The council chamber grew quieter after Elder Raghav's sharp words about Singh's death. The air was heavy, as if the stone walls themselves remembered the weight of loss.
Yet, after a moment, Elder Arjun leaned forward, his voice steady but tinged with memory.
"You already know Singh and Rajendra are gone," he began."But they were more than elders—they were the pillars of this Ashram. Rajendra's swordsmanship was unmatched, his will unbreakable. He stood as a shield for many, a leader who inspired armies. Singh, with his mind and mastery of illusion, could turn a battlefield into a puzzle only he understood."
Elder Kavya added softly,"They complemented each other—steel and mind, force and wisdom. And Singh… he often spoke of you, Dev. Always with pride, as if he saw in you a spark of something greater."
Dev's throat tightened. Hearing Singh's name again was both comfort and torment. The thought that Singh had believed in him was a weight heavier than any burden he had carried.
Shubham shifted uncomfortably, his usual sarcasm muted."Sounds like we've walked into a place way out of our league," he muttered, though his eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Laxmi, however, looked at Dev with a quiet smile, as if silently urging him not to falter.
Elder Raghav's sharp gaze cut through the silence."If Singh saw potential in you, it is for us to test. The Ashram does not take disciples lightly. Before you learn our ways, we must see who you are."
He rose from his seat, his frail frame belying the force in his presence."Each of you carries strengths—and weaknesses. Today, we will uncover them."
The floor of the chamber shifted, panels sliding open with a low rumble.From beneath, faint lines of light etched themselves across the stone, forming circles and sigils that pulsed like a living heartbeat.
"This place," Raghav explained,"was built for trials such as these. Step forward, and the Ashram itself will answer."
Dev, Shubham, and Laxmi exchanged nervous glances.For a moment, none of them moved. The Ashram loomed larger than ever—its history, its power, its eyes on them.
Finally, Dev stepped forward. His voice was quiet but unshakable.
"I'll face it. Alone, if I must."
Shubham groaned loudly, throwing his hands up."Oh no, don't start that brooding lone-wolf nonsense! If you go, we go. You think I'm about to sit in the corner while you get all the heroic glory? Not happening."
Laxmi took her step too, her tone calm but firm."We've come this far together. I won't stand back now."
Dev glanced between them, a protest on his lips, but the warmth in their eyes silenced him.They weren't here because they had to be. They were here because they chose to.
Elder Meera's lips curved in a faint smile."Your bond is strong. That alone sets you apart."
Elder Anika, however, remained stern."Strength of spirit means little without proof."
At Raghav's signal, the glowing symbols flared brighter.A surge of energy rippled through the floor, and in an instant, the three were separated—each standing within their own circle, cut off from one another by walls of shimmering light.
"This trial will not test your blades or your fists," Raghav said, his voice echoing."It will test you. Your mind, your heart, your will. What you fear most, what you desire most—these walls will reveal."
Dev felt the air thicken around him.The chamber dissolved into darkness, and suddenly he was back at Singh's house. The familiar walls, the piles of books, the faint hum of classical music. And Singh—alive, smiling, calling his name. Dev's heart lurched. It felt real. Too real.
But even as his chest ached, Singh's words returned to him:"Life can change in a second, Dev. Always be ready."
The illusion pressed on him like a vice, urging him to give in, to embrace the lie.But Dev clenched his fists, whispering,"You're gone… and I have to move forward."
The house flickered, shattered like glass, leaving only darkness.
Across the chamber, Shubham's trial unfolded differently.He stood on a grand stage, applauded by thousands, basking in glory.Yet, in the front row, his friends were gone—replaced by shadows. The cheering turned to laughter, mocking him.
His greatest fear revealed itself: to be celebrated, but alone.He swallowed hard, muttering,"Glory's nothing without the idiots who stand beside me."
With that, the stage collapsed, and the illusion broke.
Laxmi's circle shifted into a vast open field, endless chains pulling at her wrists and ankles.Whispers echoed all around her—voices telling her what to be, how to act, who to obey.She struggled, tears brimming, until finally she screamed,"I choose my own path!"
The chains shattered into light, leaving her breathless but free.
The shimmering barriers fell away, and the trio staggered back into the chamber.Sweat clung to their brows, their hearts pounding.
The elders observed them in silence, each reading more than words could say.
Finally, Raghav nodded slowly."You did not run. You did not break. You faced yourselves, and you stood."
Elder Arjun crossed his arms, a faint smile hidden beneath his sternness."Perhaps Singh was right about them."
Elder Anika, though still stern, allowed the faintest glimmer of approval."Strength is not always measured in combat. They showed courage."
But it was Elder Raghav's words that lingered, sharp as a blade.He leaned forward, his frail frame cloaked in shadow.
"From this day, you are no longer mere travelers. You are disciples of the Ashram."
The trio stiffened, exchanging uncertain glances.The weight of those words was not lost on them.
Elder Pranav added, his voice like a low rumble of thunder,"Know this: the path of a disciple is lined with trials. If you falter, the Ashram itself will decide your worth."
Shubham, still panting from his illusion, cracked a lopsided grin."Well, Dev, guess we're officially in it now. Hope you're ready to carry us when things go wrong."
Dev rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.Laxmi shook her head, exasperated but amused.
Their bond was undeniable—and the elders saw it.
At last, Elder Raghav's voice cut through the chamber once more, heavy with promise.
"Now we will see if Singh's faith in you was misplaced… or if destiny truly favors you."