Chapter 10 First Meeting with Ring.

Manas took a deep breath as he stood at the entrance to the Windspire Cave. The air around him was alive with energy, the winds swirling and whispering secrets of the trials that awaited him. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and trepidation; he knew this mission would test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine. Yet, his determination was unwavering. This was his chance to prove himself, to earn his place among the Shakti Yutras, and maybe even uncover a new depth of power within himself.

As he stepped into the cave, a cool breeze brushed over his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. The cave was dark and vast, yet the air was thick with energy, pulsing almost like a heartbeat. Manas could feel the presence of something ancient and powerful.

After a few moments of walking through the dimly lit tunnels, he reached a large, open chamber. In the center of the room, on a pedestal surrounded by a vortex of swirling air, rested the Ring of Wind. The ring gleamed with an otherworldly light, the storm within it twisting like a miniature cyclone. Manas's eyes widened as he approached, mesmerized by the ring's beauty and raw power. He could feel the energy radiating from it, calling to his spirit.

But as he stepped closer, a fierce gust of wind pushed him back, and a low, echoing growl filled the chamber. Emerging from the shadows was a creature, its form indistinct, as if it was made of pure wind and shadow. Its eyes glowed with an eerie light, and it moved with a speed that made it difficult to track.

The creature lunged at him, and Manas barely managed to dodge, his body moving instinctively. He realized quickly that this was no ordinary foe; it was a guardian of the ring, and it wasn't going to let him pass without a fight.

Drawing on his training, Manas centered himself, focusing on his Solar Plexus Chakra. He whispered, "Solar Strike…" as his body began to glow with a faint yellow light. With a surge of strength, he launched himself toward the creature, striking out with a powerful punch that sent a shockwave through the air. The creature faltered but quickly reformed, its swirling form adapting to Manas's attacks.

Manas clenched his fists, his body radiating heat from his chakra energy, but he could feel exhaustion creeping in. The guardian was relentless, its attacks growing fiercer as it sensed his weariness.

Just as he thought he couldn't last much longer, he remembered Captain Skye's advice: to stay calm, to feel the energy around him. He took a steadying breath, focusing not on his own power, but on the winds that surrounded him. He felt the air shift, and for the first time, he felt a connection to the very element he was fighting.

With renewed determination, Manas called upon his energy one last time, focusing it into a single, powerful move. "Whirlwind Surge!" he shouted, thrusting his fists forward. A surge of wind and energy erupted from him, merging with the currents in the cave and swirling into a massive vortex that engulfed the guardian. The creature's form was torn apart by the force, dissipating into wisps of air.

Panting, Manas staggered forward to the pedestal. His hand trembled as he reached out and grasped the Ring of Wind. The moment he touched it, a wave of energy coursed through him, filling him with a newfound sense of power and clarity. The ring glowed, and the winds around him stilled, as if acknowledging him as their master.

Manas slipped the ring onto his finger, feeling its weight and the power it bestowed upon him. He had completed his mission, but he knew this was only the beginning of a much larger journey. As he exited the cave, the winds seemed to follow him, wrapping around him like a cloak.

Ring Of Wind

As Manas slid the ring onto his finger, a faint voice echoed in his mind. He froze, his heart racing as the voice grew louder, resonating from the ring itself.

"Hey… Boy! Wait… You… are my new king?" The voice was laced with disbelief, confusion, and maybe even a hint of annoyance. "Oh no… not a mere boy! How did this happen? Where is everyone? Where are the gods?"

Manas's eyes widened in shock. He had expected power, maybe some kind of energy boost, but a talking ring? This was beyond anything he had imagined. Gathering his courage, he replied, "Uh… don't worry, Ring. I'll get you back to your rightful owner. I'm sure there's been some mistake."

A scoff sounded in his head. "Rightful owner? Don't be ridiculous! You're my owner now—whether I like it or not. But hear this, boy: don't try to remove me. I can't be removed until… well, until I say so. And one more thing—don't let anyone see me. It would be… inconvenient."

Manas chuckled nervously. "Alright, alright. So… what should I call you? It feels weird just calling you 'Ring.'"

The voice sighed, exasperated. "First of all, I am not just a ring! My name is Zephyrion, a spirit bound to this ring by ancient magic. I have guarded the winds, protected realms, and served the gods themselves. Show some respect."

Manas's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Zephyrion… alright, then. Nice to meet you, I guess. I'm Manas."

