Four Years Later...
Four years had passed since Rudra and the others stepped foot into the Gurukul.
In that time, each of them had walked their own path—
awakening and learning to control their Astra.
The once curious and unsure students had grown into formidable young warriors in training.
Among them, Rudra's journey had been the most intense.
After the broken piece of Brahmāstra chose him as its bearer, his path became one of both power and peril.
This incomplete fragment was overwhelming, infused with the raw divine force of Destruction.
Every attempt to control it resulted in collateral damage, disrupting the peace of the Gurukul and the surroundings.
Recognising the severity of the situation, Gurudev Arvind made a decision.
He took Rudra far from the Gurukul—
to a remote region nestled near the Himalayas, a place untouched by human activity, where the sky kissed the snow-clad peaks and silence stretched for miles.
There, they began an intensive training camp.
Under Gurudev's watchful eyes and after three years of relentless training,
Rudra finally learned to channel the destructive force of the Brahmāstra fragment.
It wasn't perfect—
its power was immense and difficult to contain—
but Rudra had gained significant control over it, enough to use it without the causing destruction around him.
Still, Gurudev had one warning:
"You must keep your battles close, Rudra. This fragment thrives in close combat. Until you obtain another piece—either the one of Prevention or Creation—you must not attempt long-range strikes. Doing so would risk destroying more than your enemies."
Rudra nodded with resolve, the mark of the Brahmāstra on his wrist glowing faintly in response.
Gurukul...
The rhythmic thrum of helicopter blades echoed over the lush landscape surrounding the Gurukul.
Birds scattered into the sky as the chopper descended gracefully into the open clearing near the main house.
Inside the cockpit, an older woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanour expertly handled the controls.
She is also a member of the Gurukul.
Sitting behind her were Rudra and Gurudev Arvind, their expressions composed, yet carrying the quiet weariness of intense, years-long training.
As the helicopter settled and the doors opened, the mountain wind tousled Rudra's now long hair, which was neatly tied into a man's ponytail—
a sharp contrast from the boyish look he had when he left.
And then—
chaos of friendship.
"Look who's finally back from his Himalayan honeymoon!"
cracked Ravi, throwing his arms around Rudra before he even stepped fully onto the ground.
Slap~
"Bro, you look like a warrior monk or a shampoo ad model. Either way, welcome back."
Sandeep added, grinning wide as he gave Rudra a firm slap on the back.
Shiva, quieter but no less warm, walked up and pulled Rudra into a one-armed hug.
"It's good to see you, man."
Rudra couldn't help but laugh, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time.
"Missed you idiots too,"
he said, ruffling Sandeep's hair playfully before adjusting the black band that held his ponytail in place.
Behind them, Gurudev Arvind stepped out of the chopper and was greeted respectfully by a few of the senior students.
The older woman pilot gave a knowing nod toward Rudra before lifting off again, the helicopter's wind sweeping the courtyard as it ascended.
The group reunited and began walking toward the Gurukul buildings, laughter echoing in the air.
As the group strolled back toward the Gurukul's main hall, old jokes and playful shoves flew around like spell sparks.
But Rudra couldn't help but notice something different about his friends—
not just in looks, but in presence.
"Alright,"
Rudra said with a smirk, brushing a leaf from his shoulder,
Smirk~
"Someone start talking. What've you two been up to while I was busy trying not to destroy the Himalayas?"
Sandeep puffed his chest a little.
"Finally got fully acknowledged by Himāstra(Ice-based astra.), bro. That happened last year."
Rudra raised an eyebrow.
"Wait—you? The same Sandeep who once tripped over a training dummy?"
Sandeep grinned, tapping the hilt of the sleek katana now strapped to his back.
The blade had a distinct curved design, its scabbard adorned with ancient symbols glowing faintly with silver-blue light.
"Himāstra's a katana-based Astra. It took a while, but once I stopped trying to swing it like a cricket bat, it chose me for real."
Rudra chuckled.
Chuckle~
"Proud of you, man. You look like a proper swordsman now."
Ravi, not one to be outdone, leaned in with a wide grin and tapped the goggles perched on his forehead.
They had an unusual design, with swirling etchings around the lenses that shimmered slightly when catching the light.
"And I finally got my own Astra too,"
he said proudly.
