The rising sun bathed Adityagarh in a golden aura. The morning aartis echoed from the newly constructed Divya Mandir, and birds fluttered in celebration above the palace spires. Shaurya stood on the eastern balcony of his palace, his gaze calm, but his mind alert.
Today was not just another day.
It was the arrival of Rajguru Rachit Vedanshi, one of the wisest surviving sages of the ancient world.
"Yuvraj Shaurya," came a respectful voice.
It was Senapati Rudra Pratap, clad in his silver-blue armor. "The convoy of the Rajguru has been sighted. They're approaching from the eastern jungle trail."
Shaurya nodded. "Make arrangements for a royal welcome. The Rajguru does not visit without reason."
Rudra bowed and departed swiftly.
Shaurya turned inward. The path of adhipatya is not merely conquest… It is understanding. And Rajguru Vedanshi is a man who holds many truths.
Scene: The Arrival
Within an hour, the gates of Adityagarh opened. Citizens lined up to witness the legendary sage's entry.
The convoy was simple — four bull-drawn wooden chariots inscribed with Vedic chants, protected by bare-chested warrior-monks wielding wooden staves. In the center, a modest palanquin with golden silk curtains stopped.
The curtain parted, and an aged man with glowing eyes stepped out. His beard reached his chest, white and braided. He wore a robe of deep maroon, embedded with mantra crystals that shimmered softly. A rudraksha crown adorned his head.
He raised his hand. The crowd fell silent.
"I am Rachit Vedanshi, Rajguru of ancient Aryavart, guardian of Dharma, bearer of forgotten secrets."
He looked directly at Shaurya.
"And you… are the child chosen by Destruction itself."
Shaurya stepped forward, unshaken. "Welcome, revered one. My kingdom is honored."
Vedanshi smiled. "Your kingdom is not what interests me. You are."
Scene: The Meeting in Sabha Mandap
Later that day, the Sabha Mandap — now fitted with sandalwood pillars and tapestries depicting Shaurya's battles — hosted the assembly.
All ministers were present:
Mantrimandal Chief – Vishwanath Joshi
Mahasenapati – Rudra Pratap
Arthamatya (Finance Minister) – Yuktiraj Sharma
Mahapurohit – Swami Anirdeshananda
Vastukalaacharya (Chief Architect) – Niranjan Chitale
Shaurya sat on the newly crafted Rajsimhasana, a throne of obsidian, gold, and carved peepal wood.
Rajguru Vedanshi entered barefoot, and all ministers rose.
"Be seated, wise ones. I bring not orders, but warnings."
Shaurya gestured. "Speak freely."
The Rajguru unrolled an ancient scroll.
"Millennia ago, a Mirror Gate was hidden beneath this continent. A fragment of that gate lies beneath these lands. It pulses again, responding to your rise."
Swami Anirdeshananda's eyes widened. "That sounds like a relic from the Purana Kaal… when Devas and Asuras still walked this world."
"Indeed," Vedanshi confirmed. "And it holds danger far beyond your current might."
Shaurya leaned forward. "I do not fear danger, only ignorance. Where is this Mirror Gate?"
"Beneath the Amavasya Caverns, past the southern blackstone cliffs. But beware. It is guarded by false gods — echoes created by those who tried to become divine through technology."
Scene: Later That Night
Shaurya sat in his study alone, candlelight flickering around him. He opened his system panel.
[SYSTEM OF ADHIPATYA – STATUS: ACTIVE]
> Mission Triggered: "Into the Mirror's Maw"
Difficulty: Unknown
Rewards: Fragment of Eternal Throne | Divine Tech Blueprint | ???
He stared at the glowing glyphs. Then softly muttered:
"False gods… echoes… Are these my true enemies?"
There was a knock.
"Enter."
It was Nandini, a brilliant strategist recently recruited from a remote village — sharp-eyed, always calm.
"My lord, the people are whispering. They sense something dark. Shall we begin preparations for war?"
Shaurya shook his head. "Not war. Exploration. But yes — prepare the Divya Vahanas and send word to Rudra Pratap. We ride south in three days."
Scene: The Rajguru's Private Talk
Before departing, Rajguru Vedanshi requested a private audience.
They sat beneath the ancient Kalpavriksha Tree inside the palace garden — a tree said to bloom once every 500 years.
"I have walked a thousand lives, Shaurya," said Vedanshi, "but never have I seen fate woven so tightly around one soul."
Shaurya asked, "Is it truly fate or the will of the Demon King who sent me?"
Vedanshi smiled. "Destruction is not chaos. It is purification. Shiva destroys so that truth may be reborn. And your path — forged by the Demon King — may yet align with Dharma."
Shaurya stared at the moon.
"I only want to build. Build so high that no shadow can conquer it."
Vedanshi touched his shoulder. "Then beware, for the tallest towers cast the longest shadows."
Scene: Back in the War Room
Shaurya gathered his council.
"We set out in three days. Into the Amavasya Caverns. This will not be conquest — it will be revelation."
Vishwanath Joshi asked, "Should we mobilize full legions?"
"No," Shaurya replied. "A small unit. Silent. Swift. Devoted."
He glanced at Rudra Pratap, Nandini, Swami Anirdeshananda, and two elite warriors, the Garudavanshis.
"You five shall join me."
Everyone bowed.
And as the bells of the Mandir rang again… the next step of his journey had begun.
To be continued....