Drago: The Beginning Of Darkness

As the third month of training progressed, the trainees engaged in intense discussions and personal reflections. Varun provided guidance but emphasized that the choice to pursue the WORLD'S POWER was theirs alone. They delved into the history and significance of these powers, understanding that this was their chance to become strong, with nothing left to lose.

At the month's end, four trainees—Safal, Ram, Meera, and Vinay—approached Varun, expressing their desire to gain strength. A ceremony was arranged for that night, where three MIGHTY PLANTS were presented.

Ram inquired, "Where is the fourth one?"

Varun replied, "You three—Ram, Meera, and Vinay—will consume these flowers. As for Safal, he will meet Nishan, the Chief of the Hollow Den." He got a little surprise for Safal. Our chief doesn't meet anyone ,more than few times but to call you time and again means he got high hopes from you, Safal.

With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Safal proceeded to Nishan's chamber. Initially shrouded in darkness, the room slowly lit up, revealing an elaborate space adorned with relics and ancient symbols, and all light focusing on an golden MIGHTY PLANT. The soft hum of energy in the air sent shivers down his spine. Nishan stood in the center, his towering presence radiating authority.

Nishan began, "This MIGHTY PLANT was stolen from the vault of THE GREAT SEVEN RULERS, guarded by thousands. My comrades and I intended to steal gold but found this plant as well. My best friend perished after consuming just a bit of it which was around two years ago. I share this not to gain sympathy but to illustrate its danger. The more perilous the plant, the more powerful you become. So, consume it and wield its strength."

Safal questioned, "If it's so powerful, why haven't you taken it?"

Nishan responded, "A valid question. I have already consumed two MIGHTY PLANTS—one OCEAN and one LAND."

Shocked, Safal said, "Our master, Varun mentioned only a few are capable of such a feat."

Nishan retorted, "And you think I am not among them? Don't waste my time; eat it."

The atmosphere in the chamber grew heavy. Safal's heart raced as he approached the ornate pedestal where the MIGHTY PLANT rested. Its petals shimmered with an otherworldly glow, casting eerie reflections on the chamber walls. The plant seemed alive, pulsating faintly as if aware of its purpose.

Nishan's piercing gaze bore into him, a silent challenge. "Time is of the essence," he urged.

Taking a deep breath, Safal stepped forward. His mind raced with memories of his village, the hardships he had endured, and the promise of strength that lay before him. With trembling hands, he plucked the flower from its stand, feeling its strange warmth against his skin.

"Remember," Nishan's voice softened slightly, "this path is fraught with peril. But fortune favors the bold."

Without further hesitation, Safal brought the MIGHTY PLANT to his lips and consumed it. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced—both sweet and bitter, with a hint of something indescribable. It was as though the essence of life itself flowed through him.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, an intense heat surged through his body, radiating from his core to every extremity. A searing pain erupted from within, spreading rapidly through his veins like molten lava. He gasped, doubling over, as his body felt like it was being torn apart and rebuilt simultaneously.

Nishan watched intently, his expression unreadable. "Endure it, My Demon" he commanded. "Harness the pain; let it transform you."

Safal's vision blurred as the room spun around him. His muscles convulsed, and every nerve screamed in agony. Yet amidst the torment, he felt a surge of power—raw and untamed—coursing through him, demanding control. It was as if the plant's energy was testing his will, pushing him to his limits.

Memories flashed before his eyes: his family's struggles, the faces of those he'd lost, and the dreams he had fought to keep alive. He clung to these images, grounding himself in the midst of chaos. The more his rage grew, the more he bear its pain. BUt when he faced it still. Slowly, the pain began to subside, replaced by an overwhelming sense of clarity and strength.

Breathing heavily, Safal rose to his feet. His body felt different, as though every cell had been redefined. His senses were heightened; he could hear the faintest hum of energy in the room, see every detail of the chamber with startling precision, and feel the immense power coursing through his veins.

Nishan nodded approvingly. "Impressive. I believed. If anyone who can consume it, it was you, only you. You have survived the initiation. This is only the beginning of the DARKNESS."

Safal's gaze met Nishan's, a newfound determination burning in his eyes. He felt invincible yet aware of the burden that came with his transformation. As he left the chamber, the weight of his new abilities settled upon him. He knew the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was no longer the same person who had entered that room.

Nishan intended to ask him to use his ability or to know what his ability was. But what Nishan saw was a monster capable of KILLING him. So, out of fear he remained silent. "I, The STRONGEST, feared a mere human." Nishan laughed and the laughter scared every thief that was hearing it.

The transformation had begun, and Safal's path was set. In the shadows of the Hollow Den, a new force was rising, one that would shape the destiny of their world.