As Arav sat by the small lake in the Echoing Hollow, he held the Lumring Stone in his hand, its faint, otherworldly glow dancing on the water’s surface.

Feeling the dangers of the journey and the tension in his body, he stepped into the cool water of the lake. As the water enveloped him, he felt a sense of calm begin to take over. Slowly, the suffocating fear from the Buru’s gaze and the overwhelming presence of the dragon-like being began to ebb away.

After washing, Arav sat cross-legged near the lake, the Lumring Stone placed on a flat rock before him. He closed his eyes and entered meditation, focusing on his breathing. Suddenly, he felt a shift deep within him, like a barrier breaking. Energy surged through his body, warm and overwhelming, filling every fiber of his being.

When he opened his eyes, he gasped softly. He knew what had just happened.

“Adept Realm... Stage 4,” he whispered to himself, almost in disbelief.

After washing himself properly , Arav decided to take Buddhi and Dhiran out of this place now

Carrying Dhiran and Buddhi on his shoulders, Arav made his way out of the jungle. The oppressive fog began to lift as they approached the edge of the Nyigong Thicket. It was only after they were safely out that Dhiran stirred.

“Ugh... what happened?” Dhiran groaned, his hand moving to his head.

Buddhi sat up weakly, blinking at Arav. “Are we... alive? How did we make it out?”

Arav set them both down gently and avoided their gazes. “We completed the mission,” he said simply, his voice steady but distant.

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Dhiran frowned, studying Arav’s expression. “You’re not telling us everything, are you?”

“What do you mean?” Arav deflected, picking up the Lumring Stone from his satchel.

“I mean...” Dhiran hesitated. “There’s something in your eyes. What did you see back there?”

Buddhi scoffed. “Probably nothing. Arav doesn’t scare easy.”

Arav stayed silent, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. “Let’s head back to the sect. We need to register the mission and get our payment.”

After days of travel the three walked into the sect, weary but alive. After handing over the Lumring Stone to the sect officials, they watched as the item was examined and their mission approved. The officials handed over their payment in Dhara Stones.

“We’ll split it evenly,” Arav said, his voice firm.

“Fair,” Dhiran said, pocketing his share.

Buddhi laughed. “Evenly? After everything I went through, I think I deserve a little bonus.”

Arav glanced at him with a faint smirk. “You mean after everything I carried you through?”

“Hey, details,” Buddhi shot back with a grin, but he quickly dropped it and accepted his share.

As the three parted ways, Dhiran clapped Arav on the shoulder. “You’re sure you’re okay? You’ve been acting... different.”

“I’m fine,” Arav replied, forcing a small smile. “I just need some rest.”

Donyi Peak

The path to Donyi Peak was quiet, the evening air filled with the hum of distant insects. Arav climbed the steps to his quarters, his mind racing. Should he tell Instructor Naresh about the Buru and the dragon-like being? The tension between them?

He let out a long sigh. “What would I even say? That I saw two ancient entities staring each other down like it was nothing? No one would believe me.”

As he reached his quarters, he dropped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. “Maybe it’s better to keep this to myself,” he muttered.

But the memories wouldn’t leave him. The jungle, the gaze of the Buru, the dragon’s presence—it all lingered, heavy and unrelenting. For now, all he could do was rest and hope that tomorrow would bring clarity.