The days of training had been grueling for Arav. While he had managed to grasp the basics of several Aakasha techniques, full mastery still eluded him. The demand on his energy and resources had been immense, and now he was left with nothing—his supply of Dhara Stones completely depleted.

Sitting in his dormitory, Arav sighed heavily as he stared at the empty pouch in his hands. “Not a single one left,” he muttered, tossing it aside.

He had no choice now but to take on a mission to earn more. Though missions varied in difficulty and reward, Arav knew he wasn’t ready for anything too dangerous. A low-level mission would have to do.

The mission hall was alive with activity. Disciples of all ages gathered in clusters, arguing, negotiating, and even boasting about their past exploits. The air buzzed with excitement and tension as everyone vied for the best assignments.

Arav made his way to the large mission board. His eyes scanned the listings, most of which were well beyond his capabilities.

“Eliminate a rogue yak demon: Reward – 50 Dhara Stones.”

“Escort a caravan across the Whispering Forest: Reward – 30 Dhara Stones.”

“Retrieve a rare herb from the Mystic Grove: Reward – 20 Dhara Stones.”

“Too high, too high,” he murmured, shaking his head. He finally found one that seemed manageable:

“Escort Mission: Guard a Thela Merchant to the Capital City of Arunthara. Reward – 1 Dhara Stone.”

“Perfect,” Arav muttered, taking the slip.

As he turned, an older disciple smirked at him. “Taking the scraps, huh? Good luck with that, Frost Boy. Don’t trip over your own feet trying to guard a cart.”

Arav raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll try not to embarrass myself.”

The older disciple laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

The morning sun bathed the gates of the sect in golden light as Arav waited for his client. The distant sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air. Soon, a lumbering thela cart appeared, led by a sturdy yak and an equally sturdy-looking man.

“Ah, you must be my escort!” the merchant exclaimed, his round face splitting into a wide grin. “I’m Pasang Choden. And you are?”

“Arav,” he replied, stepping forward to inspect the cart.

Pasang clapped his hands together. “Good, good! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you seem capable. Shall we?”

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“Just stay close,” Arav said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

The journey began on a wide, dusty road, but it soon narrowed as they entered the Whispering Forest. Towering trees blocked much of the sunlight, and the shadows seemed to dance unnervingly.

Pasang, ever the talkative type, began recounting tales of the region. “You know, they say the forest is home to spirits and creatures older than time itself. Travelers have seen glowing eyes in the dark, heard whispers with no source... Gives me chills just thinking about it.”

“Superstitions,” Arav replied, though his eyes scanned their surroundings carefully.

Pasang chuckled nervously. “Maybe. But when you’ve been a merchant as long as I have, you learn to respect the unknown. Better safe than sorry.”

Suddenly, a rustling sound came. Both of them froze.

“What was that?” Pasang whispered, clutching the reins of his yak tightly.

“Stay here,” Arav instructed, drawing his sword.

The rustling grew louder, and then, with a thunderous roar, a Shadow Lynx emerged from the foliage. Its sleek, black body rippled with muscle, and its glowing red eyes locked onto them. The beast’s sharp claws glinted as it crouched, preparing to pounce.

Pasang stumbled back, his face pale. “That… That’s no ordinary creature!”

“Quiet,” Arav said, stepping between the beast and the cart.

The lynx sprang forward, but Arav sidestepped its attack with ease, his blade flashing in the dim light. The beast snarled, circling him like a predator stalking its prey.

“Don’t let it near the cart,” Pasang urged, his voice trembling.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

The lynx lunged again, swiping with its claws, but Arav parried the attack, countering with a swift slash that left a shallow wound on the creature’s side. Enraged, the beast roared, its movements becoming erratic.

Arav seized the opportunity, feinting left before delivering a decisive blow to the lynx’s chest. The beast let out a final, guttural cry before collapsing in a heap.

Pasang stared in stunned silence. “You… you killed it. Just like that.”

Arav sheathed his sword, his breathing steady. “Let’s move. This forest isn’t safe, and I don’t want to find out what else is watching us.”

As they emerged from the forest, the oppressive atmosphere gave way to breathtaking beauty. The Kingdom of Arunthara spread out before them, its lush valleys framed by majestic peaks. A small kingdom among countless others in the Land of the Rising sun

Pasang gestured ahead, his enthusiasm returning. “There it is! The capital city, Dawnmara. Isn’t it magnificent?”

Arav nodded, taking in the sight.

Prayer flags fluttered in the breeze, their vibrant colors adding a festive air..

Pasang chuckled. “And you’ve only seen the outskirts. Just wait until you taste the food and hear the music. Dawnmara is the heart of Arunthara.”

The Market Square was a riot of activity. Vendors called out their wares, offering everything from handcrafted bamboo goods to fragrant spices.

Pasang stopped his cart, turning to Arav with a warm smile. “This is where we part ways, my young friend. Here’s your reward.”

He handed Arav a small pouch containing the promised Dhara Stone.

“Thank you for your service,” Pasang said, bowing slightly. “May the spirits guide you on your journey.”

Arav returned the bow. “Safe travels, Pasang.”