DHARMA TRIALS: THE SUTRA'S CHOSEN

The next morning, Aryan sat cross-legged by the stream, sweat dripping down his brow as he struggled to channel the energy of the Sutra. Golden runes flickered sporadically around him, but their erratic patterns betrayed his lack of control.

"Focus," Vaanya said sharply from a nearby rock, where she sat sharpening her daggers. The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone underscored her words. "You're letting your emotions cloud your energy. Balance, Aryan. Without it, the Sutra will consume you."

Aryan gritted his teeth, his fists clenching. "It's not that easy! You keep telling me to focus, but you don't explain *how*!"

Vaanya sighed, standing and walking over to him. "You're overthinking. The Sutra isn't just about power—it's about alignment. Let go of your doubts. Trust yourself."

"Easy for you to say," Aryan muttered, his frustration evident. "You make it look effortless."

Vaanya's expression softened, and for a moment, the usual sharpness in her eyes was replaced by something more distant. "Effortless? Trust me, Aryan, I've spent years fighting to survive. Nothing about this life comes easy."

---

### **Vaanya's Past**

Aryan tilted his head, sensing the shift in her tone. "You've been avoiding it since we met. Who *are* you, Vaanya? Why are you helping me?"

Vaanya hesitated, her gaze dropping to the stream. "I wasn't always a mercenary," she began. "I grew up in the Kingdom of Arhaya. My family… they were scholars, devoted to preserving the Sutras and the teachings of Dharma."

"What happened to them?" Aryan asked cautiously.

"They were slaughtered," Vaanya said flatly, her voice devoid of emotion. "A sect called the Shadowed Hand attacked our village. They wanted the scrolls my father protected, believing they could unlock forbidden powers. When he refused to give them up…"

Her voice trailed off, but the pain in her eyes said more than words ever could.

"I survived because I ran," she continued after a moment. "My father made me promise to protect what I could. I've been fighting ever since, trying to make sure monsters like the Shadowed Hand don't destroy what little balance remains in the world."

Aryan stared at her, his earlier frustration melting away. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Vaanya shook her head. "Don't be. That's why I'm here—to make sure the Sutra doesn't fall into the wrong hands. To make sure you don't make the same mistakes I did."

---

### **The Mysterious Figure**

As Aryan and Vaanya spoke, the figure from the previous night watched from the shadows, perched on a high branch. Its dark cloak blended seamlessly with the forest, and its glowing eyes narrowed as it observed them.

"They're stronger than I expected," the figure murmured, a faint smirk playing on its lips. "The boy's power is raw, but it's there. And the girl… she's got fire."

A soft rustle behind the figure drew its attention, and it turned to see a second figure step out of the shadows. This one was taller, clad in dark armor similar to the hunter from before.

"Master wants them alive," the armored figure said in a gravelly voice. "No interference yet."

The cloaked figure chuckled. "Patience is a virtue, I suppose. But watching them struggle is far more entertaining."

The armored figure growled, but the cloaked figure waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. I'm just a shadow. They'll never see me until it's too late."

With that, the cloaked figure vanished into the darkness, leaving the armored one to watch over the clearing.

---

### **A New Ally**

As the day wore on, Aryan continued his training under Vaanya's watchful eye. Just as the sun began to set, a rustling in the underbrush put both of them on high alert. Vaanya drew her daggers, and Aryan instinctively called forth a flicker of golden energy.

"Who's there?" Vaanya demanded, her voice low and dangerous.

A young man stepped out from the trees, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. He wore simple robes, but a staff carved with intricate symbols rested against his shoulder.

"Easy, easy," the man said with a warm smile. "I mean no harm."

Vaanya didn't lower her weapons. "Who are you?"

"My name is Kiran," the man said, his tone calm. "I'm a disciple of the Temple of Agni. I was meditating nearby when I sensed a powerful disturbance in the flow of energy. It led me here."

Aryan exchanged a glance with Vaanya, who remained wary. "Temple of Agni?" Aryan asked. "What's that?"

"The temple is dedicated to the Flame Sutra," Kiran explained. "We study the principles of purification and renewal. But enough about me—who *are* you? And why is the essence of the Vishwakarma Sutra radiating from this clearing?"

Vaanya tensed. "That's none of your concern."

Kiran raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Aryan. "I think it *is* my concern. If the Vishwakarma Sutra has awakened, it could mean great change—or great danger. And judging by the scorch marks and broken trees, I'd say the latter is more likely."

Aryan hesitated, unsure whether to trust the newcomer. But something about Kiran's calm demeanor felt reassuring.

"We're… trying to figure things out," Aryan said cautiously. "I only just awakened the Sutra, and I don't really know what I'm doing."

Kiran nodded thoughtfully. "Then perhaps I can help. The Flame Sutra and the Vishwakarma Sutra share certain harmonies. If you'll allow it, I can teach you some techniques to stabilize your energy."

Vaanya stepped between them, her daggers still raised. "And why would you want to help us?"

Kiran smiled faintly. "Because the balance of Dharma affects us all. If the Sutra falls into the wrong hands, the entire world could suffer. I may not be strong, but I'll do what I can to prevent that."

Vaanya studied him for a moment before lowering her daggers. "Fine. But if you try anything suspicious, you won't live to regret it."

Kiran bowed slightly. "Understood."

---

### **The Path Forward**

That night, the three of them sat around a small fire. Kiran demonstrated a breathing technique designed to calm the mind and harmonize energy flow. Aryan followed his instructions, and for the first time, he felt the golden runes around him stabilize.

Vaanya kept watch, her eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of danger. She knew the peace wouldn't last. The hunter might have been driven off, but others were undoubtedly on their way.

As Aryan's breathing steadied and the runes glowed softly, Kiran smiled. "You have great potential, Aryan. But potential alone won't be enough. The trials ahead will test your strength, your resolve, and your faith."

Aryan opened his eyes, meeting Kiran's gaze. "I'm ready to learn. Whatever it takes, I'll face it."

Vaanya's lips quirked into a faint smile. "We'll see if you still feel that way after your first real trial."

In the shadows beyond the firelight, the armored figure watched silently. Its orders were clear: observe, but do not engage. For now.

But even in the darkness, a storm was brewing—and Aryan's journey was only just beginning.

---

*To be continued…*