Chapter 14
The Examination Concludes
"Now comes the test of energy,"
Triloksen's voice resonated,
"Strength is a great thing,
but if the path of energy is unclear,
the seeker will remain lost."
He gestured toward Tapasvini.
"This sword was not forged to cut anyone.
It reveals the color and flow of the energy flowing within you."
The air in the hall grew heavier with anticipation.
Every seeker knew—this stage was the true measure of their spiritual progress.
"You simply have to place your palm upon it," Triloksen explained.
"If the sword emits a white aura, it means your energy is still undeveloped.
A green aura indicates the path of awakening.
But if it shines with a saffron or blue glow, then know—your spiritual direction is clear."
He looked over each seeker.
"This is no contest—it merely reveals your current stage.
From wherever you stand, you may still move forward."
First, Veeraj stepped forward.
With boldness, he placed his palm on the sword.
A faint, misty white aura emerged from Tapasvini.
Veeraj pressed his lips together.
His physical strength was excellent,
but his inner energy was yet undeveloped.
Next came Karan.
The moment his palm touched the sword,
a thin green light flickered—
a sign of awakening, yet not entirely clear.
Karan exhaled in relief.
Then it was Riya's turn.
She placed her palm gently,
and the sword emitted a soft yet steady green glow—
brighter than Karan's.
When Pia touched the sword,
everyone's eyes widened.
A brilliant saffron-orange aura burst forth,
illuminating the hall for a heartbeat.
It was the sign of a clear spiritual path.
Triloksen nodded with satisfaction.
The strong youth, who had already failed in the first stage,
was disappointed again—
his palm produced an even fainter white aura than before.
Arnav's touch brought forth a steady green glow,
showing that his path was becoming clear.
Megha's energy was also green,
but with a faint shade of blue—
hinting at her deep inner resolve.
When Aarav placed his palm upon Tapasvini,
a vivid blue aura emerged—so pure it seemed to dance in the air.
A soft murmur rippled through the room.
Aarav glanced at Bajrang with a mysterious smile.
After him came Aadarsh.
He placed his palm with calm composure,
and the sword emitted a deep, steady blue glow—
more solemn and solid than Aarav's.
For the first time, Aadarsh looked at Bajrang,
with the eyes of a rival.
Finally, Bajrang stepped forward.
All eyes were upon him.
Without haste, he placed his palm upon the sword.
For a moment, Tapasvini showed no color,
as if preparing itself for Bajrang's energy.
Then—
a glow erupted unlike anything anyone had seen before.
It was blue, but so deep and radiant
that stars seemed to shine within it;
it carried the sanctity of saffron,
burning like a sacred flame;
and within both colors shimmered a golden light,
speaking of an unexpected, boundless power.
This was not a single color,
but a wondrous fusion of many—
a glimpse into a new dimension of energy.
The hall fell into complete silence.
A light glimmered in Triloksen's eyes,
a look never seen before.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Incredible…" he whispered,
"A color… beyond compare.
Child, your Atma-beej is not merely awakened—
it has fully blossomed."
Bajrang withdrew his hand.
There was no pride in his eyes,
only a deep tranquility.
He knew—this was just the beginning of his journey.
"Stage two—complete," Triloksen declared,
his voice now carrying a renewed vigor.
"Now… endurance of resolve."
---
Triloksen placed Tapasvini back upon the altar.
The hall sank once more into a profound stillness.
His eyes now bore a gravity not present before.
He gazed at each seeker with calm, steady eyes.
"Now the final and most silent trial," his voice rang out,
"No running, no striking—
only patience, resolve, and self-stability."
All seekers deepened and steadied their breaths.
They knew—this was not a test of the body,
but the true trial of the mind and spirit.
"I will spread my energy around you," Triloksen explained.
"It will not be an attack—
but a pressure wave—
an inner weight that will shake the depths of your consciousness."
"You need only remain steady for two minutes.
Stand, sit—however you deem fit.
But do not run.
If you fall, it is fine—
but if you lose consciousness, the stage ends there."
"Those who can withstand the pressure—
they are worthy of being called seekers.
Those who stagger—can stand again through practice.
But those who flee—are not yet ready within."
Triloksen closed his eyes.
A blue aura trembled around his frail body,
slowly expanding to fill the hall.
It was not wind, nor brute force—
but an unseen weight
that began to affect every seeker's breath, heartbeat, and thoughts.
The strong youth who had failed the earlier stages
was the first to waver.
His body trembled,
sweat beading upon his forehead.
He sank to his knees,
collapsed, and finally fainted.
Triloksen opened his eyes and signaled to a servant,
who carried him out.
Veeraj and Karan struggled with all their might to remain standing,
but their bodies shook violently.
Riya and Pia sat in place,
faces tense,
breathing quickened.
A minute passed.
Many had already fallen.
Some unconscious,
others kneeling in exhaustion.
Only five remained upright—
Veeraj, Riya, Pia, Aarav, Aadarsh, and Bajrang.
Veeraj's face flushed red,
straining every muscle,
but the pressure was breaking his mental resolve.
He groaned in pain.
Sensing this,
his sister Pia extended a subtle shield of her inner energy,
giving him slight relief.
Aarav and Aadarsh stood unmoving.
Their eyes were closed,
minds completely detached from the pressure.
Aarav even wore a faint smile,
as though enjoying the weight.
When the pressure reached its peak,
it was Bajrang's turn.
His eyes were closed,
his awareness withdrawn deep within.
The outer pressure did not touch him.
There was no tension in his body, no trembling.
He had become one with his own energy—
as if he was part of the pressure itself.
Two minutes passed.
Triloksen withdrew his energy.
The suffocating weight instantly vanished.
Those who had been standing collapsed at once,
their muscles too weak to hold them.
Bajrang, who had stood in calm stillness all this time,
also sank to the ground at last.
Triloksen rested his staff upon the floor.
"The examination—complete."