Drago: The Beginning Of Darkness

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the training grounds, seven silhouettes stood in anticipation. Safal, Ram, and their five companions had endured two grueling months under Varun's relentless regimen. Their bodies bore the marks of countless trials, each scar a testament to their resilience.

"Gather 'round," Varun's voice broke the silence, a hint of uncharacteristic amusement dancing in his eyes. "This month, there will be no running, no physical training."

A collective gasp rose from the group. Ram's eyes widened in disbelief, while Kavya's mouth hung open, caught between shock and relief.

"Instead," Varun continued, pacing with deliberate slowness, "we will delve into the knowledge of the WORLD'S POWER."

Safal furrowed his brow, the term unfamiliar and enigmatic. Arjun, ever the inquisitive one, leaned forward. "My father once told me it's dangerous," he murmured, "and that we should stay away from those who wield it."

Varun chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "That's how the weak think," he replied, eyes gleaming with challenge. "The WORLD'S POWER, also known as NATURE'S POWER, is divided into two categories: Land Power and Sea Power."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "Both are obtained by consuming a flower-like plant known as the MIGHTY PLANT. The distinction lies in their origin. Land Powers are derived from plants found on solid ground, while Sea Powers come from those beneath the waves."

Kavya's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, what happens once someone consumes a MIGHTY PLANT?"

"Excellent question," Varun acknowledged. "LANDERS, those who possess Land Powers, find their abilities amplified on land but experience a significant decrease—over 60%—when at sea. Conversely, OCEANERS, endowed with Sea Powers, thrive in aquatic environments but are considerably weakened on land."

Safal's mind raced, trying to grasp the implications. The concept of harnessing such power was beyond anything his village life had prepared him for.

Varun's expression grew serious. "The reason I'm sharing this with you now is because, during a recent operation at THE ROYAL'S AUCTION, we acquired five MIGHTY PLANTS intended for your use. The past two months of rigorous training were designed to prepare your bodies and minds for this moment."

Ram raised his hand, hesitation evident. "Do we need to be physically strong to consume it?"

"No," Varun replied, shaking his head. "Anyone can consume a MIGHTY PLANT. However, there's a risk. The plant can reject the user, transforming them into MONSTERS—beings ten times stronger than ordinary humans but devoid of reason."

A shiver ran through the group. The thought of such a transformation was terrifying.

Meera, always the pragmatist, asked, "What happens if animals consume these plants?"

"In animals," Varun explained, "consumption leads to gradual size increase, eventually becoming RANKED MONSTERS, far more formidable than their unaltered counterparts."

Safal's mind buzzed with questions, but one pressed forward. "You mentioned there are only five MIGHTY PLANTS, but we are seven. How will this work?"

A sly smile played on Varun's lips. "Don't be confused. Just because you haven't consumed a MIGHTY PLANT doesn't mean others haven't."

At that moment, Arjun, Kavya, and Dev stood, a unified front. "We've already consumed it," Arjun declared, a hint of pride in his voice.

The revelation left the remaining four speechless. The dynamics of their group had just shifted in unimaginable ways.

As the weight of the revelation settled, the group exchanged glances, a mixture of awe and apprehension evident in their eyes. The campfire's flames danced, casting flickering shadows that seemed to mirror the turmoil within their minds.

Meera broke the silence, her voice tinged with curiosity. "So, what powers did you all gain?"

Kavya smiled softly, extending her hand. A small flame flickered to life in her palm, illuminating her face with a warm glow. "Pyrokinesis," she said. "The ability to control fire."

Arjun crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Enhanced strength and agility," he stated. "Makes those training runs a lot easier."

Dev remained silent, his gaze distant. After a moment, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can manipulate shadows." To demonstrate, the darkness around him seemed to ripple, forming tendrils that danced at his command.

Ram let out a low whistle. "Impressive. And here I was, proud of running an extra mile without collapsing."

Laughter erupted, the tension easing slightly. Varun observed them, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "These abilities come with great responsibility," he cautioned. "Mastery requires discipline and understanding. That's what this month's training will focus on."

Safal nodded, determination hardening his features.