Chapter 5: The Whispers of the Past

Arjuna woke up to the sound of faint chanting, his head throbbing from a restless night. The sanctuary's dim lights and ever-present smell of sunshine made it hard to tell what time it was – or whether it was day or night.

He sat down on the cot, stretching out his aching limbs. Last night's events played out like a fever dream in his mind: the defender, the breach, and Vikram's calm, unrelenting behavior. For a brief moment, Arjuna wondered if he could simply walk away from all this.

But the sword resting on the table beside him flashed faintly, as if it could hear his thoughts.

"No choice, right?" he muttered, rubbing his face.

Training Begins

Vikram entered the room with two cups of tea. "Morning, hero," he said with a smile, handing one to Arjuna.

"Don't say that to me," Arjun murmured as he took the cup. What's on today's agenda? More demon slaying?"

"Not yet," Vikram said as he sat down in front of her. "First of all, you need to understand who you're dealing with. Power without knowledge is dangerous.

Arjuna frowned. "It sounds like something like a fortune cookie.

Vikram laughed. "Maybe. But it's true. Come on, there's someone you want to meet.

Meeting Oracle

Vikram led Arjuna deep into the sanctuary, the back rows of ancient artefacts and glowing maps. They stopped in front of a door adorned with intricate carvings of celestial creatures and swirling patterns.

"Avni, the oracle of the worlds," said Vikram, pointing to the door. "She will help you understand your connection to Divya Astra – and what is expected of you."

Before Arjuna could answer, the door opened automatically, revealing a room bathed in golden light. In the center sat a woman dressed in white, her eyes closed as she meditated. His presence was yet commanding calm, as though he was present on a plane beyond ordinary mortals.

"Come in, Arjun," she said, her voice sweet and warm.

Arjun hesitantly stepped inside, feeling a strange pull towards her.

Avni opened her eyes, and Arjuna was struck by her depths – like a pool of light that seemed to hold the entire universe. "You've already started waking up," she said, studying him. "But you're hesitant. Uncertain.

"Can you blame me?" replied Arjuna, shaking uncomfortably. "Yesterday, I was just a guy trying to get by. Now, I... What? Some kind of chosen warrior? It doesn't make sense.

Avni smiled softly. "It happens rarely, at first. But the threads of fate have been woven, and now you are part of a much larger tapestry.

The Truth About the Sword

He motioned for her to sit on a cushion in front of him. Arjuna complied, placing a sword in his lap.

"The divine weapon," Avni began, her voice soft yet resonant, "is not just a weapon. It is a manifestation of cosmic energy, created by the Devas themselves to protect the balance between the realms.

Arjuna looked down at the blade, his celestial patterns fading. "Why me? Why not someone stronger, or smarter?

"Not on the basis of weapon power or intelligence," Avni explained, "but on the purity of one's soul." You may doubt yourself, but Astra sees what you can't.

Her words disturbed Arjuna. He wanted to argue, to deny that he was worthy of such responsibility. But the sword seemed to shine brighter, as if it were to confirm his statement.

"Your connection with Astra is unique," Avni continued. "It will grow just like you, unlocking powers you can't yet imagine." But be warned: the greater the power, the greater the burden.

Arjuna let out a sharp sigh. "Awesome. More cryptic warning. Do you talk in all the riddles?

Avni laughed softly. "Only when necessary.

Visions of the past

He reached out, brushing his fingers to the hilt of the sword. The room became blurry, and Arjun felt a strange sensation, as if he was being dragged into another world.

The golden light shifted around them, turning into a swirling montage of images: warriors dressed in celestial armor battling hordes of monsters, spheres colliding in bursts of energy, and divine weapons shining like a beacon amid the chaos.

"These are the memories of Astra," said Avni, her voice echoing. "It's been run by many people across time and space. Each carrier faced trials that shaped not only their fate but also the fate of the realms.

Arjuna watched in amazement as an image lingered: a warrior stood atop a ruined battlefield, weapon in hand. The warrior turned, and for a fleeting moment, Arjuna saw his face reflected in the glowing blade.

He gasped, vision shattered as he was pulled back into reality.

"What... What was that?" he stammered, his heart racing.

"A glimpse of what could have been," Avni said, her tone serious. "Memories of Astra resonate with your soul. It sees potential in you, but competence alone is not enough. You have to get up to face the challenges ahead.

A Warning and a Choice

As the golden light returned, Avni's expression became sad. "The balance between the realms is delicate, Arjuna. Violations are not random – they are orchestrated by a deep force. One that wants to plunge all the worlds into chaos.

Arjuna frowned. "You're talking about demons.

"Yes," said Avni. "But their leader, Kiritan, is unlike any enemy you have faced. He produces powers that rival even the devs. If it is left unchecked, it will destroy everything.

The weight of his words settled on Arjuna like a heavy shroud. "And should I stop him?"

"You're part of the fight," Avni corrected. "You won't face it alone. Allies will come, and your journey will guide you to the answers you seek. But the path is for you to choose.

Arjun looked at Vikram, who was standing quietly in the corner, his arms crossed.

"No pressure, huh? Arjuna muttered.

Avni smiled faintly. "Pressure is a sign of importance. Remember, Arjuna: Astra has chosen you, but it is your will that will determine its true power.

A New Resolution

As they left the room, Arjun's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The visions, the warnings, the weight of the sword—it all felt overwhelming.

"Hey," Vikram said, breaking the silence. "You did well there. Avni doesn't waste her time on anyone.

Arjuna looked at him suspiciously. "Yes, because I feel very special right now.

"You'll get there," Vikram said, clapping his hands on the shoulder. "One step at a time.

Arjuna nodded, a faint spark of determination lighting within him. For the first time, he felt a sliver of clarity. He didn't have all the answers, but he had a direction.

And for now, it was enough.

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