The Forbidden Element

The battlefield trembled beneath Surya's feet.

His golden aura flared violently, illuminating the darkness of the ancient temple. His father stood before him—unshaken, unreadable.

The gap between them was like an abyss.

Veer Raj had been a king, a warrior whose mere presence could command entire armies. And now, he was testing his son.

"A king does not hesitate."

His father's words echoed in Surya's mind.

Then I won't.

With a deep breath, Surya vanished—moving faster than ever before.

His blade slashed forward, cutting through the air with unrelenting speed—

CLANG!

Veer Raj blocked it effortlessly, his own sword moving with absolute precision.

But Surya wasn't stopping there.

He pressed forward.

His strikes became a relentless storm—faster, sharper, more precise. Each swing carried the weight of his conviction.

Yet—

His father blocked every single one.

Veer Raj's movements were like an unstoppable tide, countering Surya's attacks with a frightening ease.

Then—

BOOM!

With a single slash, Veer Raj dispersed Surya's entire attack.

Surya staggered back, his hands trembling from the sheer force.

"Still not enough." Veer Raj's voice was steady, filled with unshaken authority. "A king does not simply swing his blade—he wields it with purpose."

Surya gritted his teeth.

Then I'll show you.

His golden aura shifted—condensing, growing denser, heavier. The once-uncontrolled bursts of energy around him became focused, controlled.

For the first time—

Surya wasn't just using his power.

He was commanding it.

Veer Raj's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Good."

Then—he attacked.

It was instant.

One step. One swing.

And the world shattered.

Surya barely managed to react. He raised his sword—

CRASH!

The impact sent a shockwave across the battlefield, splintering the ground beneath them.

Surya's arms burned from the sheer force. His knees almost buckled.

But he didn't fall.

He refused to.

"A king does not kneel," Veer Raj said, watching him closely.

Surya gritted his teeth. "I know."

His aura exploded outward—purer than ever before. His golden energy crackled like lightning, illuminating the entire chamber.

His breathing steadied.

His stance became flawless.

For the first time—

Veer Raj's gaze sharpened.

"Then come, Surya."

His father raised his blade.

"Show me why you are worthy of the throne."

Surya's golden aura burned brighter. His grip tightened around his sword.

And then—he moved.

This was it.

The battle that would define his path.

To be continued...