A few days later, both returned to the Gurukul. Guru Vishrayan had also returned after completing his work. He welcomed them both.
Agni and Neer: "Pranam, Gurudev. Pranam, Acharya."
(Gurudev and the Acharya gave their blessings)
Guru Vishrayan: "Sons, this journey was extremely difficult, but you have completed it. This bow is radiant. It does not need arrows — Agni, as many times as you draw its string, that many arrows will manifest on their own. Now, bathe and worship it, eat and rest. You have more tasks ahead."
Agni and Neer: "As you command, Gurudev."
Both went to their respective rooms, bathed, and worshipped the bow.
Guru Vishrayan: "The string of this bow is made of fire, hence its name shall be — Agniprasth. Always remember one thing, son: this bow must always be used for righteousness. Never use it for evil purposes. Its string, made of fire, grants it the power to destroy many evil forces. You have obtained it after great difficulties, a long journey, and many sacrifices. Therefore, its use will make you powerful. From today, you are known as its successor, Agni. This bow now belongs to you. It contains the great powers of Agni Dev and your firm resolve, bestowing both knowledge and strength equally."
Agni: "Gurudev, as per your command. But we cannot do this without your help. And Neer tried just as hard as I did to obtain it. So why am I the only one entitled to it, Gurudev? Please explain."
Guru Vishrayan: "Son Agni, this bow is made from the power of Agni. Your element is also Agni (fire), while Neer's element is Jal (water). The clash of Agni and Jal means destruction — it would mean the advent of Pralay (apocalypse). That is why this bow has been given to you. Although this bow has been bestowed upon you, both of you are its rightful owners. I hope that the harmony that exists between you two now will remain forever, and you will always fight together against evil for the truth."
Neer: "Do not worry, Gurudev. We will follow your command as instructed."
Guru Vishrayan: "Very well, sons."
:: The Changed Gurukul
[Beginning – Gurudev's Command]
The next morning after sunrise, all the Acharyas were assembled in the hall.
Gurudev Vishrayan – "Agni, tomorrow morning we will kill the demons of black magic and those black shadow-beings roaming outside the ashram. Their end is only possible with this bow."
But remember one thing – they practice black magic and take the help of ghosts and shadows. You will have to face them all with caution.
Neer: "Black magic, Gurudev? And shadows?"
Guru Vishrayan: "Yes, Neer. Black magic and shadows. Performing yagyas to attain evil powers and using their help to do wicked deeds – that is what is called black magic. And using one's powers to control souls and use them for one's own benefit – that is the work of a practitioner, and also greed. But I have full faith in both of you. You will handle everything, my sons."
Agni – "As you command, Gurudev."
Gurudev and the Acharyas left for their respective rooms.
[Change in the Gurukul]
Neer –
"Aakash,why does this Gurukul feel changed to me? But it feels good too."
Aakash – "After you two left, demons of black magic and a black shadow attacked the Gurukul. There was some damage in the battle, so it has been rebuilt."
Neer – "What! An attack? But Guru Vishrayan was here, then how did this happen?"
Aakash – "No, at that time Gurudev had gone out of the Gurukul for some work."
Neer – "I see... so they took advantage of that opportunity."
Aakash – "Yes, my friend, they took advantage of that opportunity. But the disciples of the Gurukul and Gurudev managed everything. Dharaya, Vayamsh, and I, along with other disciples, assisted Guru Shatrunjay and killed many demons. However, despite killing many, some demons still managed to survive. Perhaps that is why Gurudev commanded you to obtain this divine bow."
Neer – "Yes. Was Dharaya injured?"
Aakash – "Yes, Dharaya was slightly injured, but she is healthy now."
Neer – "What? Dharaya was injured?"
Aakash – "Yes, but she is fine now. So, how was your journey, friends? Was everything alright? You didn't face any trouble, did you?"
Neer and Agni look at each other.
Neer says, "No, no, we didn't face any trouble. Everything was fine. We are fine too. Are you okay? And how is everyone in the Gurukul?"
Aakash – "I am fine, and everyone in the Gurukul is fine too
Agni: "And how are Gurudev Shatrunjay? Are they safe? And was there not too much damage to the foundation of the Gurukul?"
Aakash: "No, Agni, everything is fine. It's just that those demons were of a different kind. Some demons were like... shadows. Like black shadows that would come back to life even after being destroyed. Dharaya, Vyamsh, and I, along with all the other disciples of the Gurukul, faced them with courage. Under the guidance and battle strategies of Guru Shatrunjay, everyone remained safe. However, the Gurukul did suffer a little damage, but all the disciples together rebuilt it, and everything is fine again. But those shadows were very powerful. Gurudev had spoken the truth; their end is only possible with this divine bow. I hope that with its help, you will end these evil spirits."
Agni: "Don't worry, Aakash. That is exactly what will happen."
Aakash Alright, Agni. Come, let's go now. You should rest."
Agni, Neer, and Aakash go to their respective rooms.
______
Agni now holds the divine bow Agniprasth, a weapon of unimaginable power that chose him as its heir. But with this power comes a grave warning: the elemental clash of his fire and Neer's water could bring about total destruction.
Their triumphant return is shadowed by the discovery that their home was attacked in their absence. The very demons they are meant to destroy have already tested the Gurukul's defenses, leaving their friends wounded and their sanctuary scarred.
As dawn approaches, Agni must wield his new power for the first time in a battle against the surviving shadows. But can he control the fire of Agniprasth without it consuming him? And with Neer fighting by his side, will their united front be their greatest strength—or the spark that ignites the apocalypse?