The grand celebration of the Crimson Serpent's downfall swept across Mars like wildfire. Goodie Hunters' capital buzzed with life as citizens danced in the streets, their laughter and cheers echoing under the twin moons. Every corner of the city was lit up with dazzling fireworks, painting the sky in shades of gold, crimson, and violet. The news channels couldn't get enough of it—"Manav and Ryan Destroy Crimson Serpent!" banners flashed on every screen. It was a victory that promised peace after years of terror.
However, in the distant **Silver Plains**, the atmosphere was far from celebratory.
President Vinay sat in his luxurious office, staring at the holographic display in front of him. His sharp features were etched with irritation as the broadcast glorified the Goodie Hunters' triumph. The headline screamed: *"A New Era of Hope: The Crimson Serpent Falls!"* Veeran's lips curled into a sneer.
"Manav..." he muttered, his voice laced with contempt. The very name seemed to fester in his mind. "Always stealing the spotlight."
Behind him, his butler, an elderly yet spry man named Garin, stepped forward, carrying a tray of freshly brewed tea. He placed the cup on Veeran's desk with careful precision, his curious eyes catching the tail end of the news.
"Sir," Garin began, his tone hesitant but laced with genuine curiosity. "I've been hearing about this… aura. The reports say Ryan used it to defeat the Crimson Serpent's leader. I must admit, I'm confused. What exactly is aura?"
Vinay leaned back in his chair, a smirk forming on his face. "You're not alone in your confusion, Garin. Aura is a rare and misunderstood phenomenon. Most people don't even realize its existence."
Garin straightened, intrigued. "If you don't mind, sir, could you explain it to me?"
Vinay's eyes gleamed, pleased to flaunt his knowledge. He gestured for Garin to sit, the air in the room growing heavy as if the very topic carried weight.
"Let's start with the basics," Vinay said, his voice smooth and authoritative. "Every living being has **physical strength**—the raw energy of muscle and bone. With training and dedication, one can push their body to its limits. A human using one hundred percent of their physical strength can destroy a mountain. But…" He paused for dramatic effect. "Aura elevates physicality to another realm entirely."
Garin's brow furrowed. "Another realm? How so?"
Vinay chuckled. "Aura doesn't just rely on physical strength. It amplifies it. Imagine your muscles fortified to withstand the weight of a thousand mountains. Your endurance skyrockets, your speed becomes blinding, and your stamina seems endless. Aura strengthens every fiber of your being, turning even the weakest man into a warrior of legend. But it's not that simple."
He leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "Not everyone can harness aura."
"Why is that, sir?" Garin asked, genuinely captivated.
"There are three ways to gain aura," Vinay said, his voice taking on an almost theatrical tone. "And none of them are easy."
Garin's eyes widened. "Three ways?"
Vinay nodded. "The first way is through **objects**. Artifacts imbued with ancient energy. These relics are incredibly rare, often guarded by powerful beings or hidden in the most treacherous places in the universe. If one is lucky enough to find such an object, they can absorb its energy, awakening their aura."
"Sounds dangerous," Garin remarked.
"Dangerous doesn't even begin to describe it," Vinay replied, his voice cold. "The second way is through **religious worshipping**. Some people dedicate their lives to a deity or a higher power. Through rituals, prayers, and unwavering devotion, they can awaken their aura as a divine blessing. But this path requires absolute faith. A single doubt in their mind, and the aura will reject them, sometimes killing them in the process."
Garin's lips tightened into a thin line. "And the third way, sir?"
Vinay's gaze darkened, the air in the room growing colder. "The third way is the most sinister. It involves **sacrificing someone you love to Lord Jayesh**, the god of sacrifice and ambition. It's said that Jayesh grants immense aura power to those willing to pay the ultimate price. But this path comes at a cost far greater than any other—your humanity. Those who take it often descend into madness, consumed by the power they've obtained."
Garin shuddered, the image of such a sacrifice sending chills down his spine. "So not everyone can have aura."
"No, they can't," Vinay confirmed. "And even for those who do, aura is a double-edged sword. Using it comes with severe side effects."
"Side effects?" Garin echoed, his curiosity tinged with concern.
"Regular use of aura weakens the body," Vinay explained, his tone clinical. "It pushes the user beyond their natural limits, and the strain on their physical form can be devastating. Most aura users need at least two months of recovery after prolonged usage. Their muscles deteriorate, their bones weaken, and their stamina is drained to the brink of collapse."
Garin's eyes widened. "Then why use it at all?"
"Because," Vinay said, a dark smile tugging at his lips, "the power it grants is worth any price. Aura can turn the tide of any battle, topple kingdoms, and rewrite the course of history."
The butler sat in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of his master's words. After a moment, he cleared his throat. "Sir, I've heard reports that aura changes color based on emotions. Is that true?"
"Ah, yes," Vinay said, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. "Another fascinating aspect of aura. Its color isn't static—it reflects the user's emotional state. When someone activates their aura, it reacts to the strongest emotion they're feeling at that moment."
He began to list them off, his voice steady and authoritative:
- **Red** for anger: A blazing, fiery aura that burns with raw, destructive power.
- **Purple** for sadness: A somber, heavy aura that resonates with despair and loss.
- **Orange** for excitement: A vibrant, crackling aura full of energy and spontaneity.
- **Blue** for fear: A cold, chilling aura that feeds on caution and survival instincts.
Garin's brow furrowed. "So, the user has to feel the emotion to activate it?"
"Not exactly," Veeran corrected. "They have to be in that emotional state, yes, but the aura doesn't activate automatically. The user can activate if he want . It's a delicate balance—too much emotion, and the aura becomes uncontrollable. Too little, and it won't activate at all."
Garin nodded slowly, his mind racing with the implications. "Sir, if I may ask… do you have aura?"
Vinay's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and menace. "I do. And let's just say, my path to obtaining it wasn't one for the faint of heart."
The butler said no more, his curiosity sated yet his respect for his master deepened. He poured another cup of tea, the clink of porcelain against the tray breaking the heavy silence.
As Vinay sipped his tea, his gaze returned to the holographic display. The image of Manav standing amidst the rubble of the Crimson Serpent's stronghold filled the screen.
"Aura or not," Vinay muttered to himself, "Manav's arrogance will be his downfall. He may have destroyed the Crimson Serpent, but his victory will be short-lived."
Garin, though silent, couldn't help but wonder: In a world where aura wielders held the power of gods, what price would Mars ultimately pay for their strength?