Chapter 13: The Mage Ascends
The team’s hovercraft skimmed across the waves under a sky still heavy with storm clouds. Vikram sat near the edge of the cabin, his glowing gauntlet resting on his knee. The light pulsed faintly, reflecting the turmoil in his mind.
“You’ve been quiet,” Sona said, sliding into the seat beside him. The Ring of Chandra glowed softly on her hand, a reminder of their hard-fought victory at the Sunken Throne.
“Just thinking,” Vikram replied, his voice distant. “About how close we came to losing everything.”
Sona tilted her head, studying him. “That’s not all, is it?”
He hesitated, then sighed. “The closer we get to Varunasura, the more I feel like I’m out of my depth. You have your connection to the ocean. Arjun has Vritra. Even Prithvi has the Phoenix Prophecy backing him up. Me? I’m just a guy with a gauntlet and some half-baked theories about magic.”
“Half-baked?” Sona raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one who figured out how to combine ancient spells with modern tech. Without you, we’d still be running blind through Varunasura’s traps.”
Vikram shook his head. “It’s not enough. I can analyze, calculate, adapt—but I can’t fight like the rest of you. Not when it really matters.”
Sona placed a hand on his shoulder. “Then make yourself stronger. You’ve got the Ring of Brihaspati. Tap into its power. If anyone can figure out how to wield it, it’s you.”
Her words struck a chord, and for the first time in days, Vikram allowed himself a small smile. “You really think I can do it?”
“I know you can,” Sona said, standing. “Now stop sulking and get to work.”
The hovercraft docked at an isolated temple carved into the side of a cliff. The structure was ancient, its stone walls etched with runes that seemed to hum with latent energy.
“This is the Temple of Wisdom,” Prithvi explained as the team disembarked. “If there’s any place that can help you unlock the full power of the Ring of Brihaspati, it’s here.”
Vikram glanced up at the towering structure, a mix of awe and apprehension in his eyes. “How did you even find this place?”
“Chanakya tracked it down,” Prithvi replied. “It’s been hidden for centuries, but the ring’s energy resonates with the wards here. It’s as if the temple’s been waiting for you.”
“Waiting to kill me, more like,” Vikram muttered under his breath.
The group entered the temple, the air growing colder as they descended into its depths. The walls were lined with glowing runes, their light casting eerie shadows that danced across the stone.
At the center of the main chamber stood a massive obelisk, its surface covered in intricate carvings that seemed to shift and flow like liquid.
“This is the Convergence Stone,” Prithvi said. “It’s connected to the ring’s power. If you can attune yourself to it, you’ll gain access to the advanced magic you’ll need to fight Varunasura.”
“No pressure, huh?” Vikram said, trying to keep his tone light.
“Just don’t blow yourself up,” Arjun said with a grin. “And maybe the temple, while you’re at it.”
Vikram approached the obelisk, the Ring of Brihaspati glowing brighter with each step. As he reached out to touch the stone, a surge of energy shot through his body, sending him staggering back.
“Are you okay?” Sona asked, catching him before he fell.
“Yeah,” Vikram said, shaking off the shock. “It’s… intense. Like it’s testing me.”
“That’s because it is,” Prithvi said. “This isn’t just about power—it’s about understanding. The ring’s magic is tied to wisdom, to the balance between intellect and intuition. If you want to control it, you’ll have to prove you’re worthy.”
“Great,” Vikram said, rubbing his temples. “A magical pop quiz. Just what I needed.”
He stepped forward again, this time bracing himself as he placed his hand on the obelisk. The carvings glowed brightly, and the world around him seemed to fade.
When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the temple. Instead, he stood in a vast, star-filled void, the constellations swirling like living things.
“What… is this?” he murmured, turning in place.
A figure appeared before him, its form shifting and fluid, as if made of light and shadow. Its voice echoed in his mind, calm yet commanding. “You seek the wisdom of Brihaspati. But wisdom is not given—it is earned.”