"Say hello to Mantradrishti. (Transformation-basted astra.)"
Rudra blinked.
"Mantradrishti?"
Ravi nodded like he was unveiling a top-secret gadget.
"It's a visual-type Astra. These babies specialize in cloning and transfiguration. I can even solid duplicates of myself—and I can temporarily alter appearances too."
Sandeep snorted.
Snort~
"Basically, he uses it to sneak extra sweets from the kitchen without getting caught."
"Hey!"
Ravi pointed a finger dramatically.
"Tactical dessert acquisition is a skill. And besides, it's training. Discipline in deception, my friend."
Rudra shook his head, laughing.
"You two never change."
As the banter continued, Rudra felt something warm settle in his chest.
Even after years apart, the bonds remained strong—
and now, each of them had taken steps toward mastering their destiny.
As the laughter settled around Rudra's return, the air subtly shifted.
Amritha entered the courtyard, her expression soft yet solemn, her arm gently resting around Junoo, who walked beside her with her eyes downcast.
Her usual spark was gone, replaced with a quiet sorrow.
Tejas and Meena followed close behind, sharing the same quiet.
Rudra instinctively stepped forward, his smile faltering as he saw Junoo's face.
"____"
Amritha greeted him with a warm hug.
"You've grown, Rudra,"
she said softly, voice filled with pride.
"Two years… and you return not as a boy, but a young man."
Rudra gave a quiet chuckle, but his eyes remained fixed on Junoo.
"She's been waiting for you,"
Amritha added, her voice lowering.
"Though she wouldn't admit it."
Rudra's gaze gently turned to Junoo.
"What happened?"
Amritha sighed, brushing Junoo's hair gently.
Sigh~
"Her mother… passed away a week ago."
"After she joined the Gurukul, we took over the treatment expenses completely."
"Even called in healers who specialized in Healing using their Astra, but…"
Her voice trailed.
"It was too late. They said her days were numbered from the start."
A heavy silence settled over the group.
"____"
"____"
"____"
Rudra walked up to Junoo, his tone quiet and full of empathy.
"I'm so sorry, Junoo."
She gave a small nod, barely lifting her eyes.
"She told me she was proud… that I was finally safe. But I wasn't there in the end."
Rudra didn't speak immediately.
Instead, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You were there in her heart,"
he said.
"And I'm sure she left with peace knowing you're on a path she believed in."
Meena, ever outspoken, crossed her arms with a small huff.
Huff~
"She's been shut off all week. I practically dragged her here today, Rudra. Said you were coming, figured it might get through that thick skull of hers."
Junoo gave Meena a weak but genuine smile.
"You didn't drag me…"
"You're welcome,"
Meena said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Rudra offered Junoo a small smile.
"You've got us, alright? All of us."
Sandeep nodded.
Nod~
"And we've got snacks. Real and illusionary."
Ravi added with a grin,
"I can clone a pie if that helps."
A faint laugh escaped Junoo—
small, but real.
As the heaviness of the moment slowly lifted, Ravi clapped his hands with a big grin.
"Okay, okay! Enough gloom, people. The mighty Rudra is back, and so much has happened in two years!"
Sandeep nodded eagerly.
Nod~
"Right! And guess what—Tejas finally unlocked his bloodline, Astra!"
Rudra raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Tejas? Really?"
Tejas, standing modestly behind, gave a shy nod.
"Yeah… Finally my very own Shima Astra."
Ravi leaned in, whispering dramatically,
"Dude's basically got the spirit of Simba now. We call him 'Lion Bro' when he's not listening."
Laughter followed, and Tejas rubbed the back of his neck, flustered.
"Hey, I do have ears, you know."
"And Meena,"
Sandeep said, turning toward her with a wicked grin,
"tell Rudra how you unlocked your Astra."
Meena rolled her eyes, already knowing what was coming.
Ravi burst out,
"It was during a date with Shiva—get this—our man Shiva looked at another girl at dinner and BOOM, Shima Astra awakened!"
Shiva's eyes widened.
"I wasn't looking—she walked by, and I turned for half a second!"
Meena crossed her arms smugly.
"And that half-second cost you dessert."
Everyone burst into laughter again, even Junoo, whose smile had now stretched a little wider.
