The bridge led Manu and Lava to a sprawling waterway, its surface shimmering like liquid silver
beneath the soft, misty glow of Maharloka. The air was cool and still, carrying with it a faint,
rhythmic sound that resonated in their very bones.
The river stretched endlessly in both directions, its current slow but deliberate. At its center, a
small wooden boat bobbed gently, tethered to a stone dock by a braided silver rope.
Lava stopped at the dock, eyeing the boat with suspicion. “Let me guess,” he said, folding his
arms. “We’re supposed to get in that thing and hope it doesn’t sink.”
Manu stepped forward, his expression thoughtful as he examined the boat. It was simple but
sturdy, its edges carved with intricate patterns resembling flowing water. “The River of Wisdom,”
he said quietly. “It is said to guide those who seek answers to the deepest questions of their
hearts.”
Lava tilted his head, his brow furrowing. “Answers, huh? What kind of answers?”
Manu turned to him, his gaze steady. “The kind you may not want to hear. This river reflects
truth, Lava. If you are not prepared to face it, it will not carry you forward.”
Lava frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Right. Because nothing about this journey is ever
simple.”
Manu gave him a faint smile. “Truth rarely is. Come.”
The two stepped into the boat, its wooden frame creaking softly beneath their weight. Manu
untied the silver rope, and the boat began to drift into the river’s current, moving without the
need for oars.
For a while, the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the boat’s sides. The mist
around them thickened, blurring the edges of the river and giving the impression that they were
f
loating through an endless expanse of light and shadow.
“This is… unsettling,” Lava muttered, his voice breaking the silence.
Manu remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Suddenly, the river began to ripple, its surface shifting like glass caught in a breeze. Lava leaned
over the edge, his reflection staring back at him—but the reflection moved differently, its
expression twisted with doubt.
The reflection spoke, its voice low and mocking. “Why do you follow him, Lava? What are you
hoping to prove?”
Lava recoiled, his eyes wide. “What the—?”
Manu turned to him, his expression calm but alert. “The river speaks. Do not fear it. Listen.”
The reflection continued, its tone sharper. “You think this journey will make you a hero? That it
will earn you the respect you crave? You’re nothing but a shadow of your father—a reckless child
trying to fill shoes that are too big for him.”
Lava’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. “That’s not true,” he said, his voice low.
The reflection tilted its head, smirking. “Isn’t it? You’ve spent this entire journey trying to prove
yourself to Manu, to your father’s legacy, to everyone. But what happens when you fail? What
happens when you let them down?”
Lava opened his mouth to respond but stopped, his breathing heavy. He turned to Manu, his
eyes searching. “Manu… is that what you think? That I’m just some kid trying to prove
something?”
Manu met his gaze, his tone steady. “I think you are more than you realize. The river reveals
doubts, but it also offers truth. It is not my judgment you must seek, Lava. It is your own.”
Lava frowned, looking down at his hands. “My own judgment…”
Before he could finish his thought, the river rippled again, this time reflecting Manu’s image. The
reflection spoke, its voice deep and hollow.
“Manu,” it said. “What makes you think you are worthy of this task? You abandoned your people,
your kingdom, for a mission you may not even complete. Who are you to decide the fate of the
Lokas?”
Manu’s expression tightened, but he remained composed. “The path of dharma is not about
worthiness. It is about duty.”
The reflection laughed coldly. “Duty? Or pride? You call yourself a protector of dharma, but your
actions are no different from those of Mahikesh. You impose your will on others, all in the name
of balance. What makes you so certain your way is the right one?”
Manu’s hand gripped the hilt of his sword, but he did not draw it. “I do not claim to be certain. I
walk this path because it must be walked. Doubt does not weaken me—it strengthens my
resolve.”
The reflection stared at him for a long moment before dissolving into the rippling water.
The mist around them began to lift, and the boat slowed as it approached another dock, this
one carved from white stone that glowed faintly in the dim light.