“Of course it is,” Vikram said dryly. “Would it kill you cosmic beings to make things simple for once?”
The figure ignored his sarcasm. “You carry the burden of intellect, but intellect alone will not save you. To wield the ring’s power, you must embrace the unknown. Surrender your need for control, and you will find your strength.”
Vikram frowned, his mind racing. “Surrender control? That’s not how I work. Everything I’ve ever done is because I looked at the chaos and found a way to make sense of it.”
“Then you will fail,” the figure said simply.
The void around him began to shift, the constellations forming into a massive labyrinth. At its center, a brilliant light pulsed—a fragment of the ring’s true power.
“If you wish to succeed,” the figure said, its voice fading, “find your way.”
Vikram stood at the entrance of the labyrinth, the weight of the challenge settling over him. He glanced at the ring on his hand, its glow faint but steady.
“Okay,” he said to himself, his determination hardening. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
The first step was hesitant, but the second was firmer. With each stride, Vikram moved deeper into the maze, ready to face whatever trials awaited him.
The labyrinth stretched endlessly in every direction, its walls shimmering like liquid silver. Vikram paused at a crossroads, his eyes scanning the paths ahead. Each corridor looked identical, a seamless blend of light and shadow, but his instincts told him that appearances were deceptive.
“The ring brought me here,” he murmured, glancing at the faintly glowing band on his hand. “It has to know the way out.”
The Ring of Brihaspati pulsed in response, sending a faint vibration up his arm. The energy was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it guided his steps as he chose the leftmost path and pressed forward.
The first trial came without warning. The walls rippled like water, and the corridor around him dissolved into an endless void. A single pedestal appeared in the darkness, a glowing orb hovering above it.
“Great,” Vikram muttered, stepping cautiously toward the pedestal. “Another puzzle. Because walking through an endless maze wasn’t challenging enough.”
As he reached the orb, a voice echoed in the void, deep and resonant.
“Tell me, seeker: What is the greatest strength of the mind?”
Vikram hesitated, his thoughts racing. The question seemed straightforward, but he knew better than to trust anything in this place to be simple.
“Is it knowledge?” he asked aloud.
The voice was silent for a moment, then replied, “Knowledge is the root, but roots alone cannot weather the storm.”
Vikram frowned. “Wisdom, then?”
“Wisdom is the tree, but even the tallest tree can fall to the wind.”
Frustration flickered across Vikram’s face. “If it’s not knowledge or wisdom, then what?”
The orb glowed brighter, and the voice spoke again. “The greatest strength of the mind is its ability to question itself. Only through doubt can you find truth.”
The words hit Vikram like a jolt, and he stepped back, his mind whirling. “Doubt… as strength?” he repeated, his tone skeptical.
But as he considered the answer, he realized the truth behind it. His entire life had been driven by questioning—pushing against the boundaries of what he knew, challenging assumptions, and seeking answers in the unknown.
He stepped forward and touched the orb. Its light enveloped him, and when it faded, the void had transformed back into the labyrinth.
“One trial down,” he muttered, his confidence growing. “What’s next?”
The second trial was more insidious. As Vikram turned a corner, he found himself standing in a familiar place—a pristine laboratory filled with humming machinery and glowing screens.
“This… is my lab,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Figures moved in the periphery, and he turned to see his team—Prithvi, Sona, Arjun, and the others. They were arguing, their voices rising in anger.
“You’re too slow, Vikram,” Prithvi said, his tone sharp. “We can’t keep waiting for you to figure things out.”
“You’re holding us back,” Sona added, her expression cold.
Arjun didn’t say anything, but the disappointment in his eyes cut deeper than any words.
“Stop,” Vikram said, his voice trembling. “This isn’t real.”
The figures ignored him, their accusations growing louder.
“You think you’re helping, but all you do is analyze and second-guess,” Prithvi said, stepping closer. “While you hesitate, people die.”
