Mumbai, Night
The city never truly slept. Neon lights reflected off the wet streets, and the distant roar of waves hitting the Mumbai coast echoed like a heartbeat.
I had spent the last week mastering Muladhara, the Root Chakra. My body had become lighter, yet stronger. My stance unshakable. My fear, nearly gone. But I knew this was only the beginning.
The manuscript called to me again.
"The second gate flows like water. It lies where emotions and desires converge. To awaken it, one must confront the river of the past and the currents of one's inner self."
Gathering the Team
I contacted Aarav Deshmukh first. His flames were dangerous, but he had the courage for anything, and frankly, I needed a protector.
"A mission?" he asked, his eyes flickering like fire."Not exactly. Exploration.""Exploration? Bhishma, last time you explored, you almost drowned in paperwork.""Not this time," I said, smiling faintly.
Then I reached out to Meera Reddy, who had already deciphered ancient maps indicating a hidden underground structure beneath Mumbai — ruins said to be connected to ancient yogic temples.
Finally, of course, there was Rudra Sen, the arrogant Lightning Guild heir.
"Why are you dragging me along?" he sneered. "This temple is beneath the city. It could collapse—or worse.""Because I need someone reckless to balance the cautious ones," I said.
He grumbled, but followed.
Thus, the team was set: Bhishma the Mystic, Aarav the Flame, Meera the Scholar, and Rudra the Lightning Heir.
The Flooded Ruins
The temple lay beneath the old docks of Mumbai, a structure submerged in brackish water from the high tide. Statues of forgotten deities leaned against cracked pillars, their eyes carved with uncanny realism.
We donned old diving gear and entered the temple. Water lapped against our chests, carrying whispers of ancient chants.
"The manuscript said… emotions are tested here," Meera whispered. "Be careful what you feel."
I nodded. The Sacral Chakra — Svadhisthana — was tied to creativity, desire, and emotion.The water around us was more than liquid; it was a mirror of the mind.
The First Challenge
As we reached the main hall, the water darkened unnaturally.
A mutated water beast emerged — a creature with glistening black scales and glowing orange eyes, tentacles writhing like molten ropes.
"Perfect," Aarav muttered, flames flickering from his palms. "I was hoping for a fight."
But I stopped him.
"No. This is my trial."
I stepped into the water, hands open, palms down. The creature lunged. Instead of striking, I focused on the Kundalini energy flowing through my spine.
[System Alert]Chakra Progress: Svadhisthana (Sacral) — 10%
I felt a pull, not from the creature, but from within — an emotion I had long ignored in both lives: fear… and desire. Desire to live, to explore, to see the truth behind the world.
[System Update]Energy Flow Stabilized — Power Absorbed: 15%
The water beast paused mid-strike, confused by the energy emanating from me. My mental energy reached outward, touching the creature's mind.
It feared, it struggled, it survived.
I felt a surge. The Sacral Chakra awakened — a warm orange light spiraling from my lower abdomen. My body felt fluid, agile, and alive.
[Chakra Unlocked: Svadhisthana — Sacral Chakra]Effect: +5 Agility | +3 Mana | Emotion PerceptionAbility Unlocked:Flowing Will — "Sense and influence emotions and desires around you."
The creature retreated into the depths, leaving a calm ripple in its wake.
Aftermath and Tension
Meera stared at me in awe.
"You… you didn't even touch it, and it backed down?"
"Not even close," I said. "I just… understood it."
Aarav looked frustrated.
"You made it look so easy! And here I am, burning my hands off for nothing!"
Rudra scoffed.
"This is just the beginning, Mantri. Don't think meditation alone will save you in the real trials."
I smiled faintly.
"I don't intend to fight every battle with my fists. Some battles are fought with the mind… and the soul."
Hints of Danger
As we exited the ruins, the city above continued its oblivious rhythm.But something stirred deep beneath the streets — a shadowy figure observing our every move.
A whisper of black robes and sharp eyes.Someone who would later be called the Obsidian Lord, a rising villain in the shadows of Bharat, seeking the ancient yogic secrets for his own power.
And he had noticed us.
End of Chapter 3
Bhishma had unlocked two chakras — Muladhara and Svadhisthana.The journey ahead was far from over.
The Third Chakra, the Solar Plexus — Manipura, awaited.Power, emotion, and destiny were aligning.
And somewhere in the shadows, enemies were gathering.
"Let them chase swords and lightning," I whispered to the night."I chase the truth… and nothing will stop me."