Lava exhaled deeply, leaning back in the boat. “That was… a lot.”
Manu stood, stepping onto the dock. “The river does not lie, but neither does it define us. It
shows what we fear, what we question—but also what we must overcome.”
Lava followed, his steps unsteady. “Yeah, well, I hope the next trial doesn’t involve looking into
my soul again. I’m not sure how much more I can take.”
Manu placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze steady. “You faced the truth and came out
stronger. That is all the river asks.”
The mist parted further, revealing a towering structure in the distance. Its golden spires reflected
the light of the river, their surfaces etched with symbols of wisdom and clarity.
“The trial is not over,” Manu said. “But we are closer to the relic.”
Lava sighed, adjusting the pendant around his neck. “Closer is good. Let’s just hope this next
part doesn’t involve more talking rivers.”
Manu allowed himself a faint smile as they began walking toward the towering structure, the
path ahead illuminated by the faint glow of Maharloka’s light.
The towering structure loomed ahead, its golden spires reaching into the misty heavens. The
Pillar of Reflection stood in the center of a circular platform, its surface etched with intricate
carvings that glowed faintly with an otherworldly light. The air around it was thick with an
unspoken gravity, as though the very stone pulsed with the weight of millennia of knowledge.
Lava stopped at the base of the platform, tilting his head back to take in the sheer height of the
pillar. “Okay, that’s big. And shiny. So… do we just climb it?”
Manu stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the carvings. “No. The Pillar of Reflection does not test
physical strength. It challenges the mind and spirit. It is said to be a gateway to wisdom, but
only those who answer its riddles may pass.”
Lava groaned, rubbing his temples. “Riddles? Seriously? I thought this was supposed to be the
realm of sages, not a guessing game.”
Manu allowed himself a faint smile. “The riddles are not meant to confuse but to illuminate.
They will reveal truths about ourselves and our purpose. Are you ready?”
Lava sighed, adjusting the pendant of the Boon of Vayu around his neck. “Not really, but let’s do
this anyway.”
The two stepped onto the platform, and the air shifted. The mist surrounding the pillar grew
denser, forming a translucent barrier that encased them in a sphere of light. The carvings on the
pillar began to glow brighter, and a deep, resonant voice filled the space.
“Seekers of the relic,” the voice intoned, calm yet commanding. “To ascend the Pillar of
Reflection, you must answer its truths. Speak with clarity, or the path will be closed.”
Manu stepped forward, his expression resolute. “We are ready.”
The carvings shifted, forming the outline of a single glowing question.
“What defines a leader: strength, wisdom, or sacrifice?”
Manu’s gaze did not waver. “A true leader is defined by all three, but sacrifice is paramount.
Strength and wisdom mean nothing without the willingness to bear the burdens of others.”
The light pulsed, and the voice spoke again. “Why do you choose sacrifice above all?”
“Because it is the foundation of dharma,” Manu replied. “A leader’s purpose is to serve, to place
the needs of others above their own. Without sacrifice, there can be no balance.”
The carvings glowed brighter, and the first riddle dissolved into the stone.
Lava raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t even have to think about that one, did you?”
Manu glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. “The truth often comes without
hesitation.”
Another question formed, its lines sharp and deliberate.
“What makes a warrior: the strength of their arm, the sharpness of their mind, or the
resolve of their heart?”
Lava stepped forward, scratching the back of his neck. “I guess… it’s the resolve of their heart?”
The voice returned. “Why do you choose resolve?”
Lava hesitated, glancing at Manu before answering. “Because… you can have all the strength
and skill in the world, but if you give up when things get tough, none of it matters. A real warrior
doesn’t quit, no matter what.”
The light pulsed again, and the carvings shifted, the question dissolving as the voice spoke. “You
are correct, though doubt lingers in your heart. Strengthen your resolve, and you will become
the warrior you seek to be.”
