Virat Singh stood in the radiant chamber of the Vishnu Stambha's first tier, his heart still racing from the awakening of the **Surya Narayana Shakti**.
The divine solar embodiment thrummed in his dantian, its power a promise of vengeance against the Chandra Vihar Ashram. Yet, the three glowing orbs in the bronze **kamandalu**—holding the memories of the **Adi Rasayana Deva**, **Adi Yantra Deva**, and **Adi Astra Deva**—remained out of reach.
Their barriers required strength far beyond his current **Third Stage of Deha Siddhi**. To claim the alchemical wisdom, he needed the **Atma Bindu Stage**; for the yantra mastery, the **Prana Core Stage**; and for the astra-crafting art, the **Deva Raja Stage**.
Virat shook his head, resolve hardening. "Strength comes first. The Divya Mani has given me a path, but I must walk it."
He probed the cosmic realm of the Divya Mani, its emerald paths stretching into jungles, hills, and rivers. From the knowledge imparted by the stone pillar, he learned this sacred space could store treasures, nurture herbs, and even house mythical beasts. Unlike the rare **Nabha Pouch** used by Bharatavarsha's cultivators, which held limited items, or the costly **Jiva Ring** for living plants, the Divya Mani's realm was boundless, a living world under his command.
Laughing softly, Virat marveled. "A treasure greater than any ashram's vault! I could grow **Sanjeevani** or **Ashwagandha** here, unmatched in potency." His excitement surged, but a question lingered: how to leave this realm?
As the thought formed, his vision blurred. The vibrant world faded, and he found himself in the dark, damp ravine of the Kali Van, surrounded by towering kusha grass. His body ached from Rohan Dev's attack, but the Divya Mani's energy pulsed in his heart. With a thought, radiant **Surya Vihangam Wings** erupted from his back, golden flames dancing with star-like sparks. He flapped them, soaring clumsily to the ravine's cliff edge before landing, breathless.
"My strength isn't enough to sustain these wings long," he panted, retracting them. "But I'll master them on the road to Suryanagar."
He resumed his trek through the Kali Van, eyes set on the distant city where the tournament loomed—a chance to prove himself and confront his enemies. Suddenly, a deafening **BOOM** shook the forest, sending birds scattering.
"Is someone fighting?" Virat muttered, curiosity piqued. He moved toward the sound, navigating tangled vines and shadowed trees.
The clash grew louder—wood splintering, earth trembling. As he peered through the foliage, a massive creature loomed into view: a **Rakshasa Kumbha Vyaghra**, a bear-like beast towering three meters, its black fur streaked with crimson, claws like curved daggers. A **Trtiya Rank** magical beast, equivalent to a **Prana Core Stage** cultivator.
Virat's eyes widened. "A Rakshasa Kumbha Vyaghra! How is anyone facing that alone?"
To his shock, a lone figure battled the beast—a young woman, perhaps sixteen, clad in a flowing saffron robe embroidered with lotus patterns. Her movements were fluid, like a dancer in a sacred ritual. Wielding a silver **trishula**, she struck with precision, her prana-infused strikes targeting the beast's eyes and joints. Her beauty was striking—long dark hair, eyes sharp as a hawk's, and a presence that radiated strength.
"This can't be real," Virat whispered, awed. A girl so young, matching a Prana Core beast? His own Third Stage of Deha Siddhi felt insignificant.
"ROAR!" The Vyaghra pounded its chest, its massive paws shattering a tree. The ground quaked as it lunged, but the woman dodged with grace, her trishula flashing. A burst of prana sliced the beast's flank, drawing blood that stained its fur red.
"BANG!" The Vyaghra crashed into a boulder, cracking it. Wounds crisscrossed its body, yet it roared, undeterred.
Virat hesitated. Should he intervene? His Surya Narayana Shakti burned within, urging action, but his strength paled against such a foe. Still, the woman fought alone, and the memory of his own betrayal in the Kali Van stirred his resolve. If he could aid her, perhaps he'd gain an ally—or a chance to test his new powers.
Steeling himself, Virat stepped forward, the Divya Mani pulsing in his heart, ready to unleash the flames of his vengeance on beast and foe alike.