As the events continued, Arun felt a rush of emotions that threatened to engulf him. The sunlight felt sharp, piercing through the turmoil within him. Though his thoughts yearned for a sense of vitality, his body struggled to stay composed. It was as if the world around him whispered to surrender, to let go and come to terms with his destiny.
'Did you see anything?' Arun exclaimed to get any sign of life he can
'What?'
'Anything, I need water'
'I am working on it, give me some time Ok!'
'Just, don't let me die here'
'Ok'
While Rudra and Arun had been attempting to find a resolution, their efforts were suddenly halted by the abrupt entrance of old man, Rudra's fear have finally have taken shape. Possessing an aura of formidable abilities and enigmatic powers, he rudely disrupted their discourse.
In a swift and fluid motion, the old man unleashed an astonishing blow to Rudra's abdomen, sending him to his knees, gasping for breath.
Arun stepped back, his mind reeling from the unexpected turn of events. Shock and confusion clouded his thoughts as he tried to process what had just unfolded before him. The arrival of this new individual only added to his bewilderment. It was as if a storm of uncertainty had descended upon him.
As Rudra continued to speak, his words carried an urgent weight. Arun's expression reflected his inner struggle, torn between the desire to comprehend this newfound reality and the overwhelming shock of it all.
With unwavering focus, Arun observed every nuance of the unfolding situation, his senses heightened. His body language transformed, displaying a newfound resolve as he considered Rudra's perspective. Could it be that Rudra wasn't the true threat, but rather this enigmatic newcomer? Arun's intuition wavered, caught between suspicion and uncertainty, as he grappled with the unsettling realization that his perception of reality was shifting once again.
"Listen, we can find a way to resolve this if you'll just hear me out," Rudra suggested, his voice strained by the pain coursing through him.
"We've granted you a hell lot of time, and now that grace period has finished. Frankly, I'm inclined to believe that your involvement, and that of your associates, is no longer necessary for our problem-solving efforts. With the appointment of our new leader, our priorities and terms have changed," the stranger's tone shifted dramatically, exuding an overwhelming sense of dominance.
Arun stood by, an attentive observer, refraining from any interruption. He absorbed their conversation, each word carefully etching itself into his understanding.
"Wait, what? When did this happen?" Rudra's incredulous expression betrayed his struggle to process the rapid succession of new events. The suddenness of the developments left him disoriented, unsure of the accuracy of his own words.
"Well, that doesn't need to concern you at all. From this point onward, a new set of directives has been instituted, and attachment to them is all-important for all," the stranger retorted with an air of dismissive authority.
Rudra's loyalty remained resolute, as he countered, "I am bound to my master."
"No, you are gravely mistaken," the old man's tone grew more menacing as he leaned in, eyes narrowing with intensity. "Rudra, you do not work for your master or anyone else. Your whole existence, are the result of our generosity, if we have given the change we would have wiped out you whole last time but we didn't and you should consider it as a mercy of us. Do not forget what happened last time Rudra. What you consider a mere 'war' was, in truth, a display of our power, a lesson in the inconsistency between our capacities and yours."
Arun stood as a silent witness, absorbing the weight of the exchange between Rudra and the enigmatic elder. The gravity of the situation hung palpably in the air. It was a clash of perspectives, a collision between Rudra's unwavering allegiance and the stranger's assertion of control.
Rudra's visage wavered, caught between allegiance and apprehension. "This... this can't be true."
"Reality is often harsher than one's perceptions," the old man retorted. "The pattern has shifted, your acceptance or denial is irrelevant. You are a just a mere pawn on a greater board, moved by forces you can't fathom. Refusal to acknowledge this new order will only lead to your downfall."
Arun's skepticism flared, his retort biting -"Who the fuck are you, anyway?"
"Oh, did I just forgot to introduce myself? how irresponsible I am! Well, my apologies, I am Tenzin Wangyal, commander in chief of Shinto Kami"
Arun was little bit astonished form his voice tone because it changed drastically when he begins to talk with him, he is aware of the dangers that this man carries
"Listen, I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but right now, I'm at the middle of solving this series of murders plaguing our city. This is a critical moment, even my career is on the line here, these events have traumatized our people and if I gave them even a suspect it will help to make little bit difference, so please just let it go I need to be somewhere important, do you understand?"
"It's all about you Arun!, you need to open your eyes and see, those ongoing murders within your city—wipe them from your thoughts. You won't be able to stop them, nor will you succeed in catching any killer," Tenzin stated matter-of-factly.
Arun's brows furrowed in incredulity. "And upon what basis do you make such a bold claim?"
"Because the killer knows every move you make, he knows you better than yourself. It's all a diversion—a well-orchestrated distraction meant to divert your attention from the real world, this is your path you should be treading. The time has come for you to join me," Tenzin asserted, his tone steady.
Arun found himself grappling with the weight of Tenzin's words, each implication unfolding like a surreal tapestry of intrigue. As their discourse unfolded, Rudra, a shadowy presence lurking at the edge, experienced an unexpected calm. It was as if the chaos around him had unite into a strangely calm backdrop, a tableau against which his next move would unfold.
In a calculated instant, Rudra's hand dipped to the ground, his fingers grazing the earth. Swiftly, he collected a handful of dirt, his movements almost unnoticeable amidst the intensity of the discussion. Then, with a quick, practiced motion, Rudra flung the dirt into the air, directly towards Tenzin.
Unaware of the impending assault, Tenzin's focus remained steadfast on the exchange, leaving him vulnerable to Rudra's ploy. The particles of dirt showered, momentarily obscuring Tenzin's vision. His eyes stung as the earthy grains found their mark, and he impulsively blinked, trying to clear his sight.
In the span of those few crucial moments, the balance of power shifted. Arun and Rudra have taken advantage on Tenzin's temporary disorientation, springing into action. With swift, synchronized movements, they surged forward, distancing themselves from Tenzin.
Tenzin, though possessing formidable capabilities that could easily overpower them both, struggled to regain his clarity of vision. He knew he had to focus, to invoke his power and bring his senses back to full strength. He could feel their presence, like echoes in the fabric of reality, but without clear sight, his advantage remained compromised.
As his vision finally cleared, Tenzin's heart sank. It was too late. Arun and Rudra had eluded his grasp, leaving him alone amidst the backdrop of their confrontation. His senses keenly attuned, Tenzin realized that they hadn't disappeared into thin air—they had merely slipped away, a seamless integration into the twisting cityscape.
While Tenzin possessed techniques put an edge on over time, methods to track them down, he knew that wisdom dictated restraint for now. He needed to regroup, to reassess their motives and actions, biding his time for the opportune moment to affirm his influence.