"And speaking of awakenings…"
Ravi turned toward Junoo with a raised brow.
"Someone else here also unlocked her Astra."
Junoo's cheeks tinted faintly, but she nodded.
"____"
Nod~
"It's Maya Astra(Illusion-based weapon). Illusions, mind reading… some emotional control, but it doesn't work if the person's mind is stronger than mine."
"That's still incredible,"
Rudra said, sincerely impressed.
"You've all grown so much."
"And you've become the Destruction Ponytail,"
Ravi teased, flicking Rudra's hair tie.
The group cracked up again.
Amritha, watching from the side with a proud smile, whispered to herself,
"They've all grown."
The air had shifted.
Where sorrow lingered moments ago, laughter and teasing now echoed across the courtyard of the Gurukul.
As the sun began to dip beyond the hills, casting golden streaks across the courtyard, Gurukul buzzed with a quiet energy.
Tomorrow marked a turning point—
not just for Rudra, but for all of them.
They were going to graduate.
For years, they had trained side by side, sweat and scars binding them stronger than blood.
Now, their time as students would come to a close.
In the courtyard, the group sat in a loose circle—
Ravi tossed pebbles, Sandeep cleaned his katana absentmindedly, Junoo quietly hummed a tune, her eyes lost in thought, and Meena leaning against Shiva, who had his arm lazily draped around her.
Tejas sat next to Rudra, who gazed toward the starlit sky.
"Feels strange, doesn't it?"
Tejas said.
Rudra nodded.
"Yeah. We've been here for 4 years. It almost feels… like it was our second home."
Sandeep added with a grin,
"Technically, we're not leaving—just upgrading to 'battle-ready warriors.'"
Ravi smirked.
Smirk~
"Spoken like someone who still hasn't packed his stuff."
Gurudev Arvind approached them slowly, while his hair swayed in the evening breeze.
His gaze settled on Rudra.
"Tomorrow marks two great beginnings,"
he said solemnly.
"The day you all leave as disciples… and the day Rudra begins his Trails of Brahmastra."
"____"
"____"
"____"
Everyone grew quiet.
As laughter echoed softly under the stars, the peaceful air suddenly shifted.
Shiva froze.
His eyes rolled back, and his body tensed violently before collapsing to his knees.
A sharp gasp left his throat as his hands clawed at the earth beneath him.
"Shiva!"
Meena cried, rushing to his side.
Junoo was beside him in a blink, reaching out with instinct.
"He's not having a seizure—he's… he's seeing something!"
Rudra leaned in, eyes narrowing.
"A vision?"
He could tell the plot as started looking at the exaggerated reaction from Shiva like he was experiencing a 4D horror movie.
Shiva's body shook, and his mouth opened—
words spilling out he was saying what was happing in his vision hurridly while taking a deep breath.
"A cave… chains… blood. He's tied—Anish Shetty."
"Tortured… they want… the piece. Zor… Raftar… and… Naman—he has Astra. But… it's Dev's voice in his head... I could feel it. Dev's corruption…"
Everyone froze.
"____"
"____"
"Anish?"
Ravi whispered.
"Isn't he the archaeologist who—?"
Sandeep nodded grimly.
Nod~
"The one who is the guardian of one of the broken pieces of Brahmastra. Guru told us about it yesterday."
Shiva's breathing slowed, but his eyes remained distant.
Huff~
"They don't know… it's already gone. Gurudev has it. He—he's made a trial. For Rudra. Tomorrow… the council… watching…"
Suddenly, Shiva snapped back, collapsing into Meena's arms, drenched in sweat.
"I… saw them,"
he muttered, trembling.
"Anish is in trouble."
Rudra clenched his fists.
"And tomorrow… I face the trial. With the council watching."
Gurudev, who had silently appeared behind them, spoke calmly but with firm urgency.
"Then there is no more time to waste. You now know what's at stake, Rudra. The ones who follow Dev are moving. If they find the remaining pieces before you do…"
He left the sentence unfinished.
Junoo's eyes darkened with resolve.
"Then let's make sure they don't."
Gurudev nodded.
Nod~
"Tomorrow, Rudra's trial begins at dawn. And the rest of you will have your roles to play—this is no longer just training. This is war preparation."
Ravi muttered,
"Well… so much for graduation speeches."
