The Forbidden Element

The underground chamber was eerily silent. The only sound was the flickering of distant torches, their dim light casting long shadows across the cavern walls. But the silence wasn't peace—it was suffocating, pressing against Surya like an unseen force.

His fingers trembled as they hovered over the hilt of his sword. He replayed the fight in his mind over and over again. The assassin's speed, their precision—it was almost inhuman.

"You are not ready for what's coming."

Those words clung to him like a curse.

Aaryan, standing at the edge of the room, exhaled sharply. "They spared you."

Saria's expression darkened. "No. They tested him."

The weight of that realization sent a chill down Surya's spine.

Rohan, unable to contain his frustration, slammed his fist against the cavern wall, his flames flaring to life. "Enough of this! Who the hell do they think they are?! We should track them down and burn them to ashes!"

Aaryan's silver gaze remained sharp. "And if we did? What then? You saw their speed. Their precision. If they wanted Surya dead, he'd be dead."

Rohan gritted his teeth but said nothing. The truth was bitter. Unavoidable.

Surya clenched his fists. Not ready? Then I'll make myself ready.

No more running. No more doubts.

He exhaled slowly, pushing the frustration aside. Charging in blind wasn't the answer.

Aaryan folded his arms. "This confirms one thing—we don't have time. The Shadow Order is making their move, which means we need to get stronger. Fast."

Saria nodded. "Which means we need a teacher. Someone who can push Surya beyond his limits."

Surya glanced at her. "Who?"

Aaryan hesitated. Then his expression darkened.

"There's only one person who can help you control Brahma Shakti... but you're not going to like it."

A cold wind howled through the desolate mountain pass.

For days, the group had traversed treacherous cliffs and relentless terrain, guided only by Aaryan's knowledge and an old, tattered map. The higher they climbed, the thinner the air became. Snowflakes drifted through the mist, vanishing before they could touch the ground.

Then, at last, they saw it.

A massive iron-bound door, etched with ancient runes, stood embedded in the side of the mountain. Towering and ominous, it loomed over them like a forgotten relic of the past.

Saria shivered. "This place... it feels wrong."

Aaryan placed his hand on the door, tracing the worn symbols with his fingertips. "Because it was never meant to be opened."

Surya's golden eyes narrowed. "Who is behind it?"

Aaryan hesitated before answering.

"The man who nearly destroyed the seven kingdoms. The only one who wielded a power close to Brahma Shakti... and lost himself to it."

Rohan stiffened. "You don't mean—"

Aaryan nodded. "The Forgotten One."

Silence.

Surya clenched his fists. A man who nearly brought the world to its knees... and they expected him to teach me?

Saria looked skeptical. "If he's so dangerous, why would he help us?"

Aaryan's gaze remained unreadable. "Because you are the only person alive who might be able to surpass him."

Surya exhaled slowly. There was no turning back now.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward, pressing his palm against the icy surface of the ancient door. The runes flared to life, glowing with an ethereal blue light. The moment his fingers touched them—

The ground trembled.

A deep, guttural laughter rumbled from the other side.

The temperature plummeted. The very air shook with the force of something awakening.

Then, a voice—ancient, powerful, and filled with amusement—echoed through the valley.

"So... the child of fate finally arrives."

The massive iron doors groaned as they slowly began to open, releasing a cold gust of wind that carried the scent of old blood and forgotten battles. Surya felt the weight of unseen eyes pressing down on him, an overwhelming presence watching, judging.

Beyond the entrance, a dark chamber stretched into nothingness.

Then—a pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the void.

Surya's breath hitched.

A figure stepped forward, shackles still clinging to his wrists. His long, unkempt hair cascaded like a waterfall of shadows, his body wrapped in torn, ancient robes. His presence alone was suffocating—a power so immense it made even breathing a struggle.

Rohan tensed, sweat forming at his brow. "Damn... this guy's presence alone is insane."

Saria's grip on her dagger tightened. "What... is he?"

The Forgotten One tilted his head, his crimson gaze locked onto Surya. Then—a smirk.

"Hmph. You're just a boy."

Aaryan took a step forward, bowing slightly. "Master... we have come seeking your guidance. Surya must master Brahma Shakti."

The Forgotten One's smirk widened. "Oh? And why should I train him?"

Surya met his gaze without flinching. "Because I refuse to be weak."

The Forgotten One chuckled—a sound both amused and deadly.

"Then prove it."

Before Surya could react, a violent force slammed into his chest, sending him soaring backwards into the icy ground. Pain erupted in his ribs as he coughed, struggling to rise.

Saria and Rohan moved to help, but the Forgotten One raised a hand. "No interruptions."

Surya wiped the blood from his mouth, his golden eyes blazing.

"Fine."

He reached for his sword.

"Let's see if you're as strong as they say."

The Forgotten One grinned. "Oh, this will be fun."

(TO BE CONTINUED...)