[Important points to be noted regarding Power and Power Levels in Aryavarta:
The number 9 holds sacred significance in Aryavarta, tied to the nine celestial bodies (Navagraha) revered in Vedic tradition. Each stage—Human, Warrior, and the rumored Champion and Hero—contains 9 levels.
- Body refiners or mages in levels 1-3 are called "Sadhak" (seeker), levels 4-6 "Vishisht" (distinguished), and levels 7-9 "Siddha" (perfected). For example, a Human-8 level body refiner would be titled a Siddha Human.
- Body refinement requires resources like Ether, a mystical substance said to flow from the divine rivers of the cosmos. Development as a Mage demands both Ether and an innate talent for comprehending the Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements: earth, water, fire, air, ether) or natural phenomena like storms and seasons.
- The effectiveness of body refinement using Ether depends on the body's "Samskara" (potential). Higher Samskara yields greater power from fewer resources, while low Samskara demands vast amounts of Ether to progress through levels or stages.
- Mages can overcome low Samskara with exceptional "Jnana" (wisdom) in understanding the elements, a gift rarer than the finest saffron.
- A body refiner's combat prowess hinges on mastery of "Kala" (techniques), such as ancient martial forms like Kalaripayattu or wrestling. In a tale from the tome "What is Shakti?" by Siddha Scholar Valix Mantess, a Sadhak Human-1 disciple felled a Vishisht Human-6 foe using superior Kala.
- The disparity between body refiners and mages is vast. A skilled Sadhak Human Mage, wielding elemental mantras, could defeat dozens of Vishisht Human Fighters. Yet, Mages are as rare as lotus blooms in winter—only 1 in 1,000 are born with the "Mantrakshar" (magical root), a divine mark in the soul required to train as a Mage.]
Surya felt his mind swirl like the waters of the Ganga as he absorbed this flood of knowledge. He silently asked the World Domination System to repeat the details thrice, ensuring he grasped every nuance.
"Do I have the Mantrakshar?" he whispered in his mind, clinging to a flicker of hope.
[No. Host's body lacks the Mantrakshar, and its Samskara is among the lowest possible.]
The words struck him like a thunderbolt, shattering his dreams of conjuring flames or commanding the winds. But the system wasn't finished.
[Host need not despair. The World Domination System holds secrets to enhance Samskara and awaken a Mantrakshar. Focus on completing missions and gathering Exp Points—these are the keys to unlocking your body's hidden potential.]
A spark reignited in Surya's chest. There was a path forward! He clenched his fists, vowing to seize every mission and hoard Exp Points like a merchant guarding his gold. Loans from the System Bank, with its usurious rates, would be avoided at all costs.
Suddenly, a pair of rough hands yanked him from his seat in the town library. At 12 years old, Surya was a wiry lad, barely five feet tall, easily hoisted into the air by the burly constable. The man's saffron sash marked him as a library guard, his sneer as sharp as a khukri.
"You've overstayed your welcome, slum rat," the constable growled. "The entry fee covers only ten books. Pay 10 more silver Rupiyas or get out. Didn't the clerk warn you?"
Surya flailed helplessly, his feet dangling. "He didn't say a word about a limit! And I've no money left!"
The constable smirked, dragging him toward the library's grand steps. "Figures. This isn't a charity for beggars like you. Out you go—and don't crawl back." As they passed the clerk, the two exchanged a sly wink, revealing their petty racket.
With a grunt, the constable hurled Surya from the top of the steps. He landed hard on a stone landing between flights, scraping his knee raw. The pain stung, but the humiliation burned deeper, scorching his pride like a Holi bonfire.
[*Ding* Mission "Provide information regarding the world" success. 10 Exp Points awarded.
New Mission: Exact justice on the library's constable and clerk.
Mission Description: The town library's clerk runs a deceitful scheme, omitting key rules to trap unwary commoners. The constable then expels them, pocketing bribes or reveling in their misery. Host has fallen prey to this trickery.
A World Dominator cannot abide such indignity! Bring their misdeeds to the attention of higher authorities in Aryavarta.
Mission Reward: 30 Exp Points. Would you like to accept the mission?]
The system's voice mirrored Surya's simmering rage. "Yes," he muttered through gritted teeth.
[Mission Accepted. Good luck]
Surya hauled himself up, brushing dust from his tattered dhoti. His pocket had torn when the constable snatched the silver token before tossing him out. A book limit? What nonsense was this? Why restrict knowledge in a library built for learning?
Still, he'd completed his earlier mission, and the 10 Exp Points gleaming in his tally lifted his spirits. The sting of disgrace lingered, but Surya shoved it aside—he'd deal with those vipers later. For now, he had no means to re-enter the library without more Rupiyas, a luxury his family couldn't spare.
As he steadied himself, a clamor erupted near the library gates. A crowd swelled, and Surya slipped into its fringes, curiosity piqued.
At the center stood two figures locked in a tense standoff. One, a man in his late twenties, wore a saffron kurta emblazoned with a trishul symbol, his stance lithe and coiled like a naga ready to strike. The other, a stern middle-aged constable, donned a crisp uniform with gleaming silver buttons and a belt that shone like polished steel, exuding authority. His rigid posture and hawk-like gaze marked him as a man of rank.
"This is a matter for the Kshatriya training ashram," the man in the kurta said coolly. "You'd do well to let me pass, Officer Arjun."
"Orders are orders, Vishisht Human Elenav," the officer retorted, loosening his tunic as if preparing for battle. "Come quietly, or I'll drag you in myself—by force if needed. Siddha Human strength trumps your tricks."
Elenav's lips curled into a faint smile, a tiger baring its fangs. "Strength alone? You forget what Guru Vashishtha taught us: Kala can topple raw power any day. Let me enlighten you in his stead."
Before the last syllable faded, Elenav leaped skyward, soaring ten feet like Garuda in flight. His body twisted mid-air, transforming into a living spear, his fist aimed at Officer Arjun like the tip of a shastra.