Lava blinked, his brow furrowing. “That… was weirdly personal.”
Manu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “The Pillar does not lie. It seeks to guide, not
condemn.”
The mist swirled around them as the third question appeared, its lines delicate yet unyielding.
“What sustains the universe: creation, preservation, or destruction?”
Manu and Lava exchanged a glance, the weight of the question pressing against them.
“It’s preservation, right?” Lava asked, his tone uncertain. “Keeping everything together?”
Manu’s gaze rested on the question for a long moment. “Preservation sustains,” he said, “but it
cannot exist without the other two. Creation brings life into being, destruction clears the way for
renewal, and preservation maintains the balance between them. The universe is sustained by
all three forces, in harmony.”
The carvings glowed brighter than ever, and the mist around the pillar began to lift. The resonant
voice returned, softer this time, almost reverent. “You have answered wisely. The path is open.”
The carvings on the pillar shifted once more, forming a spiral staircase that wound upward, its
steps glowing with an inviting light.
“Finally,” Lava said, letting out a breath. “I was starting to think we’d be stuck here forever.”
Manu glanced at him, his expression calm but resolute. “The true trial begins now. The relic
awaits.”
The two began to ascend the staircase, their steps steady and deliberate. The air grew warmer
as they climbed, the light of the pillar intensifying with each step.
At the top of the pillar, a small platform awaited, and at its center floated a radiant orb of golden
light. It pulsed with a gentle energy, its warmth spreading across the space like the first rays of
dawn.
“The relic of Saraswati,” Manu said quietly, his voice filled with reverence. “The Blessing of
Wisdom.”
Lava stepped closer, squinting at the orb. “It looks… peaceful. Like it’s not even trying to test us
anymore.”
“The relic recognizes our purpose,” Manu said. “It does not resist those who prove themselves
worthy.”
Manu reached out, his hand steady as he touched the relic. The moment his fingers met its
surface, a wave of clarity washed over him, as if a fog he hadn’t realized was there had been
lifted.
The relic dissolved into streams of golden light, splitting and flowing into Manu’s sword and
Lava’s pendant. The carvings on the pillar flared brightly one last time before dimming, their
purpose fulfilled.
Manu turned to Lava, his expression serene. “The Blessing of Wisdom is ours. The next path is
open.”
A portal shimmered into existence at the edge of the platform, its golden light beckoning them
forward.
Lava adjusted his bow, a grin spreading across his face. “Alright. Two down, twelve to go. Let’s
keep this momentum going.”
Manu allowed himself a small smile as they stepped toward the portal. “Maharloka has taught
us much. Let us carry its wisdom forward.”
As they entered the portal, the realm of sages faded into the distance, leaving only the quiet
echo of its truths.
The golden light of the portal shimmered and pulsed as Manu and Lava stepped through, the
serene warmth of Maharloka fading behind them. The transition was smooth, almost seamless,
as though they were passing from one quiet thought to another.
When they emerged, the air around them was impossibly still, carrying a faint floral scent that
calmed the senses. They stood in a vast, open space, the ground beneath them made of
smooth white stone that reflected the soft golden light of the sky. The horizon stretched
infinitely in all directions, blending seamlessly with the glowing heavens.
“This place feels… different,” Lava said, his voice hushed.
Manu nodded, his gaze sweeping the tranquil expanse. “Janaloka,” he said. “The realm of
meditation and contemplation. Here, time itself slows, allowing those who dwell within to
reflect deeply on the nature of existence.”
Lava frowned, his footsteps echoing faintly as he walked across the polished stone. “So, what?
We’re supposed to sit around and think again? I thought Maharloka had enough of that.”
Manu allowed a small smile to touch his lips. “Reflection is an essential part of the journey,
Lava. The trials of Janaloka will not challenge us with illusions or riddles—they will test our
ability to find harmony within ourselves.”
