The world returned with a jolt. Arav opened his eyes beneath the Peepal tree, breathless, as though he had climbed a mountain in his sleep. His hands trembled with power — subtle, yet alive.
The ring glowed faintly, and Siyana's voice whispered again, "Your body has awakened. But only in spirit. Now, your discipline must follow."
From that day, Arav began his secret training. He chanted every dawn, hidden in the forest, with Siyana guiding him in his mind. The mantras began simple, meant to strengthen his core, calm his breath, and clear the chaos in his mind.
But mantra cultivation was not just words. It required harmony — mind, breath, soul, all in tune. And pain. Every time he broke through a new stage, his bones ached, his blood burned.
Then came the first trial.
One night, as he meditated beside the river, shadows crept from the jungle. A tiger — not ordinary, but corrupted by dark energy — snarled and pounced.
Arav froze, heart pounding.
"Chant!" Siyana shouted in his mind.
He closed his eyes and shouted, "Om Raksha Veerya!"
The air around him rippled. A faint golden aura burst from his chest. The tiger crashed into it and recoiled, howling.
Arav stood, voice shaking but firm. He shouted again. The mantra expanded. A shockwave pulsed outward. The tiger turned and fled.
He collapsed, gasping. Alive. Empowered.
And smiling.