Chapter 14 Manas Earn Respect.

As the dust settled momentarily, Dane stood tall once more, his shadow magic pulsing around him like a living entity. His intense gaze bore into Manas, who tightened his stance, ready for the next wave. But amidst the tension, a familiar voice echoed in Manas's mind—Zephyrion.

"Manas," the voice of the Ring of Wind resonated, calm yet commanding, "this opponent is strong, and he grows more powerful by the second. If you wish to end this battle, I can grant you a new Vidya—a move with the force of the skies themselves. The Garudastra. It will strike with the fury of a divine gale and ensure your victory."

Manas paused, his fists clenching. The offer was tempting, the power promising to turn the tide definitively. But as he glanced at Dane—still determined, still fierce—Manas felt a pang of respect for his rival. This wasn't an enemy. This wasn't a fight for life

"Ze

Zephyrion's voice softened, a mix of pride and curiosity lacing its tone. "Your resolve is admirable, Manas. But remember, true strength lies in knowing when to wield power—and when to hold it back. Very well, I will not interfere further. The rest is up to you."

Dane, unaware of the conversation, stepped forward, the shadows around him swirling like a storm. "Still standing, Manas? I have to admit, you're tougher than I thought. But let's see if you can handle this!" Dane charged, his fists cloaked in shadows, preparing a devastating attack.

Manas drew a deep breath, the wind swirling around him. He knew he couldn't afford to rely solely on Zephyrion's power; this fight was about proving his own abilities. As Dane lunged forward, Manas focused, his movements now fluid and precise, a seamless blend of chakra and the wind's grace.

The fight escalated, each strike and counterstrike more intense than the last. Dane's shadows lashed out, but Manas danced through them, his agility heightened by Zephyrion's influence. With every move, Manas aimed not to overpower, but to match Dane's strength—a testament to their camaraderie and mutual respect.

Finally, after a particularly fierce exchange, both fighters stood at a stalemate, their breaths ragged but their spirits unwavering. Dane grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "You've got guts, Manas. And skill. I might've underestimated you after all."

Manas smiled back, his chest heaving. "And you're stronger than I could've imagined. Fighting you has been an honor, brother."

The team, who had been watching in awe, erupted in cheers and applause. For both Manas and Dane, the fight had gone beyond proving strength—it was a battle that forged mutual respect and strengthened their bond as teammates.

As Manas and Dane shared a nod of mutual respect, the energy in the forest shifted. His teammates, who had initially viewed him with skepticism, now looked at him with newfound admiration. Manas had not only held his own in a challenging fight but had also done so with restraint and integrity—a mark of true strength.

High up in a nearby tree, hidden among the branches, Captain Jax watched the scene unfold, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He had observed every strike, every dodge, and the determination etched across Manas's face. Jax had placed Manas on the team to see how he would handle adversity, and today, Manas had proven himself in ways that surpassed mere combat skill.

"Not bad, Manas," Jax murmured to himself, pride flickering in his eyes. Manas hadn't just fought; he had earned the respect of his team by showing loyalty, restraint, and resilience. These were qualities Jax valued deeply and knew would make Manas an even stronger Shakti Yutra.

As the team gathered around Manas, congratulating him and exchanging hearty pats on the back, Captain Jax slipped quietly back into the shadows, content that his newest recruit was on the path to greatness.

Zephyrion Past 

After the intense fight and well-deserved respect from his teammates, Manas returned to his quarters in Aethera. Exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment, he took a deep breath and sat down, feeling the weight of the day's events. As he closed his eyes, he felt a familiar, calming presence—the voice of Zephyrion speaking to him from within the Ring of Wind.

"That last move, Zephyrion," Manas said, "the Garudastra...it felt powerful, almost alive. I hope I can use such strength when the time truly calls for it."

Zephyrion responded with a soft, contemplative tone. "Manas, there is much I need to share with you. My power is only a fragment of something much greater, something incomplete."

Manas raised an eyebrow, sensing a deeper story. "What do you mean, Zephyrion? There's more to your power than I know?"

