Jigen Shang:
Aditya is the chosen heir. But that does not mean the rest of you are mere bystanders. Each of you is here for a reason-the cosmos itself has brought you to this moment.
The group exchanges glances, their confusion evident. Shivam leans forward, his voice skeptical.
Shivam:
A reason? What are you talking about? We're just... us.
Rashi (frowning):
Yeah, why us? We don't have any talents like these overpowered beasts.
Jigen's lips curl into a knowing smile, his tone almost teasing.
Jigen Shang:
What you call talents, I call Ascendant Power-a divine blessing bestowed by the gods. And I... he raises his hand, a faint golden glow emanating from his palm ...have the ability to awaken it.
The group stares in disbelief as Jigen's palm glows brighter, the golden light flickering like a living flame. Shivam, bursts into laughter.
Shivam:
You're telling me you can just... unlock power? Like a cosmic locksmith? Come on!
Jigen chuckles along, nodding.
Jigen Shang:
It's funny that you, of all people, would question this, Shivam. But yes, I can unlock and lock anything. Even your potential-potential that might take you a lifetime to realise. Let me show you.
Jigen gestures for Harshit to step forward. He hesitates but eventually complies, his curiosity outweighing his nervousness. Jigen extends his glowing palm toward Harshit's forehead, speaking with reverence.
Jigen Shang:
Divine Recognition: Emerge!
A radiant light bursts from Jigen's hand, enveloping Harshit in a warm, ethereal glow. The group watches in awe as the light seems to analyse Harshit, flickering with intensity.
Jigen Shang (smiling):
Harshit, your intellect has been unmatched since birth. But do you know why?
Harshit (adjusting his glasses nervously):
Genetics? Education? Hard work?
Jigen Shang (chuckling):
Those are part of it. But the truth is... you bear the blessing of Vedin, the god of wisdom, and his mind resonates in you.
Jigen raises his other hand, and a key made of golden spiritual energy materialises in his palm. He thrusts the key into Harshit's forehead, and a brilliant burst of energy surges through him.
Harshit (gasping):
What is-what's happening?!
Harshit's body trembles as his mind is flooded with knowledge, his brain surging with energy. His eyes glow a faint yellow as ancient runes and equations appear briefly in the air around him. The glow subsides, leaving him breathless but invigorated.
Harshit (amazed):
My mind... It's limitless.
Next, Jigen gestures for Ashvin to step forward cautiously, his curiosity piqued. Jigen repeats the process, the light enveloping Ashvin.
Jigen Shang:
Ashvin, your love for ancient texts has always been more than mere interest. It was a calling. You are destined to be the Sorcerer Supreme, chosen by the Akashic Texts, the supreme magic of the universe.
The golden key appears again, and Jigen places it on Ashvin's chest. The air around Ashvin crackles with power as intricate sigils and magic circles form, glowing with vibrant colors. Ashvin's hands instinctively rise, and the symbols respond, swirling around him in a mesmerising dance.
Ashvin (stammering):
I... I can see them. The runes, the spells... they're alive!
He closes his eyes, and the magic circles fade, leaving a faint, radiant glow around him.
Jigen turns to Shivam, his bravado falters slightly. He steps forward, trying to mask his nervousness with a smirk.
Shivam:
Alright, hit me with it. Let's see what I've got.
The light surrounds Shivam, but this time, the energy shifts to a fiery red, crackling with heat and intensity.
Jigen Shang:
Shivam, your temper and determination are not flaws-they are gifts. You bear the blessing of Ares, the God of WAR.
As Jigen unlocks Shivam's power, embers of hellfire swirl around him, his eyes glowing an intense red. A sudden burst of energy comes from him as if the fires of hell unleashed.
Shivam (grinning):
Woah, What's this?
The fire subsides, his fists crackling faintly with red energy.
Jigen looks at Rashi, who steps forward with her usual confidence. The light envelops her, transforming into a golden glow that radiates warmth and strength.
Jigen Shang:
Rashi, your courage, valor, and natural leadership are not mere traits-they are echoes of a past life. You are the reincarnation of the Valkyrie Queen, chosen to lead the brave into battle and to Valhalla.
As Jigen unlocks her power, golden wings unfurl from her back, shimmering with divine energy. The group gasps as her presence commanding and regal.
Rashi (smiling):
This feels more natural....
Finally, Jigen calls Ajay forward. The calm yet strong young man steps up, curiosity flickering in his eyes. The yellow light envelops him, shifting to a brilliant blue and silver glow.
Jigen Shang:
Ajay, you are marked by Vyrathax, the Shatterbound, keeper of the primal spark. You wield the power to sunder matter and bind its chaos. Guard this gift, for it may unmake you.
A massive, muscular figure made of pure energy briefly appears behind Ajay, roaring with power. The figure recedes into Ajay, who feels a surge of strength and clarity.
