The sage Jaala said: "With the sword of darkness alone, we can dispel any evil power. Yet, for its strength to manifest, many conditions must be met. Only those worthy enough can wield it, and then its powers will be revealed. Rudra Sena, I tell you this: that sword will unleash its might only in the hands of one — Ratrangasan. None else can use it."
Rudra Sena asked, "Where have you imprisoned Ratrangasan? And where is the sword of darkness now?"
Jaala replied: "We confined Ratrangasan at the gates of the underworld. Beyond the forests of the Kalargal lies a vast wilderness. There stands a temple that marks the entrance to the underworld. Behind it, within a towering fortress, lies a great chamber — there is the gate of hell. It is sealed with many mystical spells, and within it Ratrangasan is bound.
But when we returned after imprisoning him, the sword of darkness slipped away into the Kalargal forests. Only then did we realize that the sword had fallen into their hands. Did not you three say you had seen a great valley? Lorentz, Ken, and Harold confirmed it. Indeed, the sword of darkness lies in that valley, guarded by the Kalargal."
Jaala continued: "Ratrangasan must be released. Only then will Amaravati city be restored to you. Otherwise, Amaravati will be trapped in Parantaka's curse, reduced to ashes, and none will be able to save it."
The sage's words pierced their hearts like thorns. They returned to Rudra Sena's palace. Rudra Sena declared to Oberion: "I will free Ratrangasan. For the sake of Amaravati's honor, I have made my decision."
Hearing this, Lorentz, Harold, Ken, Berion, and Bimbeesam were all stunned. Oberion, filled with gratitude, said: "I know the place. Long ago, we created two barriers there. To cross them, we wrote a book with full details and forged a key. But the key was lost, and the book too vanished. Oberion and Harold told us that the book still exists, but the key was with Azar, who died. None know where it lies now."
Rudra Sena said: "First, bring me that book." They brought it, and Rudra Sena declared: "With this, we shall reach the gates of hell where Ratrangasan is bound. If we release him, the sword of darkness will come to us. But crossing the two barriers will not be easy — it is extremely difficult. Before we go, there is another key hidden in the royal palace. Only by retrieving it can we succeed."
Meanwhile, at Agnika Devi's abode, her family rejoiced. Christy and Meera wandered through her palace, gazing at its wonders. Agnika asked, "What do you see?" They replied, "Nothing." She smiled and said: "You seek knowledge of the temple. It is built in a most unusual way, hidden among clouds, with vast steps that rise into the sky. Its height is so great that clouds surround it. This is the gate of heaven. We are its guardians.
But I warn you — no mortal should approach it. Even if you draw near, the place will overwhelm you with illusions and desires, pulling you unknowingly into its depths. That is why I forbid you from going there. The gate of heaven is deeply connected to Amaravati city, and there is a reason for this bond."