The climb to Donyi Peak felt endless, but it gave Arav time to reflect. The air here was different—lighter, as though the weight of the world had lessened, but with an unmistakable undercurrent of power. Donyi Peak was unlike any other part of the academy. Its sprawling minimalist architecture, with smooth stone and glass structures seemingly floating in place, mirrored the boundlessness of the space element it was dedicated to.

As Arav approached the main training grounds, the sound of laughter and concentration mixed in the air. Groups of disciples, some clad in simple robes and others in more ornate attire marking years of mastery, were scattered across the fields.

His gaze lingered on one particular training group. One man, with streaks of silver in his hair, floated cross-legged several feet above the ground, while another disciple carved shimmering sigils into the air with graceful hand movements.

“New guy?” a voice called out.

Arav turned to see a tall man with a mischievous grin. His features were sharp, but his eyes held a lightness that made him approachable.

“Yeah,” Arav replied, stopping near the group.

“Welcome to Donyi Peak,” the man said, holding out his hand. “I’m Tsering. You’ll learn to hate it here. Or love it. It’s hard to tell the difference sometimes.”

Arav smirked and shook his hand. “Good to know.”

A younger woman in the group, barely older than Arav, snorted. “You’ll get used to the migraines. And the occasional vertigo. It’s all part of the experience.”

“Sounds fun,” Arav replied dryly.

“Oh, it’s a blast,” another disciple chimed in, mockingly cheerful. “Just wait until you start bending space and realize you’ve accidentally displaced your own sense of time for a day. Good luck explaining that to the instructors.”

The group erupted in laughter, and Arav couldn’t help but grin. Their camaraderie was infectious, and for a moment, he felt like he belonged.

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“But seriously,” Tsering added, his tone softening. “It’s a tough journey, but you’ll figure it out. Just remember, Aakasha isn’t about control. It’s about harmony. Balance. Let it guide you, and you’ll get there.”

As the group continued joking around, Arav’s attention was drawn to a different part of the training grounds. Near the central pavilion stood two figures he immediately recognized: Elder Sonam Zangmo one of the ten members of the Council of Donyi polo and her personal disciple, Kimi Yachang.

Arav had seen Zangmo once before, during the selections. Despite looking like she was in her mid-twenties, she radiated an aura of timeless wisdom and authority. It wasn’t just her appearance that made her stand out; it was the way she carried herself, like someone who had seen centuries pass and could still command the respect of the most hardened warriors.

And then there was Kimi Yachang. Arav had seen her during the selection day after the tests, where she had been chosen by Zangmo herself. Kimi came from one of the Eight Ancient Families of the Land of the Rising Sun, a lineage steeped in tradition and power. Arav knew little about her beyond that, but her reputation was already growing.

He observed as Kimi practiced nearby. She moved with precision, drawing faint ripples in the air as she worked to harness the elusive energy of Aakasha. Yet, even with her skill, Arav could tell she was still in the early stages of mastery. She was ahead of him, but not by much.

Zangmo watched Kimi closely, her arms crossed as she offered calm yet pointed guidance.

“You’re hesitating,” Zangmo said, her voice cutting through the air like a blade.

“I’m not,” Kimi replied, her tone sharp with frustration.

“You are,” Zangmo said simply, unmoved. “And until you acknowledge it, you won’t move forward.”

Kimi sighed, clearly annoyed, but she didn’t argue further.

As Arav started to move toward the dormitories, he heard Zangmo’s voice again, this time softer. “Tomorrow, I want you to meet someone.”

Kimi turned, raising an eyebrow. “Who?”

“A boy named Arav,” Zangmo said. “He’s new, but he’s awakened Aakasha Prana.”

Kimi frowned slightly. “Why do I need to meet him?”

Zangmo’s lips curved into the faintest smile. “Because he’s good. And you might learn something from him.”

As Kimi walked off, Zangmo remained standing, her sharp eyes following Arav as he disappeared toward the dormitories. The air seemed to still around her, the faint hum of power from the peak growing quieter.

Quietly, to no one in particular, she muttered, “According to the Solstice Emperor... that boy is the bearer of Vishwaroop Kaal.” Her voice grew colder, a sharp edge creeping into her usually calm tone. “What a dangerous being.”

For a moment, her gaze darkened, and the air around her seemed to shiver. “If he dares to become a threat to the sect... I will eliminate him with my own hands.”

The wind carried her words into the vast expanse of Donyi Peak, leaving behind only silence as Zangmo turned and walked away, her expression unreadable.