Light in the Darkness

The forest at the foot of Mount Mandala always radiates a mystical aura, especially as dusk falls. The shadows of the trees stretched out like giant hands, and the sound of an owl broke the silence. In the midst of that atmosphere, Arya stepped carefully, avoiding the scattered twigs. He carried a basket full of medicinal leaves for his mother, but his mind wandered far away.

As usual, the strange dream from last night haunted him again. In that dream, Arya stood on the battlefield, surrounded by fire and a dark sky. He held a golden chakra spinning rapidly, emitting a humming sound. The heavy and majestic voice echoed in his ears. "Rise, Arya. The world awaits you." However, before he could ask, the dream always ended with a blinding bright light.

"Why me?" Arya murmured, looking at his hand. On the back of his hand, a birthmark shaped like a chakra was faintly visible. He had often heard the villagers whispering about the mark a sign from the gods, they said. But Arya just considered it nonsense. He was just a farmer's son, not a hero, let alone a reincarnation of a god.

His steps halted when he saw a girl standing by the riverbank. Lakshmi. The girl's long hair was loose, swaying in the evening breeze. She was filling a pitcher, but her gaze was vacant, as if she were pondering something heavy. Arya cleared his throat softly, making Laksmi startle.

"Arya?""Laksmi smiled, but her eyes were full of worry. 'You're late again. Your mother must be looking for you."

Arya lifted his basket. "I picked more leaves this time. But..." He hesitated for a moment. "That dream came again."

Laksmi's expression turned serious. "What did you see?" Arya took a deep breath. "The battlefield, fire, the chakra in my hand... and that voice. Always that voice."

Laksmi stepped closer. "This is not a coincidence, Arya. Your birthmark... that dream... they are all connected." I'm sure this is a message from the gods."

Before Arya could answer, a rumbling sound was heard from the direction of the village. The sky that was once bright is now turning gray. Black smoke billowed in the distance, and the sound of screams pierced the air. Arya and Laksmi looked at each other, their eyes filled with anxiety. "Our village!" Laksmi exclaimed, running towards the source of the sound.

Arya followed her, his heart pounding. When they arrived at the village, a horrifying sight greeted them. Houses were burning, residents were running while crying, and amidst the chaos, a tall figure with red eyes stood arrogantly.

The dark commander held a trident that radiated a black aura. Around him, shadow troops attacked anyone they encountered. Arya tightly clutched her basket, feeling helpless. But then, she saw a small child almost being trampled by one of the shadow soldiers.

Without thinking twice, Arya ran. He threw his basket at the soldier's head, pulled the child away, and faced the enemy who was now turning towards him. Arya knew he wouldn't win. However, something strange happened. As the soldier swung his sword, Arya's hand reflexively lifted, and suddenly, the birthmark on the back of her hand began to glow. Golden light radiated, forcing the soldier to retreat with a piercing scream. Everyone around stopped, including Raksaka. The red eyes narrowed, staring at Arya with a frightening intensity. "So you finally showed up," Raksaka muttered in a heavy voice. Arya was panting, not understanding what had just happened. But one thing she knew her life had just changed forever.

Arya fell silent, her right hand still glowing with a warm golden light. Her chest rose and fell, trying to understand what had just happened. He was just a farmer's son how could he possibly drive away a creature like that with just a flash of light?

"Arya!" Laksmi's voice broke his reverie. The girl ran closer, pulling him away from the shadow soldier who still looked confused. "We have to go!"

However, their steps were halted when Raksaka raised his trident high. A thick black aura radiated, absorbing the light around it. His laughter echoed like thunder tearing through the sky.

"You think you can escape, kid?" Your hands bear the mark of the curse! "You are a threat to us, and I will not let you live!"

Arya bit her lip. Curse mark? What does Raksaka mean? But before he could think any further, Raksaka slammed his trident into the ground. A wave of black energy shot forth, blowing away dust and stones, striking everything in its path.

Arya hugged Laksmi tightly, trying to protect the girl from the explosion. He closed his eyes, certain that this was the end. However, once again, the mark on his hand reacted. Golden light enveloped their bodies, forming an impenetrable protective shield. The black energy of Raksaka vanished as if swallowed by that power.

"What is really happening to my body?" Arya whispered, his eyes widening in disbelief. Laksmi gently held his arm, but her gaze was serious. "Arya, you can't keep denying this." You are the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. That mark, that power, all of it is proof that you are destined to fight against the darkness!"

"Incarnation of Lord Vishnu?" Arya looked at her doubtfully. "I can't even plant rice properly, Lakshmi. How can I become the protector of the world?"

However, before Lakshmi could respond, Raksaka moved again. This time, he aimed his trident directly at Arya. "If you are indeed a reincarnation of the gods, then I will ensure you never rise again!" Time seemed to slow down as Raksaka leaped with his trident drawn. Arya knew he didn't have enough time to think. In his heart, he felt resigned but there was also an urge to fight back.

At the last second, a shadow darted in front of Arya. A man in a blue cloak appeared out of nowhere, holding a staff with golden ornaments at its tip. With a single strike of his staff, the man created a wave of energy so powerful that it threw Raksaka back several meters.

"Finally, I have found it," said the cloaked man in a calm voice. He turned to Arya, his eyes radiating respect. "Master Arya, the world has been waiting for you." I am Narada, the envoy from Kahyangan. We have to leave now."

Arya looked at Narada with confusion. "The envoy from Kahyangan?" What do you mean? And why am I the one you're looking for?"Then why are you looking for me?" Narada nodded patiently. "The mark on your hand is the Sudarsana Chakra, the symbol of Lord Vishnu."

Narada nodded patiently. "The mark on your hand is the Sudarsana Chakra, the symbol of Lord Vishnu." You are his incarnation, the reincarnation of the world's protector. But now is not the time for a long explanation. Raksaka is the beginning of a much greater threat. "If you do not learn to master your power, the world will fall into darkness."

Arya felt his body go weak. All of this is too much to take in one night dreams, birthmarks, shadow armies, and now a divine messenger. But behind his confusion, he knew one thing. If he did not rise, the village he loved, the people he cherished, would be destroyed.

"I will go," Arya finally said, his voice trembling but full of determination. "But I want you to promise, Narada. I will not leave them without reason. You must help me protect this village."

Narada smiled slightly, as if satisfied with his answer. "Of course, Master Arya. But first, we must survive." Narada swung his staff, creating a glowing portal. He stepped in with Arya and Laksmi, leaving the still-burning Tirta Suci Village behind. However, in the distance, Raksaka stood with great anger, his fists clenched.

"Go away, divine incarnation," he hissed. "But I will find you." And when that time comes, no one will be able to save you." Amidst the smoke and destruction, the light of the portal vanished. Arya, Laksmi, and Narada disappeared into a new world full of mystery, leaving behind the promise of a great battle to come.