"What boyfriend? Don't spout nonsense," Paramita rebuked.
"That guy near the Heavenly Tower. What was his name?" Ranav paused for a moment before recalling. "Mahesh Gulati. Yes, that's him. And he's with that Amita girl, isn't he? Look." He pointed in their direction.
Though they were already some distance away, and Amita had changed her outfit, Ranav was certain it was her.
Paramita also noticed them walking together on Park Street. She sighed. "I've known him for a long time. He loves to be surrounded by girls. His father is the director of the local Hunter's Guild. In terms of status, he's on par with my dad. With that kind of family background, Mahesh has no shortage of admirers. He thinks highly of himself and believes he's the only person worthy of marrying me. He tries to act gentlemanly around me, thinking I'll fall for him. He's a total shameless, arrogant, self-centered boy. I despise him so much that I could puke on his face… grrr!"
Seeing her anger, Ranav said, "Don't waste your time on such a lowlife. Why don't you tell your family he's bothering you?"
"I told Mom a long time ago. She said that unless he misbehaves outright, there's nothing we can do. What he's doing isn't a crime—it's just pestering me with his fake good behavior. Mom also said that I'll meet more annoying pests in the future, so I might as well use him as practice for developing my self-control." She chuckled, remembering her mother's advice.
She continued, "Mom told me there will be plenty of good-looking, powerful, and obedient boys in the future. This little town can't contain my future. The world is too big for me to worry about limited options here. Once I turn eighteen and become strong, I can choose anyone I like. So, my only goal now is to focus on becoming stronger."
"Your mom sounds amazing. I respect her even more now," Ranav said with admiration.
Thinking about his own mother, Naveena, Ranav felt a deep warmth. Despite being a simple village woman, she had been strong and loving. "I'm the luckiest person in the universe to have been blessed with two loving mothers in this life," he thought.
Memories of his past life on Earth flooded his mind… the happiest times with his family and their laughter echoing in his heart. Lost in thought, he didn't realize the carriage had stopped.
"We've reached home," Paramita said, breaking his reverie.
Ranav snapped back to reality, got down from the carriage, and followed Paramita into the house. Sensing his occasional zoning out, Paramita thought to herself, "Although he acts like an adult, he's just a child, away from his family. Maybe he's thinking about his mother again." She chose not to ask further.
Inside, the Countess was nowhere to be seen, and the maids were busy with their work. Ranav headed upstairs with Paramita, and they went to their respective rooms.
Early the next morning, Ranav went to the back garden to meditate. After more than an hour, he felt refreshed, with his dantian filled with energy. He returned to his room, took a long bath, and went downstairs, where he found Paramita having breakfast.
"Do you meditate every morning?" she asked.
"Almost. It's a routine I try to maintain. It helps me prepare for the day with full energy," he replied.
"That's a good habit. I should try it too, but I feel like such a sloth in the mornings. I really need to practice more. You're much younger than me, but in terms of strength, I can't compare. You're about to awaken your second element today," she said. "When are you heading to the Hunter's Guild?"
"My appointment is at eleven. I plan to leave by ten."
"If you take a carriage, it'll only take about fifteen minutes. You could leave half an hour later."
"No. Master asked me to arrive early, just in case. I'll stick to that."
"Okay. Don't forget to inform my mom before you go."
After breakfast, Ranav meditated in his room until it was time to leave. At fifteen minutes before ten, he got ready and wore his newly bought clothes, ensuring he looked presentable. When he went downstairs, he saw the Countess instructing a servant.
He waited until she finished, then approached her. "Aunt Vedika, I'm ready to leave for the Hunter's Guild. My appointment is in one hour."
"I've already informed Kulbir Thapa about your appointment and covered the expenses. Kulbir is the chief guard of our estate. He'll accompany you. Go to the front gate and call for him. He'll handle the rest. Good luck," she said with a reassuring smile.
"Thank you," Ranav said, bowing sincerely before heading to the estate's entrance to find Kulbir.
Kulbir was already waiting at the gate. Though Ranav had seen him before, they had never been introduced. Kulbir called for a carriage, and the two set off for the Hunter's Guild.
After some silence, Kulbir asked, "Sir, our Lady asked me to accompany and protect you. Do you know what to expect at the Guild?"
"Don't worry. I've been informed of the process," Ranav assured him.
"That's a relief. If you need anything, let me know."
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
The Hunter's Guild came into view shortly after. It was a three-story building with an impressive design, standing tall among the smaller nearby structures. The constant flow of people entering and leaving the Guild hinted at its popularity.
Ranav and Kulbir approached the reception desk, where a young woman in her twenties sat, handling queries with professionalism. She was dressed in an executive suit and carried herself with composure.
There was a short queue, and Ranav found himself sixth in line. Turning to Kulbir, he said, "It looks like we'll have to wait a few minutes. Please wait over there."
When it was finally his turn, he stepped forward. Before he could speak, the receptionist greeted him. "Sir, how may I help you?"
"My name is Ranav Limbekai. I have an appointment with Forgemaster Arvind Krushna."
She checked her notebook before asking, "Are you related to Countess Vedika Rawat?"
"Yes," he replied.
Her demeanor became more respectful. "Please proceed to the second floor. After reaching the top of the stairs, look to your right. At the end of the corridor, you'll find his office. There's a nameplate outside, so you won't miss it."
She handed him a token and added, "Please return this token to the desk when you leave. Only you may proceed upstairs, as your pass is for one person."
Ranav nodded and turned to Kulbir. "Please wait here. I'll be back soon."
Following the directions, he reached the Forgemaster's office. The door was open, and a thin girl sat behind a desk inside.
"Hello, I'm—"
"Are you here for an awakening?" the girl interrupted.
Ranav nodded in affirmation.
"You're late. No time to waste. Which element are you awakening?"
"Darkness," he replied.
"I was told you'd be awakening Fire. Now I have to rearrange the stones. Follow me."
She led him into a side room lit by luminous stones. In the center was an altar-like platform. The girl went to the alter and adjusted some smaller stones around a larger, round stone before instructing Ranav to step forward.
"Place both hands on this big stone and connect with your spiritual space. Do not let go until the awakening is complete. Once it's done, you'll feel it in your heart."
She paused and added, "Awakening is ultimately determined by your talent and the heavens. Even with elemental guiding stones, success isn't guaranteed. If you awaken a different element, don't blame me."
She exited and while closing the door behind she said, "We won't disturb you during the process."