The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the gentle sway of the carriage were the only sounds accompanying the travelers as they left the boundaries of Triveni. Fields and forests passed by as they ventured further from the capital, and Rawa sat quietly opposite Prince Hima, absorbing everything the prince had just explained.
"Prakria magic," Rawa repeated slowly, testing the unfamiliar word on his tongue. "So, this is some kind of hidden magic that people don't even know they have?"
Prince Hima nodded, his gaze focused somewhere beyond the rolling landscape. "Yes, Prakria magic is elusive, and only a handful of scholars even believe it exists. Those who do claim that it's a form of magic that manifests through one's very essence, changing the user so subtly that they themselves may be unaware of its influence."
Rawa considered this. "And you think I might have this… Prakria magic?"
"Perhaps," Hima replied thoughtfully. "It's difficult to say. You've already shown signs of Moon magic, which falls under the complex category of Chakra. Chakra magic is challenging to master, as each stage affects the body, mind, and soul in unique ways."
Rawa shifted in his seat, feeling the unfamiliar weight of the discussion. His entire life in this world felt like a confusing labyrinth, with magic and politics interwoven in ways he could barely grasp. What was he really capable of? What was his purpose here?
"What else do I need to know?" Rawa asked finally.
Prince Hima leaned back, his demeanor more relaxed but still sharp, like a predator assessing its prey. "A great deal. But we have time—an entire month, to be exact. This journey to Kingdom Doot will serve as your training ground. I'll expose you to different types of magic, different combat styles, and, most importantly, the harsh truths of this world. You need to see the reality for yourself."
"Why are you doing this?" Rawa asked, narrowing his eyes. "You could just keep me under control like everyone else wants to."
A small smile played on Hima's lips. "Because I'm not like everyone else. And because you're not just a pawn — not to me, at least. If you can grow strong enough, if you can control the immense power within you… you could become something much more significant. Something this world desperately needs."
Rawa's eyes flickered with suspicion. "And what does this world need?"
"A force of balance," Hima murmured, his gaze turning serious. "Someone who can stand between the chaos of the kingdoms and the destruction that lies beyond the veil. Someone who can either unite the realms or destroy them."
The words hung in the air like a tangible weight, pressing down on Rawa. Was that really what he was? A savior? A destroyer? Or something else entirely?
"I didn't ask for this," Rawa whispered, almost to himself.
"No one ever does," Hima replied quietly. "But destiny doesn't care. All you can do is decide how you'll face it."
They sat in silence for a while, the tension between them easing slightly. Despite the prince's calm demeanor, Rawa could sense the intensity simmering just beneath the surface — an intensity that spoke of long-buried pain and a ruthless determination to see his plans through.
Rawa turned his gaze back to the window, watching the scenery blur past. A part of him felt uneasy, wary of the prince's intentions. But another part… another part felt a flicker of something else.
Hope, perhaps.
"Tell me more about these different types of magic," Rawa said at last. "I want to understand what I'm up against."
"Very well," Hima agreed, his eyes lighting up with something akin to approval. "Let's start with the basics. Elemental magic is the foundation of most human spells — fire, water, earth, and air. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and most mages can master only one or two in their lifetime."
"Then there's Jaadu," Hima continued, his tone shifting to one of a lecturer. "It's a unique type of magic that doesn't require incantations or rituals. Instead, it's fueled by pure willpower and intent, making it unpredictable but immensely powerful in the right hands. The higher a mage's Jaadu Number, or JN, the more control they have over their magic. Bhugol, our magical tracking system, keeps a record of these numbers and monitors a mage's growth."
"Sounds convenient," Rawa commented dryly.
"It is," Hima agreed. "But it also means that every move a mage makes is recorded. Every spell cast, every battle fought… it's all logged in Bhugol's vast network. And that data can be used against you if you're not careful."
Rawa frowned. "So, there's no such thing as a secret here."
"Not entirely," Hima replied cryptically. "But there are ways to remain hidden — ways that only a select few know."
Rawa's mind buzzed with the new information. Elemental magic, Jaadu, Bhugol… and now this mysterious Prakria magic that could alter a person's very being. It was a lot to take in.
"What about other creatures?" Rawa asked, remembering their earlier conversation. "You mentioned demons and dragons. Do they use the same types of magic?"
Hima's expression darkened slightly. "Yes and no. Demons and dragons, along with other magical beings, have their own unique systems of power. They can access JN, but their magic often operates on different principles. Dragons, for example, wield something known as Dragonforce — a raw, primal energy that defies human understanding. And demons… well, they draw on something far darker."
"Darker?" Rawa echoed, intrigued.
"Demonic energy is corrupted magic," Hima explained softly. "It's powerful, but it comes at a cost. Using it warps the mind and soul, making the user susceptible to madness and corruption. That's why even the Demon King himself forbids its use except in extreme cases."
"So… not something I want to mess with," Rawa concluded.
"Exactly," Hima agreed. "But the lines between these types of magic are not always clear. Some humans have been known to tap into demonic power, just as some demons have learned to harness elemental magic. The boundaries are blurring, and that's what makes this world so dangerous."
Rawa leaned back, exhaling slowly. "And Moon magic… where does it fit into all of this?"
Hima's gaze sharpened. "Moon magic is… different. It's part of the Chakra system, which is separate from elemental and demonic magic. Chakra magic is ancient, and each stage corresponds to a different aspect of existence. Moon magic, in particular, is tied to the mind and soul, capable of influencing dreams, emotions, and even reality itself."
Rawa's heart skipped a beat. "So… I could control people's minds?"
"Potentially," Hima admitted. "But it's not that simple. Moon magic requires immense focus and discipline. One wrong move, and you could destroy your own mind instead of bending another's."
Rawa swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. This power… it was terrifying. And yet, a small part of him craved it. To have such control, to be able to shape reality itself…
He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. "You've given me a lot to think about, Prince. But there's one thing I still don't understand."
"Oh?" Hima tilted his head curiously.
"Why are you telling me all of this?" Rawa asked quietly. "You barely know me, and yet you're sharing all these secrets. What's your angle?"
Prince Hima's smile was enigmatic, his eyes glinting with a hidden light. "Because, Rawa Vols… you're not just a pawn. You're a wild card for this world. And in the game we're playing, wild cards can change everything."
With that, the prince fell silent, leaving Rawa to ponder the cryptic words as the carriage rolled steadily onward, carrying them closer to whatever destiny awaited them in Kingdom Doot.