As Manas made his way to Captain Skye, he asked Zephyrion, "What should I tell the captain about the cave?"
Zephyrion chuckled and replied, "Just keep it simple. Tell him nothing happened, only that there's some 'special power' there—no big deal."
Manas raised an eyebrow, sensing the ring's playful nature. "You want me to act like the cave was just... ordinary?"
Zephyrion gave a low hum of agreement. "Exactly. Let's keep a bit of mystery, shall we? Not everyone needs to know everything."
Manas smiled, feeling a newfound bond with the ring as he prepared to meet Captain Skye, wondering how his captain would respond to his report.
As Manas walks through Captain Skye's kingdom, everyone around stares in awe. The townspeople murmur, surprised that someone as young as Manas managed to return from the Windspire Cave—a place seasoned Shakti Yutras never returned from.
When Manas finally meets Captain Skye, he relays calmly, "Nothing big happened, Captain. Just some... special power within the cave, that's all." Skye eyes him, taken aback, both impressed and skeptical. "You mean to say that this boy returned without a scratch, from a cave that holds powers beyond measure?" Skye mutters to himself, nodding approvingly.
"Well done, Manas," Skye says. "You've accomplished the mission—and in ways we didn't expect. I'll inform King Ayaan. Soon, you may take your place as a Shakti Yutra."
Manas's heart swells with pride. This recognition brings him closer to his ultimate goal, and he begins to feel more connected to the people and the responsibilities that await him.
Manas heads into Windmere Forest, determined to train harder with Zephyrion's power and build his physical strength. As he practices, Zephyrion, who has grown more curious about Manas, speaks up, "Manas, where is your family?"
Manas pauses, a slight sadness crossing his face. "There's no one left in my family. I'm the only one," he says quietly. "But… I have my master, Rudra. He taught me how to use powerful vidyas and control my chakras."
Zephyrion seems intrigued. "You can control chakras at your age?" Zephyrion murmurs to himself, "Quite remarkable. I'd like to meet this Master Rudra."
Manas nods, smiling. "He's a great man. I think he's in this town—maybe we'll cross paths soon."
As they walk further, a voice suddenly echoes from behind, "Manas." Manas turns, surprised, to see Master Rudra standing there, a knowing smile on his face. "Master! I was just thinking about you," Manas says, eyes lighting up.
Master Rudra chuckles, "Perhaps that's why I'm here now. Sometimes, all you need to do is think of someone, and they'll appear."
Manas shares the events of his mission with his master and introduces him to Zephyrion, the Ring of Wind. Rudra's eyes gleam with pride as he listens, and Zephyrion, observing Rudra, senses a deeper power within him than what meets the eye. The bond between master and student, and now between the student and the powerful ring, is becoming stronger with each step of Manas's journey.
In a rare and mystical moment, time seems to pause. Master Rudra's form shimmers, and Lord Shani, the god of karma, emerges, revealing his true, spiritual appearance to Zephyrion. Sensing this shift, Zephyrion also shifts into his spiritual form, feeling an ancient reverence rise within him as he kneels.
"Lord Shani," Zephyrion says humbly, "I am grateful to finally be found. I feared I would remain forgotten."
Lord Shani smiles softly, his gaze filled with purpose. "Zephyrion, this boy, Manas, has the potential to find your remaining four companions and restore their unity. Guide him, teach him, and help him grow stronger. One day, he will wield the power necessary to become the Padmadhikari of this age, a true protector and leader. With each ring he discovers, he will only grow more capable of his destiny."
Zephyrion nods solemnly, "I understand, Lord Shani. I will follow your command and help him as best as I can."
With a deep, knowing look, Lord Shani says, "And remember, Zephyrion, I am always with you both."
As the vision fades, Zephyrion returns to his usual form, glancing at Manas with a newfound respect. Now, he understands the boy's incredible strength and potential—after all, his master was none other than Lord Shani himself, the god of karma. Zephyrion now sees it as his duty to help Manas become as powerful as possible, guiding him along his path to greatness.
Master Rudra looked at Manas with pride and a hint of caution. "You did well on this mission, Manas. You've shown strength and resolve, but remember, this is just the beginning. Stay humble—don't let overconfidence cloud your path. Keep training, and know that every victory brings new challenges."
Manas nodded respectfully, absorbing the advice. "Thank you, Master Rudra. I'll keep your words in mind."
Rudra placed a hand on his shoulder, a rare gesture of warmth. "Good, my boy. Now, go forth and meet King Ayaan. You've earned the chance to become a Shakti Yutra."
Filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, Manas left for the king's palace, ready to officially earn his place among the Shakti Yutras. He couldn't wait to stand before King Ayaan, to feel the recognition he'd worked so hard for, and to step into the new responsibilities that lay ahead.
