DHARMA TRIALS: THE SUTRA'S CHOSEN

The forest was eerily quiet as Aryan, Vaanya, and Kiran trekked deeper into its heart. The canopy above was so thick that sunlight barely pierced through, leaving the air cool and shadowy.

Aryan adjusted the strap of his satchel, glancing at Kiran, who walked beside him with an easy gait. "So, this trial… is it going to involve more people trying to kill me?"

Kiran chuckled. "Not quite. Trials like these are more about confronting yourself than external threats. But that doesn't make them any less dangerous."

Aryan frowned. "Great. Sounds like fun."

Vaanya, who led the group, stopped abruptly and turned to face them. "Stop talking. We're close."

Aryan and Kiran followed her gaze. In the distance, a shimmering golden gate stood amidst the trees, its intricate carvings glowing faintly. The gate seemed out of place, as if it didn't belong in the natural world.

"The Gate of Dharma," Kiran said, awe evident in his voice. "It appears only for those who are tied to the Sutras. Passing through it will initiate the trial."

Aryan stared at the gate, a knot forming in his stomach. "And what happens if I fail?"

Vaanya's expression was grim. "If you fail, the Sutra will reject you. The power will consume you, and you'll die."

"Fantastic," Aryan muttered.

---

### **The Gate Opens**

The trio approached the gate cautiously. As Aryan stepped closer, the golden carvings flared to life, radiating a soft hum that resonated through the air.

Kiran placed a reassuring hand on Aryan's shoulder. "Remember, the trial is a test of your will and balance. Trust in yourself."

Vaanya added, "And don't overthink it. You'll only make things harder."

Aryan took a deep breath and stepped forward. As he passed through the gate, the world around him dissolved into light.

---

### **The Trial Begins**

When Aryan's vision cleared, he found himself standing in an open field under a blood-red sky. The air was heavy, and an unnatural silence pressed down on him.

"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing strangely.

A familiar voice answered. "You don't belong here."

Aryan spun around and froze. Standing a few feet away was… himself. Or rather, a twisted version of himself. This Aryan wore dark armor, his eyes glowing with a malevolent red light.

"What… what is this?" Aryan stammered.

The dark Aryan smirked. "This is the truth. I am what you'll become if you fail. Weak. Corrupted. Lost."

Aryan shook his head. "That's not true. I—"

"Lies!" the dark Aryan roared, drawing a blade wreathed in black flames. "You think you're special? You're nothing! A farmer pretending to be a hero!"

The dark Aryan charged, swinging the blade with terrifying speed. Aryan barely managed to dodge, stumbling backward.

"Fight me," the dark Aryan snarled. "Show me you're worthy of the Sutra!"

---

### **A Battle of Wills**

Aryan scrambled to his feet, his hands trembling. The golden runes flickered to life around him, but they were faint and unstable.

"You can't defeat me," the dark Aryan sneered, advancing slowly. "You doubt yourself at every turn. You're weak."

Aryan clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand his ground. "Maybe I'm not the strongest. Maybe I don't have all the answers. But I won't give up!"

The dark Aryan laughed coldly. "Empty words."

He lunged again, and this time, Aryan raised his hands instinctively. A golden shield formed around him, deflecting the blade. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, but Aryan held firm.

"Not bad," the dark Aryan said, circling him. "But you're only delaying the inevitable."

Aryan focused on the warmth in his chest, the source of the Sutra's power. He let it flow through him, steadying his breathing. The runes around him began to stabilize, their glow intensifying.

"I'm not afraid of you," Aryan said, his voice stronger now. "You're just a shadow. A reflection of my fears. And I won't let you control me."

The dark Aryan roared in fury, launching a flurry of attacks. But this time, Aryan didn't back down. He blocked, parried, and countered, each movement more confident than the last.

Finally, with a surge of golden energy, Aryan struck back, his fist connecting with the dark Aryan's chest. The shadowy figure staggered, cracks spreading across its form like shattered glass.

"No!" the dark Aryan screamed as the cracks consumed him. "This isn't over!"

With one final burst of light, the dark Aryan disintegrated, leaving Aryan alone in the field.

---

### **The Gate of Dharma (Return)**

Aryan blinked as the field dissolved around him, and he found himself back in the forest. The golden gate shimmered behind him before fading into nothingness.

Vaanya and Kiran rushed to his side.

"You made it," Vaanya said, relief evident in her voice.

Aryan nodded, his body trembling from exhaustion. "It… wasn't easy."

Kiran studied him closely. "The glow of the Sutra is stronger now. The trial has strengthened your bond with it."

Aryan managed a weak smile. "Good to know it wasn't for nothing."

---

### **A New Threat**

As the group began to move again, a chill swept through the forest. Vaanya froze, her hand on her dagger.

"We're not alone," she said, her eyes scanning the shadows.

A figure emerged from the darkness, its glowing eyes and sly grin unmistakable.

"Ah, there you are," the cloaked figure said, clapping slowly. "I must say, watching you struggle was quite entertaining."

Vaanya immediately drew her weapons, placing herself between Aryan and the stranger. "Who are you?"

The figure chuckled. "Just an observer. For now."

Aryan felt a surge of anger. "Why are you following us?"

The figure's grin widened. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in your journey. But don't worry—I'm not here to fight. Not yet, anyway."

Vaanya stepped forward, her daggers gleaming. "Leave. Now."

The figure tilted its head, amused. "As you wish. But we'll meet again. And next time, things won't be so… pleasant."

With that, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving an unnatural silence in its wake.

---

### **The Journey Ahead**

As the group continued their journey, Aryan couldn't shake the unease left by the encounter.

"Kiran," he said quietly. "That figure… who do you think they are?"

Kiran's expression was grave. "Someone powerful. And someone who doesn't play by the rules of Dharma."

Vaanya tightened her grip on her daggers. "We'll deal with them when the time comes. For now, we focus on preparing for the next trial."

Aryan nodded, determination burning in his chest. The first trial had tested his resolve, but he knew the challenges ahead would only grow harder.

He would need to grow stronger—fast.

---

*To be continued…*