The Mumbai tournament was over, and the cheers of the crowd still rang in Arjun's ears. But even amidst celebration, something tugged at him—the Aztec blader's cryptic warning:
"When the storm inside you rages louder than the one outside, come to the southern hills."
It echoed in his mind as the train pulled out of the city.
"Uncle," Arjun said, eyes on the passing scenery, "what do you know about the southern hills? About… Kerala?"
His uncle blinked, then smiled. "Kerala? Beautiful place. Ancient traditions. Martial arts, old temples. Why?"
Arjun hesitated, then shrugged. "Just a feeling. Is it possible for us to visit there?"
His uncle, always a little more intuitive than he let on, leaned back. "Well… we could make a stop. A short trip. Consider it a break. You've earned it."
The Journey to the Hidden Path
The lush green valleys of Kerala were nothing like the sharp urban skyline of Mumbai. The air smelled of cardamom, earth, and rain. Locals were warm, the food rich, and the forests deep.
During a temple visit in Wayanad, Arjun overheard something. A few kids talking near the steps:
"You know the old man in the crater?"
"They say he can spin a Bey so precisely, it splits leaves mid-air."
"He trains people… but only if they're worth it."
Curiosity lit in Arjun's eyes.
He turned to his uncle. "We're not leaving just yet."
Meeting the Crater Master
After a day's trek with the help of a guide, they reached it: a vast crater hidden in the hills, smoothed over time into a natural stone arena. In the center stood a man, calm and unmoving—BhargavRama. Bare-chested, with a simple dhoti, silver hair, and scars like etchings from an old tale.
He looked at Arjun, his gaze like granite. "You carry something old… that Bey of yours."
Arjun stepped forward. "I want to battle."
BhargavRama didn't nod or smirk. He simply turned. "Then step into the crater."
The Crater Clash Begins
"3… 2… 1… Let it rip!"
Bakushin Airavat stormed onto the arena with its usual force, churning up air as it moved—but the terrain was smooth, unbroken. No rocks. No terrain shift.
Rock Armadillo moved in calmly, almost silently, as if it knew the arena better than the earth itself. It began a circling movement around Airavat—calculated, precise.
BhargavRama's eyes didn't waver.
"Kalari Form: Ashwa Vritta." (Horse Circling Stance)
The Armadillo launched into a momentum-gaining orbit around Airavat, forcing it to spin wildly just to keep up.
"He's… controlling the pace," Arjun muttered. "I can't land a clean hit."
Airavat tried to fall back into defensive positioning, but the arena gave no shelter. No rocks to hide behind. Every time Arjun tried to use his usual tactic—stall, reposition, retaliate—it was read like an open book.
BhargavRama finally spoke.
"You rely too much on power. On your Bey's might. But that is not enough. You must learn to move with your blade… not behind it."
Arjun clenched his fist. "Airavat—Indra's Aegis!"
The elephant-themed Bey roared, unleashing its signature blast—a spiraling magnetic wave that cracked the earth-like surface and sent shockwaves outward. But instead of giving Arjun the advantage, the magnetic burst unbalanced his own movement. Without any rock or steel-like terrain to anchor it, Airavat spun erratically.
BhargavRama whispered another stance.
"Kalari Form: Marjara Nrittam." (Cat's Dance)
Kshetra Armadillo darted in and out with feints—light taps, like paw strikes—subtle, but disrupting Airavat's balance further. Finally, a direct hit knocked Airavat back to the edge of the crater.
A few more seconds, and Airavat spun out.
After the Clash
Arjun knelt down, picking up his Bey. Not broken—but clearly outmatched.
BhargavRama approached. "You have spirit. And a Bey worthy of legends. But strength without skill is like thunder without lightning—loud, but directionless."
Arjun stood. "Teach me. I don't want to rely on my Bey alone. I want to fight with it. I want to become stronger."
BhargavRama nodded. "Then stay. Learn the art of Kalari. Train your body, sharpen your spirit. Sync with the storm inside your blade."
Arjun looked to his uncle, who gave him a small nod. "Your path is yours, kid. Follow it."
A New Journey Begins
Arjun had to talk to his father regarding this. He was very apprehensive about all this, but after his uncle and son convinced him, he agreed. Arjun would have to continue his education, so a nearby school in Wayanad would be chosen. He would stay at Rishi Bhargav's Ashram at night and attend school to complete his education during the day. After school, he would continue to learn martial arts from the Rishi.
He called and informed Madoka as well of this decision. While he would miss her a bit, he needed to learn from the Rishi to improve as a blader.
Thus began his days under the ancient canopy, waking before dawn, practicing stances, breathing, launching, failing, and improving. The Master didn't go easy on him—but neither did the path to greatness.
He was slowly learning a lot of new martial arts, not just Kalari, and becoming stronger every day.
Airavat's thunder would return. And when it did—it would strike with purpose.
Dark Nebula Headquarters
Doji POV:
I heard rumors of a Bey that is able to generate lightning and change the terrain to suit its interests. The info I got from my grunts suggested the Bey's spirit was that of a large white elephant, and apparently, the blader managed to defeat 25 other bladers single-handedly. Interesting. After Ryuga wakes up from his slumber, he might be a good opponent to face. I should keep tabs on him.
Unfortunately for Doji, he couldn't find the kid or the Bey, as he was in another country now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Volume 0 might come to a close soon , will start with canon season1 in a couple of chapters.