Lava sighed, adjusting the pendant of the Boon of Vayu around his neck. “Great. More inner
peace. Just what I needed.”
The two continued forward, their steps slow and deliberate. Despite the vast emptiness of the
realm, the air carried a sense of presence, as though unseen eyes watched them from every
direction.
“Manu,” Lava said after a while, his voice more serious, “do you ever think about what happens
if we don’t make it? I mean, if Mahikesh wins, and we fail to stop him… what then?”
Manu stopped, turning to face Lava. “Failure is not something we can afford to consider,” he
said firmly. “The balance of the Lokas depends on our success. Every step we take, every trial
we overcome, brings us closer to restoring that balance.”
Lava hesitated, his gaze dropping to the smooth ground. “Yeah, but… what if we’re not enough?
What if we don’t have what it takes to finish this?”
Manu placed a hand on Lava’s shoulder, his grip steady. “Doubt is natural, Lava. But it is in
facing that doubt that we find our strength. You have already proven yourself many times over.
Do not let fear of failure cloud your purpose.”
Lava looked up at Manu, his expression softening. “You really believe that?”
“I do,” Manu said. “And I believe in you.”
Lava gave a small nod, a faint grin returning to his face. “Thanks, old man. I’ll hold you to that.”
As they moved further into the realm, the tranquil expanse began to shift. The smooth stone
beneath their feet gave way to a garden of lush greenery, its paths winding through flowering
trees and streams of crystal-clear water.
The sounds of the garden were soft and soothing—the gentle rustle of leaves in an unseen
breeze, the faint trickle of water over stones. Yet, beneath the tranquility, there was a quiet
tension, as though the realm itself was waiting to reveal its trial.
Manu stopped at the edge of a small stream, its surface perfectly still. “The peace of Janaloka is
a facade,” he said quietly. “This realm will not challenge us openly, but its trials are no less
demanding.”
Lava crouched by the stream, running his fingers through the cool water. “You think it’ll throw
another mind game at us?”
“Not in the way Svargaloka did,” Manu replied. “Here, the trial will be subtle. It will test our ability
to find balance, even in the face of doubt or distraction.”
Lava sighed, standing and brushing off his hands. “Well, whatever it is, let’s get it over with.
These peaceful places always make me nervous.”
Manu allowed himself a faint smile. “Patience, Lava. The path forward will reveal itself in time.”
As they continued deeper into the garden, the light around them began to shift, its golden hue
dimming to a softer, more muted tone. The air grew heavier, the sense of unseen eyes growing
more pronounced.
Ahead, a stone archway came into view, its surface carved with intricate patterns that seemed
to ripple like water. A faint light pulsed within the arch, beckoning them forward.
“The trial awaits,” Manu said, his voice calm but firm.
Lava tightened the grip on his bow, his expression resolute. “Alright. Let’s see what Janaloka’s
got for us.”
Together, they stepped through the archway, the light swallowing them as the realm prepared to
test their resolve.
The light from the stone archway faded, leaving Manu and Lava standing in a vast, open
chamber. The space was unlike anything they had seen before—its floor was made of smooth,
polished stone etched with glowing symbols arranged in concentric circles. The air was
unnervingly still, thick with an unseen pressure that seemed to press against their skin.
Lava looked around, his hand resting on the hilt of his bow. “Manu, this place feels… weird. Like
it’s alive or something.”
Manu nodded, his eyes scanning the glowing symbols. “This is the heart of Janaloka’s trial.
Everything here is deliberate—designed to test us.”
As they stepped forward, a deep, resonant hum filled the chamber. The symbols on the floor
began to pulse faintly, their light flowing outward in waves that rippled toward the edges of the
room.
“What now?” Lava asked, his voice echoing slightly.
The hum grew louder, and a sudden shift in the air caused both warriors to freeze. From the far
side of the chamber, a tall figure emerged, its body wreathed in shimmering light. It had no
discernible features—no face, no limbs—just a humanoid outline of pure energy.
