Pavan leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixed on the glowing screen of his phone. Chee's message lingered, her words wrapping around him like a soft embrace:
“Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to stay out of trouble. I’ll be waiting.”
A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he read it again. Her mix of care and subtle command sent a flutter through his chest—a feeling he wasn’t quite ready to admit, even to himself. He could almost hear her voice, teasing yet firm, and the thought made him chuckle softly.
His quiet moment was rudely interrupted by Kishna, who leaned over with an exaggerated whisper, his tone dripping with mock sweetness.
“Oh, look at Mr. Romantic over here! Someone’s feeling the love, huh?”
Startled, Pavan quickly locked his phone, his glare sharp as he turned toward Kishna.
“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice carrying a playful menace.
Sensing the brewing danger, Kishna raised his hands defensively, adopting an innocent expression.
“I was just saying, brother, look at the view outside! Isn’t it beautiful? The fields, the sky… you only get sights like this in Alok!”
Pavan’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, but Kishna’s poorly concealed grin made it impossible to stay angry. With a sigh, Pavan turned to the window, muttering under his breath,
“One day, I’m going to make you pay for this.”
Vikram, sitting nearby, couldn’t hold back his laughter.
“Kishna, you really do have a death wish, don’t you?”
Unbothered by the warning, Kishna leaned back in his seat with a smug grin, already planning his next move.
The bus glided smoothly along the winding roads of Alok, offering panoramic views of the serene countryside. Pavan's gaze drifted to the window, where the world outside unfolded like a painting. Rolling fields stretched endlessly, their rich green hues glowing under the soft sunlight. The crops swayed gently in the breeze, their rhythm mimicking a lullaby for the earth.
Amid the fields, small drones floated like metallic butterflies, their soft hum blending with the natural symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The drones tended to the plants with precision, spraying water or monitoring growth, their movements so seamless that they felt like an extension of the land itself.
A farmer stood among the crops, adjusting his hat as he waved at the bus. Despite the advanced technology surrounding him, his weathered hands and kind smile spoke of an enduring connection to the soil. Pavan watched him for a moment, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
Beyond the fields, bursts of vibrant color emerged as the bus passed a valley of wildflowers. Reds, yellows, and purples painted the landscape in a kaleidoscope of hues, their delicate petals dancing in the wind. A flock of birds soared above, their synchronized flight creating intricate patterns against the azure sky.
Vikram broke the silence, his voice low but filled with awe. "This place always feels magical. It's like time stands still here."
Pavan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "And that's the beauty of Alok. Here, people and technology work together, pushing each other forward."
As the bus continued its journey, Pavan's mind wandered to the larger world of Earthlok and its four great cities. Each one had its own identity, strengths, and contributions to the planet's harmony:
Ury: The towering heart of science, technology, and defense. Its skyline pierced the heavens, filled with advanced labs and academies where the boundaries of possibility were constantly pushed. Ury's innovations protected Earthlok from external threats, its magic-infused technology a marvel to behold.
Raiys: The economic juggernaut, bustling with energy and ambition. Markets thrived under the city's glittering lights, and fortunes were made in seconds. Raiys was the pulse of commerce, where dreams were traded as commodities.
Sine: The soul of Earthlok's culture and knowledge. Its cobbled streets and grand halls celebrated the arts, history, and education. In Sine, the past was cherished while the future was inspired, every corner alive with creativity.
Alok: The heart that beat in harmony with nature. Here, people lived with the land, not above it. Farming practices rooted in tradition were complemented by cutting-edge technology, creating a balance that felt like poetry in motion.
Pavan's thoughts returned to Alok, the city he called home. Unlike the relentless pace of Ury or the glamour of Raiys, Alok thrived on simplicity. The connection between its people and the earth was palpable, each individual a guardian of the land's quiet magic.
The bus slowed as it passed a village nestled between hills. Children ran barefoot through the narrow streets, their laughter echoing in the air. Vendors arranged their wares outside small shops, their brightly colored goods catching the sunlight. An elderly man sat on a wooden bench, puffing on a hookah, his eyes twinkling as he watched the world go by.
Pavan's chest swelled with pride. Despite its humble appearance, Alok had a charm that no skyscraper or bustling market could replicate. It was a place where humanity and nature thrived as one.
The rhythmic hum of the bus engine lulled the passengers into a peaceful silence. Vikram closed his eyes, his face calm as he leaned against the seat. Kishna, meanwhile, fidgeted with his phone, clearly bored but unwilling to admit it.