Vikram clenched his fists, his heart pounding. “No. This is just another illusion. It’s trying to break me.”
The ring on his hand pulsed, its light cutting through the voices like a beacon.
“I’m not perfect,” Vikram said, his voice steadying. “But neither are any of you. We succeed because we work together, not because we’re flawless.”
The figures froze, then dissolved into light, leaving him alone in the labyrinth once more.
The final trial came at the heart of the maze. A massive door stood before him, its surface engraved with shifting constellations. As he approached, the door spoke, its voice deep and resonant.
“To pass, you must give up what you value most.”
Vikram’s breath caught. “Give up…?”
The door shimmered, and an image appeared—himself, standing at the forefront of the team, confident and assured. The version of him he aspired to be, the one who always had the answers.
“You must surrender your need for control,” the door said.
Vikram hesitated, his mind racing. Control had always been his anchor. Without it, who was he?
The ring’s light flared, and he understood. Control wasn’t the goal—it was the illusion. True strength came from embracing uncertainty, from trusting himself and those around him, even when the answers weren’t clear.
“I surrender,” he said, his voice firm.
The image of his ideal self faded, and the door began to open. Beyond it, a blinding light awaited, filled with the energy of the Ring of Brihaspati.
Vikram stepped forward, the light enveloping him as the ring’s power surged through his body. He could feel it now—the connection to space, to wisdom, to the endless possibilities that lay beyond.
When the light faded, Vikram found himself back in the temple, the Convergence Stone glowing faintly before him. The team stood nearby, their faces filled with relief.
“You did it,” Sona said, a smile breaking across her face.
Vikram glanced at the ring on his hand, its glow steady and strong. “Yeah,” he said, his voice soft but resolute. “I think I did.”
Prithvi stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Welcome back, Vikram. And welcome to the fight.”
The stone temple loomed against the horizon, carved into the side of a jagged cliff. Its architecture was stark and imposing, with monolithic pillars rising toward the sky like sentinels. The team disembarked from their hovercraft at the base of the cliffs, the air thick with the scent of rain and earth.
“This place looks like it doesn’t want visitors,” Arjun said, eyeing the heavy stone doors at the temple’s entrance. “Which means we’re probably in the right spot.”
Prithvi stepped forward, his visor scanning the structure. “Chanakya, analyze the area. Anything unusual?”
The AI’s voice came through the comms, calm but focused. “Seismic activity detected within the temple. Likely connected to the Ring of Shani’s energy signature. Proceed with caution.”
“Seismic activity,” Arjun said, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds fun.”
“Fun for you, maybe,” Vikram muttered, his gauntlet humming as he calibrated its systems. The glow of the Ring of Brihaspati on his hand pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power he’d recently unlocked.
Sona placed a hand on his shoulder. “You ready for this?”
Vikram met her gaze, his expression determined. “Let’s find out.”
The temple doors groaned as Prithvi pushed them open, the sound reverberating through the air. Beyond lay a vast chamber filled with towering stone columns, their surfaces etched with ancient symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light.
“The Ring of Shani is somewhere in here,” Prithvi said, his visor highlighting a faint energy signature deeper within the temple. “But this place is crawling with defenses. Stay sharp.”
The team moved cautiously, their footsteps echoing against the stone floor. The air was thick with tension, and every shadow seemed to hold a threat.
“It’s too quiet,” Kaal said, his voice low. “I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I,” Prithvi replied.
As they reached the center of the chamber, the ground beneath them rumbled. Cracks spread across the floor, and the air was filled with the sound of grinding stone.
A massive figure emerged from the shadows, its body composed entirely of jagged rock. Its eyes glowed with a fiery red light, and its movements were slow but deliberate.
“Terrax,” Sona said, her voice tense.
The stone guardian roared, the sound like a landslide, and raised a massive arm to strike.