Captain Fights
In the royal hall, King Ayaan sat at the head of a grand table, his expression thoughtful as he addressed the ten captains seated around him. "This boy, Manas, may lack formal vidyas, but he has shown great courage and skill, even without them. He nearly matched Captain Zara. I believe he deserves a chance to be an official Shakti Yutra. However, I want to hear your thoughts before we make this decision."
Captain Neo from Blazewood, a hardened and often blunt warrior, was the first to speak up, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. "With all due respect, my king, a boy with no vidyas? Only using chakra-based techniques? It's risky and unwise. The Shakti Yutra title carries responsibilities beyond chakra skills."
Captain Aria from Tranquil Grove and Captain Elara from Celestia nodded in agreement. Elara added, "It takes more than bravery to be a Shakti Yutra. Without advanced vidyas, he may become a liability in difficult missions. Nearly beating Zara isn't enough—she's strong, but there are greater challenges out there."
Captain Zara clenched her fists, but she remained silent, a subtle expression of frustration crossing her face. She knew the boy's potential but felt compelled to listen as the captains voiced their objections.
The discussion grew heated, with captains on both sides debating Manas's qualifications. Some were willing to give him a chance, while others dismissed the idea entirely. In the midst of the escalating debate, Captain Jax from Aethera remained quiet, his intense gaze fixed on the table, listening intently.
Suddenly, Jax spoke up, his deep voice commanding attention. "Enough." The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. "If this is truly about giving him a fair chance, then I will take responsibility for him. Let him join my team. If he fails, it's on me."
The captains were visibly surprised. Jax was known for his strictness and unmatched strength; his team was one of the most challenging to join. For him to take in a newcomer—especially one without vidyas—was unheard of.
King Ayaan nodded, impressed. "Very well, Jax. If you believe in Manas, I trust your judgment. Manas shall join your team. He will have his chance to prove himself."
The captains exchanged glances, some skeptical, others resigned. The decision had been made.
Captain Jax!!
Captain Jax of Aethera is one of the most respected and enigmatic captains among King Ayaan's ten leaders. Known for his reserved demeanor, he carries an air of mystery and strength that often makes him seem intimidating, yet deeply admirable to those who know him.
Background
Jax was born into a lineage known for their elemental mastery, particularly over the elements of the sky and space. Growing up in Aethera, a town closely attuned to celestial forces, he was trained by an ancient order known as the Starseers. They believed that true power lies in an unbreakable harmony between strength and self-restraint. His father was a revered Starseer, and his passing during a battle left a profound impact on Jax. That event taught him the importance of using strength only when necessary and fueled his belief that responsibility and power must always be balanced.
Jax's rise to captaincy was almost predestined, but he earned it through relentless discipline and self-mastery, proving himself as the most accomplished warrior in Aethera. He views his role not as a position of authority but as a duty to protect and lead with integrity.
Powers
Jax's powers revolve around a unique blend of space and celestial energy manipulation:
Celestial Strike - Jax can summon concentrated bursts of energy from the stars, inflicting devastating blows on his enemies. These strikes are precise and incredibly destructive, yet they require extreme focus to control.
Gravity Pulse - With his mastery over spatial energy, Jax can manipulate gravity in his immediate surroundings. He uses this power to either immobilize his opponents or increase his own strength, making him nearly invulnerable in hand-to-hand combat. When activated, the area around him becomes dense and difficult to traverse, putting foes at a severe disadvantage.
Ethereal Shield - Drawing from the star energy within, Jax can create protective barriers that nullify most attacks. The shield appears as a shimmering field of cosmic light, reflecting his calm yet unyielding spirit.
Astral Awareness - This allows Jax to feel the flow of energy around him, granting him an almost precognitive sense of danger. When in intense focus, he can also sense his allies' positions, making him a formidable leader on the battlefield. It's this power that has earned him a reputation for being nearly untouchable in combat.
Motivation
Jax's motivation is rooted in the value he places on duty, honor, and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. His father's sacrifice taught him that power without purpose is destructive; thus, he dedicates his life to honing his strength, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of his people. He believes in giving second chances to those willing to prove themselves, which is why he was open to giving Manas a place in his team despite his lack of formal vidyas.
Jax also values the unification of strength and character. For him, Manas represents a chance to mentor someone who holds great potential but needs guidance to channel it effectively. He sees Manas as a young version of himself—determined, earnest, and a bit rough around the edges. Jax hopes to instill in him the same values of responsibility and control that have defined his own journey.
Personal Philosophy
Jax embodies the philosophy of "strength with purpose." He believes that each Shakti Yutra must not only protect but inspire others to become better versions of themselves. His respect for Manas stems from seeing that the boy, though young and inexperienced, has a similar drive to help others. He believes that if Manas can master his powers and overcome his own struggles, he could one day lead others with wisdom and strength.
In the coming journey, Jax aims to teach Manas that power alone does not define a warrior—it is the heart behind it. For Jax, every encounter and every mission is a lesson, and now, Manas has become a new and hopeful cha....