Om repeated softly, as if tasting the weight of the words,
"Sri Krishna..."
Mark nodded. "Yes. Sri Krishna personally appointed six Rakshakasand instructed them to form clans for this Yuga. He bestowed upon them profound knowledge — about chakras, body arts, and elemental control."
Mark leaned forward slightly.
"But he didn't give all the knowledge to each Rakshaka. Instead, he divided it among them, making each one unique. What one clan knows, another does not."
Om frowned slightly, absorbing the information. "Why would Sri Krishna do that? Why not give them all the same knowledge?"
Mark smiled. "Maybe to create competition among them — to drive them to grow stronger. Or perhaps... it was part of a divine plan we mortals cannot comprehend."
Om nodded slowly, still thinking.
"And what do you mean by Dwapara Yuga?" he asked.
Mark took the last sip of his coffee and explained,
"The timeline of Earth, or 'Bhulok,' is divided into four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Right now, we are living in Kali Yuga — the last and darkest age."
Om finished his coffee and set the cup down, lost in thought.
The more he spoke with Mark, the more he realized — Mark was terrifying in his depth of knowledge. He knew secrets not even the upper echelons dared whisper. Om was now certain: Mark had deep ties with the Rakshaka clans.
One final question lingered.
"What chakra level did Sri Krishna achieve?" Om asked hesitantly.
Mark smiled faintly. "If you go by the ancient records of Bhulok... then Sri Krishna was at the Sixth Chakra Stage and that was last recorded"
Om stiffened, shock flooding his mind.
The infamous Vijayin was only at the Fourth Stage and had already plunged half the world into chaos.
What kind of unimaginable power could a Sixth Stage being wield?
Mark noticed Om's expression and said calmly, "Don't get lost in fear, Om. Remember — with great power comes great responsibility. Focus on preparing for your own test."
Om sighed heavily but nodded. "Thank you, Mark," he said sincerely, before making his way toward the door.
Mark smiled and closed the door behind him.
As Om returned to his flat, ringing the bell, he reflected on everything Mark had told him.
He had gone there seeking answers about the letter — but Mark had given him much more. Information, history... and a sense that Om's fate was tied to something far greater than he could imagine.
Shreya opened the door, letting Om in.
Meanwhile, back in his own apartment, Mark sat down heavily on his sofa. He touched his watch, dialing the first number on his list.
It rang for a few seconds before a deep, serious voice answered.
"Why did Om come to see you?"
Mark answered easily, "He came about the letter Viranth left behind... and about the message I gave him at the funeral."
The voice on the other end grew tense.
"And what did you tell him?"
Mark chuckled lightly. "I steered the conversation, of course. I didn't let him dwell on how I knew the contents of the letter. Instead, I guided him toward the topics I wanted to reveal."
A sigh echoed from the watch. "How much does he know now?"
Mark picked up a biscuit and took a casual bite.
"Not much. I told him some basics about Vijayin and the history of the Rakshakas."
The voice grew sharp.
"You told him about the Rakshakas? We planned to teach him that only after he entered Gurukul! You could have just said Viranth was a good friend and avoided the topic."
Mark's voice turned firm.
"We needed a diversion. And now, we have one. Our goal was to get him interested in the military path. Introducing him to this knowledge stirs his curiosity, ties his emotions to this world."
The voice hesitated but eventually sighed. "Fine. Maybe it will work. Did you mention chakras?"
Mark shook his head, though the voice couldn't see.
"I kept it general. Telling him too much now would only overwhelm him. Curiosity is good — too much information would be dangerous."
Silence lingered for a moment before the voice spoke again.
"And how is he handling Viranth's death?"
Mark leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
"He's grieving, but he's stronger than he realizes. His cool-headedness will keep him moving forward."
The voice grew more serious.
"Good. Does he suspect anything about our group?"
Mark moved toward the balcony, his eyes scanning the distant horizon.
"No. It's not time yet. Let him reach the First Chakra Stage. Only then will he be ready to know the truth — about me, about us."
The voice grew solemn.
"Keep an eye on him. He's too important for the future."
Mark smiled faintly.
"I know. I will."
"Good. Keep me updated. Om Namo Narayan."
Mark replied with a grin, "Om Namah Shivaya," and ended the call.
Outside, the cold winter wind howled — a silent reminder that change was already coming.
And soon, nothing would ever be the same.