The air felt different that morning.
Mohit noticed it the moment he stepped outside. The usual flow of spiritual energy around the city was calm and scattered, but today, faint ripples pulsed from the direction of the old industrial hills beyond the ruins.
Aryan sensed it too.
"You feel that?" Aryan asked quietly.
Mohit nodded. "It's like something is pulling… stronger than the ruins."
Aryan's eyes sharpened with interest. "That means a hidden zone may have awakened. These places gather spiritual energy naturally. They're rare… and dangerous."
Dangerous or not, Mohit felt excitement spark inside him. This was exactly what he had been training for.
Entering the Hidden Zone
They followed the energy trail past broken fences and abandoned stone structures until they reached a narrow rocky passage half-covered by vines. Cool air flowed out from within, carrying a faint hum of power.
Mohit's senses reacted immediately. His aura vibrated gently, responding to the dense energy inside.
"This feels different," Mohit whispered.
"That's because the energy density is higher," Aryan replied. "Stay alert. Beasts are usually drawn to places like this."
They stepped inside.
The passage opened into a wide cavern lit by faint glowing crystals embedded in the walls. Thin streams of energy floated like mist in the air. The ground shimmered with strange markings, almost like natural formations shaped by spiritual flow.
Mohit felt overwhelmed — but also energized.
First Multi-Beast Encounter
A sudden ripple disturbed the air.
From behind a crystal ridge, two small spiritual creatures emerged. They weren't aggressive immediately — just curious, cautious.
Mohit instinctively raised his hand.
"Wait," Aryan said softly. "Observe first."
Mohit focused his Void Sense. He could feel their energy patterns clearly now — light, fast, and reactive.
"They're not attacking," Mohit said. "Just testing us."
"Good," Aryan replied. "Then you lead."
Mohit extended a calm wave of energy outward, not threatening, just firm. One creature stepped back. The other circled cautiously.
Aryan shifted slightly, reinforcing Mohit's energy field. Together, their combined control created a steady boundary. After a few tense moments, both creatures retreated deeper into the cavern.
Mohit exhaled slowly. His heart raced — but he hadn't panicked.Measuring Growth
They moved deeper into the hidden zone and discovered a cluster of glowing stones pulsing with soft light.
Aryan knelt beside them. "These are energy nodes. Absorbing them helps strengthen your core — but don't overdo it."
Mohit placed his palm near the stone. Warm energy flowed into him smoothly, far more stable than before. His chest flame brightened slightly, steadier and clearer.
Suddenly, faint text shimmered in his vision:
Energy Core Stability: 12% → 18%
Void Sense Accuracy: Improved
Mohit blinked in surprise. "I can… see my progress."
Aryan raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. That's rare. A natural feedback ability will accelerate your growth."
Mohit smiled. For the first time, cultivation didn't feel vague or confusing. He could actually track improvement.
Quiet Promise
They exited the hidden zone before nightfall.
The sky burned orange and violet as the sun dipped behind the hills. Mohit felt tired — but deeply satisfied.
"Today was good," Mohit said. "I feel… different. Stronger. More aware."
Aryan nodded. "You're stepping onto the real path now. Soon, others will notice your growth."
Mohit looked toward the distant city skyline, feeling both excitement and uncertainty.
This world is opening faster than I imagined…
And deep within the hidden zone, faint shadows stirred once more — as if something stronger had sensed their presence.