The figure raised an arm-like appendage, and a booming voice echoed through the chamber.
“Speak not. The trial is one of harmony, not words. Step out of balance, and you shall fail.”
Lava blinked, glancing at Manu. “Did it just say—”
The energy figure’s arm shifted sharply, and a pulse of light radiated outward. Lava stumbled as
the ground beneath his feet trembled, the glowing symbols flickering erratically. Manu reached
out to steady him, his grip firm.
“Alright, alright,” Lava muttered, lowering his voice. “No talking. Got it.”
Manu raised a hand, gesturing for silence. He pointed to the glowing symbols beneath their feet,
his expression focused. The symbols had begun to shift, their light forming distinct patterns that
spread across the chamber floor like ripples on water.
Lava frowned, watching the shifting symbols. He gestured toward Manu, then pointed at
himself, silently mouthing, What do we do?
Manu crouched slightly, running his fingers along the edge of one of the symbols. He looked up
at Lava and gestured toward the patterns, then mimed walking carefully. His meaning was clear:
Follow the light, step only on the glowing paths.
Lava nodded, gripping his bow tightly.
The two began to move, their steps slow and deliberate as they followed the glowing paths. The
chamber’s hum grew softer, almost melodic, as if encouraging their harmony.
But as they stepped deeper into the maze of symbols, the patterns began to shift more rapidly.
The glowing paths twisted and split, forcing Manu and Lava to move in opposite directions.
Lava glanced back at Manu, his eyes wide. He gestured toward the diverging paths, silently
mouthing, Are you sure?
Manu nodded firmly, gesturing for Lava to trust him. They had no choice but to separate.
The chamber responded immediately, the symbols on the floor flaring brighter. The air grew
heavier, and the once-soothing hum turned sharper, its tone filled with urgency.
Lava moved carefully, his steps perfectly aligned with the glowing path. His heart pounded in his
chest as he glanced at Manu across the chamber. The older warrior was equally focused, his
movements precise and unhurried.
Suddenly, the light beneath Lava’s foot flickered, and a pulse of energy shot through the
chamber. He froze, his body tense, as a thin crack appeared in the stone beneath him.
Manu saw it too, his expression tightening. He gestured sharply, motioning for Lava to stop and
wait.
Lava frowned but obeyed, holding his position as Manu stepped forward. The older warrior’s
movements were fluid, each step timed to the shifting rhythm of the glowing patterns.
The symbols beneath Lava stabilized, their light returning to a steady glow. Lava exhaled slowly,
giving Manu a small nod of thanks before continuing forward.
As they neared the center of the chamber, the glowing patterns began to converge, forming a
single path that spiraled inward. Manu and Lava stepped onto the path together, their
movements perfectly synchronized.
The hum of the chamber softened, and the pressure in the air lifted. The glowing symbols
pulsed one final time before fading, leaving the chamber bathed in a soft, golden light.
The energy figure reappeared at the center of the room, its form pulsing gently. It raised its arm
like appendage, and the same booming voice echoed through the chamber. “You have proven
yourselves. Harmony sustains the path of dharma. The way forward is open.”
A glowing portal appeared at the far end of the chamber, its golden light spilling onto the
polished stone floor.
Lava let out a long breath, his shoulders slumping. “Well, that was intense,” he muttered under
his breath.
Manu gave him a faint smile, his gaze calm. “You did well. Harmony is not an easy lesson to
learn.”
Lava straightened, adjusting the pendant of the Boon of Vayu around his neck. “Yeah, well, I
had a good teacher.”
Together, they stepped toward the portal, the quiet of Janaloka following them like a shadow.
The golden portal’s light dimmed as Manu and Lava stepped into a serene glade unlike anything
they had seen in Janaloka. The air was impossibly still, carrying the faint scent of blooming
f
lowers and fresh water.
