Mahnstin stood still,watching Spiracle as she plucked a tiny bud from a nearby shrub.
Spiracle: The first question-
Nour has plenty of food resources,while Coir struggles with famine.You're respected in both the regions...yet you don't help Coir-
Why ?
Mahnstin: Because people of Coir don't value resources.They had more than enough once-but they squandered it.They never cared to sustain.
Spiracle: Pass.
The bud in her hand bloomed.
She plucked another.
Spiracle: You posses nearly 600 CE-more than enough to rule the planet.Yet you don't use it for your advantage....not even for your people-
Why ?
Mahnstin: I didn't choose this power.I was born with it.I don't want to stand above otthers,I want to walk beside them.If I help,it will be with the strength that every Urmartian shares-not with the power that separates us.
Spiracle: Pass.
The bud in her bloomed.
Mahnstin tilted his head.
Mahnstin: So I passed.What happens now,you stubborn lady ?
Spiracle smiled faintly.
Spiracle: You will suit Darsana.
Then a voice echoed only in the minds of Mahnstin and Spiracle-a rather calm yet strong one.
Darsana: Oh you found another one already Spiracle ? You are the best.
Yes...he is well suited for me.I accept him.
Mahnstin(confused): Darsana or whoever you are-can you explain what's going on right now ?
Darsana: Certainly.You have been chosen to wield my powers.
Mahnstin: So....I am getting your powers ?
Darsana: Yes.
Mahnstin: I am grateful for the offer...but I reject it.
The voice thickened.
Darsana: Who said you could reject it ?
In a instance a vision or rather a past mistake was shown to Spiracle and Mahnstin.
Spiracle: Seriously ??? This man did it ?
Mahnstin trembled.
Mahnstin: How ?...How do you know about this ?...
His firm posture faded and eyes gazed down.
Darsana: So do you accept ?
Mahnstin: Does it look like I have a choice ? Yes,I accept.
Darsana: Jump thrice and say Yathyatham.
Mahnstin obeyed him.
Every jump felt like a burden piling up-and the word he uttered felt like,he signed for the lifetime regret.
His body glowed for few seconds,then faded.
He looked around...Spiracle was gone.
The only thing remaining were the bloomed buds planted in the dirt where she stood.
Mahnstin(muttered): This feels like a rebirth...I can sense the CE surging in me....yet why do I feel nauseous ?
Before he could make sense of the feeling,he vanished.
He reappeared in a chamber.
A library-unlike anything he had seen.The shelves looked like they were forged out of dying stars.The books colossal,humming with energy,as if they held the secrets of reality.Statues of unknown beings towered all over the place.
He had found himself in the Library of legends-the core of Darsana's dominion.
Soon a Darsana descended in front of him-in a physical form that just carried mere fragment of his energy.
Darsana: I know you have tonnes of questions rallying in your head.
But you get to ask only one.Choose wisely.
Mahnstin: What will happen to my family ?..to my people ?
Darsana's voice softened.
Darsana: Such a caring and thoughtful man you are.Don't worry-you will be able to visit your wife and kids when needed.
And about your people-I have already planned on improving their conditions.
Mahnstin-for the first time in his life bowed to someone.
Mahnstin: Thank you.I know this is impossible but.... is there a way-I can repay you ?
Darsana: You are wielding my powers.That's more than enough.
But-
If you insist I have a task for you.
Mahnstin: I will be more than grateful to do it.Just name it,sir.
Darsana: There's planet-Arcanum.I want you to unveil the secrets hidden in it.
Mahnstin: How do I find it,sir ?
Darsana: Through my powers-you can see every part of space by using them.
Just focus.
Mahnstin closed his eyes and focused his vision.
Mahnstin: Found it.Should I proceed.
Darsana: Impressive.Yes go.
In a flicker-Mahnstin vanished from the library.
Darsana,alone in his library-walked towards a shelf-took out a book.
Titled-The red mystery.
Darsana: Let's see what lies inside this.
End of chapter 6.