The grand hall of Manu’s palace bustled with activity as preparations for the journey began.
Priests chanted mantras at the central altar, their voices resonating through the high-ceilinged
chamber. Soldiers polished weapons and fitted armor, while royal scribes carefully penned
messages to reassure the people of the king’s temporary absence.
Manu stood at the heart of it all, overseeing the preparations. His calm demeanor belied the
gravity of the task ahead, though the weight of the celestial mission pressed heavily upon him.
“We will need supplies to last through unknown realms,” he said, addressing Sumitra, his chief
minister. “Provisions, tools, and anything that might aid us on this journey.”
Sumitra bowed deeply. “It will be done, Your Majesty. But please, allow me to voice a concern.”
“Speak freely,” Manu said.
The old minister hesitated before continuing. “The people… they are fearful. The signs of
imbalance—the storms, the withering crops—they wonder if your absence will only deepen
their woes.”
Manu’s expression softened, and he placed a hand on Sumitra’s shoulder. “The people are wise
to worry. But they must understand that this journey is not an abandonment—it is an act of
preservation. If I do not act now, their fears will be realized tenfold.”
Sumitra nodded reluctantly and stepped away to fulfill the king’s orders.
Lava entered the hall, his energy as vibrant as ever, though his steps were brisk with purpose.
Slung across his back was his bow, now newly restrung with golden thread.
“You’re really getting the kingdom ready for war, aren’t you?” he asked, his tone light but edged
with curiosity.
Manu gave him a sidelong glance. “Preparation is a king’s first duty. A journey like this cannot be
undertaken recklessly.”
“I get that,” Lava replied, gesturing to the flurry of activity around them. “But supplies can only
get us so far. What about actual weapons? Divine ones? I mean, we’re fighting demons, right? A
little celestial firepower wouldn’t hurt.”
As if in answer to his question, a sudden gust of wind swept through the hall, extinguishing the
torches and sending a hush through the gathered crowd. A brilliant light appeared near the altar,
shimmering like the dawn sun breaking through thick clouds.
From this radiance emerged three divine beings: Agni, the god of fire; Vayu, the god of wind; and
Varuna, the god of water. Their presence filled the room with an overwhelming energy, and all
present fell to their knees in reverence.
“Rise, Manu,” Agni said, his voice crackling like embers. “We come to bestow upon you the tools
of dharma’s preservation.”
Manu and Lava stood slowly, awestruck by the sight of the devas. Lava, wide-eyed, whispered,
“Now that’s celestial firepower.”
Agni extended his hand, a small orb of flame swirling into existence. “This is Agni’s Charm. It
will enhance your sword with the power of flame, granting you the strength to scorch your foes.”
The orb floated toward Manu, who accepted it reverently.
Vayu stepped forward, his form as fluid as the wind itself. “And this,” he said, conjuring a
feather-light pendant of silver, “is the Boon of Vayu. It will grant you agility beyond mortal limits,
allowing you to leap great distances and move with unmatched speed.”
The pendant floated into Lava’s hands, its cool surface humming faintly with power. Lava
grinned as he slipped it over his neck. “Now we’re talking!”
Finally, Varuna raised his hand, and a shimmering, translucent shield appeared. “This is the
Aegis of Varuna, a shield born of water’s resilience. It will protect you from harm and reflect the
malice of those who attack you.” The shield hovered in the air before Manu, who accepted it
with gratitude.
“Devas,” Manu said, bowing deeply, “your blessings strengthen us beyond measure. We will
wield these gifts wisely in the name of dharma.”
Agni’s fiery gaze softened. “Remember, Manu, these tools are not merely weapons—they are
extensions of the virtues they represent. Use them in harmony with dharma, and they will serve
you well.”
Vayu nodded. “Your journey will test not just your strength but your spirit. Trust in the wisdom of
the gods, and in each other.”
As the light around the devas began to fade, Varuna’s voice lingered, calm and steady. “The first
trial will prove your resolve. Go now, Manu and Lava. The Lokas await.”
When the light vanished, the room remained silent for a moment, the weight of the gods’ words
hanging in the air. Lava broke the silence with a whistle. “Well, that was impressive. And look—
now we’ve got the gear to match!” He swung the bow from his back, twirling it confidently.
Manu gave him a faint smile. “A king learns to trust in divine wisdom, Lava. But it is mortal hands
that must act. Let us hope ours are worthy of the task.”