Zephyrion huffed. "Nice to meet you, indeed. Well, Manas, if you're going to wield me, you'd better be worthy. The winds have chosen you, but that doesn't mean I have."

Manas nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility in Zephyrion's words. He felt a strange bond forming, like he was no longer alone in his quest. Together, they would face the challenges ahead.

Manas grinned. "I'll prove myself, Zephyrion. I promise."

And with that, the boy and the ancient ring spirit began their journey together, a partnership bound by fate and filled with mystery.

As Manas walked through the tranquil paths of Windmere, Zephyrion's voice broke the silence.

"Why are you walking?" the ring spirit asked, sounding almost exasperated. "Don't you have vidyas or some other power you can use to speed things up? I mean, come on—you're wearing me, the great Zephyrion!"

Manas chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry to disappoint, Zephyrion, but I don't have any vidyas. I'm used to getting around by walking or running."

There was a pause, and then a loud burst of laughter echoed in his mind. "What?! A boy with no powers… my king?" Zephyrion was practically cackling. "This is too much! The gods must have a twisted sense of humor!"

Manas couldn't help but laugh along. "Yeah, I guess it's pretty funny when you think about it."

Zephyrion suddenly grew quiet. He'd expected a hint of irritation or maybe even frustration from the boy, but instead, Manas was laughing at himself, unbothered by Zephyrion's teasing. The spirit was taken aback by his calm, positive nature. Most people would be upset or offended, but Manas just took it in stride, embracing the humor in his own situation.

"Hmm…" Zephyrion muttered, with an edge of curiosity. "You're… different, aren't you?"

Manas shrugged, smiling. "I just try to stay positive. There's no use getting angry over small things."

The ring spirit fell silent for a moment, feeling something unexpected—a hint of respect for this boy who held no power but carried a strong spirit.

"Well, Manas," Zephyrion said with a new seriousness in his voice, "maybe you're not as powerless as you think. I'm bound to this ring by magic older than time. Perhaps, if we're bonded… some of my abilities might awaken in you."

Manas's eyes widened with hope and excitement. "Really? You think I could use your powers?"

Zephyrion's voice softened. "I think, with enough patience and the right mindset, you might. But it's no easy task. You'll need to understand the essence of the wind—its freedom, its strength, and its unpredictability. Do you think you're ready for that?"

Manas nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'll do my best, Zephyrion. I want to be worthy of this bond."

Zephyrion gave a quiet, approving hum. "Then let's begin. Let the winds guide your footsteps, Manas. Feel them, understand them… and someday, you might just be able to soar."

Manas took a deep breath, trying to channel the power of the ring into his legs. He focused on the energy of the wind, imagining it swirling around him, lifting him off the ground. Slowly, he felt a rush of force building up, and with a burst of excitement, he pushed off—only to soar uncontrollably forward and crash right into a nearby tree!

Zephyrion's voice boomed with laughter. "What are you doing? You're using way too much power! Control it, boy! Wind is about balance, not brute force!"

Manas rubbed his sore head, embarrassed but grinning. "Well… I was flying, at least for a second!" He couldn't help but laugh along, feeling exhilarated by his first taste of Zephyrion's power.

Taking a deep breath, he refocused, this time keeping Zephyrion's advice in mind. Slowly, he called upon the ring's energy, visualizing it as a gentle breeze instead of a gusting storm. He let it flow through his legs with control, like a gentle push. With a small leap, he lifted off the ground and hovered, barely a few inches at first but steady. A few more tries, and he found himself gliding, then flying just above the ground.

"Oh my god… I'm flying!" he shouted, his heart racing with excitement as he gained more control. He felt the wind beneath him, carrying him forward, as if he was one with it.

Zephyrion observed, amazed at how quickly Manas was adapting. "This boy… he's something special. Most people would take years to learn such control, yet he's doing it in minutes." There was a sense of pride in the spirit's voice, something he hadn't expected to feel.

Manas grinned, exhilarated by his newfound ability. "Thank you, Zephyrion! I can't believe it… I'm actually flying! Just wait—soon, I'll master every bit of your power!"

Zephyrion chuckled. "Don't get too cocky, boy. The wind is only lending you a taste of its freedom. Respect it, and it will respect you."

Manas nodded, understanding the wisdom in those words. This was just the beginning of his journey with Zephyrion, and he knew that mastering the power of wind would take patience, humility, and balance. But for now, he soared through Windmere, feeling the thrill of freedom, more determined than ever to become a true Shakti Yutra.