DHARMA TRIALS: THE SUTRA'S CHOSEN

The campfire crackled softly, its warm glow illuminating the faces of Aryan, Vaanya, and their newfound ally, Kiran. Night had fallen, and after the events of the Dharma Trial, the trio decided to set up camp near a serene lake hidden deep within the forest. The cool breeze carried the faint sound of crickets, a rare moment of peace in their perilous journey.

Aryan sat cross-legged by the fire, his hands resting on his knees, deep in meditation. The Sutra's golden glow pulsed faintly around him as he attempted to stabilize the energy within. His trial had left him physically and mentally drained, but he could feel the change—the bond with the Sutra was growing stronger.

"Your breathing is off," Vaanya said sharply from across the fire, breaking the silence. She sat with her back straight, her daggers resting on her lap. Her emerald eyes gleamed in the firelight, scrutinizing Aryan's form. "You're trying to control the Sutra too forcefully. Let it flow naturally."

Aryan opened one eye and frowned at her. "Easier said than done. This thing isn't exactly a cooperative partner."

Kiran chuckled as he stirred a pot of stew over the fire. "The Sutra isn't a tool, Aryan. It's a guide. The more you try to dominate it, the more it will resist."

"Great," Aryan muttered, closing his eye again. "So I'm stuck meditating while it decides if I'm worthy or not."

Vaanya leaned forward, her voice low but firm. "This is only the beginning, Aryan. You've taken the first step, but every step forward will be harder than the last. If you're not prepared to give it your all, you might as well walk away now."

Her words stung, but Aryan knew she was right. He exhaled slowly, letting the tension leave his body, and focused on the rhythm of his breath. The golden glow of the Sutra began to stabilize, its warmth spreading through him like a gentle tide.

---

### The Stranger's Warning

As the group ate their stew in silence, Aryan couldn't shake the memory of the cloaked figure they'd encountered earlier. The stranger's glowing eyes and cryptic words lingered in his mind.

"Who do you think that was?" Aryan finally asked, breaking the silence.

Vaanya didn't look up from her bowl. "Someone we should kill the next time they show up."

Kiran gave her a sidelong glance. "Vaanya's right to be cautious. A presence like that… it's not ordinary. They might be tied to the Shadowed Hand."

"The Shadowed Hand?" Aryan asked, his brow furrowing.

Kiran nodded gravely. "An ancient sect that thrives on chaos and destruction. They're obsessed with corrupting the Sutras, bending them to their will. If that figure is involved with them, it means trouble."

Aryan clenched his fist. "Then we need to be ready. I won't let them stop me."

Vaanya smirked faintly. "Bold words, farm boy. Let's see if your actions can match them."

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### Vaanya's Past

Later that night, as the fire burned low and Kiran dozed off against a tree, Aryan found himself sitting beside Vaanya. She was sharpening her daggers, the rhythmic scrape of metal against stone filling the silence.

"Vaanya," Aryan said hesitantly. "Why are you helping me?"

She didn't look up, her focus on the blade in her hands. "Because someone has to. You're too clueless to survive on your own."

Aryan frowned. "I'm serious. You're obviously skilled, and you've got your own battles to fight. Why stick around?"

Vaanya paused, her gaze softening as she stared into the fire. For a moment, Aryan thought she wouldn't answer. But then she spoke, her voice quiet.

"I lost everything because of the Shadowed Hand," she said. "My family, my home… all gone. They came to my village looking for the Sutra of Shadows, but we didn't have it. They killed everyone anyway."

Aryan felt a pang of guilt for prying, but before he could apologize, Vaanya continued.

"I survived by hiding. Watched as they burned everything to the ground." She sheathed her dagger and met Aryan's eyes. "So, when I see someone like you—someone with a chance to fight back—I can't just walk away."

Aryan nodded, his respect for her growing. "I'm sorry for what you've been through. But I promise, I'll do everything I can to stop them."

Vaanya's lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Just don't get yourself killed."

---

### A Mysterious Ally

The following morning, the group prepared to move out. As they packed their supplies, a figure emerged from the trees. It was a young man with fiery red hair and a confident grin, carrying a large sword strapped to his back.

"Whoa there!" Aryan said, drawing his staff. Vaanya and Kiran immediately took defensive stances.

The stranger raised his hands in mock surrender. "Easy, easy. I'm not here to fight."

"Then why are you here?" Vaanya demanded, her daggers glinting in the sunlight.

The young man grinned. "Name's Dev. I couldn't help but notice the fireworks last night. Thought I'd introduce myself to the lucky owner of that Sutra power."

Aryan narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about the Sutra?"

Dev tapped his nose. "I've got an eye for these things. Let's just say I'm something of a Sutra enthusiast. And judging by the look of you, you're new to this whole thing."

"What do you want?" Kiran asked, his voice calm but wary.

Dev's grin widened. "To join you, of course. You've got trouble following you, and I'm always up for a good fight."

Vaanya scoffed. "And we're supposed to trust you just like that?"

"Trust is earned," Dev said, unsheathing his sword. The blade was etched with fiery runes that pulsed with energy. "But if you're heading into the Medium World, you'll need someone who knows the terrain. And I happen to be the best guide you'll find."

Aryan exchanged a glance with Vaanya and Kiran. He wasn't sure if Dev could be trusted, but they could use all the help they could get.

"Fine," Aryan said cautiously. "But if you try anything, Vaanya will make sure you regret it."

Dev laughed, slinging his sword over his shoulder. "Fair enough. Let's see what you've got, Sutra boy."

---

### The Journey Continues

With Dev now in tow, the group set off deeper into the forest, their sights set on the next Dharma Trial. Aryan's resolve had been strengthened by the support of his allies, but he couldn't shake the feeling that more challenges—and betrayals—lay ahead.

The road to the Medium World was long, and the Shadowed Hand wasn't far behind. But Aryan knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't stop until he mastered the Sutra and avenged those who had suffered because of its power.

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*To be continued…*