The palace courtyard bustled with the sounds of preparation as Manu and Lava stood together
near the celestial boat that awaited them. The boat, shimmering with a divine glow, floated
several inches off the ground. Its intricate carvings depicted scenes of gods and sages locked in
battle with asuras, and its golden hull seemed to pulse faintly with life.
Manu ran his hand along the edge of the boat, inspecting it with a practiced eye. “This will carry
us through the 14 Lokas,” he murmured. “The gods have spared no effort in preparing us for this
journey.”
Beside him, Lava adjusted the pendant given by Vayu, the Boon of Agility, letting it catch the
morning light. His youthful energy seemed at odds with Manu’s deliberate demeanor. Lava
moved with a restless eagerness, like a coiled spring waiting to release.
“So,” Lava said, leaning on his bow, “what’s the plan, King Manu? March into each Loka, take on
whatever monster’s waiting for us, and grab those relics? Sounds simple enough.”
Manu shot him a sidelong glance, his brow furrowing. “There is nothing simple about this task,
young prince. The Lokas are vast and each one holds its own dangers. Overconfidence will only
lead to ruin.”
Lava raised his hands defensively. “I didn’t mean to downplay it. I just meant… well, someone’s
got to keep the spirits up around here, right?”
Manu sighed, turning to face Lava fully. “This isn’t a game, Lava. The fate of the universe hangs
in the balance. I agreed to let you accompany me because Narada spoke highly of you. But this
journey will test more than your skill with a bow. It will test your patience, your humility, and your
ability to understand what it means to carry dharma. Are you truly ready for that?”
Lava’s easy grin faltered for a moment, replaced by something deeper—determination. “I may
not have ruled a kingdom, but I know what it means to fight for something bigger than myself. My
father, Lord Rama, taught me that dharma isn’t just about duty—it’s about sacrifice. I’ve seen it
f
irsthand, and I’m ready to do my part.”
The mention of Lord Rama gave Manu pause. He studied Lava closely, seeing not just the
brashness of youth but also the legacy of a warrior-prince shaped by one of the greatest figures
in history.
Manu nodded slowly. “Then we shall see how far that resolve carries you.”
The exchange was interrupted by the arrival of Narada, his veena slung casually across his back.
“It seems the two of you are already finding your balance,” the sage said with a faint smile.
“Good. You’ll need it.”
Manu turned to Narada. “We are as ready as we can be. But there is still much to do before we
leave. The people need reassurance, and the ministers must understand their duties in my
absence.”
Narada waved a hand dismissively. “The people of Bhūloka will endure. Focus on the path
ahead, Manu. And as for you, Lava”—the sage’s gaze sharpened—“your enthusiasm is
admirable, but remember: even the mightiest bow will fail if the archer lacks clarity of purpose.”
Lava straightened, meeting Narada’s gaze with a mix of respect and defiance. “Clarity of
purpose? I’m here to help Manu and save the Lokas. Isn’t that enough?”
Narada’s expression softened, his tone almost amused. “It will do… for now.”
Manu stepped toward the boat, placing a hand on its golden hull. “Narada, how will this vessel
carry us between the Lokas? Is there a divine path we must follow?”
Narada nodded, tapping the air. The celestial map appeared once more, its glowing markers
shifting slightly, with the first destination—Bhūloka’s Sacred Grove—pulsing in fiery orange.
“This map will guide the boat,” Narada explained. “Each relic you retrieve will unlock the portal
to the next Loka. The journey begins here, in the sacred grove where Varahasura has taken root.
He will be your first trial.”
Lava rolled his shoulders, gripping his bow tightly. “A boar demon? Sounds messy. I hope he’s
ready for us.”
Manu’s expression remained steady. “Do not underestimate him, Lava. Varahasura’s strength is
legendary. Approach this trial with care.”
The boat shimmered, its divine energy reacting to the map’s guidance. Manu turned to Lava.
“Gather your supplies. Once we leave, there will be no turning back.”
“Already packed,” Lava said with a grin, patting the quiver on his back. “I travel light.”
Manu shook his head but allowed a faint smile to tug at the corner of his mouth. “Let’s hope
your spirit is as strong as your aim.”
Narada stepped aside as Manu and Lava climbed aboard the boat. The vessel rose slightly
higher, its glow intensifying as it prepared to carry them toward their first trial.
“May the gods light your path,” Narada said. “And remember—this is only the beginning.”