Sandeep smirked, sword slung over his shoulder.
"Guess we're skipping the cake."
But even with their humour, the weight of what was coming hung heavy in the air.
As the group began to disperse under the starlit sky, Gurudev Arvind quietly stepped away, slipping into the shadows beyond the courtyard.
From beneath his robe, he pulled out a slim, rune-inscribed communicator—
a blend of ancient design and modern tech.
With swift hands, he pressed a sequence.
The device buzzed once before connecting.
"Mohan Bhargav,"
came a voice on the other end—
bright, casual.
"If this is about the quantum lens seminar in Tokyo, I'm already packed—"
"Mohan."
Gurudev's voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath it—
like thunder building behind still clouds.
"It's time. Return to the Gurukul immediately."
There was a pause.
Then a chuckle.
"Gurudev, this isn't one of your dramatic riddles again, is it? I just finished testing—"
"Anish Shetty has been captured."
The words dropped like stone.
"Dev's corruption is spreading. Rudra begins his trial at dawn. We may not have long."
"____"
Another long silence.
Then, Mohan's tone changed completely.
"I will cancel everything. No seminars. No labs. I'll be there by nightfall."
Without another word, he ended the call.
Mohan Bhargav, is a renowned scientist known for his groundbreaking research on stars and space, and also the guardian of the final piece of the Brahmastra.
Though Mohan initially tried to respond with his usual light-hearted humour, his tone quickly shifted once Gurudev explained the urgency of the situation.
Understanding the gravity of the matter, Mohan cancelled all his appointments and seminars, left his research lab
Sliding into his black SUV, he fired the engine, eyes flaring with determination as he raced toward the Gurukul.
Back at the Gurukul, Gurudev made another call—
this time with more urgency.
"In charge of Varanasi division,"
a gruff voice answered.
"This is Arvind. Immediate action is needed. Anish Shetty's location has been compromised. Dev's forces—Zor, Raftar, and Naman—are on him."
The voice sharpened.
"What? We had no indication—"
"No time to explain. Send a recovery unit to Anish's last known coordinates. Now. Use Astra holders if needed."
"Understood. I'll lead the unit myself."
As the line went dead, Gurudev's eyes lifted toward the mountains where Rudra's trial had been planned.
Varanasi...
Abandoned Warehouse...
In a dimly lit, abandoned warehouse, the faint flicker of a single overhead bulb cast long shadows on the cracked cement floor.
The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood.
Anish Shetty, bruised and battered, sat bound to a cold steel chair.
His breathing was ragged, but his spirit remained unbroken.
Sweat clung to his face, mixing with streaks of dried blood as he looked defiantly at the figures surrounding him.
Standing before him were Zor, Raftar, and Naman—
three dangerous men, each radiating menace.
Zor, broad and ruthless, cracked his knuckles while Raftar, lean with wild eyes, paced impatiently.
But it was Naman, calm and calculating, who leaned in close, his voice a chilling whisper.
"Tell us where it is, Shetty. The broken piece of the Brahmastra... where is it? And where is the Gurukul?"
Anish coughed, a strained laugh escaping his lips.
Cough~ Cough~
"You won't get anything from me. No matter how hard you try."
Naman's eyes narrowed.
Few corrupted Astra's he was wearing along with the chain he was wearing with a red stone on it shimmered faintly—
clear signs he was not only an Astra wielder, but one under Dev's corruption and his servant.
His presence felt heavier than the others, laced with an unsettling aura.
Using one of the Redstone necklaces Naman had which he had put on Anish who was bound tight in the chair,
he pressed his palm to Anish's forehead, attempting to manipulate his thoughts and break into his mind.
But despite the agony, Anish fought back mentally, resisting the invasion.
He trained as a Brahmansh—
those training—
had given him the strength to endure.
"I don't care what Dev wants,"
Anish muttered through clenched teeth.
"You'll never find it. It's already gone..."
Zor growled.
"Gone where?"
Anish smirked through his pain.
Kuku~ Smirk~
"To the one it chose... and you're too late."
Outside, a soft tremor rippled through the ground—perhaps the first sign that help, or something far worse, was coming.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
(Author's POV)
(A/N):
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Please give a review!!! And power stone!!!
Which will motivate me more.