Pavan, however, remained lost in his thoughts. Chee's parting words echoed in his mind, soft yet firm, carrying that unique blend of care and authority only she could manage. The memory of her hand brushing against his collar sent a warm current through him, and an unbidden smile crept across his lips.
Kishna, ever the troublemaker, nudged Vikram with a knowing smirk. "Look at him, lost in love. He's completely gone."
Before Pavan could fire back, the AI conductor's voice chimed in smoothly through the speakers. "Next stop: Botanical Valley. Please prepare to disembark."
The announcement snapped Pavan out of his reverie. He turned to his friends, his smirk turning into a confident grin.
As the bus glided to a stop and the doors hissed open, a breathtaking view of the valley greeted them. The crisp, invigorating air filled their lungs as they stepped out, standing at the threshold of a journey that promised memories to last a lifetime.
The sleek bus came to a gentle halt, and the trio stepped onto what could only be described as a living bus stop. A towering tree stood at the center, its massive trunk embedded with glowing panels and a digital display seamlessly integrated into its bark. Vibrant leaves swayed in the soft breeze, casting dappled sunlight patterns on the ground below.
Pavan’s eyes widened as he took in the sight. "Guys, isn’t this incredible?"
Kishna, however, looked far less impressed. Crossing his arms, he shot Pavan a glare. "And why exactly did you choose this incredible stop? We were supposed to head to the 'Ashram,' remember?"
Pavan shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Relax, dude. We can reuse this ticket later."
Vikram, ever the responsible one, checked the bus schedule displayed on the glowing panels embedded in the tree. His brows furrowed. "The next bus isn’t for two hours."
Kishna groaned dramatically and flopped onto a nearby bench. "Two hours? Seriously, Pavan? This was your brilliant plan?"
Pavan scratched his head, his grin now turning apologetic. "Okay, fine. My bad. But since we’re stuck here, why not explore the village while we wait?"
Vikram sighed, his practical nature getting the better of him. "Might as well. Let’s see what this place has to offer."
With a resigned nod, the group began their unexpected adventure, curiosity slowly replacing their frustration.
Scene Shift: The Village of Vanaspati Ghati
The village unfolded before them like a hidden paradise, nestled in the embrace of a lush forest. The vibrant greenery seemed alive, vines curling along the paths and blooming flowers bursting with impossible colors. The air buzzed with life-the chirping of birds, the hum of insects, and the occasional distant roar of some unseen beast.
What immediately stood out was the vibrancy of the place. The village square buzzed with life: children ran and laughed, villagers wove garlands from glowing flowers, and others carried orbs of faintly shimmering light. It felt as if magic pulsed through every corner of this enchanted settlement.
“Is there some kind of festival happening here?” Vikram asked, his curiosity piqued as he watched the lively scene.
Pavan gestured toward a group of villagers decorating a grand archway. “Looks like it. Let’s ask someone and find out.”
Under the shade of a sprawling, flowering tree sat an elderly man on a worn wooden bench. His wrinkled hands rested on a carved cane, and though his eyes were clouded with age, they held a piercing wisdom that seemed to cut through the bustling scene around him. His calm presence was a stark contrast to the lively energy of the square.
Pavan approached him with a respectful nod. "Grandfather, what’s happening here?"
The elder’s gaze shifted to the trio, and a gentle smile crept across his weathered face. "You don’t look like you’re from around here."
Vikram stepped forward with a polite tone. "That’s right, sir. We ended up here by accident and thought we’d explore a bit while we’re here."
The elder chuckled softly, nodding his understanding. "You’ve come at just the right time. Today is our village’s most sacred festival. It’s a tradition handed down by our ancestors. Every year, they would test their strength and courage by venturing into another realm. This ritual continues to this day."
Kishna’s curiosity was immediately piqued. "Another realm? Where is it? We don’t see anything like that around here."
The elder’s smile deepened, his voice tinged with reverence. "That realm cannot be seen with ordinary eyes. It is opened by our chief, using her powers. Those who enter are not only required to demonstrate their strength but also their wisdom and courage."
The mention of courage sparked Kishna’s interest further. "Can we participate too?"
The elder’s smile faded, replaced by a somber expression that weighed heavily on his lined features. "It is dangerous, more than you can imagine. I lost my son to that realm. It demands not just strength, but the willingness to risk one’s life."