“Scatter!” Prithvi shouted, activating his thrusters to dodge the attack. The ground where they’d been standing exploded into rubble as Terrax’s fist crashed down.
Arjun lunged forward, Vritra blazing with energy as he struck at Terrax’s arm. The blade left a glowing scar across the rock, but the guardian didn’t falter.
“It’s like hitting a mountain,” Arjun muttered, dodging a retaliatory swing.
“Try dislodging the energy cores,” Vikram said, his gauntlet scanning Terrax’s body. “There are weak points in the joints—if we disrupt them, we can slow it down.”
Prithvi fired a concentrated blast of fire and lightning at one of Terrax’s knees, the impact causing the guardian to stumble. “Vikram’s right. Target the joints!”
Sona darted around Terrax, her plasma baton crackling as she struck at its legs. “The Ring of Chandra’s water flow might help destabilize it,” she called out, summoning a surge of water to flood the guardian’s footing.
The water seeped into the cracks in Terrax’s body, causing steam to hiss as it reacted with the heat radiating from its core. The guardian let out a guttural roar, its movements slowing slightly.
“It’s working!” Sona shouted.
Kaal moved through the shadows, his tendrils wrapping around Terrax’s arm and pulling it off balance. “We’ve got it on the ropes,” he said, his voice calm but focused.
But Terrax wasn’t done. The guardian slammed its fists into the ground, sending shockwaves through the chamber. The team was thrown off their feet as the temple walls began to crack and crumble.
“Plan B?” Arjun said, picking himself up.
Vikram stepped forward, his Ring of Brihaspati glowing brightly. “I’ve got this,” he said, his voice steady.
He raised his gauntlet, summoning a series of glowing glyphs that hovered in the air around him. The energy of the ring coursed through his body, and the glyphs began to spin, creating a swirling vortex of light.
“Vikram, what are you doing?” Prithvi asked, his tone sharp.
“Disrupting its core,” Vikram replied. “Trust me.”
The glyphs shot toward Terrax, wrapping around its body and locking onto its energy signature. The guardian roared, its movements growing more frantic as the glyphs tightened their grip.
“Keep it distracted!” Vikram shouted, sweat beading on his forehead as he maintained the spell.
Prithvi and Arjun charged forward, their attacks relentless as they targeted Terrax’s weakened joints. Sona summoned another surge of water, and Kaal’s shadows lashed out, holding the guardian in place.
The glyphs pulsed with energy, and Vikram thrust his hand forward, the spell reaching its climax.
A blinding light filled the chamber as Terrax’s core shattered, its body collapsing into rubble. The ground shook one last time, then fell silent.
The team stood amidst the debris, their breaths heavy.
“Nice work,” Prithvi said, clapping Vikram on the shoulder.
Vikram managed a tired smile. “Thanks. Remind me not to do that again anytime soon.”
Sona approached the center of the room, where a faint glow emanated from the rubble. She reached down and lifted the Ring of Shani, its energy radiating with a calm, steady light.
“We’ve got it,” she said, her voice filled with relief.
Prithvi nodded. “One step closer.”
As they exited the temple, the weight of their victory settled over them. But they knew the battles ahead would only grow harder.
“We’re not done yet,” Vikram said, his gaze steady. “But at least now, we’re stronger than before.”
The journey back to their base was quiet, the mood inside the hovercraft heavy with both triumph and unease. The Ring of Shani rested in a reinforced containment unit on the console, its faint glow casting long shadows across the cabin.
“Another ring in the bag,” Arjun said, leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed. “We’re getting good at this.”
“Speak for yourself,” Sona replied, glancing at Vikram. He sat hunched over in the corner, his head in his hands. “You okay?”
Vikram waved her off without looking up. “Just… tired. I’ll be fine.”
Prithvi didn’t look convinced. “Chanakya, run a diagnostic on Vikram’s vitals.”
