A week had passed since the incident that left Lanthaba injured. The wounds across his body had mostly healed, leaving only faint scars as reminders of the fierce battle he survived. The quiet morning wind moved gently through the training yard of the academy, carrying the distant sound of birds. Lanthaba stood with renewed determination, tightening the cloth around his wrist as if preparing himself for the path ahead. A new mission had arrived—one that would test him again. At Loktak Pat, a terrifying man-eating snake had begun appearing at night, devouring cattle and even causing the disappearance of a villager. The sorcerer academy decided to send Lanthaba and Yaikhomba to investigate, while their teacher Kondonglei Wakheipam would guide them. Yaikhomba, who could barely hide his excitement, grinned widely and said, "If we complete this mission successfully, we'll finally be promoted to Chahei Maithou." Lanthaba smiled at his friend's enthusiasm and replied with energy in his voice, "Yeah… after everything that happened, I'll become stronger than ever." Though his tone sounded confident, deep inside Lanthaba felt something heavier—an unspoken desire to grow strong enough to protect the people he cared about.
Meanwhile, inside the headmaster's office, several powerful figures of the sorcery University gathered to discuss Lanthaba's progress. Ougnh Rangwa, The Principal of Manipur Sorcery University stood near the window with a serious expression while Taibang Sana Heithoiba and Leiphunglapkpa sat nearby. Wakheipam Kondonglei stood respectfully in front of them. Leiphunglapkpa spoke calmly, explaining that before Lanthaba faced greater responsibilities, he needed to warm up through smaller missions. The man-eating snake at Loktak Pat was considered a manageable threat, something suitable for testing the young sorcerer's recovery and growth. Kondonglei nodded and assured them that the mission would be under her supervision. Taibang Sana Heithoiba, whose eyes carried the calm wisdom of someone who had lived through centuries of history, suddenly asked her about an old friend named Bonny. Kondonglei quietly confirmed that she had once been close to him. Heithoiba smiled slightly and remarked that perhaps this was the reason she cared so deeply about Lanthaba's development. Kondonglei did not deny it, but simply replied that Lanthaba was her student and that protecting and guiding him was her responsibility. After a moment of silence, the meeting ended, and the mission was approved.
Later that afternoon, inside the dormitory room, Lanthaba and Yaikhomba sat on the floor sharing a simple lunch. The two friends relaxed after training, and the conversation slowly drifted into curiosity about the past. Yaikhomba suddenly asked a question that surprised Lanthaba. "How did sorcery even begin?" he asked while chewing his food. Lanthaba thought for a moment before answering honestly that he did not know much about the origin of sorcery, except that its roots were deeply connected to the era of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. At that moment, a familiar voice interrupted from behind them. It was Sorel Yaipokpa, who had quietly entered the room without them noticing. With a casual smile, Sorel explained that the history of sorcery was extremely vast and had been recorded both through ancient texts and oral traditions passed down through generations. According to what he had learned from Taibang Sana Heithoiba, the history of sorcerers was divided into several periods, each named after powerful figures and influence figure who shaped the development of sorcery.
Sorel began by describing the earliest recorded era known as Pakhangba Matam, which lasted from 33 AD to 153 AD. During that time sorcery was still primitive and unorganized. Techniques were not yet categorized, and sorcerers used raw spiritual energy without understanding its deeper structure. It was considered the Birth of Sorcery, when humans first learned to manipulate the mysterious forces that existed between the realms. However, the world was unstable during this time because the barrier between realms had not yet been properly formed. Lairois—dangerous supernatural entities—could freely cross between realms, causing chaos and destruction among humans. Everything changed during the next era known as Heithoiba Matam, which lasted from 153 to 321. This period became known as the Golden Age of Sorcery. During this time, Taibang Sana Heithoiba and other powerful sorcerers developed new arts and advanced techniques, transforming sorcery into a structured discipline. Most importantly, Heithoiba discovered the true nature of the Lairois realm and created a powerful barrier that prevented the Lairois of Lairois Leipak from freely entering Meeyoileipak and Thawai Leipak.
The Golden Age eventually came to an end with the rise of another legendary figure named Khuntak Thoiba, whose reign lasted from 321 to 411. Sorel explained that Khuntak Thoiba was recorded as one of the most powerful sorcerers in history, even stronger than Pakhangba himself. He was known for defeating some of the strongest Lairois alone, displaying unimaginable strength. However, his power came with a terrifying darkness. Khuntak Thoiba was infamous for his brutality and cruelty, earning the title "Butcher of Sorcerers." It was said that he practiced cannibalism, consuming other sorcerers to increase his own power. Though he destroyed many evil Lairois, his methods made him feared even among humans. After his era came the rule of Naokhamba, whose reign from 411 to 428 marked a period of conflict between ancient tribes such as the Chenglei tribe and also the beginning of trade between different nations. Following him was Naophangba, who reign from 428 to 459 and focused on constructing important structures within the spiritual realm known as Thawai Leipak. During his period, the system of Sagei Yumnak, or sorcerer families, was established, giving rise to powerful lineages such as the Yengkhom, Keithelakpam, and Kheirom families.
The most beloved figure in sorcerer history appeared during the next era—the reign of Tamanglang, which lasted from 459 to 559. Though he never ruled as king of Manipur, Tamanglang became one of the most respected sorcerers of all time. Together with his brother Sameirang who eventually become King of Manipur and Step Brother of Tamanglang, he defeated the terrifying fire-breathing dragon known as Meiraton and protected countless lives. Tamanglang also led campaigns against the Lairois and reportedly destroyed half of Lairois Leipak itself, forcing many dangerous entities into hiding. His greatest rival was a sorcerer named Naokhongba, known as the Madness Sorcerer. Like Khuntak Thoiba before him, Naokhongba possessed immense power but was driven by insanity and cruelty. He slaughtered entire generations of the families he created and caused chaos across sorcerer lands. Their conflict finally ended in the legendary Battle of Karang Turan, where Tamanglang defeated Naokhongba with a technique capable of disrupting the soul itself. Though defeated, Naokhongba managed to escape and disappeared in history.
Sorel continued speaking until the door suddenly slid open. Wakheipam Kondonglei stood there with a strict expression, clearly displeased that Sorel had been disrupting the younger students dinnertime instead of attending his own business. The moment he saw her, Sorel panicked and hurriedly apologized before running out of the room at full speed. Kondonglei then turned toward Lanthaba and Yaikhomba and ordered them to eat fast and go to sleep for the Tommorow since they would depart for their mission early the next morning. The two students quickly obeyed, eating all the food, lying down as the room grew quiet. Before leaving, Kondonglei stepped beside Lanthaba's bed and placed something beside him—a photograph of his grandfather and his father. Lanthaba stared silently at the picture after she left the room. As he held the photograph in his hand, he felt the weight of the long history Sorel had just described. The legends of ancient sorcerers, the rise and fall of powerful figures, and the endless battles between humans and Lairois were not just stories of the past. They were the foundation of the world he now lived in—and perhaps the path he himself would soon walk.