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His words hung in the air, heavy with emotion, as the trio exchanged glances. For a moment, hesitation flickered in their expressions. Then, Pavan stepped forward, his voice steady and resolute. "We want to try."
The elder studied them closely, his gaze moving from Pavan to Vikram, and finally to Kishna. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. "If you truly wish to participate, I can sponsor you on behalf of my family. But promise me this—you must return safely."
Placing a hand on his chest, Pavan met the elder’s eyes with unwavering determination. "We promise."
The elder led them to the bustling village square, where preparations for the festival were in full swing. At the heart of it all stood a raised stone dais, adorned with intricate carvings of runes and symbols that pulsed faintly with an otherworldly glow. Around the square, villagers showcased their unique powers: one conjured a radiant sphere of light, while another manipulated twisting vines that responded to her every gesture. The atmosphere thrummed with anticipation and raw energy.
The elder pointed toward the dais. "This is the platform from which the realm’s gateway will open. Our chief will activate it using her powers."
The trio watched in awe as a commanding figure ascended the dais. She carried herself with a quiet yet undeniable authority, her flowing robes rippling as if infused with life. Her hands glowed faintly, and her piercing gaze seemed to reach beyond the veil of time. This was the chief, the guardian of the village’s ancient traditions.
The elder approached her, bowing deeply. "Chief, these are my guests. Distant relatives of mine. They wish to take part in this year’s trial."
The chief’s sharp eyes scanned the trio, lingering briefly on Pavan. For a moment, it felt as though she could see directly into his soul, stripping away all pretense. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. You will have your chance. But remember, this realm tests more than just strength. It demands truth and courage."
Kishna leaned closer to Pavan and whispered, "Dude, this feels like something straight out of a movie."
Pavan smirked but kept his focus on the glowing dais, the weight of the moment settling on him. He could feel it—a promise of danger, discovery, and perhaps a calling greater than himself.
The elder led Pavan, Vikram, and Kishna to a quiet, shaded spot near the square. Beneath the vast canopy of a flowering banyan tree, he stopped, turning to face them. His expression was heavy with the weight of experience, his steps deliberate.
“Listen carefully, children,” he began, his voice resonant with wisdom and the echoes of stories long past—tales of victories hard-won and tragedies that lingered in the village's memory. “Time flows differently in that realm. One hour here is equal to an entire day there. No help will come to you from the outside. Your safety will depend entirely on your own skills and decisions. If the danger becomes too great, don’t hesitate—return to the exit immediately.”
The trio nodded, their earlier excitement tempered by the gravity of his words. The elder leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper, his sharp eyes meeting theirs one by one. “Remember this: your greatest victory is returning safely from that realm. The objects you retrieve there, no matter how valuable, are worth less than your lives.”
Pavan exchanged a glance with Vikram, their usual bravado replaced, if only briefly, by a flicker of seriousness. Kishna, on the other hand, couldn’t suppress a smirk. “Grandpa, we understand. Don’t worry about us. We’ve got this,” he said with a wave of his hand, his tone light.
The elder frowned, clearly unimpressed by Kishna’s casual attitude. Before he could respond, a loud, booming voice echoed through the air, breaking the tension. The group turned sharply, their attention drawn to the commotion in the square.
“This time, I’ll win again!” The booming voice belonged to a muscular young man who strode confidently into the square, flanked by a group of loyal admirers. Arun’s presence was impossible to ignore—broad shoulders, a cocky swagger, and an aura of arrogance that seemed to radiate from him. His entourage followed him like shadows, cheering loudly and singing his praises.
“You’re right, Arun!”
“This is your competition to win!”
“No one can stand against you!”
Arun’s sharp eyes landed on Pavan, Vikram, Kishna, and the elder. His lips curled into a sneer as he took in the newcomers. “Who are these guys? And what are they doing here?” His tone was sharp, demanding an explanation.
The elder stepped forward with the calm authority of a seasoned leader. “These are my guests, and they’ll be participating in the competition on behalf of my family.”
Arun raised an eyebrow, his amusement evident. “Them? These kids? They’re supposed to compete against me?” He laughed, the sound filled with mockery. His entourage quickly joined in, their laughter loud and grating.
Before the elder could reply, another figure stepped forward—a middle-aged man with a stern expression and an air of authority. Arun’s father. His displeasure was palpable as he addressed the elder. “Why are you throwing these children into danger? Do you care so little for their lives?”
