Life energy… an invisible force that exists within every living being.
Every human carries within them a unique, almost mystical energy—something just as vital as the soul itself. You may not see it with your eyes, but it exists… undeniably. This life energy, this life force, flows silently within every living creature.
Some animals can perceive it—through instinct, through their senses, even through their gaze.
And humans?
They can perceive it too.
But not easily.
To see or feel life energy, a person must awaken the dormant chakras within their body. And while it may sound simple… it is anything but.
It requires absolute stillness.
Unbreakable focus.
A level of meditation so deep that the outside world fades into nothingness.
And even then… there is no certainty.
For some, it takes months.
For others… even centuries are not enough.
Ancient sages, enlightened beings, and a rare few individuals have managed to awaken these energy centers. Even now, there are those who have unlocked this power—Neerja Devi, Dhumketu… and a handful of others.
And then—
There was Om.
He, too, belonged to that rare category.
But unlike the others, Om had only managed to fully awaken a single chakra so far. Yet, because of his extraordinary potential, even that alone had elevated his abilities to an exceptional level.
However—
When a person dies… this life energy disappears, just like the soul itself.
And that…
Was exactly why Neerja Devi had asked her question.
Because standing before her…
Was someone who felt like he didn't belong among the living.
The moment Vipul spoke, the silence in the hall deepened.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he said calmly, his voice carrying an eerie stillness. "You cannot sense my life energy… because, in a way… I am not alive."
Those words—
Cut through the air.
And somewhere behind a massive pillar—
Dhumketu broke.
He couldn't hold it anymore.
Tears streamed down his face as he watched his son stand there, speaking those haunting words. To suppress the sound of his sobs, he pressed a cloth against his mouth… his body trembling as silent cries shook him from within.
Yet still—
He refused to step forward.
Refused to reveal himself.
"However…" Neerja Devi spoke again, her tone now filled with a strange mix of curiosity and respect, "there is an extraordinary energy within you… something far beyond ordinary… perhaps even stronger than mine."
Before Vipul could respond—
Kakbhushundi smiled faintly.
"Yes, Neerja Devi… that is divine energy."
The words struck like lightning.
Neerja Devi's eyes widened.
"From Devlok…? Does that mean—you have become a deity?"
Vipul shook his head calmly.
"No. I belong to Devlok, yes… but I am not a deity. The gods have bestowed a fragment of their energy upon me and sent me to Earth… so I may fulfill certain tasks."
His voice grew firmer.
"And I don't believe we should dwell on this right now. Because there are far more important matters… matters that concern your world… and its fate."
Neerja Devi slowly composed herself and took her seat once again.
"Very well… then tell me, divine messenger… what news have you brought?"
Vipul nodded.
Then, slowly—
He removed the cloth covering his head.
And as his face was revealed to the court—
Something shifted.
Neerja Devi froze.
Her eyes locked onto him.
A strange feeling surged through her—familiar… deeply unsettling.
Have I seen him before…?
Her breath faltered.
Her eyes began to fill with tears.
But just as her thoughts began to drift—
A voice echoed inside her mind.
"Your Majesty… where are you lost?"
It was Dhumketu.
Guiding her back.
Pulling her away from whatever invisible thread had begun to bind her thoughts.
Neerja Devi blinked, regaining her composure. She steadied herself and focused once again on Vipul.
Vipul began,
"Your Majesty… preparations for destruction have already begun in Rakshaslok. I know you are aware of that. But what you don't know… is that something unusual is happening there."
His eyes hardened.
"By now, you must have wondered how a worthless serpent like Takshak became the ruler of the demons… because let's be honest—demons are not fools."
Before he could continue—
Ambu interrupted again, unable to hold himself back.
"Well, I do think they're fools. I mean, what else would you call those who only know destruction and chaos?"
The moment those words left his mouth—
Vipul's expression turned cold.
"Then, sir… that would make you the fool."
The hall went silent.
Ambu stiffened.
"You should know this," Vipul continued, his voice sharp yet controlled, "that in this universe, demons are just as important as gods. If you don't understand that, then understand this—demons and gods are two sides of the same coin."
His gaze didn't waver.
"So how did you decide that one side is wise and the other foolish? Another truth—even the gods acknowledge—is that demons can be more powerful than them. Their path may be wrong… but their strength is undeniable."
His words carried weight.
History.
Truth.
"We've all heard stories where even gods have been defeated by demons. So believing that the demons made Takshak their king out of foolishness… that would be the real ignorance."
Ambu fell silent.
But his eyes burned with quiet anger.
He didn't like being called a fool—especially not in front of everyone.
He stared at Vipul with clear resentment.
Neerja Devi, however, had grown serious.
"Then tell us… why did the demons choose Takshak as their king?"
For a moment—
Vipul said nothing.
Then his expression darkened.
"I will tell you, Your Majesty…"
His voice rose slightly.
"But first—tell that old man Dhumketu to stop hiding behind that pillar… and come stand before everyone."
The words struck like thunder.
Every head turned.
Shock rippled across the hall.
And in that moment—
Dhumketu was no longer hidden.