frowned, his bow raised. “That statue looks way too alive for my liking.”
Manu studied the runes on the floor, his expression wary. “This chamber is another trap. The
runes are designed to sense movement and activate the defenses.”
As if in response to his words, the emerald eyes of the serpent statue flared brightly, and the
chamber trembled. The coiled body of the statue began to unwind, revealing that it was no mere
carving but a guardian.
The massive serpent hissed, its glowing eyes locking onto Manu and Lava. Its body shimmered
with faintly glowing scales, and its fangs dripped with venom that sizzled as it hit the ground.
Lava sighed, nocking an arrow. “Why am I not surprised? Let’s take this thing down.”
Manu raised his sword, his voice calm but firm. “Stay agile. The serpent will strike quickly, and
the runes may react to our movements.”
The serpent lunged, its massive body striking the ground where Manu had been standing. He
dodged to the side, his sword blazing as he slashed at the creature’s side. The blade left a deep
gash, sending green ichor spilling onto the runes below.
The glowing lines of the runes flared brightly, and sharp spikes shot out from the floor, narrowly
missing Manu as he leapt to another section of the chamber.
“Manu!” Lava called, firing an arrow at the serpent’s head. The projectile struck one of its
glowing eyes, causing it to recoil with a screech.
“The runes are triggered by the serpent’s movements as well,” Manu said, dodging another
lunge. “Use them to our advantage.”
Lava grinned, firing another arrow that struck the serpent’s body. “Got it. Hey, over here, you big
lizard!”
The serpent turned toward Lava, its coiled body slithering across the glowing runes. As it moved,
more spikes shot out from the floor, forcing the creature to recoil and exposing its vulnerable
underbelly.
“Now, Manu!” Lava shouted.
Manu surged forward, his sword igniting with a burst of flame as he struck at the exposed flesh.
The serpent let out a final, guttural hiss before collapsing, its massive body dissolving into a
pool of green mist.
The runes on the floor dimmed, and the chamber fell silent.
Lava lowered his bow, exhaling sharply. “Another one bites the dust. You alright, old man?”
Manu sheathed his sword, his expression calm but resolute. “The path is clear. Let us move
before the traps reactivate.”
As they stepped past the remains of the serpent guardian, a faint light appeared at the far end of
the chamber, marking the way forward.
The glowing light at the end of the chamber led Manu and Lava into a vast, circular hall, its walls
lined with intricate carvings of serpents intertwined in endless coils. The air was heavy, filled
with the faint scent of venom and a low, resonant hum that vibrated through the floor.
At the center of the hall stood a massive throne carved from obsidian, its surface shimmering
faintly in the dim light. Coiled around the base of the throne was Vasuki, the Naga King. His
immense serpentine body glistened with scales that shifted in color, reflecting hues of emerald,
gold, and deep violet. Seven cobra-like heads extended from his body, each one adorned with a
jeweled crown, their glowing eyes fixed intently on the intruders.
Lava’s grip on his bow tightened as he stepped closer to Manu. “So, I’m guessing this is the big
boss of Mahatala. Think he’s going to fight us, or just give us some riddles and let us go?”
Manu inclined his head respectfully, lowering his sword slightly but keeping it at the ready.
“Vasuki is a being of great wisdom and power. He will not grant us passage without a test. Be
prepared for anything.”
The Naga King’s central head rose higher, his voice deep and commanding, yet strangely
melodic. “Manu, bearer of dharma, and Lava, the shadow who seeks his own light. You
have traversed my realm and defeated its guardians, but you stand now in my presence.
What makes you believe you are worthy of the relic?”
Manu met Vasuki’s gaze, his tone calm but resolute. “We seek the relic not for power or
conquest but to restore balance to the Lokas. Each trial has strengthened our resolve and
prepared us for the burdens we must carry.”
Vasuki’s heads swayed in unison, their jeweled crowns glinting faintly. “Words are easy,
mortal. Conviction is harder to prove. My relic is not a reward—it is a burden of
understanding and adaptation. If you would claim it, you must pass my trial.”
Lava stepped forward, his grin faint but determined. “Alright, big guy. What’s the trial? Another
giant snake to fight? More traps? Or is it something… sneakier?”
Vasuki’s heads let out a low, rumbling laugh. “Your wit amuses me, Lava. My trial is neither
brute force nor cunning deception—it is both. You must navigate the spiral of Mahatala, a
path that shifts with each step. Reach the center, and you will earn my relic. Fail, and you
will become part of the labyrinth forever.”
