The morning sun rose over the northern mountains, scattering pale light across the courtyard of Tapovan Ashram. The wind carried the faint scent of incense and herbs, and even in this sparse land, the air felt alive—tinged with Prana, subtle but perceptible to those sensitive enough to notice.
Today was the annual disciple recruitment ceremony, though in recent years, few had dared to come. Only two spots were to be filled this year.
Arjun Dev walked slowly among the candidates, observing each one with calm precision. To an ordinary person, these youths were unremarkable—some clumsy, some timid, some plainly unfit for cultivation. But Arjun's eyes could see deeper: the hidden potential that had yet to bloom.
Two stood out immediately.
The first was Varun, a serious-looking youth with steady eyes. His talent at first glance seemed mediocre—Talent 3—but Arjun sensed a dormant fire: Potential 9. Beside him rested a dark, obsidian-like pot, humming softly with unseen energy.
The Black Tortoise Kalash… perfect for refining the spirit, Arjun thought.
The second was Gopal, frail and seemingly powerless. Talent 1, yet the spark within him was extraordinary—Potential 9, barely contained. Clutched in his hands was a jade vessel that shimmered faintly in the morning light.
Kamadhenu's Milk Vessel… divine nectar for cultivation and plants. Unusual, but useful.
As the candidates took their places on the ceremonial stage, subtle phenomena began to manifest. Candles flickered though there was no wind, the leaves of nearby trees shivered without cause, and a faint hum resonated through the air. Ordinary spectators whispered nervously.
Arjun ignored them. Interesting. The system must be amplifying their potential in subtle ways…
"Welcome, candidates," Arjun's voice rang clear. Calm, but carrying an invisible weight that made even the boldest of youths falter. "Today, you will take your first step toward true cultivation. Remember: strength is not everything. Potential and perseverance define the path ahead."
Varun's hands trembled slightly as he touched the Black Tortoise Kalash. Immediately, a faint black aura swirled around him, making his chest tingle.
Gopal's jade vessel released a gentle mist, and the small plants near him grew slightly taller, greener, and more vibrant. The disciples around him gasped, unaware of the unusual energy.
The system whispered in Arjun's mind:
First task assigned: Guide Varun and Gopal to awaken their Prana and begin cultivation. Reward: Supreme Prana Technique (already acquired).
Arjun smiled faintly. "Let's begin."
Hours passed as he instructed the first two disciples. Varun's meditation caused ripples of energy to swirl like dark clouds, while Gopal's nurturing of the plants sent subtle divine omens across the courtyard—flowers glowing softly, the wind carrying the faint scent of honey.
This is just the beginning, Arjun thought. Once they grasp the basics, the real growth will start. And the secrets of Tapovan Ashram… they will awaken sooner than expected.
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the candidates left the stage, exhausted but awed. Arjun returned to the meditation chamber, his mind calm, yet buzzing with possibility. The system's rewards, already claimed, had strengthened him further.
In the quiet of the chamber, he allowed himself a small smile.
The path is long. But with these disciples, perhaps… just perhaps, Tapovan Ashram will rise again.