The Forbidden Element

After escaping the cursed Veilwood Forest, Surya, Saria, and Rohan finally reached the foot of the Eastern Mountains. The air was crisp, the sky painted in hues of orange as the sun began to set.

Before them stood an ancient stone staircase, leading up to the Ashram of the Five Disciplines, hidden high within the cliffs.

Surya's body ached from their journey, but his resolve remained firm.

"This is it," Saria said, catching her breath. "The sacred training ground where warriors from all kingdoms once trained."

Rohan whistled. "Doesn't look like much from down here."

Surya placed his foot on the first step. The moment he did—

A gust of wind surged past them.

The surroundings blurred for a second, and suddenly—

A figure appeared at the top of the staircase.

A tall, muscular man, dressed in deep maroon robes, stood with his arms crossed. His skin was bronzed from years of training under the sun, and his piercing gray eyes locked onto them with an intensity that sent chills down their spines.

"You are not welcome here," he said, his voice deep and commanding.

Surya met his gaze. "We've come to train at the Ashram."

The man scoffed. "The Ashram doesn't accept outsiders anymore."

Rohan clenched his fists. "We just traveled through a cursed forest to get here! At least hear us out!"

The man remained unmoved. "Only warriors of discipline and strength may enter."

Surya stepped forward. "Then test us."

The man raised an eyebrow. "A test?"

Surya's grip on his sword tightened. "If we're not strong enough, we'll leave. But if we pass, you'll have no reason to deny us."

Silence hung between them for a moment.

Then, the man smirked. "Fine. If you wish to enter the Ashram..."

He raised his hand.

"...you must defeat its warriors."

BOOM!

The ground beneath them shook.

From behind the stone pillars surrounding the staircase, four warriors emerged.

Each radiated power. Each carried a unique aura.

The first was a woman with flowing silver hair, dressed in dark blue robes. A staff of water rested in her grip, the air around her swirling with mist. Her eyes were sharp and calculating.

The second was a towering man with arms like tree trunks, his skin resembling hardened stone. His bare fists cracked the ground with every step.

The third was a lean fighter, wrapped in golden bands, with sparks of electricity dancing around his body. His movements were quick and unpredictable.

The last was a young swordsman, his blade glowing with fiery red runes. His stance was perfect—controlled and deadly.

The man at the top of the staircase crossed his arms.

"You must defeat at least one of them to earn your right to enter."

Saria whispered, "These must be the Disciples of the Ashram. They're trained in ancient combat styles."

Rohan grinned. "Sounds like fun."

Surya stepped forward. "I'll fight."

The swordsman with the flaming blade smirked and pointed his weapon at him.

"I accept."

The ground felt heavy under Surya's feet as he gripped his sword. His opponent—Veer—exuded pure confidence.

"You're brave," Veer said. "But bravery alone won't save you."

SWOOSH!

Veer disappeared in a blur of speed—reappearing behind Surya in an instant!

CLANG!

Surya barely turned in time to block the strike. A wave of heat blasted from Veer's blade, forcing Surya to skid backward.

"Fast," Surya muttered.

Veer charged again, his blade igniting the air itself.

Surya dodged left, then right—but Veer was relentless.

"He's pushing me back... but he's not invincible."

Surya's eyes darted around, analyzing Veer's movements.

Then, he saw it.

Every time Veer swung, his right foot dug into the ground just a little longer.

"That's his tell."

WHOOSH! Veer lunged again—but this time, Surya moved first!

He sidestepped, ducking under the burning sword, and—

SLASH!

Surya's sword struck Veer's shoulder, sending him stumbling back.

Silence fell.

Veer looked down at his wound—then laughed.

"Interesting," he admitted, lowering his weapon. "You saw my weakness."

He turned to the Ashram's guardian.

"They've earned their place."

The man at the top of the staircase nodded.

"You may enter."

Surya exhaled, gripping his sword tighter. He had passed the first trial.

But this was only the beginning.

Beyond those stairs... true training awaited.

End of Chapter 7