The desert sun blazed down as Kent wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes fixed on the radiant soul figure of Kaban. Despite the oppressive heat, Kent only thought about what Kaban just said.
“So, you’re saying there are only 14 worlds in this entire universe? No more, no less?” Kent asked, his tone tinged with skepticism.
Kaban, now in his soul form, stood tall with an air of calm authority. “Yes. Beyond the 14 worlds lies an eternal darkness, an endless void where even light fears to tread. The 33 crore gods reside in the apex world that is the Satya Loka, and ‘three faced god’ ruling over the cosmic order.”
Kent frowned, his disbelief evident. “And you expect me to believe that all of this—our struggles, our cultivation, our endless battles—are just us dancing to the whims of some three-faced god? That’s ridiculous.”
Kaban’s expression didn’t change. “It’s not for me to convince you, mortal. This is the reality of existence. The three-faced god rules in countless forms, shaping destinies and weaving fates. Even the gods of Satya Loka are but instruments of his will.”
Grizzac, leaning on his staff, snorted. “Hmph. And what about us mortals? What’s the point of all this cultivation, all this struggle? Don’t you know the pain we endure just to get a step closer to escaping death?” Grizzac asked with a dissatisfied look.
Kaban shrugged and replied in a steady voice. “Your struggles are your own. In the world of gods, they call it the Universal secret of life created by the Three faced God. To learn that secret, you must prove yourself worthy. To do that, you must ascend through the worlds, reincarnating time and again, cultivating to the pinnacle of each world until you reach Satya Loka.”
Kent’s brows furrowed, his tone growing sharp. “So you’re saying I need to reincarnate in every world, again and again, until I finally claw my way to Satya Loka?”
“Exactly,” Kaban replied, his tone casual but firm. “That’s the Karma Chakra, the cycle of life. Fail to reach the pinnacle in Satya Loka that is in my world, and you’ll fall, starting over from the lowest of the seven demon worlds.”
Kent’s fists clenched, frustration boiling in his veins. “There must be another way. There’s always another way.”
Kaban paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “There is… but it’s not simple.”
“What is it? Tell me.” Kent stepped closer, his voice laced with anticipation.
Kaban met Kent’s gaze, his voice lowering. “There are two ways to bypass the cycle. First, the gods of Satya Loka can use their good karma to recall a loved one who has died. But such an act is costly—most gods won’t dare attempt it.”
“And the second way?” Kent pressed.
Kaban hesitated before speaking, his voice almost a whisper. “Karma Exchange. A living soul in Satya Loka can abandon their existence there, sacrificing their karma to bring someone else in their place. It’s a rare, near-impossible act, but it has been done before.”
Kent’s confusion deepened. “Explain.”
Kaban smirked, his sharp teeth glinting. “It means someone from Satya Loka must willingly give up their spot for you. But there’s a catch.”
“What catch?”
“You’d have to trade your karma with theirs. For you to gain their life, they’d take yours.”
Grizzac, who had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke. “So you’re saying you’d give Kent a chance to reach Satya Loka by trading your karma with his?”
Kaban’s smile widened. “Not so fast, old man. I don’t hand over my karma for free. If Kent wants it, there are conditions.”
Grizzac’s brows furrowed. “What conditions?”
Kaban’s face turned serious, his radiant aura dimming. “My family. My parents. My entire royal lineage. I abandoned them when I was cursed. They gave me everything—wealth, love, and even their own karma to try to break my curse. But the Heavenly Emperor forbade it. Now, they’re in chaos, their kingdom crumbling.”
Kent tilted his head, his tone cold. “And you expect me to fix your mess? That’s nothing but me living your life.”
Kaban’s voice rose, his eyes blazing. “Yes, that’s what it is. I abandoned my lineage. But if you take my karma, you take my responsibilities. You’d have to return to my family and restore what I could not. I can only agree to Karma exchange if you promise me that.”
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Grizzac turned to Kent, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “This is a god-sent opportunity, Kent. Forget the Shrine of Eternal Sands. Satya Loka is where real treasures lie. It’s your one way ticket to break away from here.”
Kent shook his head, his jaw set. “I won’t abandon my family or my companions here. And what’s the guarantee Kaban’s even telling the truth? What if this is all a lie?”
Grizzac froze, his laughter died down instantly. “Why the hell I didn’t think about this? This Kaban could be an absolute fraud!”
Kaban laughed after hearing Kent. “Wise words, mortal. You are not so impulsive. But, you need to know one thing. Even if you wanted my karma, I couldn’t give it to you. Not yet.”
Kent raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Kaban’s tone turned grave. “Your current fate is in prime and your karma is unfinished here. You have too many ties, too many bonds with the living. To exchange karma with me, you must sever every connection. Your companions, your loved ones—they must all pass from your life. Only when you are alone, at the end of your lifespan or as an orphan, can the exchange happen.”
Kent’s face darkened, his fists tightening. “So you’re saying I have to let everyone I care about die?”
“Precisely… But you can wait until they pass away. It’s not like they all live eternally.” Kaban replied, his voice devoid of emotion. “The bonds of karma are like threads. To weave a new rope, the old must be unraveled.”
Grizzac’s expression softened. “Kent, this could be your destiny. You can spend this life to full and get away from here. Think of the power, the knowledge waiting for you in Satya Loka.”
Kent shook his head firmly. “It’s not time for me to make this drastic decision. Also, I won’t sacrifice the people I care about for something as uncertain as this.”
Kaban’s expression softened, his voice losing its edge. “You are strong-willed, Kent. That is rare in mortals. But remember, if you change your mind or reach end of your life, call my name three times. As you are my saviour, I will wait for your call. Until then, I will be roaming this Svar Loka.”
Without another word, Kaban turned and began to fade into the golden sands, his form shimmering like a mirage.
Kent watched him disappear, his heart heavy with unanswered questions.
–
*Let’s get into action! Stay Tuned!