Chapitre 15: CHAPTER 15 - Vikram and the 32 Virtues
Vikram's vision became blurry as he saw himself falling into a dark sea with no end. The light from above revealed the Feathered Nightmare holding him by the face, lifting him out of the building so he could fly. Though he was barely conscious, hanging limply , Vikram muttered in a soft tone, as if nothing mattered anymore, "What's happening? Where am I?"
As he hit the ground, Vikram began coughing violently, "Uff... uh... uh..." He slowly regained his composure, realizing he was in some sort of chamber. The room had 32 statues of women, each beneath a door. In front of each door stood a woman, identical to the statues, but with long hair, big eyes, and beautiful faces. Their true beauty was balanced—neither too much nor too little—and they wore jewelry, elegant but not excessive. All of them were full-grown adults.
Vikram spoke, his voice heavy with confusion, "Who are you?"
A voice came from the corner, the figure crossing her arms and looking away. "Hmph! You came here? How rude. I wasn't expecting someone like you to show up." She glanced at him, pretending to be uninterested but clearly anticipating his reaction.
Blushing and looking away, her voice trembling slightly, the maiden in a white dress said, "W-what are you talking about? W-we... we were totally expecting you."
From the middle of the room, a girl in a dark green dress stepped forward. Her voice was calm yet commanding. "Silence, everyone."
She scanned the room briefly, sensing the quiet her words had created. Then, taking a step forward, she added, "His face already holds a question—he's been through so much already. So, first... let's introduce ourselves."
Vidhika Wisdom: "Observe, listen, and learn. That's how you survive."
Veerani Courage: "Remember it well. I make my own destiny."
Karini Compassion: "Need help? I'm always around!"
Nyayini Justice: "We all deserve fairness... I'll stand up for it."
Tanya Temperance: "Balance is key. Emotions cloud judgment."
Dhairini Patience: "I wait. Everything comes in time."
Vinita Humility: "It's nice to meet you."
Danika Generosity: "Need something? Just ask!"
Satvika Honesty: "It's not like I care or anything… But I'm Satvika."
Bhavini Loyalty: "I'll never leave you… ever."
Nirali Modesty: "I hope I'm not bothering you."
Akriti Gratitude: "Thanks for being here!"
Kshamita Forgiveness: "It's okay… everything is forgiven."
Sankalita Self-discipline: "Stay focused. Stay disciplined."
Shudra Purity: "Let's keep things clean and simple!"
Sushmita Graciousness: "Elegance is everything, isn't it?"
Dridhini Determination: "Nothing can stop me. Nothing."
Sharini Diligence: "Let's get to work!"
Sthirani Resilience: "I endure. Always."
Samyara Respect: "Treat me with respect, and I'll do the same."
Chitrika Creativity: "Want to see what I made?"
Aashini Optimism: "Everything will work out!"
Samira Tact: "Words have power. Use them wisely."
Svana Freedom: "I go where I want, when I want."
Shanvika Peace: "Let's keep everything calm and peaceful."
Sharvini Faith: "Just believe in yourself!"
Prerana Hope: "There's always hope!"
Buddhika Intelligence: "Think before you act."
Anandita Joy: "Let's have fun!"
Medhika Intelligence: "Logic is everything."
Samini Balance: "Everything must align perfectly."
Balini Strength: "Strength defines everything."
"We are the 32 virtues. We will test you, and if you pass, we will grant you the power. Just as you passed my test, you should be grateful, mortal. For that, I grant you the power of Vajra," Veerani said.
Vikram was stunned. "Vajra? What? Vajraaaa?" he inspired in surprise.
"Of course, Vajra," Veerani replied, her tone dripping with superiority. "You should be grateful, mortal. Not everyone is worthy of such a powerful gift. But I suppose I'll allow you to wield it. Don't disappoint me."
Sthirani stepped forward. "Now, get ready for my test of resilience."Sthirani stands tall, her gaze unwavering as she looks at Vikram.
"When I feel it's enough," she says, her voice cold and indifferent, "I will grant you the power you seek. But the test... it is not something you can endure. It is about the strength to simply stand after every fall, to push forward even when the weight of the world is on your shoulders. If you can prove your resilience, you will be granted something useful—divine and beyond your current comprehension. But only if you withstand what is to come. It will not be easy."
Vikram swallowed his saliva, thinking, I need to protect everyone at all costs. I am ready.
Veerani, observing, said, "That's some spirit you've got. That's the reason I passed you. You should be grateful, mortal."
Vikram, still overwhelmed, asked, "One more question—how the hell did I get this power, and where are we?"
"We are in your mind," Sthirani replied, her voice emotionless yet filled with quiet strength. "We are your virtues, waiting to awaken. You may think you're alone, but we are always with you, in every challenge you face ."
Her gaze remains steady, her expression unreadable.
"We have life because of your actions, your choices. When you spoke that mantra, you unlocked something within us. But remember... we want the best for you. However, we will not spoon-feed you. You must face the Feathered Nightmare on your own, without relying on us to hold your hand. Prove your resilience, and only then will we grant you the power you truly deserve."
Her voice is final, and with a cold tone, she adds, "Now, go. Face the challenge ahead."
---
As Vikram woke up, his eyes glowed golden, and steam-like golden energy emanated from him. The Feathered Nightmare, startled, felt chills. "Just sleep already, Vikram," it muttered, before attempting to punch him. But Vikram blocked the strike, kicking the Feathered Nightmare under the chin. The Nightmare recoiled, leaving Vikram's face unscathed as the force of the kick sent it flying, smashing into the wall.
Veerani watched with a proud smile. Sthirani, smiling gently, observed Vikram from within the water.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone