The light from the portal slowly faded, leaving Arya, Laksmi, and Narada standing in a place they had never seen before. A vast expanse of green fields stretched out, adorned with trees that sparkled like crystals. In the distance, the mountains stood majestically with peaks shrouded in golden mist. The air felt fresh, almost too perfect to be real.
Arya walked slowly, his eyes gazing around in awe and confusion. "Where are we?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Narada, with his dimly glowing staff, turned and smiled. "This is the Celestial Realm, the place where the gods and holy beings reside." You are safe here for a while."
Laksmi held Arya's arm tightly, the tension still clearly visible on her face. "What about our village?" Fire, Raksaka, everything... Will they be safe?
Narada sighed, his gaze turning serious. "I have called for reinforcements to extinguish the fire and protect your village." But the enemy will not stop until they get what they are looking for. You, Arya."
Arya looked at Narada with confusion. "I don't understand." Why am I so important to them? I don't even know how I could emit that light."
Narada raised his staff, creating a golden circle in the air. Inside the circle, a symbol in the shape of a chakra slowly spins. "The light you see comes from the power of Lord Vishnu residing within you." You are not an ordinary human, Arya. You are the incarnation of the world's protector, tasked with maintaining the balance between good and evil."
Arya gave a bitter laugh, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'm just a farmer's son. I have no power, no experience, and I know nothing about gods or war."
Narada stepped closer, his gaze sharp. "It is precisely because you feel ordinary that it makes you worthy." The gods do not choose the perfect, Arya. They choose those who are willing to learn and fight. However, your journey will not be easy."
Laksmi looked at Arya with a gaze full of hope. "I believe in you, Arya. If the gods have chosen you, there must be a great reason behind it." You just need to learn to master your power."
Arya shook his head, feeling a heavy burden beginning to weigh down on him. "What if I fail?" What if I end up making everything worse?
Narada held his shoulder firmly. "Fear is part of the journey, Arya. But you won't walk alone." You have us, and more than that, you have something that Raksaka does not have a sincere heart to protect."
Before Arya could respond, the sound of soft chimes filled the air. From the direction of the mountains, an elegant woman in golden attire walked closer. Her black hair flowed down, and on her forehead, there was a red dot radiating a soft light.
Narada bowed respectfully. "Goddess Saraswati, it is a great honor for us to have your presence."
The woman smiled faintly, then looked at Arya. "So this is the new incarnation of Vishnu." "You have a face full of doubt, but I see great potential within you."
Arya could only remain silent, feeling stiff in front of the figure radiating an extraordinary aura. "I... I don't know if I deserve to receive this power," he said in a low voice.
Saraswati approached, touching the birthmark on Arya's hand. "This power is not about worthiness, Arya. It is a destiny that was determined long before you were born." However, only you can decide to accept it or reject it. "If you choose to fight, I will give you the knowledge you need to get started."
Arya lifted his face, his eyes meeting Saraswati's gentle gaze. "I will try." If this is to protect the people I love, I will do my best."
Saraswati smiled, then raised her hand. From the palm of her hand, a large golden book appeared. "This is the Book of Light. Within it lies the secret of Vishnu's power and how to control it." Read it with a calm heart, and you will find the answer you seek.
Arya received the book with trembling hands. When she opened the first page, a soft light enveloped her body, bringing a soothing warmth. On that page, there were ancient writings that somehow he could understand.
However, before he could read further, a rumbling sound was heard in the distance. The sky that was once clear began to darken, and a strong wind blew, carrying the scent of sulfur. Narada immediately raised his staff, creating an energy barrier around them.
"The demon has found us," Narada said firmly.
Saraswati looked at Arya with utmost seriousness. "This is the time for you to make a decision, Arya. Fight or hide, the world depends on your choice."
Arya clenched his fist, looking at the birthmark on his back that was glowing again. In her heart, she knew there was no turning back.
"I will fight." Arya stood tall, even though his heart was pounding. The birthmark shaped like a chakra on the back of his hand shone brighter. The soft blue light seemed to respond to the approaching threat, giving him an unexpected courage.
Narada observed closely. "There it is. The energy of Vishnu is beginning to awaken within you." Use it to protect, not to destroy."
The wind grew stronger, carrying terrifying sounds from the direction of the forest. The sound of heavy footsteps and a piercing roar echoed, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Laksmi held on tightly to Arya, her face pale. "What is that?" asked Arya, his eyes warily scanning the forest.
Narada frowned. "Raksaka Kirata, one of their strongest hunters." He will not stop until you are captured or destroyed."
From behind the trees, the creature finally emerged. Its body was large, almost as tall as the tallest tree in the forest. His skin was jet black, with curved horns on his head and glowing red eyes that radiated hatred. His right hand held a massive mace that looked capable of destroying a mountain with a single swing.
Arya swallowed, his legs felt heavy to move. "How can I fight that?" I don't even know how to use this power.
Saraswati stepped forward, her voice calm yet full of authority. "Trust your intuition, Arya. True strength emerges when you let go of fear."
Raksaka Kirata roared loudly, raising his mace high. With one swift motion, he swung his weapon towards them, creating a shockwave that cracked the ground.
Narada immediately struck the ground with his staff, creating an energy shield that protected them from the attack. However, Arya knew the shield wouldn't last long.
Laksmi looked at Arya with a pleading gaze. "Arya, you have to do something. You are our only hope."
In the midst of her panic, Arya suddenly felt something strange. The voices from the book he was holding began to fill his mind, giving him clues on how to use his birthmark. He closed his eyes, trying to focus despite the fear still enveloping his heart.
Slowly, the chakra mark on his hand grew brighter. A whirlpool of energy began to form around Arya, radiating a warm yet powerful blue aura.
Raksaka Kirata paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if sensing a new threat. He raised his spear again, ready to attack.
Arya opened his eyes, which now shone bright blue. With a swift motion, she raised her hand, and the whirlpool of energy shot towards Kirata, striking the creature's chest hard.
The Kirata giant was thrown back, crashing into several large trees until they fell. He groaned in anger, but now looked more cautious.
Arya was panting, not fully understanding what had just happened. However, he knew one thing he was no longer just an ordinary farmer.
Narada smiled slightly. "That's just the beginning. There's still much you need to learn, but your first step is extraordinary."
However, the rumbling sound was heard again. This time there were more, heavier, like a series of large footsteps approaching from the same direction.
"Arya," said Saraswati urgently. "Raksaka never comes alone. You must prepare for a bigger battle."
Arya nodded, though in his heart he felt unprepared. With the book in her hand and the growing confidence, she knew there was no turning back.