As Arya, Vaishnavi, and Sachin prepare to leave the cursed jungle, the earth trembles beneath them. A deep, primal growl echoes through the trees. The mist swirls violently, and from the shadows, a colossal creature emerges.
The Vanthara, a majestic yet terrifying beast, steps forward. Its body is a fusion of ancient roots and living fur, its four glowing eyes radiate wisdom and power, and its antlers stretch like twisted branches toward the sky.
Vanthara (in a deep, rumbling voice):
"The forest has chosen. He cannot leave."
Sachin stumbles back, still weak from his hallucination.
Sachin (gasping):
"W-What? What do you mean?!"
Vanthara:
"You have been marked, outsider. Your fate is tied to the whispers of this land. You will remain, or you will perish."
Arya steps forward, his stance firm, placing himself between Sachin and the beast.
Arya (defiantly):
"He is not yours to claim. If you want him, you'll have to go through me."
The Vanthara lets out a low chuckle, the trees around them shuddering with its amusement.
Vanthara:
"You challenge me, warrior of Wrath? Your rage is still young, your control untested. If you fight like a beast, you will fall like one."
Arya (gritting his teeth):
"I don't fight for Wrath alone. I fight for my people."
Without warning, the Vanthara lunges forward! Arya barely dodges as a massive claw slashes the ground where he stood.
The battle begins.
Arya attacks with precision, channeling his strength—but the Vanthara is fast. It moves like the wind, its body merging with the jungle, striking from impossible angles.
Arya's instincts scream at him to unleash the Mark of Wrath, to burn everything in his path—but he hesitates.
Vaishnavi (shouting):
"Don't lose yourself, Arya! Remember Hanuman's words!"
Arya clenches his fists, steadying his breath. He recalls Hanuman's lesson—power without devotion leads to ruin. Instead of fighting recklessly, he focuses…
When the Vanthara charges again, Arya sidesteps gracefully, using the beast's momentum against it. He strikes at the perfect moment—not with rage, but with control.
The Vanthara stumbles, its glowing eyes widening.
Vanthara (grinning, voice amused):
"So… you have learned."
The Vanthara stops attacking, towering over Arya. The jungle stills.
Vanthara:
"You did not fight with mindless wrath. You fought with purpose. Perhaps… I was mistaken."
Sachin steps forward hesitantly.
Sachin:
"What did you mean by 'chosen'?"
Vanthara:
"Your spirit carries doubt, yet the forest sees potential. It tested you… and you survived. You may leave, but the mark remains. One day, you will understand why."
Sachin shivers as he feels something cold yet familiar settle in his heart. A warning… or a destiny?
The Vanthara turns away, vanishing into the trees like a ghost. The jungle seems… quieter.