Chapter 6 - A Monster Without Memory.

📢 Author's Note to All Readers

Dear readers,

To enhance clarity and create a more immersive experience, I've made a few changes to the naming system of the ranks used in this story. These adjustments are purely terminological and do not alter the essence or structure of the progression system. The updated rank names are as follows:

Shunya Rank has been renamed to Voidborn Rank

Pratham Deep Rank is now called Ember in the Dark Rank

Eklavya Rank has been updated to The Unseen Master

Shoorveer Rank is now referred to as Shadow Duel

Mahaveer Rank has been renamed to Trial of Sacrifice

All previous chapters have been updated to reflect these changes, so going forward, you will see the new rank names consistently throughout the story.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. I hope these changes make your reading experience even more engaging.

Warm regards,

– The Author - Nytherion

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"Sometimes, when a man believes he's at his weakest… the universe shows him his true strength. And when that strength awakens, history begins to shift."

"You'll regret ever crossing me, boy!" the attacker roared. "Now watch how I crush you with the brute force of my demon's fist!"

No sooner had he finished his words than the monstrous punch was already inches from Arjun's face. The sheer pressure of the attack sent chills down Arjun's spine. He could feel the weight of that force — deadly, overwhelming. There was no escape. He knew that if the attack landed, he would be seriously injured once again.

With no option left, Arjun clenched his eyes shut, bracing himself for the storm of unbearable pain.

But just then… something within him snapped.

A sudden surge of energy exploded from his body — raw, primal, and blinding. That wave of power collided head-on with the incoming blow.

A thunderous blast erupted.

The impact was so devastating it left a deep crater where they stood. The ground trembled, dust rose like smoke, and silence followed the storm.

Arjun, eyes still shut, heard the explosion echo around him. His eyes shot open — and the sight before him left him stunned.

The boy who had attacked him now lay sprawled far across the battlefield. His clothes were in tatters, his chest heaving, blood trailing from his lips as he coughed violently.

"What… happened to him?" Arjun muttered, eyes narrowing. "Did he… hit himself with his own attack?"

Scratching his head in confusion, he stared at the boy writhing on the ground.

Meanwhile, the attacker's eyes — wide, shaken — locked onto Arjun, filled with something new: fear.

"You…" the boy rasped, "How… how did you do that?"

Arjun looked around, puzzled. Then, pointing a finger toward himself, he blinked and asked, "Wait. I did that? When?"

The boy's face darkened with disbelief.

"You idiot!" he barked. "If you didn't do that, then who did — me?"

Arjun gave a casual shrug. "Who knows? Maybe you had some kind of psychotic episode and accidentally hit yourself."

The moment those words left his lips, the attacker's face flushed red with fury — but the fire in his eyes dimmed. He could no longer summon the courage to fight Arjun again. Whatever had just happened... he wasn't willing to face it a second time.

Far from the battlefield, two elderly men had been observing the duel. One of them — the same elder Arjun had met earlier — turned to the man beside him and said, "Acharya Parikshit, did you see that?"

The other, the one addressed as Acharya Parikshit, nodded solemnly. "Yes, Acharya Tarun. I saw it all."

Taking a deep breath, Parikshit continued, "When I found this boy wounded, I sensed something strange within him — a dormant force unlike any I had seen. That's why I brought him here. But I never expected his wounds to heal so quickly... or that he would succeed in becoming a Voidborn already."

Acharya Tarun turned to Acharya Parikshit with a faint smile.

"Acharya Parikshit, your perception truly is remarkable. There's definitely something extraordinary about this boy," he said thoughtfully. "Where most would become crippled—powerless—after their source is destroyed, this boy has managed to recreate his core from nothing. That's nearly impossible."

Acharya Parikshit nodded in agreement, a distinct gleam rising in his eyes.

"Indeed, he is exceptional. In the coming days, Agni Vansh Academy will begin the selection of new disciples," he said with quiet intent. "And this time, the responsibility of choosing them has been entrusted to you. I believe you already understand what I'm implying, Acharya Tarun."

Acharya Tarun gave a subtle nod, a slight smile curving his lips.

"Yes, Acharya. I understand exactly what you mean."

But just as the words left his mouth, both their gazes shifted instinctively—Arjun had once again begun walking toward Chandrahās, the sacred blade. The moment his hand moved in its direction, Acharya Tarun's expression turned grave.

With evident concern, he leaned toward Parikshit.

"Acharya… has this boy lost his mind? Or is he completely unaware of the Academy's laws? If he even touches Chandrahās—intentionally or not—the punishment is death! The elders will not spare him. We must stop him at once!"

Acharya Parikshit's eyes narrowed as he watched Arjun.

"Go and stop him, Acharya. If he lays a finger on that sacred weapon, the higher council of the Academy will be alerted instantly—and you know what that would mean."

Without another word, Acharya Tarun gave a quick nod and strode briskly toward Arjun.

"Stop right there, boy!" he commanded, his voice ringing through the chamber.

Arjun heard the voice echo behind him. He paused, turning slowly, an unreadable look on his face.

"There it is again," he muttered. "Someone trying to keep me away from my Chandrahās."

But as he turned fully and saw the elderly man standing before him, his expression shifted to mild surprise.

"Old man… you?" he said, almost disbelieving.

Acharya Tarun's voice, however, held no warmth. His tone was stern, even harsh.

"What do you think you were doing, boy? Has no one told you? That sword belongs to the Agni Vansh Academy. It is sacred, bound by law. If you dare touch it—even by mistake—the Academy will sentence you to death without hesitation!"

