Chapter 3: The Crossroads of Choice
Siddharth stood before his wardrobe, his gaze fixed on the concealed "The VoidBringer." The morning light filtering into his room seemed to illuminate the invisible weight of the book's secrets. The memories of the past few years, since that horrific encounter and his subsequent adoption, flickered through his mind. He cherished the warmth and security Vandana and Avni offered, a stark contrast to the solitude he had briefly faced.
A significant reason Siddharth hadn't revealed the existence of "The VoidBringer" to Vandana and Avni was a deep-seated fear of disrupting the fragile peace they had built. He worried that the book, with its mysterious aura and the violent events surrounding its acquisition, would bring unease and danger into their lives. He wanted to protect them from the darkness that seemed to cling to the ancient text, a darkness that had already cost him his grandmother. Sharing it felt like inviting trouble into their hard-won sanctuary.
With a sigh, Siddharth reached into the wardrobe and retrieved the book. His fingers brushed against the worn leather, a tangible link to his past. He hesitated for a moment, a sense of foreboding washing over him, before carefully placing the book back in its hidden spot. Breakfast awaited, and he couldn't keep his adoptive mother and sister waiting.
He stepped out of his room and headed downstairs, a forced smile gracing his lips. Vandana was setting the table in the dining room, the aroma of freshly made pancakes filling the air. Avni was already seated, her eyes bright with anticipation.
"Morning, sleepyhead!" Avni chirped, a playful grin on her face. "Finally decided to join the living?"
Siddharth ruffled her fox ears affectionately. "Morning, little rascal. Wouldn't miss your charming company for the world... or Mom's pancakes."
Vandana chuckled, her eyes filled with warmth as she watched them. "Sit down, you two. Breakfast is ready."
As they ate, Vandana said, her tone gentle but carrying a hint of importance, "Siddharth, you know what today is, right? Your Profession Selection Day."
Siddharth nodded, taking a bite of his pancake. "Yeah, I know. Though, it's not much of a selection for me, is it? I've been using Creation energy since Grandma taught me."
Vandana smiled knowingly. "Well, as your examiner, I suppose that does give you a bit of an advantage."
Inwardly, Siddharth's thoughts were more complex. Coming here had opened his eyes to a world shaped by the Great Meteoroid Shower ten years ago. The resulting energies had plunged the world into this 'Era of Fantasy.' Schools now focused on professions tied to these energies. The Selection Test was a crucial step: absorbing energy from specialized crystals—Creation or Destruction—and being sent into a controlled dungeon to awaken their inherent abilities. The choice, they were taught, was solely between Creation and Destruction.
But Siddharth's goal was different, a secret he guarded closely: to become the Void. And his grandmother had made it clear that mastery of both energies was essential. He had learned a dangerous truth: attempting to wield both simultaneously without proper understanding could lead to catastrophic consequences. What was he to do? He couldn't choose Destruction in front of Mom, the head principal of his very school. Avni could choose whatever she wanted, but Siddharth felt trapped.
His thoughts drifted back to the book. Maybe it held a clue, a way to reconcile his personal goal with the limitations of this world. He finished his breakfast quickly, an urgency building within him.
"Mom, Avni, I need to grab something from my room," Siddharth said, pushing back from the table. "Be right back."
"Where are you rushing off to? School starts soon," Vandana called after him, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Just five minutes!" Siddharth replied, already halfway up the stairs.
Vandana exchanged a worried glance with Avni. "He's been acting a bit strange lately," Avni commented, tilting her head.
"Just let him be, dear. He's probably just nervous about the selection. Finish your breakfast; you need to get ready too. Which energy are you leaning towards?" Vandana asked Avni, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"Like you and Bhaiyya, I think I'll choose Creation energy," Avni replied, her eyes shining with admiration. Vandana's smile widened slightly.
The scene shifted in Siddharth's mind, a pull towards the hidden book. He pictured his grandmother, her wise eyes filled with a knowing sadness. He reached for the book in his memory, the urge to open it now almost unbearable.
But then, the memory of the day he had first opened it, the chaotic eruption of energy and the subsequent loss... it stopped him cold. He couldn't risk unleashing something unpredictable here, in their home.
He returned to the dining room, a newfound resolve hardening his gaze. "Ready to go," he announced, grabbing his bag. "Let's not be late."
They set off towards the Academy, the familiar streets of Noida bustling around them. After a few minutes, Siddharth feigned discomfort.
"Mom, I need to use the washroom," he said, clutching his stomach. "Just ten minutes. You and Avni go ahead; I'll catch up."
Vandana looked at him skeptically but nodded. "Alright, but don't take too long."
As soon as they were out of sight, Siddharth turned and sprinted back towards their house, his schoolbag bouncing against his back. He had a small park near their home in mind, a secluded spot where he could finally, finally open "The VoidBringer" and perhaps find the answers he desperately sought. Reaching the quiet park, he pulled the ancient book from his bag, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. His fingers trembled as he prepared to finally unlock its secrets.
And there, in the tranquil solitude of the park, Chapter 3 came to a close.