The boat surged forward, lifting into the air as if guided by an unseen current. Lava leaned over
the edge, watching the ground fall away below them. “Well,” he said, his grin returning, “this is
already shaping up to be the greatest adventure of my life.”
Manu remained silent, his eyes fixed on the horizon. Ahead, the forest loomed like a dark
sentinel, its heart shrouded in shadow. Whatever awaited them there, he knew, would set the
tone for the trials yet to come.
The celestial boat glided over the dense canopy of the Sarayu Forest, its golden hull shimmering
faintly against the stormy sky. Below them, the landscape darkened as the forest deepened, its
gnarled trees twisting toward the heavens like skeletal fingers. A faint mist curled between the
trunks, obscuring the path ahead.
Manu stood at the bow of the boat, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning
the forest below. Beside him, Lava sat cross-legged, plucking idly at the string of his bow. His
earlier excitement had dulled, replaced by a quiet anticipation.
“You’re quiet,” Manu said, breaking the silence.
“Just thinking,” Lava replied. He leaned back, looking up at the swirling clouds. “I’ve been in
battles before, sure. But this? The gods getting involved, the whole universe depending on us—
it’s a lot to take in.”
Manu gave a small nod. “A warrior who doubts his path is still a warrior. But resolve will come in
time.”
The boat slowed, its glow intensifying as it approached a clearing in the forest. The mist parted,
revealing a stone platform surrounded by ancient trees. A faint, otherworldly hum filled the air
as the boat descended, coming to rest gently atop the platform.
“This is it,” Manu said, stepping down from the boat. Lava followed, his hand instinctively resting
on his bowstring.
As they stood in the clearing, the air shifted. A sudden warmth spread through the space,
followed by the scent of blooming lotuses. The humming grew louder, and before their eyes,
three radiant figures materialized in a cascade of golden light.
Manu and Lava fell to their knees in reverence as the gods Agni, Vayu, and Varuna stood before
them. Each deity emanated a distinct energy: Agni burned with fiery intensity, Vayu moved with
an effortless grace, and Varuna’s presence was cool and calming, like the depths of an ancient
ocean.
“Rise, King Manu,” Agni said, his voice crackling like a flame. “You tread a path few mortals dare
to walk. We have come to grant you the blessings necessary for the trials ahead.”
Manu and Lava rose slowly, their eyes wide with awe. Manu placed his hands together in a
namaste. “Devas, your presence humbles us. We will honor your blessings and wield them
wisely.”
Agni stepped forward first, extending his hand. A small orb of flame appeared, swirling with
contained fury. “This is Agni’s Charm,” he said. “It will imbue your blade with fire, allowing you
to scorch those who defy dharma.” The orb floated toward Manu, who accepted it reverently.
As Manu held the charm, he felt its warmth seep into his palm, a steady, comforting heat that
seemed to flow through his veins.
Next, Vayu approached. With a sweeping motion, he conjured a silver pendant shaped like a
feather. “This is the Boon of Vayu,” he said. “It will grant you speed and agility beyond mortal
limits. With this, you may leap great distances and move with the swiftness of the wind.”
The pendant floated into Lava’s hands, and he grinned as he slipped it over his neck. “Looks like
I’m getting upgrades already,” he said, his voice laced with humor.
Varuna was the last to step forward. He raised his hand, and a translucent shield appeared,
shimmering with an almost liquid quality. “This is the Aegis of Varuna,” he said. “It will protect
you from harm and reflect the malice of your enemies.”
Manu accepted the shield, its weightless form humming softly in his grip. “Devas, your gifts are
as generous as they are powerful. We will not fail you.”
Agni’s fiery gaze bore into him. “Remember, Manu, these blessings are tools, not crutches. They
will aid you, but they will not carry you. The path of dharma requires more than strength—it
requires wisdom, perseverance, and unity.”
Vayu nodded, his movements as fluid as the wind. “Trust in each other, and trust in the gods.
The trials ahead will test you both in ways you cannot yet imagine.”
Varuna’s calm voice was the last to speak. “Go forth, Manu and Lava. The Lokas await. May our
blessings guide you to victory.”
As the gods’ forms dissolved into golden light, the clearing fell silent once more. The celestial
boat glimmered faintly behind them, ready to carry them further into the forest.
Lava adjusted the pendant around his neck, a spark of excitement returning to his eyes. “Well,”
he said, “looks like we’ve got the divine seal of approval. Let’s see what this boar demon is
made of.”
