After a grueling journey through the wilderness, Subham and Ananya found themselves in a quiet clearing. Subham retrieved the space worm transportation crystal from his bag. They were both exhausted, but relief washed over them as they knew they were finally going home.
"It's time to go back," Subham said, holding the crystal up. "Vidur will know what to do."
Ananya nodded, her eyes still filled with determination despite their ordeal. Subham crushed the crystal, and a swirling portal of shimmering light appeared before them. Out of the portal emerged the colossal Space Worm, its ethereal form pulsing with energy. They stepped into its open maw, and in an instant, they were transported across galaxies.
They emerged on the familiar grounds of Vidur's mansion, the majestic building standing tall amidst lush gardens. The tranquility was a stark contrast to the chaos they had just escaped. But their relief was short-lived. An ominous feeling settled over them as they stepped out of the portal.
Before Subham could even speak, a second portal ripped open behind them. The dark energy from the previous encounter poured out, and the strong presence they had sensed earlier stepped through. The figure was cloaked in shadows, his eyes burning with malevolent intent.
"How did he follow us?" Ananya whispered, her voice tinged with fear.
"He must have used some sort of tracking device," Subham replied, gripping Psychodeus tightly. "Stay behind me."
The dark figure advanced, his aura suffocating. "You thought you could escape me?" he snarled. "Hand over the cultivation arts, and I might let you live."
Subham stepped forward, ready to defend Ananya with his life. But before he could act, the doors of Vidur's mansion swung open. Master Vidur stepped out, his presence commanding and serene. He wore a simple robe, and his cane tapped lightly against the ground as he approached.
The dark figure froze, his bravado vanishing. "L-Lord Dicer," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "I didn't know—"
Vidur didn't give him a chance to finish. With a single, almost casual tap of his cane on the ground, an invisible force sliced through the air. The dark figure was instantly dismembered, his body falling to the ground in neatly severed pieces. Blood soaked the grass, but there was an eerie silence in the aftermath.
Subham and Ananya stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with shock. They had known Vidur was powerful, but witnessing it firsthand was something entirely different. The ease with which he dispatched the threat was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Vidur turned to them, his expression calm as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. "Welcome back," he said, his voice gentle. "I see you both have been through quite an ordeal."
Subham managed to find his voice. "Master, that was... incredible."
Vidur nodded. "There are many things in this universe that you have yet to understand, Subham. Come inside, both of you. We have much to discuss."
As they followed Vidur into the mansion, the weight of their journey began to lift. Subham couldn't help but glance back at the remains of the dark figure, a stark reminder of the dangers they faced. But with Vidur by their side, he felt a renewed sense of confidence.
Inside, the mansion was as grand and comforting as ever. They sat in Vidur's study, where the ancient master carefully examined the scrolls they had brought back.
"You've both done well," Vidur said, his eyes twinkling with pride. "Now, tell me everything that happened."
Subham and Ananya recounted their journey, the trials they faced, and the moments of triumph. Vidur listened intently, occasionally nodding in understanding.
When they finished, Vidur leaned back in his chair. "Subham, Ananya, you have both demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. The cultivation arts you have obtained are powerful, and with proper guidance, you will be able to harness their full potential."
Subham looked at Ananya, who smiled back at him. Despite the exhaustion and fear, they felt a sense of accomplishment. They had faced incredible odds and emerged stronger for it.
"Thank you, Master Vidur," Subham said. "We couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Vidur smiled, a rare expression of warmth. "Remember, true strength comes from within. The journey you have undertaken is just the beginning. There will be many more challenges ahead, but I have no doubt that you will overcome them."
With a newfound sense of purpose, Subham and Ananya prepared to delve into their training, ready to unlock the secrets of their newfound powers. They knew the path ahead would be difficult, but with Vidur's guidance, they were prepared to face whatever came their way.