Part 1: The Pauper's Shopping List
Rudra stood in the Chhaya Bazaar, clutching the small, heavy sack of 200 Manav-Prana (Silver Coins). The Kala-Sphatik in his pocket pulsed with a faint, cold thrum, a constant reminder of his 11,000 Karmic Rinn. His survival depended on stretching these 200 coins across three essentials: VVK Vastra (Uniform), A Sankalpa Granth (Textbook), and Patal-Rath Vahan (Transport).
Vrishabh, the Debt-Trader, walked beside him. "The Viprit-Kula (Asura Clan) respects frugality, but your poverty is legendary, Rudra. Let's start with the cheapest place: the Jhooth-Bazaar (The Lie-Market)."
The Jhooth-Bazaar was a collection of dilapidated tents selling used, damaged, or counterfeit magical goods.
1. VVK Uniform (Vastra):
The required Viprit-Kula robe was a deep navy blue, symbolizing Shadow and Will. The new robe cost 150 Manav-Prana.
Rudra: "Too expensive. Vrishabh, look for a second-hand one."
Vrishabh led him to a woman selling patched robes. Rudra found a Ghisa-Pita (worn-out) dark blue tunic with a small tear near the shoulder.
Vrishabh: "This will do. A powerful Maya-Mantra (Illusion Spell) can hide the tear. Cost: 40 Manav-Prana."
2. Sankalpa Granth (Textbook):
The necessary textbook, The Foundation of Karmic Control, was new and cost 100 Manav-Prana.
Rudra spotted a Buri Haalat (bad condition) copy of an older edition.
Rudra: "This one. The pages are stained, but the core teachings are there."
Vrishabh: "A true debtor's choice. Cost: 60 Manav-Prana."
Rudra now had 100 Manav-Prana left, and he still needed transportation that normally cost 80 Manav-Prana.
Part 2: The Rival and The Luck Steal
As they left the Jhooth-Bazaar, Rudra bumped into someone. A blast of warm, clean energy hit him.
It was Dhruv, the Soneri Vastra (Golden Robe) student Rudra saw briefly at the Red Fort. Dhruv wore a brilliant white Satya-Kula (Deva Clan) uniform, and around him, the air literally shimmered with Good Fortune. He was surrounded by two lackeys.
Dhruv: "Watch where you are going, Pauper (Gareeb). You stink of Karmic Rinn." Dhruv arrogantly tapped his wrist, showing off a thick gold bracelet made of pure Deva-Rshya (Divine Gold Currency).
Dhruv's eyes fell on Rudra's cheap, worn-out supplies.
Dhruv: "40 Prana for a rag. 60 Prana for a burnt book. You are truly a disgrace to VVK. Tell me, Shadow-Heir, how will you pay for the Vajra-Dhara (Luxury Transport) ticket with 100 Manav-Prana?"
Rudra knew Anger was a trigger for his Kala-Chhaya. He felt the urge to unleash his power, to ruin Dhruv's expensive bracelet. He gripped the Kala-Sphatik in his pocket, fighting the impulse.
Rudra (in his mind): "Control. Don't waste the Rinn."
Dhruv laughed, showing off a handful of silver coins. "I just bought 500 Manav-Prana worth of rare Prithvi Tattva (Earth Element) gems. You wouldn't even know what they are."
Suddenly, the gold bracelet on Dhruv's wrist darkened imperceptibly—a barely visible tarnish. Rudra realized that even his controlled presence was passively draining Dhruv's immediate, small luck.
Part 3: The Patal-Rath Gambit
Rudra ignored Dhruv and walked toward the Patal-Rath Kendra (Underworld Chariot Station).
Patal-Rath was a dark, functional vehicle run by Asura-Bhuti energy—the only transport he could afford. The ticket was 80 Manav-Prana.
Rudra approached the Rahi-Prahari (Guardian), an Adh-Manav with flaming hair, and handed over his remaining 100 Manav-Prana.
Rahi-Prahari: "80 Manav-Prana for the journey. You have 20 left for food."
Suddenly, Dhruv appeared with his lackeys, blocking Rudra's path.
Dhruv: "I will not share a Vahan (Vehicle) with this Debt-Collector. Prahari, I will pay 100 Manav-Prana to charter the entire Patal-Rath for myself, and send this one on the slower Ashwa-Rath (Horse-Drawn Cart)!"
The Rahi-Prahari's eyes lit up at the extra cash. "Dhruv, the Patal-Rath is yours."
Rudra felt panic. The Ashwa-Rath was unreliable and slow, and he would miss his admission deadline. He had to use his power.
Rudra (Sankalp): "I will Khinch (pull) the Rinn from Dhruv's excess payment. The Karma must be balanced."
He channeled a small, controlled pull through his Kala-Sphatik. Instead of draining Dhruv's life, he aimed for the Karmic Integrity of the transaction.
The Result: Dhruv's 100 Manav-Prana payment bag suddenly tore at the bottom, and 20 silver coins spilled and rolled directly to Rudra's feet.
Dhruv (Furious): "What was that? A curse!"
Rudra: "That was the Rinn of Excess. You paid too much, Dhruv. The Balance took its due."
Rudra quickly picked up the 20 coins, giving him 40 Manav-Prana left, and a ticket he had earned through luck theft.
The Rahi-Prahari, seeing the bizarre event, hesitated. He let Rudra pass. Rudra entered the Patal-Rath, leaving a furious Dhruv behind. He had paid for his ticket, but his Karmic Rinn had grown again, now at 11,100 Bindu.