With a flick of his tail, Vasuki uncoiled slightly, revealing a spiral of glowing runes carved into the
f
loor. The runes pulsed faintly, shifting in patterns that seemed random and chaotic. The hall
grew darker, the only light coming from the glowing spiral.
“Manu,” Lava said, his voice low. “You see those runes? They’re moving. This is going to be a
nightmare.”
Manu studied the shifting patterns, his gaze steady. “The path is not random. It responds to
movement and intent. We must move as one, staying focused and adapting to each change.”
Vasuki’s central head lowered, his glowing eyes narrowing. “The spiral demands unity. Lose
focus, and it will consume you.”
Manu stepped onto the first rune, its glow intensifying as it pulsed beneath his foot. He turned to
Lava, extending a hand. “Trust me. We move together.”
Lava hesitated for only a moment before grasping Manu’s hand. “Alright. Let’s do this.”
They stepped onto the spiral, and the runes began to shift, their glowing patterns forming and
dissolving in rapid succession. The air grew heavier, and the hum of the hall intensified, vibrating
through their bodies.
“Step lightly,” Manu said, his tone calm. “Do not rush. Let the path guide us.”
They moved carefully, each step deliberate as they followed the glowing patterns. The runes
shifted unpredictably, forming gaps and false paths that forced them to think quickly and adjust
their movements.
As they neared the center of the spiral, the runes flared brightly, and a series of shadowy
serpents emerged from the walls, their coiling bodies blocking the path.
“Of course,” Lava muttered, drawing his bow. “Because it couldn’t just be a puzzle.”
Manu raised his sword, its flames blazing. “The serpents are distractions. Focus on the path.”
The shadowy creatures hissed, lunging toward them with lightning speed. Manu struck one
down with a single, decisive blow, while Lava loosed an arrow that pierced another’s head.
“They just keep coming!” Lava shouted, firing another arrow.
“The spiral reacts to hesitation,” Manu said. “Move quickly, and the shadows will falter.”
They quickened their pace, each step guided by instinct and trust. The shadowy serpents lunged
again, but their movements grew slower, their forms dissolving into smoke as Manu and Lava
neared the center.
Finally, they reached the innermost circle, where a pedestal of black stone awaited. Atop it
rested the Relic of Mahatala, a shimmering sphere of green and gold light that pulsed with a
calm, steady rhythm.
The runes beneath their feet stopped shifting, and the chamber fell silent. Vasuki’s heads rose
higher, his tone resonant. “You have passed the spiral. Your unity and resolve have proven
your worth. The Relic of Mahatala is yours.”
Manu and Lava stepped forward together, their hands brushing the relic. Its energy flowed into
them like a cool breeze, filling the chamber with a sense of balance and clarity. Manu’s sword
glowed with faint green veins that intertwined with its flames, while Lava’s pendant shimmered
with a golden aura.
Vasuki inclined his heads, his voice softer. “Carry the lessons of Mahatala with you.
Adaptation and unity will guide you in the trials to come.”
A golden portal appeared at the far end of the hall, its light cutting through the dimness.
Lava adjusted his bow, his grin widening. “Thanks for the test, Your Majesty. I’ll be sure to
remember this the next time I see a snake.”
Vasuki let out a low, rumbling chuckle. “Go forth, warriors. Your journey is far from over.”
Manu nodded respectfully before turning to Lava. “Let us continue. The next realm awaits.”
Together, they stepped into the portal, leaving the serpentine depths of Mahatala behind as they
moved closer to their ultimate goal.
The golden portal deposited Manu and Lava into an expansive, dimly lit chamber. Unlike the
twisting tunnels and serpentine carvings they had encountered before, the Chamber of
Adaptation was open and vast, its smooth obsidian floor reflecting faint, swirling patterns of
light. The walls seemed alive, shifting between solid stone and a translucent, watery surface
that rippled with movement.
Lava took a cautious step forward, his eyes scanning the chamber. “Okay, I’m officially done
with this realm. What’s next, a floor that disappears under us?”
As if in answer, the ground beneath him shimmered, and a section of the floor dissolved,
revealing a swirling pit of green mist. Lava jumped back, narrowly avoiding the drop.
“Called it,” he muttered, glancing at Manu. “What now?”
Manu studied the shifting patterns beneath their feet, his tone calm. “This chamber reacts to
our movements. It will test our ability to adapt and act in harmony. Stay close and watch for
changes.”
