Episode 13 – "Secrets of the Village"
The jungle trail had come to an end. All around was silence… but an odd unease lingered in the air. It had been two days since the power tests and their struggle through the jungle. Everyone was exhausted.
Kamal walked in front of the group. There was a strange spark in his eyes—like his instincts were sensing something.
Kamal (pausing): "Guys… stop. There's something ahead."
Harsh (irritated): "What now? The jungle is over."
Nexus (serious): "Let him focus. Kamal's senses are usually spot on."
They looked ahead—there it was. An old village stood in front of them. Mud houses, wooden roofs, and a temple that looked like just a silhouette in the evening darkness.
Ankit (with a slight smile): "Finally… civilization!"
Kamal: "Let me talk to them. Maybe they can help us."
He walked into the village and knocked on the first door. An old man opened it. For a brief second, his eyes sparkled—like he recognized Kamal.
Old Man: "You all look tired. Come inside… there's food and a place to rest."
Within minutes, the entire group was inside a modest house. Simple but warm food, clean water, and soft bedding on the floor. Everyone felt a sense of relief.
Sakshi (in a low tone): "This place… it feels strange, doesn't it?"
Tina (holding back laughter): "I feel like someone froze time here!"
A few hours into the night, Kamal felt something. As if someone was calling out to him. Without waking the others, he quietly stepped out and walked toward the old temple.
Inside the temple stood a statue—a calm and beautiful woman holding a glowing orb. And then… without a single word, the statue spoke to Kamal.
Statue (Spirit of Vasu Kamna):
"You are the one who sees beyond man. Your heart is still tied to nature. You are ready, Kamal."
The orb floated out of the statue and entered Kamal's chest. His eyes glowed with a strange light. Images flashed in his mind—of a tiger, a wolf, an eagle, a chameleon… and then a terrifying roar came from deep inside him.
The Relic of Vasu Kamna had chosen Kamal.
---
Morning
Everyone had woken up when the village chief entered the house.
Chief: "It seems… someone has received the calling."
Nexus (alert): "Calling? For what?"
The chief asked everyone to gather around a bonfire. All the villagers sat silently in a circle.
Chief (beginning the story):
"Thousands of years ago, there were beings unlike ordinary humans. Their power made them 'Ancient Heroes.' Their strength came from sacred objects—Relics."
Harsh: "Relics? Like the one Kamal received?"
Chief: "Yes. But not everyone can obtain one. Only those who are truly worthy."
Ankit: "And who were these Ancient Heroes?"
Chief: "There were 12 of them… each with a unique mission. One of them was Vasu Kamna—a warrior priestess whose Relic allowed her to transform into any creature."
Sakshi: "Where are they now?"
Chief: "Some died, some vanished, and some sealed their powers within the earth… like Vasu Kamna did."
He then led them to an old room filled with ancient murals. On one of the walls was a painting—of a man with the claws of a tiger, the legs of a wolf, and the wings of an eagle. Everyone looked at Kamal.
Harsh: "That looks… just like Kamal…"
Nexus: "Destiny is waiting…"
Chief: "This village is a guardian. Of the Relics. Only those chosen by fate are drawn here."
Tina (half-sarcastic): "So after all that jungle madness, now it's time for Adventure 2.0?"
Ankit: "And the next Relic? Guess we'll leave that to the lottery!"
Everyone laughed. But Kamal stayed quiet. Something inside him had changed. His body felt lighter. His senses sharper.
Kamal (softly): "I'm ready…"
---
That night, they took their first step into a world far beyond what they knew. Until now, it had only been survival in the jungle. Now, history itself was about to unfold—Relics, Ancient Heroes, and the legacy that awaited them.
And back at the temple… the statue of Vasu Kamna glowed gently, with a faint smile on her face.
---
"You are not chosen to save the world. You are born because the world is already falling apart — and the past itself has sent you to fix it."