(The Seven Gates Within)
Inside the Gravity Gate — Early Morning
The world inside the gate did not have a sun, yet a soft, pale light filled the space, signaling the beginning of a new cycle.
Garud lay on the ground, breathing steadily.
For the first time since entering the gate, he slept deeply—
Calm.
Untroubled.
Almost like a child.
Drona Acharya approached quietly.
He looked down at Garud and shook his head slightly.
"Sleeping like a baby," Drona said calmly.
"Completely unaware of the dangers that surround your life in the wild."
He tapped the ground gently with his staff.
"Wake up, Garud."
Garud stirred, then quickly sat up.
"Acharya," he said, bowing his head, "forgive me."
Drona's expression softened.
"Rest is not a sin," he said.
"But awareness must never sleep."
Preparation
Drona handed Garud a small bundle.
"Wash yourself," he instructed.
"Eat these fruits. They will restore your body."
Garud accepted the fruits respectfully.
"After that," Drona continued,
"meet me at the training ground."
"Today," he added,
"your true training begins."
Garud nodded firmly.
"Yes, Acharya."
The Training Ground
Some time later, the scene shifted.
The training ground lay within a vast, open space of the gate. The ground was smooth, circular, and etched with faint, ancient markings that pulsed gently beneath the surface.
Garud stood at the center.
Drona Acharya stood before him.
"Before you learn to wield power," Drona said,
"you must understand where power flows."
He raised his hand.
"The human body is not merely flesh and bone,"
"It is a vessel."
The Seven Chakras
As Drona spoke, points of light appeared along Garud's body.
"Within every human exist seven primary chakras," Drona explained.
"They are gateways through which energy flows."
One by one, the lights glowed brighter.
(1) Muladhara — Root Chakra
Located at the base of the spine.
"The foundation," Drona said.
"It governs survival, stability, and fear."
(2) Svadhisthana — Sacral Chakra
Located below the navel.
"The source of vitality and desire."
(3) Manipura — Solar Plexus Chakra
Located at the stomach.
"The center of willpower and discipline."
(4) Anahata — Heart Chakra
Located at the center of the chest.
"Compassion, balance, and resolve."
Garud felt warmth spread through his chest.
(5) Vishuddha — Throat Chakra
Located at the throat.
"Expression and truth."
(6) Ajna — Third Eye Chakra
Located between the eyebrows.
"Perception beyond sight."
Garud's forehead tingled faintly.
(7) Sahasrara — Crown Chakra
Located at the top of the head.
"Connection to the divine."
The final light shone softly above Garud.
A Warning
Drona lowered his hand.
"Most humans never awaken even one chakra," he said.
"Forcing them open invites destruction."
He looked directly at Garud.
"You," he continued,
"must open them slowly and in order."
Garud bowed deeply.
"I understand, Acharya."
Drona nodded.
"Good."
"Tomorrow," he said,
"we begin with the first gate."