Chapter 10: The Path of Balance

Chapter 10: The Path of Balance

Sidharth felt like he was floating in a vast ocean of energy. The swirling void around him pulsed with an unseen force, carrying echoes of whispers from the past and future. He closed his eyes, focusing on the power within him. The Soul Control orb had chosen him, and now he had to prove he was worthy of its power.

A familiar voice broke the silence. "Brother! Wake up!"

Sidharth's eyes shot open, and he found himself lying on the soft grass of the celestial field. Diya was kneeling beside him, her small hands shaking his shoulders.

"Diya… What happened?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"You touched the glowing ball, and you suddenly fainted! I thought you broke yourself!" she pouted, crossing her arms.

Sidharth chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I'm fine, just… learning."

Acharya Vimal stood nearby, watching with a calm expression. "You have glimpsed the first step of Soul Control. It is not just about power, but understanding. Balance is key."

Sidharth sat up. "How do I control it?"

The Acharya smiled and waved his hand. In front of them, a holographic interface appeared, like something out of a futuristic video game. It showed three bars labeled Physical Strength, Spiritual Energy, and Soul Control.

Diya's eyes widened. "Brother, it's like an RPG! You have stats!"

Sidharth couldn't help but grin. "Yeah… But how do I level them up?"

Acharya Vimal pointed at the Soul Control bar. "Each action you take affects the balance of these forces. If you rely only on your physical strength, your soul weakens. If you focus only on the soul, your body may fail. You must train all three."

Sidharth stood up, rolling his shoulders. "Then let's begin."

The Acharya waved his hand again, and suddenly, the field transformed. They were now standing inside a floating temple, surrounded by glowing golden inscriptions. Strange floating creatures hovered in the air, watching him.

"Your first task is simple," Acharya Vimal said. "Balance your energy while facing an opponent."

From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. It looked exactly like Sidharth.

Diya gasped. "It's you! But… creepier!"

The doppelgänger smirked and cracked his knuckles. "I am the reflection of your imbalance. Defeat me, and you will learn control. Fail, and you will be trapped in this loop forever."

Sidharth's heart pounded. This was no ordinary battle. He had to fight himself.

The clone lunged at him, and Sidharth dodged just in time. He swung his fist, but the doppelgänger blocked it effortlessly. Every move he made was countered.

"You rely too much on instinct," Acharya Vimal observed. "Use your soul. Feel your actions before they happen."

Sidharth took a deep breath. He closed his eyes for just a second—then he felt it. The energy of his soul pulsed within him, guiding his movements. When the clone attacked again, Sidharth moved before the strike even came, dodging smoothly.

His hands glowed faintly with a golden light. When he struck this time, the impact sent the clone skidding backward.

Diya cheered. "That's my brother!"

The doppelgänger grinned, then nodded. "You understand now."

With that, it faded into golden dust, absorbed into Sidharth's body. A notification screen appeared in front of him, just like in a game:

[Skill Unlocked: Beginner Soul Control]

Sidharth exhaled, feeling a newfound sense of power and balance within him. This was just the beginning.

Acharya Vimal smiled. "Well done. But your journey has only begun."

Sidharth smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Then let's keep going."