After their dinner was completed, Samba and Sruthi exchanged a meaningful glance. As the room became quiet as something important was about to be discussed.
"Raj," Sruthi began softly," we know your blessing ceremony is coming in half a month. That's why your dad and I have been away so much recently. We're been venturing into the high-level rift to gather something special."
Samba nodded and cut to the point," We found a top-grade divine fruit," he explained. "Its tree's roots were soaked in diluted amrutham from the gods. It's extremely rare. This fruit will help you by raising your basic attributes by up to 75 overall."
Raj's eyes widened as Samba retrieved a wooden box from the imaginary space which was only available for high-level rankers. The wood seemed ancient, charmed with a mythical energy. Samba opened it carefully, revealing a radiant glow that filled the room. Inside, resting gently on soft cloth was the divine fruit glowing with a holy light.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as Samba handed the box to Raj. Before Raj could even react, Samba turned his attention to Suma, who had been curiously watching the scene unfold. "It's time for bed, Suma," he said firmly his tone leaving no room for debate.
Suma pouted, disappointment evident on her face." I know. You guys carry on with your late-night chat," she muttered as she dragged her feet as if she lost her soul. She reluctantly heads toward her room.
Priya, sensing the moment stood up and gently guided Suma. "I'll take young miss to her room," she said softly and two exited.
As soon as they left all three Sruthi, Samba, and Raj let out a small sigh, exchanging amused glances. "She never changes," they said in unison.
Once the air had cleared, Sruthi and Samba's expressions grew serious. Sruthi looked at Raj intently. "Now that your blessing ceremony is approaching. It's time you learned about the world beyond what ordinary people knew. This is knowledge kept secret from the unblessed."
Raj straightened in his chair, sensing the gravity of the conversation.
Samba continued, "We don't know exactly why these blessings started appearing in the human world. But along with them came three wonders: the TOWER OF HEAVEN, the ABYSS OF EARTH, and the RIFTS."
Sruthi picked up the explanation her tone somber. "The Tower of Heaven and the Abyss of Earth are connected to seven types of worlds each. The Tower of Heaven links to Satya, Tapa, Jana, Mahar, Svarga, Bhuvar and Bhu. Meanwhile, the Abyss of Earth connected to Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mathathala, Rasatala, and Patala."
Raj absorbed this in silence as his parents continued.
"And then there are the rifts," Samba said, "dimensional cracks that appear across the Earth. They require entry to be cleared. Some you enter physically, others by your soul, but both are filled with danger. Clearing these rifts is crucial because if left unchecked they will bring disaster to the world."
"The first time a rift is cleared," Sruthi added, "the rewards are unimaginable. After that, it can be cleared again but the reward diminishes."
Raj's eyes narrowed in thought. "So you're saying, rifts can be cleared multiple times but the first clearance gives the greatest rewards?"
Samba nodded. "Exactly. And as high-level individuals, your mom and I have responsibilities to help clear these rifts. It's a duty we share with others of our rank. You'll learn more as you grow stronger but remember Raj. That this world isn't just about blessing. It's about how you use them to protect the balance."
Raj sat in silence, digesting the information. His parents had always been busy, but now he understood the weight they carried. And soon, it would be his turn to face the unknown.