Raj drifted between consciousness and darkness. His entire body ached, his muscles screaming in protest as he tried to move. The battle against the Alpha had drained him completely, leaving him barely able to stay awake.
He felt warmth against his skin—sunlight? No, it was softer, more controlled. A fire?
Slowly, his senses returned. The scent of herbs and burning incense filled the air. Faint whispers reached his ears.
He forced his eyes open.
He was lying on a cot inside a wooden hut. The ceiling above him was made of woven straw, and wooden beams supported the structure. A small fire crackled nearby, its warmth spreading through the small room.
Raj turned his head and winced as pain shot through his body.
"You're awake."
The voice was deep, calm, and filled with wisdom.
Raj blinked and turned toward the source.
A man sat across from him. He had long, silver hair, neatly tied back, and piercing golden eyes that seemed to see through Raj's very soul. He wore simple robes, layered in deep blues and gold, with intricate symbols woven into the fabric. Despite his age, there was an undeniable aura of strength around him.
Raj swallowed. "Who… are you?"
The man smiled slightly. "You may call me Guru Vayan."
---
A Mysterious Savior
Raj tried to sit up, but his body protested. Guru Vayan extended a hand, and suddenly, Raj felt a strange warmth wash over him. His pain eased slightly, enough for him to move.
"What… was that?" Raj asked, stunned.
"Prana healing," Vayan said simply. "Your body was near collapse. If you had pushed yourself any further in that battle, you would not have survived."
Raj winced. "I didn't really have a choice."
Vayan chuckled. "True warriors rarely do."
Raj took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "Where am I?"
"My sanctuary," Vayan answered. "A hidden place, far from the reach of those who seek power without understanding."
Raj glanced around. The room was small, but the energy in the air felt different—calm yet potent, as if the very walls were filled with Prana.
"How did I get here?"
"Your companion, Kael, carried you here after the battle," Vayan said. "He has been watching over you."
Raj frowned. "Kael's here?"
"Yes. Resting, though far less wounded than you."
Raj let out a breath of relief. He was glad Kael was alive.
But then, a thought struck him.
"The Alpha… it was real, wasn't it?" Raj asked.
Vayan nodded. "Indeed. And it was only the beginning."
Raj's stomach twisted. There's more?
"You have potential, Raj," Vayan continued, his golden eyes studying him intently. "But raw talent is not enough. Without proper guidance, you will be consumed by this world."
Raj sat up straighter despite the pain. "Are you saying you'll train me?"
Vayan smiled. "I am offering you a path. Whether you walk it is up to you."
Raj clenched his fists. He had barely survived that fight. If there were stronger enemies ahead, he needed to get stronger.
"Teach me," he said firmly.
Vayan's smile widened. "Very well."
---
The Path of a Warrior
Vayan led Raj outside. The sanctuary was deeper in the forest, far removed from the ruins of the Village of Shadows. Unlike the eerie village, this place was vibrant, filled with ancient trees and flowing streams. The very air pulsed with Prana.
"Prana is not simply power," Vayan said as they walked. "It is the essence of life itself. The mistake most warriors make is trying to control it."
Raj frowned. "Then how do you use it?"
Vayan stopped and turned to face him. "You do not control Prana. You become one with it."
He raised his hand, and without a single movement, the wind around them shifted. Leaves swirled upward, carried by an invisible force, dancing in a spiral around Vayan.
Raj's eyes widened.
"This is the difference between those who wield Prana and those who understand it," Vayan said. "You forced Prana to obey you in battle, and it nearly broke you. But if you learn to flow with it, you will become far stronger than you can imagine."
Raj took a deep breath. "How do I do that?"
Vayan turned and continued walking. "It will not be easy. The first step is understanding your own limitations. Come, your training begins now."
---
The Test
Vayan led Raj to a clearing with a small waterfall cascading over smooth rocks. The pool below shimmered with an unnatural glow.
"Step into the water," Vayan instructed.
Raj hesitated but obeyed, stepping into the cool stream. The moment his feet touched the water, he felt it—Prana, swirling beneath the surface.
Vayan stood on the shore. "Your task is simple. Walk across the water."
Raj blinked. "Wait… what?"
Vayan gestured to the other side. "If you truly understand Prana, you will not sink. If you do not… well, the water is not too deep."
Raj stared at him, then at the water. He's serious.
Taking a deep breath, Raj focused on his Prana. He tried to will it into his legs, just like before. The warmth spread through him—
Then he took a step.
And immediately sank up to his knees.
Vayan sighed. "You are forcing it again."
Raj groaned. "Then what am I supposed to do?"
Vayan smiled. "Feel the flow. Do not fight the water. Let it carry you."
Raj gritted his teeth. Flow with it…
He closed his eyes and reached out, not with force, but with awareness. He felt the water beneath him, the way it pulsed with energy.
Slowly, he stepped forward.
This time, he did not sink.
His foot hovered just above the surface, supported by an unseen force.
Raj's eyes widened. I did it…
He took another step. And another.
He was walking across the water.
Vayan nodded approvingly. "Good. You are beginning to understand."
Raj grinned, feeling triumphant. But then—
A sharp crack echoed through the trees.
Raj turned, heart pounding.
Something was coming.
---
An Unexpected Warning
Kael burst into the clearing, his expression grim. "We have a problem."
Vayan's calm demeanor did not waver. "Speak."
Kael shot Raj a quick glance before turning to Vayan. "Scouts spotted movement near the village. A warband. Not just bandits—something worse."
Raj's stomach twisted. "More of those shadow beasts?"
Kael shook his head. "No. This time, it's people."
Vayan's expression darkened. "Then we do not have much time."
He turned to Raj. "You have made progress, but your journey is far from over. If you accept my guidance, you must be ready for what comes next."
Raj met his gaze. He had come too far to turn back now.
"I'm ready."
Vayan nodded. "Then let us begin."
The distant sound of marching footsteps echoed through the forest.
War was coming.
And Raj had to be prepared.
---