The elder’s calm demeanor remained unshaken. “It’s their choice. And yes, they have every right to face the challenge.”
Arun snorted, his confidence unwavering. “Fine. But they won’t last a second against me.” His entourage roared with laughter, their jeers cutting through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
As Arun and his group continued their loud posturing, Pavan quietly stepped away from the commotion. Seeking refuge under the shade of a nearby tree, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. In the stillness, his thoughts reached out to someone familiar.
"Chee," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
A calm, familiar tone echoed in his mind. "Yes?"
"Chee, I’m sorry, but can you let Mom and the rest of the family know that I won’t be coming home tonight… just for today?" His voice carried a tinge of urgency.
Before she could reply, he quickly added, "Please, Chee. You know why."
Her voice softened, carrying a faint hint of reproach. "Alright. But you must return home by tomorrow. I can only keep Mom calm until then."
A grin spread across Pavan’s face, relief flooding over him. "Also, let Krishna’s and Vikram’s families know…"
Chee sighed, her tone carrying gentle exasperation. "Fine, I’ll let them know too. But Pavan, didn’t I warn you to stay out of trouble?"
"Sorry, Chee," he replied sheepishly, fully aware that he had already broken that promise.
Note: In the previous chapter, Pawan made a promise to Chee that he would return home by night.
Back at the square, the atmosphere shifted as the village chief stepped onto the stone dais. Her commanding presence instantly quieted the crowd. She stood tall, her sharp gaze sweeping over the villagers, Arun's entourage, and the trio.
"I have something to announce," she declared.
The murmurs stopped at once, and all eyes locked onto her. Even Arun’s confident smirk faltered as he straightened, sensing the weight of her words.
The chief lifted her chin, her voice resonating with authority. "This year’s competition will be different. The village elders have come together to make a decision: the winner of this contest will not only gain honor but also the opportunity to become the next chief of the village and marry my daughter."
A ripple of gasps and hushed whispers spread through the crowd. The stakes had just escalated to an unimaginable level. Arun’s father leaned closer to his son, his tone urgent and filled with determination. "Arun, you must win this. At all costs."
Arun’s lips curved into a smug, confident smile. "Don’t worry, Father. This competition is mine to win."
The chief raised her hands, her voice flowing into a melodic chant, each word imbued with an ancient power that resonated through the air. The atmosphere around the dais thickened, the carved runes on the stone beginning to glow with an otherworldly light. A low, vibrating hum echoed through the ground, growing louder and more intense until the energy became almost tangible.
The crowd instinctively stepped back as a shimmering portal materialized above the dais. Its surface rippled like liquid light, shifting through an array of mesmerizing colors. The glow was both enchanting and ominous, a doorway to the unknown.
Pavan rejoined the group, his eyes widening in awe at the sight before him. Beside him, Vikram and Kishna stood frozen, their expressions a mix of amazement and trepidation. In contrast, Arun and his entourage stepped forward eagerly, their anticipation palpable.
The elder placed a firm hand on Vikram and Kishna’s shoulders, his voice low and steady. “Remember, trust no one. And always stay close to the portal. The greatest victory will be returning safely.”
Kishna nodded, a faint air of solemnity masking the mischievous glint in his eyes. He leaned closer to Vikram, his voice barely a whisper but tinged with playful intent. “This is the perfect chance to teach Pavan a lesson. Just wait and watch.”
Vikram shot him a sharp, warning look. “Don’t even think about it,” he muttered under his breath.
Kishna smirked, undeterred. “Relax, bhai. It’s all in good fun.”
Vikram sighed but said nothing, his focus shifting back to the glowing portal, where their journey was about to begin.
One by one, the participants stepped forward, vanishing into the portal’s shimmering light. As Pavan, Vikram, and Kishna followed, the familiar village square dissolved, replaced by an otherworldly expanse that defied logic.
The air on the other side was thick and oppressive, carrying an eerie metallic tang that clung to their senses. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, strewn with jagged rocks, and towering cliffs loomed ominously in the distance. Glowing plants dotted the dark terrain, their bioluminescence casting eerie, shifting shadows. From somewhere far away, a faint, guttural roar echoed, chilling the air around them.
Pavan clenched his fists, his jaw set in determination. His voice was steady but commanding. "Remember—no foolishness. We stick together. No exceptions."
Kishna, his trademark smirk firmly in place, raised an eyebrow. Mischief danced in his eyes as he replied, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. "Together? Of course, Pavan. Always together."
