After the battles had faded into memory, Aarav and Saanvi chose to explore the world—not as warriors, but as two souls in search of peace. One quiet evening, Aarav turned to her and asked,
"Where do you want to go first?"
Saanvi smiled, her eyes reflecting excitement and longing.
"I want to stand on a mountain peak and feel the wind at my back. Then I want to wander into dense forests, hidden places—every forgotten corner of the world. And I want to spend the next eight years with you, living fully, freely."
Before they left, Aarav entrusted a fragment of his power to Zabuza—a gift strong enough to teleport and support him should he ever face danger again.
Then, together, Aarav and Saanvi teleported to the human world.
Aarav sealed away ninety-nine percent of his divine power, leaving it in the higher realm under the protection of his parents—The Shadow of Darkness and The Fragment of Light. He chose a life of simplicity, to live a story left incomplete.
Battle in the forest
Their first destination was the forest.
Aarav found joy in the wilderness that he had never known before. He wandered freely, admiring the animals, the towering trees, and the untouched paths. He and Saanvi spent days simply existing, together.
Eventually, deep within the forest, they encountered a creature—a beast that stood with the authority of a king. Towering and primal, it exuded power and presence.
Saanvi, ever curious and gentle-hearted, mistook the beast's posture for calm and playfully approached it. Meanwhile, Aarav knelt nearby, plucking a flower to surprise her.
But then, he heard her scream.
Without hesitation, Aarav rushed toward her. Saanvi was on the ground, and in front of her stood the beast, its eyes filled with wrath—as if one step closer would provoke it into attack.
Aarav didn't hesitate. He struck first, landing a blow that knocked the creature backward. He wrapped his arms around Saanvi protectively, holding her close.
Saanvi, regaining her composure, gently pushed him back.
"Don't cling so tightly," she said with a half-laugh. "I was just playing with him. How was I supposed to know it was a forest king?"
Their time in the jungle became a quiet chapter of happiness. For nearly one to two years, they explored the wilderness together, discovering rare animals, ancient trees, and pockets of beauty untouched by man.
But peace is rarely eternal.
One day, as they walked deeper into the forest, they heard something that chilled them both—a distant cry, unmistakably human, and filled with terror.
Saanvi stopped walking.
"That… that sounded like someone being torn apart."
Aarav's expression darkened.
"We can't interfere. I've sealed almost all my powers. What's left is barely one percent—enough to make me stronger than the average human, with minor teleportation and telekinesis. If whatever that is turns out to be more powerful, I won't be able to protect you."
Saanvi's reply was firm:
"Then stay here. I'm going to help them."
Before he could stop her, she was already running toward the sound.
Aarav followed.
What they discovered was not a predator. It was something ancient… something beyond nature. Towering, unnatural, radiating malice that didn't belong in this world.
The sight alone was enough to make Saanvi collapse.
Aarav stopped cold.
His eyes widened—not just from fear... but recognition.
Because what stood before him was not entirely unfamiliar.