Ajay (dryly):
Greaaaaat. Now I am a walking apocalypse, Anyone got a manual for not blowing up the planet?
As the golden glow of Ajay's awakening fades, the group turns toward Steve, who stands silently at the edge of the room. His tall frame exudes calm, but there's a flicker of tension in his otherwise stoic demeanor. Jigen Shang gestures for him to step forward.
Jigen Shang (calmly):
Steve, it's your turn. Please, come forward.
Steve nods and steps forward with deliberate slowness, his expression unreadable. The golden light in Jigen's palm flares up again as he raises it toward Steve.The light envelops Steve, but instead of the radiant glow that came to others, the light flickers unevenly. Jigen's brows furrow slightly as he closes his eyes, concentrating deeply.
The room grows tense as Jigen's expression darkens. His normally serene face is now lined with unease, his lips tightening into a thin line. The flickering light around Steve pulses erratically before stabilizing briefly, only to dim again.
Rashi (whispering to Ajay):
Why does he look... worried?
Ajay (frowning):
Something's off.
Steve (calmly, but with an edge):
Master Jigen, what is it? Did you... find something wrong?
Jigen slowly opens his eyes, his gaze steady but filled with uncertainty. His voice is quieter than before, almost cautious.
Jigen Shang:
The lines of your past and future are... blurred. It's as though they resist being seen. You are a mystery, Steve Jones, one I cannot fully unravel.
Harshit (confused):
Blurred? What does that even mean?
Shivam (teasing):
Maybe Steve's too boring to have a future.
Steve (interrupting):
No, he's not wrong. My parents-if I even have any-are unknown to me. Every attempt to trace my roots has led to dead ends. Even genetic tests come back inconclusive. My body... he flexes his hand slightly ...doesn't fit within any known human genetics. I've been a wildcard my whole life.
The group falls silent, the weight of Steve's words sinking in. Jigen nods slowly, his expression softening slightly.
Jigen Shang:
I understand now. It is the first time I have encountered someone whose connections cannot be deciphered. Your love for nature is pure, and your loyalty to Aditya is unwavering. But...
Jigen Shang(heavier tone):
There is something else-something buried deep within you. A darkness. An evil that surges forward when your emotions take control. If I unlock your power, it may bring that darkness closer to the surface.
Steve stiffens slightly, his jaw tightening. The others exchange uneasy glances.
Aditya (stepping forward):
Steve, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. We'll figure things out together, with or without this power.
Steve (smiling faintly):
I appreciate that, Aditya. But if there's one thing I've learned from being by your side, it's that running from a weakness only strengthens its hold over you.
He takes a deep breath, his calm voice steady but resolute.
Steve:
If there's something inside me, I'd rather face it than let it control me. Let's do this, Master Jigen.
Jigen nods solemnly and raises the glowing spiritual key. The air grows heavy as the golden light enveloping Steve intensifies, surging with energy. The ground beneath him begins to tremble, and the room is filled with the sound of rustling leaves and creaking wood.
Jigen Shang (chanting softly):
Unlock the chains of your being. Reveal the blessings of the cosmos.
The floor cracks open as vines and roots shoot upward, intertwining around Steve. Trees sprout from the ground, their branches stretching toward the ceiling. Flowers bloom and wither in seconds, the cycle of life speeding up unnaturally. A mountain-like structure forms around Steve, its jagged edges glowing faintly with energy. Suddenly, the vibrant display of nature begins to wither. The flowers rot, the vines shrivel, and the trees crack and collapse into ash. From the remains, a black shadow rises, its form towering and monstrous. Two glowing white eyes stare out from the darkness, emanating an oppressive aura. The shadow seems to be smiling at him before fading away.
The room falls silent as the light fades, leaving only Steve standing amidst the destruction. His eyes glow faintly white for a moment before returning to normal. He exhales shakily, his voice calm but tinged with uncertainty.
Aditya starts shaking Steve as he stared off in the emptiness as if lost....
Aditya(concerned): Steve!..STEVE!!
Steve (coming to senses):
I... I'm fine.
Rashi (nervously):
That... was not fine.
Ashvin (staring at the ground):
The trees... they just... died.
Shivam (wide-eyed):
What the hell was that thing?!
Aditya(worried):
Are you sure you're okay? That didn't look... normal.
Steve (nodding):
I'm fine, Aditya. It was just... a lot to take in. But I'm still me.
He places a reassuring hand on Aditya's shoulder, his calmness returning. The group exchanges uneasy glances but says nothing further.
Jigen steps forward, his expression serious.
Jigen Shang:
You are an enigma, Steven Jones. Your power is both a blessing and a curse. Use it wisely, for it may hold the key to your past-and the path forward.
The room falls silent as the group contemplates the enormity of what has just happened. The camera lingers on Steve's face, his gaze distant as he processes the power now coursing through him. The scene fades to black.