Manu glanced at him, his expression firm. “Confidence is good, Lava. But remember what the
devas said—these blessings are only tools. They do not guarantee victory.”
“Sure,” Lava replied with a shrug. “But I’m pretty sure they’ll help tip the odds.”
With a faint smile, Manu turned toward the path leading deeper into the forest. The hum of
divine energy still lingered in the air, a reminder of the gods’ watchful presence.
“The first trial awaits,” Manu said. “Let’s begin.”
The forest grew darker as Manu and Lava ventured deeper into its heart. The towering trees, their
gnarled branches interwoven like ancient webs, blocked out what little sunlight pierced the
stormy clouds above. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decay, and the distant
growls of unseen creatures reminded them that danger lurked nearby.
Manu walked ahead, his sword resting lightly in his hand, his posture alert but composed. Lava
followed a few steps behind, his bow strung and ready, his eyes darting from shadow to shadow.
“You know,” Lava said, breaking the uneasy silence, “for a sacred grove, this place is seriously
creepy. Couldn’t the gods pick somewhere a little less… ominous for their relics?”
Manu didn’t turn around, his gaze fixed on the winding path ahead. “Sacred does not mean safe,
Lava. The gods place their greatest treasures where they will be tested, not handed over freely.”
Lava rolled his eyes, though his hand tightened on his bowstring. “Right. Tests. Like walking
through a forest that looks like it’s straight out of a nightmare. Great test.”
Manu stopped suddenly, causing Lava to nearly bump into him. The older man knelt and
brushed aside a patch of leaves, revealing deep claw marks etched into the ground.
“Varahasura,” Manu said, his tone grave.
Lava crouched beside him, inspecting the marks. “Looks like a big guy. But boars are slow, right?
We’ve got speed on our side.”
Manu glanced at him sharply. “Do not underestimate him. Varahasura is no ordinary beast. His
strength comes from primal rage, and his cunning is said to rival that of any warrior.”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. He’s tough,” Lava said, standing and slinging his bow over his shoulder. “But
that’s why we’ve got these new powers, right? Fire sword, wind pendant, fancy shield—you’re
acting like we’re not prepared for this.”
Manu straightened, his expression stern. “Preparedness is more than weapons, Lava. It is also
mindset. Overconfidence blinds you to danger, and a warrior who cannot see his enemy will not
survive the first strike.”
Lava frowned, frustration flashing across his face. “I’m not overconfident, Manu. I’m just saying
we shouldn’t walk into this acting like we’ve already lost.”
Manu’s tone grew sharper. “And I am saying that caution is not the same as defeat. You cannot
rush into every battle expecting strength alone to carry you.”
Lava threw up his hands. “Why did Narada even bring me along if you’re just going to lecture me
the whole way? I’m not some child who needs to be told how to hold a bow.”
Manu stepped closer, his voice low but firm. “You are here because Narada believes you can
contribute to this mission. But if you cannot learn to temper your impulses, you will become a
liability.”
For a moment, the two stood in silence, the tension between them thick as the mist that
surrounded the grove. Lava’s jaw tightened, his fingers twitching against the string of his bow.
“Fine,” he said at last, his voice tight with restraint. “Lead the way, oh wise king. I’ll just follow
and try not to ‘rush into battle.’”
Manu sighed but said nothing more, turning back to the path. They walked on in silence, the only
sounds the crunch of their boots on the forest floor and the occasional distant rustle of leaves.
As the mist thickened, obscuring their surroundings, Lava suddenly stopped. “Wait,” he said, his
voice low.
Manu turned to see the younger man staring intently at the ground ahead. Without a word, Lava
nocked an arrow and fired into a seemingly empty patch of mist. A high-pitched screech echoed
through the forest, followed by the sound of something heavy crashing into the underbrush.
They rushed forward and found the source of the sound—a snake-like creature, its scales black
as obsidian, writhing in its death throes. Its fangs dripped with venom, and its eyes glowed
faintly even in death.
“Ambush predator,” Lava said, his voice steady. “That wasn’t there a second ago.”
Manu knelt to inspect the creature, his expression thoughtful. “You were right to act quickly,” he
admitted. “Your instincts served you well.”
Lava glanced at him, the frustration in his face easing slightly. “Guess I’m not such a liability
after all.”
Manu gave him a small nod. “Even the greatest warrior needs balance. You acted decisively but
not recklessly. That is the strength of a true archer.”
The faintest hint of a grin tugged at Lava’s lips. “Thanks, I guess.”