Vikram shot Kishna a warning glance, but Pavan ignored the exchange, his focus already on the path ahead. The realm was alive with danger and mystery, and they were only beginning to scratch its surface.
Kishna’s sly grin faded as the cold air of the unknown realm wrapped around them like a shroud. His mischievous bravado faltered in the face of the ominous world that sprawled before them. The forest was alive, but not with life as they knew it—twisted trees with gnarled branches seemed to whisper secrets in a language only the shadows understood. The faint glow of bioluminescent fungi cast an eerie light on the undergrowth, revealing glimpses of skittering creatures with too many legs and eyes that gleamed unnaturally.
Above them, the sky was an endless twilight, streaked with hues of deep indigo and crimson, as if frozen in an eternal sunset. The air buzzed faintly, not with electricity but with something ancient, something primal. Every breath felt heavier, as though the realm itself was testing their resolve.
Pavan, Vikram, and Kishna exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier confidence now tempered by the weight of what lay ahead.
The distant sound of combat snapped their attention toward its source. A wiry boy, barely older than sixteen, was locked in a desperate fight against a towering orc-like creature. The beast's mottled green skin glistened under the dim, eerie light, its jagged tusks curling in a grotesque display. With a thunderous roar, the creature swung its massive club, the sheer force of it shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The boy fought valiantly, wielding a blade that gleamed like silver under the strange luminescence. His strikes were quick but lacked the force needed to penetrate the orc's thick hide. Sparks flew as the beast effortlessly parried, retaliating with bone-crushing ferocity. Each swing of its club sent shockwaves that reverberated through the air.
The trio froze, watching from a safe distance. The tension was palpable.
"Should we do something?" Kishna whispered, his voice barely audible and edged with fear.
Pavan’s expression was unreadable, his arms crossed tightly against his chest. "It’s his fight, not ours," he said, his tone cold and unyielding.
Vikram nodded grimly, his eyes fixed on the unfolding battle. "If we step in, we’ll only put ourselves in danger."
The boy let out a defiant cry, lunging at the orc with all the strength he could muster. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he might prevail. But the beast caught his blade mid-swing, its massive hand crushing the steel as if it were mere parchment. With a guttural roar, it swung its club in a devastating arc. The boy’s scream was cut short as his body was flung across the battlefield, hitting the ground with a sickening thud.
The orc advanced on its downed prey with terrifying speed. The trio turned away, unable to watch as the sounds of the boy’s struggle faded into chilling silence.
Kishna’s face was pale, his earlier bravado crumbling. "This… this is real," he muttered, as though realizing for the first time the gravity of their situation.
Pavan’s jaw clenched, his gaze steely. "Let’s move. Now."
They had barely taken a step when the orc’s blood-red eyes snapped toward them. Its massive nostrils flared, sniffing the air, and a low growl rumbled deep in its chest. It had caught their scent. With an agility that belied its size, the beast began to lumber toward them, its heavy footsteps crushing the undergrowth.
"It’s coming after us," Kishna stammered, panic rising in his voice.
"Run," Pavan commanded, his tone calm but carrying an edge of urgency.
The trio broke into a sprint, weaving through the dense forest as the orc pursued them with relentless determination. Its enraged roars echoed around them, blending with the sound of its thundering footsteps. Every snap of a twig and crash of underbrush sent adrenaline coursing through their veins as they raced against time, desperate to escape the beast’s fury.
As the orc gained ground, Pavan skidded to a halt, instincts taking over. With a swift flick of his wrists, twin Desert Eagles materialized in his hands, their sleek, futuristic design gleaming faintly in the dim light. Intricate patterns etched into the metal pulsed with a soft green glow, exuding an air of otherworldly power.
"Aim for the legs," he muttered, steadying his breath. His finger squeezed the trigger, and a shot rang out, sharp and precise. Another followed in quick succession. The bullets tore through the orc’s thick legs, forcing the hulking beast to stumble. Its pained roar shook the forest as it dropped to one knee, its massive club momentarily still.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned as the trio stared in stunned disbelief. Pavan’s attack had been shockingly effective. But their relief was short-lived. The orc slammed its club into the ground with a deafening force, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth. The impact knocked all three of them off their feet, throwing them backward like rag dolls.
"We can’t beat this thing!" Vikram shouted urgently, scrambling to his feet. His voice carried a mix of fear and determination. "We need to fall back—now!"
