The Pill Hall stood in the eastern section of the clan — part of the Administrative Region, where discipline replaced domestic warmth and every structure carried purpose rather than comfort. Eklavya walked toward it at an unhurried pace, his gaze briefly drifting toward the massive main exit gate of the clan.

  The towering doors stood half-open, guards stationed calmly beside them as merchants and cultivators passed through. For a moment he considered how easily one could walk beyond the clan walls and disappear into the wider world — then shook the thought away and turned toward the administrative compound instead.

  Ahead rose a wide entrance framed not by buildings but by a massive stone wall nearly one and a half floors high, its surface carved with protective formations faintly glowing under morning light. Passing through the gate felt less like entering an office and more like stepping into the heart of authority itself.

  Inside stretched a vast open field paved with polished stone and decorated with enormous mountain rocks arranged in deliberate patterns. At the center stood a raised arena nearly a hundred meters wide where several clan members practiced combat techniques, their movements sharp and controlled.

  The rhythmic clash of weapons echoed through the air. Directly across from the entrance stood the Head Office — the domain of the clan leader and the meeting hall where decisions shaping the Rudra Clan were made.

  To the left rose the Pill Hall, tall and imposing, while the Training Hall occupied the right side. Beside the Head Office lay the treasure chamber Eklavya had visited the previous night with his father, its secret entrance hidden beneath ordinary stone as though power itself preferred discretion.

  Beyond the Head Office extended a sealed backyard training ground normally reserved for elite guards serving in the royal army. Today its gates remained closed. Those warriors were Master Warriors of high rank — individuals who, after surpassing the fifth star, often left to serve the kingdom directly under the Rudra Clan’s flag banner.

  Eklavya turned left and approached the Pill Hall. Up close, it resembled less a hall and more a towering five-story building, its architecture designed to contain heat, smoke, and volatile spiritual reactions. The moment he stepped inside, a rich fragrance of herbs filled his senses — bitter, sweet, and sharp aromas blending into something unmistakably alchemical.

  At the center of the main chamber stood a massive bronze cauldron, large enough for several people to stand inside, surrounded by tall columns filled with sealed herb containers. Numerous side rooms branched outward, each a dedicated pill-refinement chamber.

  Sunlight streamed through high windows and the open entrance, illuminating Elder Jawla — the clan’s Alchemist Elder — who stood before the great cauldron with absolute focus. Flames burned beneath it in controlled spirals while spiritual energy pulsed rhythmically from within.

  Eklavya quietly moved to one side and waited, careful not to disturb the elder’s concentration. Half an hour passed in silence as ingredients were added, flames adjusted, and refined essence condensed into pill form.

  Finally, Elder Jawla completed the refinement, dividing several finished pills into four small vials — two pills in each — before sealing them carefully. Only then did he turn, noticing Eklavya.

  “Oh? Eklavya,” the elder said with a warm smile. “Yesterday you collected herbs but didn’t meet me. Is everything alright?”

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  Eklavya nodded respectfully. “You weren’t in the Pill Hall when I came yesterday, Elder.”

  Jawla tapped the side of his head lightly. “Ah! That explains it. I had forgotten I wasn’t here.” His eyes sharpened slightly. “So, what brings you today?”

  “I think… I’m stuck in a bottleneck after my breakthrough.”

  Before the elder could respond, another voice came from the entrance. “Are you alright, Eklavya?” Ishant stepped inside, his presence instantly commanding attention.

  “Yes, Dad. I’m fine,” Eklavya replied. “Why ask?”

  “I heard you mentioning another bottleneck while entering,” Ishant said. “You just broke through yesterday.”

  “Exactly,” Elder Jawla added, folding his arms. “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”

  Eklavya hesitated, unsure how to explain what even he barely understood. Finally, he extended his right hand politely. “You can confirm it yourself, Elder.”

  Jawla placed two fingers lightly against Eklavya’s wrist and sent a thread of perception through his meridians. His expression froze.

  The circulation of ki flowing through Eklavya’s channels was astonishing — far faster than ordinary humans. Even as a child, Eklavya’s ki movement had been slightly above average, but now it surged with intensity comparable to an adult beast.

  The elder withdrew his hand slowly, exchanging a brief glance with Ishant before clearing his throat. “Ahem… your chakras have opened successfully,” he explained calmly, “but your channels are not yet wide enough to handle the amount of spiritual ki being absorbed. The energy enters through the chakras, travels toward the ki core in your Sea of Consciousness, and then circulates through your body. Right now, the pathways are too narrow.”

  He continued patiently, slipping into teaching tone. “Every living being possesses nine primary chakras that absorb spiritual ki from the surroundings. Only opened chakras can absorb energy. These chakras connect to the ki core, and from there, channels distribute energy throughout body and soul.”

  Eklavya listened carefully.

  “You need a Channel-Burning Opening Pill,” the elder concluded.

  Eklavya blinked. “Isn’t that a third-tier pill?”

  Jawla nodded. “Yes. Sit. I’ll prepare a list of ingredients.”

  “And add more herbs,” Ishant added.

  Jawla chuckled lightly. “We’ve received many pill orders from the capital recently. Supplies are running low.”

  Eklavya nodded. “Alright. I’ll get them.”

  While the elder moved toward a writing table covered with paper, ink, and a peacock-feather brush, Ishant followed him. Their voices lowered, though not enough to escape entirely.

  “Clan Leader,” Jawla whispered, “his ki circulation… it’s nearly at the level of an adult beast.”

  Ishant’s eyes widened. “What? That’s impossible. He’s human.”

  Jawla began writing quickly. Ishant handed him a pouch filled with coins.

  “But we are not—”

  Ishant cut him off quietly. “We won’t tell Eklavya. Not yet. Come to the Head Office afterward and explain everything.”

  The elder nodded.

  Moments later, he handed Eklavya two pages listing herbs along with the money pouch. “Take these. Purchase everything on the list.”

  Eklavya bowed slightly with joined hands. “Thank you, Elder.”

  He stored the list and coins inside his ring and walked toward the exit. As he stepped outside, a thought lingered — he had clearly heard his father exclaim earlier before lowering his voice. Curiosity flickered briefly, but he dismissed it. If it concerned him, they would tell him eventually… probably.

  Shrugging lightly, he left the administrative grounds and headed toward the market.

  Behind him, Elder Jawla and Ishant turned toward the Head Office together, their conversation unfinished — and far more serious than either wished their son to know.

  As Eklavya Exited the Admistrative region Elder Jawla and Ishant headed toward the Head office to complete the previous topic.