"Yes," Zephyrion continued, with a tone that carried both strength and sorrow. "You see, I am one of five rings, each tied to an elemental power, each part of a greater purpose. Long ago, during the ancient war between gods and asuras, five elemental rings were created—each infused with unique energy to maintain balance in the world. I am the Ring of Wind, but I am only one piece of the whole."

Manas leaned forward, intrigued. "Five rings? So, there are others like you? Where are they now?"

A wistful pause lingered before Zephyrion replied, "I wish I knew, Manas. The war was fierce, and during a final, cataclysmic battle, the rings were scattered, hidden across the earth to keep them out of dark hands. Since then, we've lost each other. I am the only one here, as far as I know."

Manas felt a pang of sympathy for Zephyrion. The idea of being separated from one's friends—especially friends with whom he shared such a power.

As the night grew quieter, Manas sat in his room, reflecting on his promise. He looked down at the ring on his hand, feeling the steady pulse of Zephyrion's energy—a reminder of the bond they shared.

"Zephyrion," Manas began, his voice soft but determined, "you've given me your power and helped me earn the respect of my team. In return, I promise to find your friends, no matter how long it takes."

Zephyrion's voice carried a warmth, almost like a smile. "Thank you, Manas. You have a heart far greater than I expected. Few would willingly take on such a quest for someone they have only just met. You've shown me the depth of your spirit, and I trust you with this task."

Manas nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "So, do you have any sense of where the other rings might be? Even the smallest clue could help."

Zephyrion paused, as if searching his memory. "This town, Aethera, holds no trace of my fellow rings. But I remember their energies—each one unique and powerful. I can feel when we are close, like a spark calling out to a flame. It's faint, but I believe one of my friends is in a nearby town, though I can't be certain which one. As we travel through Vajramukhi, I'll sense their presence if they are near."

Manas clenched his fist, already envisioning the journey ahead. "Then we'll keep moving. I'll follow wherever you lead, Zephyrion, until we find them."

Zephyrion's voice softened with admiration. "With you as my partner, I believe we will succeed. You have already shown courage and loyalty—qualities my friends would recognize. When the time comes.

The next morning, as the golden rays of dawn seeped through the windows, Manas stretched and looked at the ring on his finger. "Zephyrion," he whispered, "today we'll start the journey to find your friends. I'll do everything I can to make it happen."

Before Zephyrion could respond, a voice called out from outside. It was one of Captain Jax's team members, summoning everyone to the courtyard. Manas quickly prepared himself, brimming with excitement as he stepped out to join the others.

Captain Jax stood tall before the assembled team, his presence commanding attention. His emerald-green armor shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and his sharp gaze swept over his group. "Team," he began, "we have been tasked with a mission from King Ayaan himself. This is an honor and an opportunity to prove your worth as Shakti Yutras. Prepare yourselves."

Manas's heart raced with excitement. My first mission, he thought, his fists clenching in determination.

Captain Jax continued, his tone firm yet encouraging. "We will be traveling to Blazewood – 'The Star of Thunder.' This mission will require both strength and strategy. There, we will meet Captain Neo and his team. They will brief us further."

Manas tilted his head slightly, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Blazewood?" he whispered to himself. He had never been to this town before. The name sounded intense, almost fiery, which made sense given its association with flames. "I hope it's a good place," he muttered, "and that Captain Neo is someone I can learn from."

Zephyrion's voice echoed softly in his mind. "Blazewood… a town of embers and resolve. Stay sharp, Manas. The Fire there burns not just in the forges, but in the hearts of its people."

Manas grinned. "Sounds like a challenge," he whispered back.

Captain Jax clapped his hands together, breaking Manas's thoughts. "We leave in one hour. Prepare your gear, focus your minds, and be ready for anything. This mission is a chance to showcase your skills and teamwork. Do not falter."

As the team dispersed to ready themselves, Manas stood for a moment, looking toward the horizon where Blazewood awaited. Excitement, curiosity, and a sense of purpose filled his chest. A new town, a new captain, and a chance to prove myself even more.