Aahan was shocked, but he wasn't the only one who was. People around him were also confused. Was the instructor being serious? Did he really expect them to enter the fissure without any proper training?
A hushed murmur swept across the stadium as uncertain gazes met one another. They sought reassurance, a sign, perhaps, that someone among them would dare to step into the unknown before they considered it themselves.
The situation became even more daunting as they realised that most so-called "students" were unarmed. To confront a demon under such circumstances felt like a death sentence, a reckless gamble with their lives.
While others were hesitant, a young woman with raven hair and a gleaming bow slung across her shoulder moved forward. She strode toward one of the fissures. It almost felt like she didn't care about her life at that moment or was confident in her skills, unlike the rest.
Simultaneously, a burly man, muscles bulging, gripped a mace tightly and entered another fissure.
A hushed murmur of surprise and admiration followed as they disappeared inside the fissure. Their boldness had sparked something in the others as more people stepped forward.
"Good to know there's at least some of you worthy of my attention," the instructor scoffed before turning his back to the rest. "If you don't want to go inside, pack your shit and get lost! This is not a place for weaklings like yourselves."
As more and more recruits entered their designated fissures, AAhan found himself standing alone in his section of the auditorium. He could feel numerous gazes on him, judging him, ridiculing him.
Yet, Aahan remained rooted to the spot, his heart pounding in his chest. The memory of the Asura's relentless assault, the pain and fear he had endured a few nights ago, still haunted him.
The trauma of that encounter had left psychological scars that ran deeper than his physical wounds, and the thought of confronting another demon sent a shiver down his spine.
When Gurudev invited him over to join the Ashram, he didn't think facing another demon was the first thing he would have to go through. As fear's grip around him grew, a certain memory flashed before his eyes.
He remembered the price of his hesitation and weakness from earlier, the suffering Vivaan had to endure because he hadn't been strong enough to help him.
Just that thought filled Aahan with anger and rage. It was as if a sudden switch had flipped inside him, and he no longer cared if a demon was waiting for him on the other side of the door.
All he knew was rage and a thirst for revenge. But to take revenge, he had to grow stronger first, and for that, he needed to prove his worth first.
With that thought in his mind, Aahan lunged forward, his feet carrying him toward the nearest fissure. The fear that had paralysed him moments ago was replaced by a burning resolve. He couldn't allow his past to dictate his future. He had to be strong, not just for himself but for Vivaan.
Without a second thought, Aahan stepped into the fissure, the world around him warping and shifting as he was swallowed by its ghostly embrace.
He landed on the ground with a thud, disoriented and surrounded by a mesmerising yet menacing environment. The air was heavy, with what Aahan now knew was Ahur radiation.
The sky above him shimmered with colours he couldn't name, and the ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse with a life of its own. It was then something weird happened again.
A similar text appeared before him, like the last time. But this time, the text emerged from his ID card.
Suddenly, his uniform sprang to life and transformed into a protective suit, similar to the one Aahan had seen Vivaan wear while fighting the Asura. It seemed the ID was a part of the uniform as it integrated with the helmet covering Aahan's face.
"Ok, now this was unexpected."
"Right..."
Aahan glanced around, realising that he was alone in this domain. In a way, it was good because he wouldn't have to worry about helping others.
His heart pounded in his chest as he ventured deeper into the surreal landscape. Every step felt like a leap into the unknown, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, that unseen eyes were tracking his every move.
Suddenly, without warning, a dark shape lunged at him from the shadows. Instinct took over his body, and Aahan barely managed to roll out of the way, narrowly escaping the attack. His heart raced as he scrambled to his feet, adrenaline rushing through his veins.
"What the hell?"
Turning to face his assailant, Aahan's eyes widened in shock. Before him stood a creature that resembled a human, but its features were twisted and grotesque. Its skin was ashen, and its eyes glowed with an eerie, malevolent light.
The next moment, the ID confirmed his suspicions. It was the demon he had been sent to defeat.
Aahan's mind raced as he took in the creature's twisted form. He had no weapons, no training to rely on. Panic threatened to take hold, but he forced it down. He couldn't afford to lose his focus now.
The demon hissed at him, a sound that sent chills down Aahan's spine. It moved around him, circling him as if sizing up its prey. Aahan knew he had only moments to react.
---
Name: Rakshara
Class: Shadowfiends
Description: Rakshara are shapeshifting demons that thrive in darkness. They can manipulate shadows and take on the appearance of humans, often hiding among them.
Strengths: Night vision, shadow manipulation, stealth.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to sunlight and holy artefacts. Martial arts can be used to eliminate them only when they are in their true form.
Special Remark: Their true form is only revealed when they choose to attack.
Threat Level: Preta
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