The Forbidden Element

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Autor's Note:-

The new arc Arc 2: The Embers of Rebellion begins !

Make sure to read 10 chapters before you start this !!

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The morning sun cast a golden shimmer across the vast ocean, reflecting like liquid fire on the gentle waves. The rhythmic creaking of wood and the distant calls of seagulls filled the air as a lone ship cut through the blue horizon.

Three days since They Left The Ashram.

His mind wandered back to the dying words of Grand Mage Vasudev, whispered in his final moments.

"Seek the flames of rebellion... the truth is buried beneath the ashes."

"What truth?" Surya thought bitterly. "What did my father hide from me?"

Even now, his hands trembled when he recalled the sheer devastation his power had unleashed. His once-peaceful kingdom had been annihilated in an instant, the blinding light of his ability consuming everything in its wake. The same people he had sworn to protect—gone.

He clenched his fists. No. He wouldn't let that be the end.

The ship's captain, an old man with a thick beard named Kaivan, called out from the wheel.

"Land ahead! We're approaching Sangram Isle. We'll dock for the night and restock supplies!"

The small island came into view—a bustling trading port built along a crescent-shaped coastline. Rows of wooden docks stretched into the sea, where ships of various sizes were anchored. The town itself was a maze of stone and wooden buildings, with narrow alleyways winding between them. Merchants shouted over each other, haggling over exotic goods and rare magical artifacts.

As the ship glided toward the dock, Surya took a deep breath. This would be their first stop on the journey, but it was also a dangerous risk.

Saria stepped up beside him. "We should be careful. If the First Kingdom has already put a bounty on us, they'll have spies in places like this."

Rohan scoffed, cracking his knuckles. "Relax. If anyone tries anything, we'll just burn them down."

Surya shook his head. "We can't afford to draw attention. We get supplies, gather information, and leave."

The ship docked, and the trio disembarked, blending into the chaotic crowd of merchants, sailors, and travelers. The scent of roasted meat and burning incense filled the air, mixing with the saltiness of the sea. Exotic trinkets, magical scrolls, and rare gemstones were displayed across the marketplace, each stall more colorful than the last.

Surya adjusted the hood of his cloak, pulling it slightly over his face as they weaved through the crowd.

"Alright," he said, keeping his voice low. "Rohan, get us supplies. Saria, check if there are any bounty posters or rumors about us. I'll see if I can find any leads on Vasudev's message."

The two nodded, splitting off into different directions.

Surya moved carefully through the marketplace, scanning for anything unusual. He passed by an elderly weaponsmith, running his fingers over the hilts of finely crafted swords. Further ahead, a mystic woman offered readings of the future, her glass orbs glowing with faint magical energy.

Just as he turned a corner, his heart stopped.

A group of armored men stood outside a tavern, nailing wanted posters to the wall. The parchment flapped slightly in the wind, but there was no mistaking the face staring back at him.

FUGITIVE OF THE FALLEN DAKSHINA KINGDOM – SURYA RAJ
WANTED: ALIVE

The reward was 50 gold coins.

Surya swallowed hard. They moved faster than I thought...

He turned quickly, pulling his hood lower, but he was too late.

One of the guards—a burly man with a jagged scar across his chin—squinted at him. "Hey... isn't that—"

Surya bolted.

The marketplace erupted into chaos. Vendors shouted as Surya dashed through the narrow streets, knocking over fruit stands and barrels. Guards pushed through the crowd, their armor clanking as they pursued.

Saria and Rohan heard the commotion immediately.

From the other side of the market, Rohan saw Surya running toward them. "Well, that was fast." He cracked his knuckles, a grin forming. "Guess we're fighting."

Saria sighed. "We could have just walked away, but no—of course, we're running for our lives again."

Surya skidded to a halt beside them. "Less talking, more running!"

Before they could make a move, five guards cut off their escape.

"Surrender, fugitives!" the lead soldier barked.

Rohan flexed his fingers, flames igniting at his palms. "Not happening."

The fight erupted.

Rohan launched a stream of fire, forcing the guards to scatter. Saria raised her hands, water forming from the moisture in the air, creating whips that lashed at their pursuers.

Surya drew his sword, deflecting a blade aimed at his chest. The clang of steel rang through the streets as he maneuvered around his opponent, swiftly knocking the sword from the man's hands and delivering a kick to his stomach.

They needed an escape route—fast.

Then, a voice called out from the shadows.

"Follow me if you want to live."

A hooded figure stood at the entrance of a nearby alleyway. His silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, his piercing blue eyes watching them calmly. Water magic swirled faintly around his fingertips.

Surya hesitated. "Who are you?"

The stranger pulled back his hood slightly, revealing a confident smirk. "Aaryan. And I know exactly where you need to go."

More guards closed in from behind, cutting off all other exits.

Surya took a deep breath. He didn't trust this guy, but right now, they had no choice.

"Fine. Lead the way."

The silver-haired stranger grinned. "Try to keep up."

The trio followed him into the dark alleyway, disappearing just as the guards arrived.

The chase wasn't over yet.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)