Hearing Acharya Tarun's words, Arjun turned to him and said,

"But... Elder Baba…"

Before he could say anything more, a voice echoed from behind Acharya Tarun, interrupting him.

"Boy, do you want that sword?"

Arjun turned sharply toward the voice — and froze in disbelief. Standing before him was none other than Acharya Parikshit, one of the most powerful figures across the entire northern mountain range.

Without hesitation, Arjun dropped to his knees, bowed his head, and said,

"Thank you, Acharya Parikshit, for saving my life!"

Acharya Parikshit gently helped him stand, his gaze steady.

"You haven't answered my question, boy," he said. "Do you want that sword?"

Without a trace of doubt, Arjun nodded.

"Yes, Acharya. I do."

At Arjun's resolute response, Acharya Parikshit spoke with measured clarity.

"Then listen carefully. If you wish to claim that sword, you must first join the Agni Vansh Academy. Every year, the academy gives its most capable disciples a chance to draw the sword and make it their own. But no one has ever succeeded."

He paused, letting his words settle like embers on dry grass.

"And if you dare attempt to touch the sword before becoming a disciple," he added darkly, "the academy will not spare you. According to our code, any outsider who lays hands on academy relics… is sentenced to death."

The weight of his words sank into Arjun like cold iron. Yet his resolve remained firm.

"If becoming a disciple is what it takes," Arjun said, meeting the Acharya's gaze, "then I'm ready. But… can you tell me how I can join the academy?"

A faint smile touched Acharya Parikshit's lips as he gestured toward Acharya Tarun.

"Boy, in the coming month, Acharya Tarun will be selecting new disciples for Agni Vansh Academy. He will tell you everything you need to know."

Arjun turned toward the old man who had been tending to his wounds — stunned.

"You… Elder Baba, you're an Acharya of the academy too?"

Acharya Tarun let out a quiet chuckle, then replied warmly,

"Boy, the place you're in right now... it's already part of the academy. Acharya Parikshit found you injured near a mountain slope. He didn't know who you were, but he brought you here — because this is where we protect and test those destined for more."

Master Tarun took a deep breath before continuing, his gaze steady on Arjun.

"As for how you can join the Academy," he said, "you must first pass the entrance trial. It begins exactly one month from today."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle before adding,

"But to even qualify for that trial, a warrior must reach the fourth stage of Voidborn. Only then will you be eligible. So if you truly wish to take the Academy's test, you have one month to reach the fourth stage of Voidborn—no more, no less."

The statement hit Arjun like a stone. His face tensed with anxiety. Reaching the fourth stage of Voidborn in just one month was nearly impossible.

Noticing the concern clouding Arjun's expression, Master Parikshit offered a knowing smile.

"Boy," he said, "if you want that sword, you'll have to make it to the Academy. Whether you can train hard enough to reach there in a month... that's up to you."

With that, Master Parikshit turned to leave. But just before disappearing from sight, he tossed a small folded parchment toward Arjun.

"This," he said, "is a training scroll for accelerating your progress through Voidborn. It can enhance your abilities, but how far you go... that depends entirely on you."

Arjun caught the parchment mid-air, his hands trembling slightly. He opened it, scanning its contents quickly. Then, with genuine gratitude in his voice, he called out:

"Thank you, Master. I will do my best to pass the trial."

Without turning back, Master Parikshit simply nodded and walked away.

Once he was gone, Master Tarun stepped closer and spoke again.

"If you wish, you may remain here and train. But keep in mind—there will be no more fighting allowed during your stay."

As he spoke, he gestured toward a boy lying unconscious on the ground.

Arjun followed his gaze, then scratched his head awkwardly.

"Master Tarun, if I told you I have no idea how that boy ended up like this... would you believe me?" he asked, trying his best to look innocent.

The boy on the ground groaned mentally, glaring at Arjun through half-lidded eyes.

"Look at him acting all innocent... this damn monster. Ugh—my spine... he broke my bloody spine!"

While the boy silently cursed Arjun in his heart, on the other side, Acharya Tarun stood still, surprised by what he had just heard. His eyes scanned Arjun's face with intent—looking for even a trace of deceit. But what he saw instead was something far more unsettling.

Truth.

"So… this boy really has no idea how he injured him?" Acharya Tarun thought to himself, a flicker of intrigue glinting in his gaze. "Even better. That works in our favor—especially mine. If he manages to pass the academy's entrance trials, I'll take him as my personal disciple."

A subtle gleam surfaced in his eyes, but he quickly masked it. Then, turning toward Arjun, he spoke calmly yet firmly:

"Very well, boy. If you say you truly don't know how it happened, I'll take your word for it. But be warned — from now on, stay away from unnecessary conflict. If you get injured again, you won't be allowed to participate in the academy's trial. And if you injure someone else without permission inside academy grounds, you'll also be disqualified. These rules exist for a reason. You may be in the remote edges of the academy territory, but you're still bound by its laws. Is that understood?"

Arjun straightened up and replied respectfully, "Yes, Acharya."

Acharya Tarun gave a subtle nod of approval and then added:

"Good. Now begin your training. You only have one month left to reach the fourth stage — Voidborn. Make every moment count."

Upon hearing this, Arjun silently nodded. Without another word, he turned and made his way toward a secluded mountain ridge nearby. There, surrounded by solitude and the winds of fate, he began his training — unaware of how drastically his destiny was about to change.