Pavan hesitated, his fingers tightening around the grips of his pistols. Every fiber of his being screamed to hold his ground, but reason won out. He gave a sharp nod, his voice calm but commanding. "Alright. Kishna, you take the rear!"
The trio began to retreat, their movements swift but measured. The injured orc thrashed wildly, swinging its massive club in frustration. But its wounded legs slowed it, buying them a precious moment to put distance between themselves and the enraged beast.
Just as they started to believe they were in the clear, a low, guttural growl rumbled from the bushes to their left. A sleek, wolf-like creature emerged, its glowing yellow eyes locked onto them with a predatory intensity. Its sinewy form rippled with raw power, its jagged claws glinting menacingly under the dim light.
Pavan groaned, raising his pistols once more. "This just keeps getting better and better."
Kishna, his mischievous streak undeterred even in the face of danger, nudged Vikram with a smirk. "Isn’t this the perfect time to let Pavan play the hero?"
Vikram shot him a sharp glare, his tone laced with exasperation. "Kishna, this is not the time for jokes!"
The wolf-like predator lunged at them, its razor-sharp claws slicing through the air with deadly precision. Pavan fired several shots, but the creature moved with unnatural speed, dodging most of the bullets. One grazed its shoulder, eliciting a sharp, guttural snarl of pain.
Vikram, quick to react, grabbed a sturdy fallen branch and swung it with surprising strength to fend off the beast. Kishna, still shaken by the chaos, managed to pick up a sharp rock, though his hands trembled as he gripped it tightly.
"Why is this thing so fast?" Vikram grunted, narrowly avoiding a deadly swipe of the creature’s claws.
Pavan’s sharp mind raced as he scanned the surroundings for anything that could shift the odds in their favor. His gaze landed on a cluster of glowing fungi nearby, their bioluminescent light pulsing softly in the dim atmosphere. An idea sparked to life.
"Vikram, lead it toward those fungi!" Pavan shouted, his voice cutting through the tension like a command.
Vikram nodded without hesitation, using the branch to bait the predator. He moved deftly, dodging its relentless strikes while guiding it toward the fungi. The creature lunged at him, its claws narrowly missing their mark, and instead struck the fungi.
The moment the predator’s claws tore through the glowing fungi, a burst of luminous spores erupted into the air, forming a thick, shimmering mist that clung to the beast like a second skin. The wolf-like predator howled in confusion, shaking its head wildly as the spores clouded its senses and dulled its agility.
"Now’s our chance!" Pavan muttered under his breath. Seizing the moment, he aimed carefully and fired a precise shot that struck the creature’s flank, sending it stumbling backward with a pained yelp. Disoriented and injured, the predator retreated into the shadows, its glowing eyes the last thing visible before it disappeared entirely.
The trio stood in silence, their chests heaving with exertion as the danger finally subsided.
Vikram leaned on the branch, wiping sweat from his brow. "Smart move, Pavan. I didn’t think we’d make it out of that one."
Pavan allowed himself a small, relieved smile, holstering his pistols. "Let’s not stick around to find out if it comes back. We need to keep moving."
Kishna exhaled shakily, finally letting the rock drop from his hand. "I don’t know whether to thank you or yell at you for dragging me into this."
Pavan smirked, already turning toward the path ahead. "Let’s survive first. You can yell at me later."
The forest fell silent once more, broken only by the sound of the trio's ragged breathing. They regrouped, their adrenaline still coursing through their veins.
“We don’t have much time,” Pavan said, his voice steady despite the chaos they’d just faced. “We need to stay close to the portal.”
Kishna, his earlier mischief now replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness, nodded. “Alright. But next time, Pavan, maybe give us a little warning.”
Pavan managed a faint smirk, the tension easing just slightly. “And who has time to give warnings when you’re too busy saving everyone’s skin?”
Kishna opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it. Instead, he sighed, muttering, “Fair enough.”
Vikram placed a reassuring hand on Kishna’s shoulder, his voice calm but firm. “Let’s focus. We’ve made it this far, but the real challenges are still ahead.”
Pavan nodded, his gaze fixed on the path before them. “No more mistakes. If we want to get out of here alive, we need to trust each other completely.”
The trio pressed on, their resolve growing stronger with every step. The air grew heavier, and the eerie silence of the realm seemed almost alive, as if the shadows themselves were watching, waiting.
The test was far from over. But in that moment, they knew one thing—they were in this together, for better or worse.
To be continued.......