Chapter 18: The Path of Yogic Energy
Rudra Pratap, now with his Chacha free from the burden of his curse, felt an even stronger urge to take the next step in his journey. Though his body was still young, his mind and soul carried the wisdom of lifetimes. Training in martial combat was limited due to his physical age, but there was one aspect he could refine without restriction—Yogic Energy.
Yogic Energy, the force cultivated by sages through penance, pujas, and spiritual practices, was the foundation of boons and curses. The greater one's Yogic Energy, the more powerful their influence over reality itself. For Rudra, whose blessings from the Karma & Dharma Returns System multiplied his efforts exponentially, each spiritual act carried the potential to shape the world around him.
Sitting in meditation within the palace courtyard, he let his consciousness expand beyond the golden walls of Mahishmati. His divine perception spread out like ripples in a vast ocean, touching the suffering and struggles of people across Bharatvarsh.
"So much sorrow... so much injustice," he murmured. "It is time to act."
Rudra turned to his Rajguru, Maharishi Valmiki, who observed him with a knowing smile. "Rajguru, I seek your permission to travel Bharatvarsh. I wish to serve the people, to perform yajnas and spiritual acts that uplift the suffering and deepen my Yogic Energy."
Valmiki nodded in approval. "You possess the heart of a true Maharishi, Yuvraj Rudra. But the path of a wandering sage is not without trials. Are you prepared?"
Rudra grinned. "I am the son of Mahishmati. I was born ready."
The Journey Begins
With his father Suresh Pratap's reluctant blessing and his mother Bela's loving farewell, Rudra set off on his journey. Though he could use Supreme Velocity to travel instantly, he chose to walk, experiencing the land with each step.
The first village he reached was Vrindakul, a drought-stricken settlement where crops withered and water had become more precious than gold. The people looked upon Rudra with hope and skepticism. After all, how could a mere child save them?
Without hesitation, Rudra approached the village's dried-up riverbed and closed his eyes. He began chanting a powerful Varuna Mantra, invoking the divine energies of water. His voice, infused with his Cosmic Lion Roar, spread across the land like a sacred hymn. The sky rumbled, and within moments, dark clouds gathered above.
A torrential rain poured over Vrindakul, filling the river, drenching the cracked earth, and reviving the dying crops. The villagers fell to their knees, overwhelmed by the divine spectacle.
"Baal Rishi Rudra has blessed us!" an elder cried out.
[+50,000 Yogic Energy Acquired]
The system's notification echoed in Rudra's mind, but he paid it no attention. The real reward was the smiles of the people as they celebrated their newfound hope.
The Fire of Sacrifice
In another village, Rudra encountered a family cursed by an unknown force. A father lay paralyzed, his body refusing to move, while his wife and children lived in constant fear. The village priest claimed it was a punishment from the gods, but Rudra knew better.
Performing a Havan, he invoked Agni Dev with sacred offerings. His Yogic Energy surged, amplifying the power of the flames. As the fire burned, a shadowy figure emerged from the smoke—a lingering spirit that had bound itself to the cursed man.
"BEGONE!" Rudra commanded, his voice infused with divine authority.
The spirit shrieked and dissolved into nothingness. The father gasped as movement returned to his limbs, and his family wept with joy.
[+75,000 Yogic Energy Acquired]
The Growing Legend
As Rudra continued his journey, tales of his deeds spread like wildfire. In Hastinapur, Kashi, and Gandhar, scholars and kings alike spoke of the young sage whose presence alone could bring prosperity.
In Mahishmati, his younger sister Ishita eagerly awaited his visits. Each time he returned, he brought her gifts from different regions—sacred beads from Rameshwaram, fragrant sandalwood from Kanchipuram, and stories that filled her young heart with wonder.
With each act of compassion, with every yajna and mantra, Rudra's Yogic Energy swelled beyond mortal limits. Though still a child, he was already walking the path of legends.
To be continued...
(Word Count: 698)