Before them lay a circular clearing surrounded by slender, silver-barked trees whose branches
wove together into an intricate canopy. At the center of the glade, a small pedestal floated a few
feet above the ground, its surface smooth and polished. Upon it rested the Relic of Serenity, a
luminous orb that pulsed with a soft, tranquil light.
“This is it,” Manu said quietly, his gaze fixed on the relic.
Lava stopped beside him, his usual grin replaced by a look of cautious wonder. “No puzzles, no
illusions… just sitting there waiting for us. That can’t be right.”
Manu took a slow step forward, his expression thoughtful. “The Relic of Serenity does not
challenge through confrontation. Its test lies in our ability to trust ourselves—and each other.”
Lava raised an eyebrow. “And what does that mean, exactly?”
Before Manu could answer, the orb’s light flared brighter, and the air in the glade shifted. The
soft rustling of leaves faded, replaced by an oppressive silence that seemed to press against
their ears.
Lava instinctively reached for his bow. “Okay, this feels familiar. What’s about to jump out at
us?”
Manu raised a hand, signaling for him to hold still. “Nothing will attack us. But we are being
watched.”
The relic pulsed again, its light rippling outward in waves that shimmered like water. With each
pulse, faint images appeared in the air—fragmented reflections of their journey.
There was Manu, facing Varahasura in Bhūloka, his blade igniting with Agni’s fire. Lava leaping
across the unstable sky bridges of Bhuvarloka, his arrows striking true. The whispers of the River
of Wisdom, the riddles of the Pillar of Reflection—all moments that had tested them, shaped
them, and strengthened their bond.
Lava watched the images, his brow furrowing. “Why is it showing us this?”
“To remind us,” Manu said, his voice steady. “Every trial we have faced has prepared us for this
moment. The relic demands we trust in what we have learned.”
As the final image faded, the relic pulsed one last time. The glade fell into complete stillness,
and a faint glow began to rise around the pedestal, forming a translucent barrier of light.
Manu stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. “The relic will not yield unless we act in perfect
unity. We must approach it together, without hesitation or doubt.”
Lava hesitated, glancing at the glowing barrier. “And if we mess up?”
“The trial will begin again,” Manu replied. “And the next test may not be as forgiving.”
Lava exhaled sharply, adjusting the grip on his bow. “Alright, then. Let’s do this.”
Manu extended his hand, gesturing for Lava to step alongside him. The two warriors stood
shoulder to shoulder, their eyes locked on the glowing relic.
“On my mark,” Manu said, his voice low.
Lava nodded, his breathing steady.
“One,” Manu began, his hand hovering near the barrier.
“Two,” Lava said, his fingers tightening around the pendant of the Boon of Vayu.
“Three.”
They moved as one, stepping forward in perfect synchrony. Their hands reached out
simultaneously, touching the barrier with equal pressure.
The glade erupted in light, the barrier dissolving into golden mist that swirled around them. The
relic rose from the pedestal, hovering between them as its glow intensified.
For a moment, nothing moved. Then, the relic split into two streams of light, one flowing into
Manu’s sword and the other into Lava’s pendant. The glow spread across their weapons and
armor, leaving behind faint, intricate patterns that shimmered with an otherworldly radiance.
Lava took a deep breath, blinking as the glow around him faded. “Did we… pass?”
Manu lowered his sword, his expression calm but resolute. “The Relic of Serenity has been
claimed. Its power now guides us.”
The glade around them began to shift, the tranquil stillness giving way to the hum of a portal
opening behind the pedestal. Its golden light spilled across the clearing, inviting them forward.
Lava turned to Manu, a faint grin returning to his face. “You know, for a realm all about peace
and balance, that was pretty intense.”
Manu allowed himself a small smile. “True harmony is not easily achieved. But it will serve us
well in the trials to come.”
The two warriors stepped toward the portal, their steps confident but measured. As they
disappeared into the golden light, the glade returned to its quiet serenity, its purpose fulfilled.
