The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows over the quiet streets. Mohit stretched, feeling the faint pulse of energy still flowing inside him.
Yesterday's training had left his muscles sore, but he also felt… lighter. More aware. He had tasted control, even if only a little, and that taste burned with possibility.
He left his apartment quietly, careful not to attract attention. Today, he planned to explore the small park near his building — a place he had noticed from his rooftop the night before. He had sensed a faint spiritual presence there, something unlike the ordinary flow of energy in the city.
A Strange Presence
As Mohit walked through the park, his senses tingled. The energy here wasn't strong — but it was different. Older. Deeper. Almost predatory.
He stopped near a cluster of trees and crouched slightly. The wind rustled the leaves, but something heavier stirred in the shadows.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the park. Mohit froze.
Out of the darkness emerged a creature unlike the one from the alley. This one was smaller but faster, sleek and black with faint markings that shimmered like liquid silver. Its eyes glowed a soft amber, watching him carefully.
A second spiritual beast.
The First Combat Experience
Mohit's heart raced. He remembered yesterday — the alley, the glowing aura, the instinct that had saved him.
He took a deep breath, focusing inward. The faint purple flame inside his chest trembled, responding to his will.
I can do this… I have to try.
The beast circled him, agile and quiet. Its movements were precise, almost intelligent, testing him, gauging his reactions.
Mohit stepped back, keeping his balance. He extended his right hand, letting a faint wave of energy ripple outward. The air vibrated slightly. The beast paused, its ears twitching.
Mohit realized something important: he didn't need to attack immediately. He could control distance and reaction, using energy to influence the fight.
Trial by Energy
The beast lunged suddenly, faster than Mohit expected. He jumped sideways, feeling the wind brush past him. Using the energy in his palm, he tried a small push — a ripple of force against the creature's momentum.
The beast stumbled slightly but recovered immediately. Its amber eyes gleamed with amusement, as if encouraging Mohit to try harder.
He inhaled deeply and focused, channeling the warmth from his chest into a stronger pulse. This time, when the beast lunged again, Mohit released a small, concentrated wave of purple energy.
The beast yelped, retreating just enough to avoid impact. Mohit's hands tingled with exhaustion, but the thrill of control surged through him.
I can fight… but I'm still weak.
The beast circled again, slower this time, clearly intrigued. Mohit realized it wasn't mindless — it was testing him, pushing him to discover his limits.
Understanding Growth
After several cautious exchanges, Mohit sat back on a low bench. His palms glowed faintly, energy draining slowly. The beast observed him silently, then melted back into the shadows.
Mohit exhaled. His body shook, but his mind felt sharper than ever.
Every encounter is a lesson.
Every reaction teaches control.
He understood something fundamental: combat was not just about strength. It was about perception, patience, and timing.
As he left the park, Mohit looked back once more. The shadows where the beast had disappeared seemed alive, whispering promises of challenges yet to come.
And somewhere deep inside, he felt the echo of a distant, ancient power calling him — waiting for the day he could face it fully.