They moved carefully across the chamber, the floor shifting and re-forming in unpredictable
patterns. Sections of the ground would vanish without warning, while others rose into pillars
that shifted positions.
The walls rippled, and from their translucent surfaces emerged shadowy figures that solidified
into snake-like humanoids wielding curved blades. Their movements were fluid and quick, their
glowing yellow eyes locked onto the intruders.
“Great,” Lava muttered, nocking an arrow. “More snakes. Just what we needed.”
The nearest humanoid lunged toward Manu, its blade flashing in the dim light. Manu parried the
strike with the Aegis of Varuna, his sword igniting with the flames of Agni’s Charm as he
counterattacked. The blade cleaved through the creature, reducing it to a wisp of shadowy
smoke.
Lava leapt onto a rising platform, firing an arrow at another figure that slithered toward him. The
arrow struck true, sending the creature tumbling into the mist below.
The chamber shifted again, a section of the floor collapsing and forcing Manu to leap onto a
nearby platform. Lava followed, his movements quick but precise.
“This place doesn’t want us to win,” Lava said, loosing another arrow. “It’s like the whole thing’s
alive.”
“It is a trial,” Manu said, striking down another serpent. “Its purpose is to challenge, not defeat.
Use the changes to our advantage.”
As the ground continued to shift, more shadowy serpents emerged from the walls, their blades
gleaming. Manu and Lava moved in unison, their attacks coordinated as they struck down the
creatures.
The chamber’s terrain grew more complex, with platforms rising and falling in rapid succession.
Lava landed on a narrow ledge, glancing down at the swirling mist below. “Manu, I really hope
this mist isn’t as dangerous as it looks.”
“Do not test it,” Manu said, his sword flaring as he cut through another serpent. “Focus on the
path ahead.”
The chamber suddenly grew darker, and the serpentine humanoids dissolved into smoke. In
their place, a massive serpent emerged from the floor, its coiled body spanning the length of the
chamber. Its scales shimmered with the same iridescent light as the walls, and its glowing red
eyes fixed on Manu and Lava with predatory intent.
Lava groaned, raising his bow. “Of course. A giant snake. Because why not?”
The serpent reared back, its massive body coiling as it let out a deafening hiss. With a swift
motion, it struck at Manu, its fangs glinting in the dim light.
Manu sidestepped the attack, raising his sword to deflect the strike. The flames of Agni’s
Charm flared as they met the serpent’s fangs, sending sparks flying.
“Lava!” Manu shouted. “Aim for its eyes!”
“On it!” Lava said, firing an arrow at the serpent’s glowing eye. The projectile struck true, causing
the creature to recoil with a pained screech.
The serpent thrashed, its massive tail sweeping across the chamber. Manu leapt onto a rising
platform to avoid the attack, while Lava rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the strike.
“The platforms,” Manu said, his voice steady. “Use them to outmaneuver it.”
Lava nodded, leaping onto a higher platform. He fired another arrow, this time striking the
serpent’s other eye. The creature roared, its movements growing frantic as it lashed out blindly.
Manu seized the opening, charging toward the serpent’s coiled body. His sword ignited with a
burst of flame as he struck, carving deep into the creature’s scales. Green ichor spilled onto the
shifting floor, sizzling as it hit the surface.
The serpent let out a final, guttural hiss before collapsing, its massive body dissolving into mist.
The chamber fell silent, and the terrain stabilized, the platforms returning to their original
positions.
A faint light appeared at the center of the chamber, illuminating a pedestal that rose from the
ground. Atop it rested a shimmering orb of green and gold light—the Relic of Adaptation.
Lava lowered his bow, exhaling sharply. “Finally. I was starting to think this place didn’t have a
f
inish line.”
Manu approached the relic, his tone calm. “This trial has tested our ability to adapt and remain
unified. The lessons of Mahatala are complete.”
They reached for the relic together, its light enveloping them in a warm, soothing glow. Manu’s
sword shimmered with golden-green veins, while Lava’s pendant glowed faintly with swirling
patterns of emerald light.
The chamber brightened, and a golden portal appeared at the far end of the room.
Lava adjusted his grip on his bow, grinning. “Alright, old man. Another relic down. Let’s see what
the next realm has in store for us.”
Manu nodded, his voice resolute. “The path forward grows more perilous, but we are ready.”
Together, they stepped into the portal, leaving the Chamber of Adaptation and the serpentine
depths of Mahatala behind.
The golden portal closed behind them, leaving Manu and Lava in a tranquil chamber suffused
with soft, green light. The oppressive weight of the serpentine trials had lifted, replaced by a
calm stillness that felt almost sacred.
