Chapter 15 - New Journey

Shiva was sitting on the same hill where his friends had bid him goodbye and left for the God Trial. The distance from Jedna to Swargna City was about 3 weeks. Shiva was thinking about what his friends were doing. Shiva had achieved a C rank in the last few weeks. But a rumor had spread about him that he was unlucky and while he was with Ansh's team, he always fell into trouble. So he left Shiva alone and went away. But these were all rumors and everyone knew about it. They were just annoyed with Shiva and how quickly he had moved ahead in the ranks. Shiva was not bothered by these things and was only becoming stronger. He had become an expert in using the spirits' power to a great extent. He had become so powerful that if he wanted, he could easily clear even the S rank dungeon. Shiva would be at the top if there was a power scale. Shiva was watching the golden rays of the setting sun from the hill and a question was echoing in Shiva's mind: "What next?" But he had no answer to it.

Shiva was lost in his thoughts when he heard a voice, Shiva! What happened, friend? It seems as if you have taken the entire weight of the world on your shoulders!" "Shiva! What happened, friend? It's like you've taken the weight of the world on your shoulders!"

Shiva looked up in surprise. Satya was standing in front of him—his old friend and a seasoned S-rank adventurer. Satya's presence always had a strange charm, an energy that made him feel confident in every situation. He was one of those people who could brighten up even the toughest days with his laughter and carefree attitude. And right now, Shiva needed that.

Shiva tried to give a light smile while Satya came and sat down next to him.

"Nothing, just thinking," Shiva replied.

Satya raised an eyebrow and looked at him deeply.

"Thinking? That doesn't suit you brother! Tell me, what is it really about?"

Shiva hesitated. He trusted Satya, they had cleared a lot of quests together for a while now, but he didn't want to worry her. Still, he had no one else to talk to. After taking a deep breath, he began to speak—

"It's just… everyone is moving on, you understand? Ansh, Kavi, Tara—they all left for the god trail. They're all looking for something bigger. And I… I'm stuck here, wondering what I should do next?"

Satya looked up at the sky and smiled.

"Oh, I understand now. You feel like you're being left behind, right?"

Shiva nodded.

"Yeah. I'm happy for them, really. But it feels like I'm just standing here, and everyone else is moving on."

Satya laughed and nudged him lightly.

"Shiva, you're overthinking. Life is not meant to be about planning everything all the time. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow."

Shubhu looked at him suspiciously.

"Going with the flow? That's easy for you to say. You're an S-rank adventurer, you've already succeeded."

Satya laughed loudly and shook his head.

"Successful? Brother, there's no one more confused than me! But I don't forget to enjoy it."

Shiva raised his eyebrows and said.

"So you're saying just keep having fun, don't worry?"

Satya winked and said, "Absolutely! Look, we're adventurers! We also have a life full of adventure, danger and mysteries. If we keep thinking about what will happen next, where's the fun?"

Shiva smiled a little after hearing Satya's words.

"I wish I could think like you."

Satya patted him on the back in a friendly way.

"He'll learn it soon! Come on, I have an idea to brighten your mood."

"What?" Shiva asked curiously.

"Let's go to the guild!" Satya winked and began pulling Shiva along with him,

To the Adventurer's Guild

The Adventurer's Guild was the busiest place in the village. There were adventurers of all levels—some sharing stories over drinks, others scouring the quest board for new missions.

Satya led Shiva straight to the board and pointed to a mission.

"Look at this."

Shiva read—

"S-rank mission: Exploring Dravarna Mountain."

"You're joking, right?" Shiva stared at Satya in disbelief.

"S-rank mission? I'm only C-rank!"

Satya shrugged casually.

"So what? I'm S-rank, right? And this isn't a battle, it's just a quest. I will be with you, so no need to be afraid."

Shiva stared at the mission notice in confusion. Mount Dravarana was notorious for its dangerous terrain and unpredictable weather. Even though it was just an exploration mission, the risk was real.

"Are you sure?" Shiva asked in a doubtful voice.

Satya smiled and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Shiva, do you trust me?"

Shiva looked at his friend's confident face and gave a light smile.

"Yes, I do."

"Then there it is! It will be fun. And most importantly—you will feel the real thrill of life again!"

Shiva took a deep breath and nodded.

"Okay. Let's do it!"

Satya said with a victorious smile, "That's it! Be ready tomorrow morning!" now