Manu stood, his expression softening. “We both have much to learn from each other, Lava. Let
us hope this journey teaches us to trust in one another’s strengths.”
With the tension between them eased, they continued forward, the looming presence of the
sacred grove drawing closer. Though their conflict had not been fully resolved, a quiet
understanding began to take root between them—one that would grow stronger with each trial
they faced.
The dense forest opened suddenly into a vast, eerie clearing, its borders lined with towering,
blackened trees that seemed to lean inward as if trying to swallow the space whole. The air here
was oppressive, thick with an unnatural energy that prickled against the skin. The ground, dry
and cracked in places, was littered with scorched patches of earth and the skeletal remains of
what appeared to be wild animals.
Manu halted at the edge of the grove, his hand tightening instinctively around the hilt of his
sword. “This is it,” he said quietly, his voice barely more than a breath.
Lava came to a stop beside him, his usual confidence tempered by the sight before him. “So
this is the sacred grove,” he said, his voice low. “Doesn’t exactly scream ‘divine.’”
“It once did,” Manu replied. “Before Varahasura desecrated it. This grove is a place of immense
power, dedicated to Agni. That power has been corrupted, twisted into something dark.”
A deep growl rumbled through the air, so low and guttural that it seemed to rise from the very
earth beneath their feet. Lava reached for his bow, his movements quick and deliberate.
“Sounds like our host knows we’re here,” he said, nocking an arrow.
Manu nodded, his gaze scanning the grove. “Stay vigilant. This is no ordinary battle. Varahasura
is a guardian as much as a foe. His strength is tied to the relic we seek.”
They stepped cautiously into the grove, their boots crunching against brittle leaves and charred
soil. The temperature seemed to rise with every step, the air growing heavier and hotter as
though the grove itself pulsed with the remnants of Agni’s fire.
“Manu,” Lava said, his voice tense, “do you feel that?”
“Yes,” Manu replied. “The grove resists us. It senses our purpose. Varahasura will not let us leave
without proving our worth.”
The ground beneath them shuddered, a subtle tremor that quickly grew into a violent quake.
Lava stumbled but caught himself, his eyes darting around. “Okay, what now?”
Before Manu could respond, the earth split open a few paces ahead of them, sending chunks of
rock and soil flying into the air. From the gaping fissure emerged a massive figure, its silhouette
wreathed in dark smoke and shimmering heat waves.
Varahasura.
The boar demon was as monstrous as the legends had described. His hulking frame was
covered in thick, matted fur scorched black, and his tusks, jagged and cruel, glowed faintly with
a molten hue. His eyes burned with an unnatural fire, and steam hissed from his nostrils with
every breath.
Manu drew his sword, its blade catching the dim light of the grove. “Lava, stay behind me. Watch
for his movements—Varahasura’s strength lies in his unpredictability.”
Lava, already drawing his bowstring back, smirked faintly despite the tension. “I’m fast. He
won’t see me coming.”
The boar demon let out a deafening roar, shaking the grove to its core. The sound carried not just
rage but a primal force that sent a chill down Lava’s spine. Manu, however, stood firm, his
expression unflinching.
“Varahasura,” Manu called out, his voice echoing through the grove. “You defile a place that
once burned with sacred fire. We come not as destroyers but as seekers of dharma. Stand
aside, or face the justice of the gods.”
The boar demon snorted, his molten tusks dripping fiery embers onto the ground. He lowered
his massive head, his muscles rippling with coiled power. When he spoke, his voice was a deep
rumble, like rocks grinding against each other.
“You dare to enter my domain?” Varahasura growled. “The gods may have sent you, but their
power means nothing here. The grove belongs to me now. Turn back, mortals, or burn in the
f
lames of your own arrogance.”
Lava shifted his stance, his arrow trained on the demon’s massive form. “I don’t think he’s in the
mood to talk this out,” he muttered.
Manu’s grip on his sword tightened. “Then we’ll let our actions speak. Stay sharp, Lava. This
battle will not be won with strength alone.”
Varahasura pawed the ground, his molten eyes locking onto Manu with predatory intensity. The
air around him seemed to shimmer with heat as he let out another roar, this one filled with the
promise of destruction.
Manu raised his sword, the faint warmth of Agni’s Charm pulsing through the hilt. Lava took a
steadying breath, his bowstring taut, his gaze unwavering.
The battle for the grove—and their first relic—was about to begin.