At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal carved from polished black stone, its surface
etched with intricate patterns of coiled serpents and flowing streams. Atop the pedestal floated
the Relic of Transformation, a glowing orb of green and gold light that pulsed gently, as if alive.
Lava approached cautiously, his bow lowered but still in hand. “So… that’s it, huh? Doesn’t look
so bad after everything we’ve been through.”
Manu stepped forward, his sword glowing faintly as he studied the relic. “Appearances can be
deceiving. This relic embodies the essence of transformation. It will test us one final time.”
The relic flared suddenly, sending a pulse of light through the chamber. The tranquil air shifted,
and the floor beneath them rippled like water. The walls shimmered, dissolving into swirling
patterns of shadow and light.
Lava tensed, glancing around. “Okay, I’m getting real tired of this place’s tricks.”
A resonant voice filled the chamber, calm yet commanding. “Manu. Lava. You have come far,
but the path of transformation is unending. To claim my power, you must embrace the
essence of change. Are you prepared to let go of control and trust the unknown?”
Manu stepped closer to the pedestal, his voice steady. “We are. The trials of Mahatala have
taught us the importance of adaptation and unity. We are ready to face whatever lies ahead.”
The relic flared again, and the chamber began to shift. The floor dissolved into a series of
f
loating platforms, each one moving in a slow, unpredictable rhythm. The air grew cooler, and
faint, glowing trails of green and gold light wove through the space like living threads.
Lava adjusted the pendant of the Boon of Vayu, his grin faint but determined. “Alright, old man.
One last test. Let’s do this.”
The voice spoke again, its tone softer. “Transformation is not a destination but a journey.
Take the first step, and let the path reveal itself.”
Manu leapt onto the nearest platform, his movements precise and deliberate. The platform
shifted slightly beneath his weight but held steady. He turned, extending a hand to Lava.
Lava followed, his leap light and agile. The moment his feet touched the platform, it began to
move, gliding slowly toward the next one.
“Manu,” Lava said, his tone uncertain. “These platforms… they’re alive.”
“They respond to intention,” Manu said, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. “Move with purpose
and clarity. Do not hesitate.”
The platforms continued to shift, forming a winding path toward the glowing relic. Each step
required careful timing and balance, the platforms swaying and spinning unpredictably.
Halfway across, the glowing trails of light coalesced into serpentine shapes, each one gliding
toward them with unnerving grace.
“More snakes?” Lava muttered, drawing his bow. “Can’t we catch a break?”
“They are manifestations of doubt,” Manu said, raising the Aegis of Varuna. “Stay focused on
the path.”
The serpentine lights circled them, their movements erratic and disorienting. One darted toward
Lava, its glowing fangs bared. He fired an arrow, striking it in mid-air and causing it to dissolve
into faint sparks.
Another serpent lunged at Manu, but his shield deflected the attack, sending the creature
spiraling away.
“The more we fight them, the more they appear,” Manu said, leaping to another platform.
“Ignore them. Trust the path.”
Lava hesitated for a moment, then nodded, lowering his bow. “Alright. No more distractions.”
They moved together, their steps deliberate as they ignored the circling lights. With each step,
the serpents grew fainter, their movements slower, until they dissolved completely.
The relic pulsed brightly as they reached the final platform, its glow bathing them in warmth. The
chamber stilled, and the shifting platforms stopped moving.
Manu and Lava stood before the pedestal, their gazes fixed on the glowing orb.
The voice spoke one final time. “You have proven your readiness. Transformation is not
merely change—it is growth, adaptation, and the acceptance of what cannot be controlled.
Carry this power forward, and let it guide you through the trials to come.”
Manu and Lava reached out together, their hands brushing the relic. Its energy surged into them,
f
illing the chamber with a blinding light.
When the light faded, Manu’s sword glowed with new energy, its flames entwined with green and
gold streaks that shimmered like living vines. Lava’s pendant pulsed faintly, the shifting patterns
within its surface forming intricate spirals.
The chamber brightened, and a golden portal appeared ahead, its light steady and inviting.
Lava adjusted his bow, a grin breaking across his face. “Another relic down. And no snakes
jumped out at us this time. I’ll call that a win.”
Manu nodded, his tone calm but resolute. “The lessons of transformation will serve us well. The
path ahead demands we remain adaptable.”
They stepped toward the portal, the calm stillness of the chamber lingering as they prepared to
leave Mahatala and face the next realm.
