Alchemy and Formation Lessons
Ravihiro also started to teach them alchemy, a skill that would serve them well in the future. He set up a small alchemy station and demonstrated how to refine herbs, make elixirs, and brew potions.
"Alchemy is about balance," Ravihiro explained, his hands moving deftly as he mixed ingredients. "You must learn to feel the energy in the materials you use, to understand their essence. That is what makes a true alchemist."
Aryan, always quick to grasp things, asked, "Master, how do you know what ingredients to combine?"
Ravihiro smiled. "You'll learn through trial and error. But always trust your instincts."
Sharvani, the more mischievous one, leaned in with a grin. "So, if I make a mistake and blow something up, it's okay, right?"
Ravihiro chuckled softly. "Yes, but only once. After that, I'll charge you for the materials you waste."
The children laughed, the weight of their previous hardships temporarily forgotten. They grew closer with each passing day, their bonds strengthening under Ravihiro's tutelage. Even Vedant, the most reserved of the group, started to open up, his fierce determination showing in everything he did.
Martial Soul Awakening
As the months passed, Ravihiro's teachings began to bear fruit. The children's bodies were now stronger than ever, their minds more disciplined. But there was one final test—unlocking their martial souls.
Ravihiro stood in front of the children, their faces eager but anxious. "Now, we awaken your martial souls," he said solemnly.
The children stood tall, closing their eyes and focusing on their inner energy. Ravihiro placed his hand over each of their hearts, guiding them as they reached for their martial souls.
Aryan's body glowed first. A light, gold and ethereal, surrounded him. From the light, a massive, elegant
Simhavahini, a lioness with wings, emerged. Her body was regal and fierce, her wings exuding an aura of divine protection.
"Simhavahini…" Ravihiro murmured, his eyes gleaming with approval. "A guardian of strength."
Anaya's body shone next. From her, a delicate, translucent Chandrakanta appeared—an elegant creature that resembled a celestial white stag with moonlit horns. Its graceful form seemed to embody serenity and beauty, yet there was an undeniable power beneath its calm exterior.
"Chandrakanta… A protector of the moon, and a symbol of inner peace," Ravihiro noted, his voice filled with respect.
Vedant's martial soul materialized—a massive, golden Naga, a serpent of unimaginable power with scales that gleamed like molten gold. The Naga hissed and coiled around him protectively, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.
"A Naga," Ravihiro said softly, admiration in his voice. "A creature of immense power and knowledge."
Finally, Sharvani's martial soul emerged—a towering, elegant Garuda, a divine eagle, its wings wide and majestic, exuding a sense of freedom and dominance over the skies. The bird's piercing eyes met Ravihiro's with a look of shared understanding.
"A Garuda," Ravihiro whispered. "A guardian of the heavens, a creature of the skies and conqueror of the winds."
The children, now with their martial souls awakened, stood in awe, their eyes shining with wonder. They had just unlocked a fragment of their true potential. Ravihiro could see the change in them already—their spirits had grown, ready to face the trials ahead.
Ravihiro's Hidden Conflict
But all was not well. While the children trained and grew stronger, Ravihiro carried a hidden burden. The conflict between his demonic and divine energy was growing worse. At times, he could feel the two forces warring inside him, each one trying to overpower the other. The struggle was more intense than ever, and Ravihiro knew that it wouldn't be long before it would become uncontrollable.
But he said nothing to the children. They were unaware of the battle raging inside him. His focus was on them—on ensuring that they were ready for the dangers that lay ahead. He would not let them know of the curse that was slowly consuming him.
Rumina's Worries
Meanwhile, miles away, Rumina sat in her palace, her gaze distant as she thought about Ravihiro. It had been months since he had left, and though she tried to hide her concern, it gnawed at her heart.
Where are you, Ravihiro? she thought, her fingers clenching around a jade pendant he had once given her. What are you facing that you won't share with me?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a messenger, a young boy who was out of breath. "Lady Rumina," he gasped a strange object has fallen from the sky in the Beast Forest. "It's… it's strange. No one knows where it came from."
Rumina's heart skipped a beat. The Beast Forest? She knew Ravihiro was somewhere in those depths. Was it possible that thing was connected to him? She didn't waste another moment. Without saying a word, she rushed out, her determination unwavering.
A Dark Watcher
In the shadows of the jungle, a figure stood, hidden from the world. His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he watched Ravihiro train the children, his lips curving into a sinister smile.
"They've grown stronger," the figure muttered to himself, "but they will need more than strength to survive what's coming."
He turned his gaze toward the distant crash site in the Beast Forest, a sense of anticipation filling him. "Let the game begin."
As Ravihiro continued to train the children, the jungle's mysteries deepened. Unseen forces moved in the shadows, preparing to strike. The stage was set for a confrontation that would change everything. But Ravihiro remained unaware of the dangers lurking just beyond the horizon—danger that would soon test not only his strength, but his very soul.