Against The Eternity Chapter 71: [70] Chapter - 46: First Flame

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[70] Chapter - 46: First Flame Eklavya stretched his weary body beneath the fading warmth of the dying sun. His muscles were loosening slowly after the brutal trials he had endured beneath the river and against the monstrous beasts that had nearly claimed his life. The golden-orange light of dusk spilt across the valley, casting elongated shadows across the towering trees and the uneven forest floor, while the sky slowly transitioned into hues of crimson and deep violet, preparing to surrender itself to the approaching star-studded night. After spending nearly half an hour easing the tension from his body and allowing the lingering aches to subside, he finally began walking deeper into the jungle, determined to distance himself from the valley that had nearly become his grave. His pace remained slow and cautious, partly due to exhaustion, partly due to habit, as his sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any movement or lurking threats. Even at his relaxed pace, he managed to traverse four to five kilometres, his footsteps silent as he navigated through dense foliage, fallen branches, and tangled roots. Along the way, he gathered dry twigs and fallen wood, selecting only those that would burn cleanly and steadily. When he found a suitable resting spot — a natural clearing partially shielded by thick trees — he arranged the wood into a small fire pit and ignited it with practised efficiency. The flames quickly took hold, flickering upward with soft crackles, painting his surroundings in warm amber light that danced across the bark of nearby trees. He seated himself upon a thick, fallen tree branch that had grown sideways instead of upward, as though the tree had long ago abandoned its ambition to reach the sky and instead surrendered to gravity, stretching lazily across the ground like a massive serpent resting in the wild. The last traces of daylight vanished beyond the horizon, and above him, the first stars began to shimmer faintly through the gaps in the canopy, twinkling like scattered shards of silver across the vast night sky. Distant roars and growls echoed faintly through the forest — reminders of the predators that ruled the night — but Eklavya remained unconcerned. Earlier, he had erected a wide-area concealment barrier spanning nearly a hundred meters in every direction, preventing any beast or being outside from sensing, hearing, or detecting even the faintest trace of his presence, while simultaneously shielding him from external intrusion. From his storage ring, he retrieved a small matchstick, striking it before carefully wedging it into a thin, sharpened stick placed beside the fire. The flames surged, intensifying their heat as he skewered a portion of meat over the blaze, allowing it to roast quickly. The scent of cooking flesh filled the air — earthy, smoky, and satisfying. Within moments, the meat was ready. He removed it, chewing slowly while reclining against the fallen branch, letting the warmth of the fire soothe his body. Above him, a gap between the leaves allowed a clear view of the sky, where countless stars glittered like distant worlds waiting to be explored. After finishing his meal, he casually tossed the leftover bone aside, then folded both hands behind his head, resting in rare, peaceful stillness. The forest had fallen into an uncanny silence. Even the beasts seemed to have settled into slumber, and for a brief moment, the world felt distant, quiet, and still. Magha’s voice echoed within his mind, breaking the calm. ‘I think it is time you begin learning pill refining. If you continue delaying, the medicinal knowledge and methods left behind by God Emperor Avrah and God Emperor Dashirsur will be wasted. Moreover, this skill will be invaluable to you in the future.’ Eklavya exhaled deeply and shifted his posture before rising from the branch, his tone relaxed yet resigned. “Alright… alright,” he muttered. “Let’s do it.” ‘I have already transferred the pill cauldron into your three-colored ri