The World Before the Fall

Long ago, the world was a place of marvels and miracles. Ancient texts, known as the Vedas and Puranas, held immense knowledge that guided humanity in understanding the universe, the nature of life, and the principles of Dharma. These texts spoke of great heroes and avatars, the most revered being Lord Vishnu, who incarnated in various forms to preserve cosmic order. Among these incarnations, ten were prophesied, known as the Dashavatar, each appearing in times of great need. The tenth and final avatar, Kalki, was destined to appear at the end of Kali Yuga, an era of darkness, corruption, and moral decay.

As centuries passed, the wisdom of the Vedas faded. Technological advancements surged, and mankind grew proud, believing they could conquer nature and the cosmos. This hubris led to a great cataclysm, a series of events that shattered the modern world, plunging it into a state of chaos and regression. In this new era, known as the Post-Fall, society reverted to a quasi-medieval state. The principles of magic, Qi, and aura, once seen as myths, became the foundation of survival. People clung to whatever fragments of ancient knowledge they could find, as science was now considered mere legend.

In the remnants of what was once a grand civilization, the world was united not by borders or governments but by a shared struggle for survival. Trust was a rare commodity, and betrayal, taboos, and forbidden acts became the norm. Various races of humans, animals, and spirits roamed the earth freely, each seeking their place in this new order. Among these scattered societies, two extraordinary children were born, their destinies intertwined by ancient prophecies.

In a secluded mansion in what used to be a prosperous city, a child named Kali was born into a wealthy Brahmin family. This family, unlike others, had preserved a hidden trove of ancient knowledge, keeping records of world history even before the British rule in India. They safeguarded the truth of the Vedas, Puranas, and the wisdom of the ages. From a young age, Kali showed signs of prodigious talent. He was a child of unparalleled intellect, mastering languages, arts, and sciences with ease. His family believed he was destined for greatness, perhaps even the prophesied Kalki.

Meanwhile, in a humble village far from the remnants of grandeur, another child named Kalki was born. His family was large and poor, struggling to feed all their children. Kalki's birth went unnoticed by the world, but on the day he was born, seven mysterious beings arrived to bless him. These beings, known as the Chiranjeevis, were eternal sages and warriors who had witnessed the rise and fall of many ages. They came in various forms—a yogi, a guru, an animal, a bird—each imparting their blessings upon the newborn. Kalki grew up with a saintly demeanor, displaying a kindness and wisdom far beyond his years.

As Kali grew, his exceptional abilities became more evident. He excelled in everything he did, gaining the admiration and awe of those around him. His family's guardians, who were part of a secretive group dedicated to preserving ancient knowledge, began to train him in the old ways. Kali learned about the world before the Fall, the teachings of the Vedas, and the stories of the Dashavatar. He came to believe that he was the reincarnation of Kalki, destined to save the world from its suffering.

Kali's rise to power was swift. His charisma and unmatched skills convinced many that he was indeed the prophesied hero. He united the fragmented world under his rule, establishing himself as the leader of the United World. However, as his power grew, so did his arrogance and cruelty. The once promising leader became a tyrant, spreading fear and oppression.

In contrast, Kalki's early life was one of simplicity and struggle. His family, unable to support all their children, allowed them to go their separate ways. At the age of seven, Kalki left home, driven by an inner calling he did not yet understand. Guided by fate, he encountered the seven Chiranjeevis again, who began to train him in earnest. They taught him the lost knowledge of the Vedas, the art of war, strategies of peace, and the profound principles of Dharma.

As the world plunged deeper into chaos under Kali's rule, Kalki's journey of learning and self-discovery continued. He wandered through ancient ruins, sacred forests, and hidden realms, gathering followers who saw in him a beacon of hope. Along the way, he met various beings—both human and mystical—who would play crucial roles in his destiny. Some would become allies, others adversaries, each adding to the rich tapestry of his story.

Thus began the epic tale of two children of destiny—one born to rule, the other to save. Their paths, though divergent, were destined to collide in a battle that would determine the fate of the world.