Chapter 19: Seeds of Revenge

The village of Nagari remained quiet, unaware of the growing storm within Yagya's heart. On the surface, the boy seemed to have found his place among the villagers, working with them, helping old Dhania, and learning the ways of survival in the mortal realm. Yet, beneath that calm exterior, a different fire burned within him—the fire of vengeance.

Since the awakening of Agni, Yagya had felt a shift within himself. It wasn't just the fire that had ignited his powers—it was the return of his memories, fragments of a life once lived as Yama, the Dark Lord of Heaven. Each day, more pieces of the puzzle returned, filling the void in his mind. And with every memory came a growing certainty: his fall from grace had been no mere punishment for laziness. It had been something more—a betrayal.

Yagya had once been among the five most powerful deities in Heaven. Respected, feared, and revered, he ruled the Land of Shadows, balancing the forces of light and dark. But something—or someone—had conspired against him. His sudden punishment, the harsh rebuke from the Emperor God of Creation, it all felt too calculated. The whispers in the dark, the false accusations—his downfall had been orchestrated. And now, as Yagya wandered through the quiet village, these thoughts swirled in his mind, planting the seeds of revenge.

Late at night, after the village had fallen asleep, Yagya would sit by the flickering flames of a small fire outside Dhania's hut. The stars overhead shimmered in the vast night sky, but Yagya's eyes were focused inward, on the growing storm of emotions in his chest. He could feel the weight of betrayal pressing down on him, suffocating him.

Who had been behind his downfall? Was it one of the deities jealous of his power? Or perhaps the Emperor God himself had feared his growing strength? Yagya's thoughts darkened as he considered the possibilities. One thing was certain—he would find out. And when he did, they would pay.

One night, as Yagya sat deep in thought, the air around him seemed to hum with a strange energy. It was subtle at first, a soft vibration that tickled the edges of his consciousness, but it grew stronger with each passing moment. Suddenly, he felt a presence—a dark, familiar presence—lurking in the shadows just beyond the firelight.

Yagya's eyes narrowed, and he rose to his feet. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice low and dangerous.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, from the darkness, a figure stepped forward, cloaked in shadow. The figure was tall and lean, its face obscured by a hood. But even in the darkness, Yagya could feel the malevolent energy radiating from it.

"You seek answers," the figure said in a voice that was both soft and sinister. "And I have them."

Yagya tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. "Who are you?"

The figure chuckled softly. "I am but a messenger, sent by those who know the truth of your fall. You were not cast down because of laziness, Yagya. No, you were betrayed. And those responsible still sit in the heavens, laughing at your misfortune."

Yagya's heart pounded in his chest, anger rising like a tide within him. "Tell me who they are."

The figure tilted its head, as if considering the request. "In time, Yagya. In time. But first, you must prove yourself worthy of the truth. The path of vengeance is not for the weak. You must grow stronger—much stronger—if you are to face those who betrayed you."

The flames of Agni flickered in Yagya's eyes as he stared at the shadowed figure. "I will grow stronger," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "I will reclaim my power, and I will make them pay for what they've done."

The figure smiled beneath its hood, though Yagya could not see it. "Good. Then listen carefully. There is a place, far to the east, where the ancient cultivators once gathered. It is called the Valley of Forgotten Souls. There, you will find the first key to unlocking your true potential."

Yagya's mind raced. The Valley of Forgotten Souls—he had heard of it in passing, whispered by the villagers in fearful tones. It was said to be a place where powerful spirits roamed, a place of danger and death. But if that's where the path to his revenge began, Yagya would not hesitate.

"And what will I find there?" Yagya asked.

"Power," the figure replied simply. "Power unlike anything you've ever known. But be warned—the valley will test you. Only those who can overcome their inner demons will leave with their souls intact."

Yagya's eyes blazed with determination. "I'm not afraid."

The figure nodded, satisfied. "Then go, Yagya. Find the Valley of Forgotten Souls, and begin your true journey. The seeds of revenge have been planted. Now, you must water them with strength and will."

With that, the figure stepped back into the shadows and disappeared, leaving Yagya alone by the fire. The air around him returned to its stillness, but Yagya's mind was anything but calm. His heart raced with the anticipation of what was to come.

The path of revenge had been laid before him, and Yagya would walk it without hesitation. No matter the cost, no matter the challenges, he would reclaim his power and make those who had wronged him suffer. The flames of Agni burned hotter than ever, and with them, Yagya's resolve grew stronger.

He would travel to the Valley of Forgotten Souls, face whatever trials awaited him, and return with the strength needed to bring his enemies to their knees. The seeds of revenge had been planted, and Yagya would see them grow into a firestorm that would consume the heavens themselves.