The village of Maitraya was bustling with activity as the villagers gathered to bid farewell to Dhruv, Rudra, Shyama, and Bhadra. The square was filled with lanterns swaying gently in the breeze, their soft glow casting a warm light over the gathered crowd. Despite the recent dangers, the atmosphere was one of hope and optimism. The villagers were proud of their young warriors, who had stood against the bandits and emerged victorious.Dhruv stood with his friends, his eyes scanning the familiar faces around him. He could see his mother, her eyes moist with tears, standing beside his father, who wore a proud expression. As Dhruv approached them, his mother stepped forward, wrapping him in a tight hug."Take care of yourself, my boy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "And remember, no matter where you go, we are always with you."Dhruv hugged her back, his heart swelling with emotion. "I know, Mother. I'll make you proud."His father stepped forward, placing a hand on Dhruv's shoulder. "Remember, son, you represent our village. Stay true to your values, no matter what happens."Dhruv nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "I will, Father."Nearby, Shyama and Bhadra were also saying their goodbyes. Shyama's younger siblings clung to her, their eyes wide with both admiration and fear at the thought of their sister leaving. Bhadra's parents stood proudly, their hands resting on his broad shoulders as they spoke words of encouragement.Rudra, on the other hand, stood apart from the crowd, his expression one of indifference. He had no family to bid farewell to, no one to wish him well. He watched as the villagers embraced Dhruv, Shyama, and Bhadra, their eyes filled with warmth and love. He felt nothing but a cold detachment. He had always been an outsider, and that was fine with him. He didn't need anyone's approval or affection. All he needed was power.As the farewells came to an end, the group gathered at the edge of the village. The villagers waved, their voices calling out words of encouragement and blessings. Dhruv waved back, his heart heavy but filled with determination. This was just the beginning of their journey.The group set off, the path ahead winding through the dense forest that separated Maitraya from the main city. The sun was high in the sky, its rays filtering through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The mood was light at first, with Shyama and Bhadra chatting about their excitement for the academy. Dhruv joined in, feeling hopeful about what lay ahead. Rudra remained mostly silent, his eyes scanning the forest around them, uninterested in their conversation.As they moved deeper into the forest, the atmosphere grew tense. The trees became thicker, their branches intertwining to create a canopy that blocked out the sunlight. The air grew cooler, and an eerie silence settled over the group. Dhruv couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the trees, freezing them in their tracks. The sound was unlike anything they had ever heard—a low, rumbling noise that seemed to vibrate through the air. The group exchanged uneasy glances, their hands moving to their weapons.From the shadows, a creature emerged. It was massive, with thick, matted fur and glowing red eyes. Its fangs were long and sharp, and it moved with a surprising agility for its size. The creature let out another growl, its eyes locked on the group."What is that?" Bhadra whispered, his eyes wide.Shyama's eyes narrowed as she studied the creature. "It's a Rakshasa," she said, her voice filled with both awe and fear. "I've heard stories about them. They're supposed to be myths—creatures that live deep in the forest, far from any village."Rudra smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Myth or not, it's in our way. Let's take it down."The Rakshasa let out a roar, lunging towards them with terrifying speed. Bhadra stepped forward, swinging his massive mace with all his strength, aiming for the creature's legs. The Rakshasa leaped nimbly to the side, avoiding the blow. Shyama moved in, her twin blades flashing as she slashed at the creature, her movements swift and precise. The Rakshasa growled, swiping its claws at her, forcing her to duck and roll out of the way.Rudra stepped forward, his eyes narrowed, his mark glowing faintly as flames erupted around his staff. He swung at the Rakshasa, the flames searing its thick fur. The creature roared in pain, its eyes blazing with fury.Dhruv watched from the side, his heart pounding. He knew he wasn't blessed like the others, but he couldn't just stand by while his friends were in danger. He grabbed his wooden sword and charged at the creature, striking it across the back. The blow distracted the Rakshasa long enough for Shyama to launch another attack, her blades piercing its thick hide.The Rakshasa howled, turning on Dhruv with a snarl. It swiped at him, and he managed to block the blow with his sword, though the force sent him stumbling backward. He kept his footing, his determination unwavering.As the fight raged on, Rudra, Shyama, and Bhadra began to feel a strange energy coursing through them. The marks on their bodies started to glow brighter, the power of their divine blessings awakening.Bhadra swung his mace, and suddenly a powerful gust of wind followed the strike, knocking the Rakshasa off balance. He looked at his mark in shock, realizing that his divine blessing had granted him control over the wind.Shyama's movements became even more fluid, her blades moving faster than ever before, as if guided by an unseen force. She could almost see the Rakshasa's movements before they happened, a gift from her blessing.Rudra's flames grew fiercer, the heat radiating from his staff searing the air around him. He felt the power of Surya coursing through him, his body filled with energy. He moved with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, his strikes powerful and relentless.The group worked together, each using their newfound powers to keep the Rakshasa at bay. Bhadra used his wind to push the creature back, Shyama struck with her blades, and Rudra delivered powerful, flame-infused blows with his staff. Dhruv continued to fight alongside them, using his agility to dodge the Rakshasa's attacks and striking when he saw an opening.Finally, Rudra saw his chance. He channeled all his energy into his staff, flames erupting around him as he leaped forward. With a powerful strike, he brought the staff down on the Rakshasa's head, the flames engulfing the creature.The Rakshasa let out a final, agonized roar before collapsing to the ground, its body smoldering. The forest fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the four warriors.The group stood over the fallen creature, their bodies aching, their minds racing. Shyama looked at her glowing mark, her eyes wide with realization. They had just used powers they barely understood, and it had saved them.Bhadra laughed, the exhilaration of the fight still coursing through him. "Looks like these blessings are more than just marks," he said, his eyes shining.Dhruv smiled, though his heart felt heavy. He was proud of his friends, but he knew he still had a long way to go to keep up with them.Rudra, his eyes still glowing faintly with the flames of Surya, looked at the fallen monster with a smirk. "This is just the beginning," he said, his voice filled with confidence. He turned to Dhruv, his expression challenging. "Keep up, if you can."The group continued their journey, the tension from the battle still lingering in the air. As they emerged from the forest, they saw the towering gates of the academy in the distance—a grand structure that exuded power and prestige.An instructor stood at the gates, waiting for them. He eyed the group, his gaze lingering on the divine marks visible on Rudra, Shyama, and Bhadra. "Welcome to the academy," he said, his voice stern. "Your trials begin tomorrow. There will be no time for rest."The atmosphere shifted to one of anticipation and tension as they prepared for the trials that would determine their future. The academy loomed before them, a symbol of the challenges and opportunities that awaited. Their journey would test their strength, their resolve, and their loyalty to one another—each step forging their destinies anew.