The AI’s voice was calm, but its words carried a weight that made everyone pause. “Elevated heart rate, irregular neural activity, and signs of arcane energy overexposure. He is showing early symptoms of arcane feedback syndrome.”
“Arcane feedback what-now?” Arjun asked, frowning.
“It’s what happens when you push too hard,” Prithvi said, his tone grim. “The ring’s energy is overwhelming his system.”
“Great,” Vikram muttered, his voice laced with sarcasm. “First I’m not strong enough, and now I’m too strong. Can’t catch a break, can I?”
Sona crouched in front of him, her expression softening. “You’re not invincible, Vikram. None of us are. But we can’t afford to lose you, either. You need to rest.”
“I don’t have time to rest,” Vikram said, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “Every second we spend here, Varunasura gets stronger. If I don’t push myself, we’re all dead.”
Prithvi stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. “Pushing yourself into the grave won’t help anyone. We’ll need you at full strength for what’s ahead. Let us carry the load for a while.”
For a moment, Vikram didn’t respond. Then he sighed, leaning back against the wall. “Fine. But don’t blame me if you miss something because I wasn’t there to point it out.”
The base came into view on the horizon, its silhouette stark against the gray sky. As the hovercraft docked, the team disembarked, their exhaustion clear in their movements.
“Chanakya,” Prithvi said as they entered the main command room, “run a full analysis of the Ring of Shani. I want to know exactly how we can use it—and how we can counter it if Varunasura gets his hands on another one.”
“Understood,” the AI replied, its voice resonating through the room.
Sona turned to Vikram. “You’re going to the med bay. No arguments.”
Vikram raised his hands in mock surrender. “Yes, ma’am.”
As Sona and Vikram headed to the med bay, Arjun joined Prithvi at the console. “You think he’s gonna be okay?”
“He’ll have to be,” Prithvi replied, his gaze fixed on the glowing hologram of the Ring of Shani. “We don’t have the luxury of losing anyone.”
“Still,” Arjun said, leaning against the console. “Feels like we’re just barely keeping it together. Every fight gets tougher, and Varunasura’s still out there collecting rings like it’s a damn scavenger hunt.”
Prithvi’s jaw tightened. “We’ll stop him. We have to.”
In the med bay, Vikram lay on the diagnostic table as Sona monitored his vitals. The readouts painted a concerning picture—arcane energy levels spiking dangerously high, with no sign of stabilizing.
“Does it hurt?” she asked, her voice quiet.
“It’s… not great,” Vikram admitted. “It’s like my body’s running on overdrive, but I can’t turn it off. The ring’s power doesn’t just sit there—it’s alive. Constantly moving, constantly demanding more.”
Sona frowned. “There has to be a way to regulate it. Maybe Vikram-tech it into submission.”
He managed a weak chuckle. “If I survive this, I’ll put that on a t-shirt.”
The door slid open, and Prithvi entered, his expression serious. “How’s he doing?”
“Stubborn as ever,” Sona replied.
Vikram sat up, wincing slightly. “Still alive. What’s the plan?”
Prithvi crossed his arms. “We rest, we strategize, and we prepare. The next ring isn’t going to be any easier to claim.”
Vikram nodded, the glow of the Ring of Brihaspati dimming slightly as he let himself relax. “Just let me know when you need me.”
“We always need you,” Sona said, her voice firm. “So stop trying to carry everything on your own. That’s what we’re here for.”
As the team regrouped in the command room, the tension in the air was palpable. The battles ahead loomed larger than ever, and the cracks in their resolve were beginning to show.
But even as doubt and exhaustion crept in, the faint glow of the Ring of Shani served as a reminder of what they were fighting for—and the power they were up against.
“We’ve come this far,” Prithvi said, his voice steady. “And we’re not stopping now.”
The others nodded, their determination rekindled.
For now, they would rest. But the fight was far from over.
The base’s command room was quiet, save for the soft hum of monitors and the rhythmic pulse of the Ring of Shani within its containment unit. Vikram stood near the window, staring out at the storm-tossed waves beyond. The faint glow of the Ring of Brihaspati on his hand reflected in the glass.
“You’ve been pacing for fifteen minutes,” Arjun said, breaking the silence. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “What’s going on in that genius brain of yours?”
Vikram hesitated, then turned to face the group. “During my trial in the labyrinth, I saw… something. A vision.”
The room immediately grew tense.
Prithvi stepped forward, his visor retracting to reveal his concerned expression. “What kind of vision?”
Vikram took a deep breath, his gaze flickering to the glowing rings on the console. “It wasn’t like the illusions the maze used to test me. This felt… real. Like I was seeing the future—or what’s going to happen if we fail.”
Sona frowned. “What did you see?”
Vikram’s voice was steady, but his words carried a weight that sent chills through the room. “The world drowning. Cities consumed by water, fire, and storms. Varunasura standing at the center of it all, wielding the ten rings like a god.”
The team exchanged uneasy glances.
“Visions of doom,” Arjun said, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “Fantastic. Just what we needed.”
“This isn’t a joke,” Vikram snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “This wasn’t some vague prophecy or metaphor. It was a warning. If we don’t stop him, everything we know—everything we’ve fought for—will be gone.”
Prithvi placed a calming hand on Vikram’s shoulder. “We will stop him. We’ve already taken three rings, and we know where to look for the next.”
“But we’re running out of time,” Vikram said, his tone desperate. “Varunasura isn’t just collecting the rings—he’s growing stronger with each one. The closer he gets to ten, the harder he’ll be to defeat.”
Sona stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. “We’ve faced impossible odds before, Vikram. And we’ve survived because we don’t give up—because we trust each other.”
“It’s not just about trust,” Vikram said, shaking his head. “It’s about being ready. I’ve seen what he’s capable of, and we’re not prepared for that kind of power.”
Kaal, who had been silent until now, spoke from the shadows. “So, what do you suggest? That we stop and hide? Give him the time he needs to finish his collection?”
“No,” Vikram said, meeting Kaal’s gaze. “I’m saying we need to take bigger risks. Push harder. If we hold back, even for a moment, we lose everything.”
The tension in the room was palpable. Prithvi, ever the leader, stepped into the center of the group. “Vikram’s right about one thing—Varunasura is getting stronger. And we can’t afford to hold back. But we also can’t let fear dictate our actions.”
He turned to face the team, his gaze steady. “We’ve come this far because we’ve fought together, trusted each other, and faced every challenge head-on. That doesn’t change now.”
Arjun smirked, the tension in his posture easing slightly. “So, same plan as always? Charge in, kick some ass, and hope for the best?”
Prithvi allowed himself a small smile. “Something like that.”
Vikram sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not trying to scare anyone. I just… I need you all to understand what’s at stake. If we fail, there’s no second chance.”
“We know,” Sona said, her voice soft. “And we won’t fail.”
Vikram nodded, though the weight of his vision still lingered in his eyes.
Prithvi placed a hand on Vikram’s shoulder, his tone firm. “We’ll stop him. Together.”
For a moment, the room was silent, the gravity of their mission settling over them like a heavy fog. Then Prithvi turned to the console, his voice cutting through the tension.
“Chanakya, locate the next ring. We move out at dawn.”
As the team dispersed to prepare, Sona lingered, watching Vikram as he stared out the window once more.
“You did the right thing, telling us,” she said, her voice quiet.
“Did I?” Vikram replied, his gaze distant. “Sometimes I wonder if the rings are trying to help us, or if they’re just showing me what I can’t stop.”
Sona stepped beside him, her expression resolute. “You’re wrong. You’ve already stopped so much. And you’ll stop this, too.”
Vikram glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks, Sona.”
The storm outside began to calm, the waves settling into a rhythmic pulse. But the team knew it was only a brief reprieve.
The real storm was still coming.