-------------🙏"Namaste"🙏-------------
The long-awaited day had finally arrived when Nikhil and Shiven were summoned to the Elite Force for their very first mission. Nikhil was filled with enthusiasm, ready to embark on the thrilling adventure ahead. On the other hand, Shiven, as always, seemed indifferent, showing little concern either way.
As they entered the Elite Force headquarters, they proceeded to the reception area to receive the details of their inaugural mission. The receptionist handed them a page brimming with information about their assignment. It was a C-rank mission that entailed protecting valuable herbs for a single night. The mission was not too far from Prayagraj and was located within the boundaries of the Mrattika Kingdom.
After receiving the mission brief, the receptionist informed them, "Your third teammate will be joining you shortly. In the meantime, feel free to explore the organization." Shiven, uninterested in exploring, made a beeline for the training ground, and Nikhil, without question, followed suit. They waited patiently, their anticipation mounting. It was then that Nikhil spotted Kamna passing by and caught her attention. "Hey, Kamna! Where are you going?"
"Nikhil! Shiven!" Kamna greeted them warmly as she approached. "What brings you guys here?"
Nikhil's face lit up with excitement. "We received our first mission. And now, actually, we're waiting for our third teammate."
Kamna's expression revealed disbelief. "No way! Did you get a C-rank assignment to protect some herbs?"
Nikhil, curious and slightly puzzled, replied, "How did you know about it?"
Kamna revealed, "Well, I am the one you've been waiting for. I'm your third teammate."
Nikhil's wonder and excitement grew. "That's great! You're our third teammate!"
Kamna confessed with a smile, "I guess so."
Without further delay, Shiven broke his silence, took a stand, and declared, "Fantastic! Then let's get going."
With their team now complete, they proceeded back to the reception area to inform the staff that they were departing for their mission. As evening approached and the sun began to set, they bid farewell to Prayagraj and set off on their expedition to safeguard the herbs.
Shiven and Nikhil led the way, with Kamna following closely behind, her curiosity piqued. "Nikhil, have you ever been outside of the town before?" she asked, her voice tinged with eagerness.
Nikhil shrugged, a casual smile playing on his lips. "Nah, not much. Just a little by myself when it was necessary."
"Oh! I haven't had the chance either. My first mission was my first time venturing outside the town," she admitted cheerfully, seeking common ground. Turning to Shiven, she inquired, "What about you? Have you been out of the town?"
Shiven's response came effortlessly, his voice carrying a hint of worldly experience. "Yeah, I have," he replied.
Instantly filled with excitement, Kamna leaned in, unable to contain her curiosity. "Where?" she asked eagerly, yearning to know more about Shiven's adventures.
Shiven hesitated for a moment. "Actually, I'm not from Prayagraj," he revealed, causing Kamna to gasp in surprise.
Nikhil, sensing Kamna's surprise and a trace of worry, quickly chimed in, offering support. "Yeah, he's from another town. Shiven has been here for just six months."
Eager to unravel the mystery, Kamna persisted. "So, where are you from, Shiven?" she inquired with determination. Nikhil's brows furrowed, anticipating Kamna's question.
With an air of nonchalance, Shiven responded, "You probably wouldn't know."
Taken aback by his dismissive reply, Kamna's determination rose. "You don't get to decide that," she insisted, her voice laced with a touch of authority.
Shiven softened his demeanor, and he shifted gears, adopting a friendly tone. "Just drop it," he suggested, changing the subject. "Instead, why don't you tell us more about yourself?"
The unexpected shift caught Kamna off guard, her guard lowering as she responded, "Well, I grew up in Prayagraj and have always been curious about the world beyond. I love to explore people and places alike."
As they continued their journey, hours slipped away in easy conversation. Nikhil led the way, his eyes trained on the horizon. Suddenly, he noticed a distinct landmark, a telltale sign that they had reached their destination—the place of their mission. A surge of determination pulsed through their veins as they quickened their pace, making their way toward the designated spot.
As they closed in on the house, they beheld a quaint dwelling nestled beneath the shelter of a small hill. Two rooms stood before them—one filled with a myriad of herbs, while the other served as the living quarters for the elderly man who owned the fields.
As their footsteps brought them closer, the old man emerged from the house, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Who are you children?" he inquired, his voice weathered but filled with wisdom.
"We are knights from the Elite Force," Nikhil replied confidently, meeting the old man's gaze.
The old man observed them intently, a flicker of doubt dancing in his eyes. "I hope the organization knows what they are doing," he murmured, a hint of suspicion lingering in his thoughts as he assessed Nikhil.
Turning his attention towards the living room, the old man gestured towards the adjacent room. "That room is Annagriha. You must protect it," he instructed, his voice carrying a sense of gravity and importance.
With a shared understanding, the group made their way to Annagriha, stepping close to the room and surveying their surroundings in silence. Kamna, unable to bear the quietude any longer, broke the silence. "So, what will be our strategy?" she queried, her voice brimming with curiosity.
Taking on the mantle of leadership, Shiven spoke up, his voice calm and assured. "Strategy? There won't be any strategy," he declared, his words carrying a sense of straightforwardness.
Surprised, Kamna challenged his assertion. "Then how will we work?" she pressed, her brows furrowed in confusion.
Shiven's explanation was firm yet concise. "We simply have to protect this house until morning. It's only one night, so there will be no shifts or rotations. We will keep our eyes open throughout the whole night," he stated, outlining their plan with clarity.
Nikhil, understanding the reasoning, nodded in agreement. "Can't argue with that," he acknowledged, recognizing the simplicity of their task.
Kamna, taken aback by the straightforward approach, couldn't help but express her surprise. "A pretty direct strategy," she remarked, a mix of admiration and astonishment in her voice.
As the group settled into their positions outside the room, the hours passed in silence. The moon shone brightly, casting its ethereal glow upon the earth, creating a cool and serene ambiance. Shiven, immersed in the beauty of the night, couldn't help but murmur to himself, "I just love nighttime. It's peaceful and quiet." Each member of the group remained vigilant, their focus unwavering as they guarded the Annagriha.
An unknown figure made his entrance, confronting the children. His feigned surprise was evident as he exclaimed, "What are you guys doing here, robbing the herbs?"
Nikhil and Kamna exchanged bewildered glances, trying to comprehend the situation, while Shiven observed quietly, analyzing the unfolding events.
A tense silence hung in the air for a few seconds as the children processed his words. Breaking the silence, the unknown boy proposed, "I suppose I'm right then. Why don't we rob together? But remember, we'll take more than two-thirds, and you can have the rest."
Kamna's response was immediate and firm as she focused on Khavyakta. Mysterious holes materialized on both of her palms. With a swift downward flick, she sprang forth gleaming blades from those enigmatic openings, their edges reflecting the moonlight, asserting, "We are not robbers. We are Elite Knights."
The boy maintained his deceptive facade as he touched his forehead. With a heavy sigh, his hand descended, covering his mouth. He replied nonchalantly, "Oh! Ouch, I don't like to hurt children," his words laced with a hint of amusement.
From the darkness behind the boy, another figure emerged, the aura surrounding him exuding determination and a thirst for power. His presence added an intense energy and tension as he declared, "What's taking so long, Updesh?"
As Updesh smoothly rotated his head towards the left, relishing the situation, he informed with a hint of amusement, "Bad news, Raju. We've got the Elite Knights protecting the Annagriha."
Raju, closing the distance, countered with a smirk, "Then perhaps you've forgotten what 'bad' truly means?"
The arrival of Raju heightened the tension in the atmosphere, his imposing presence making him appear as a formidable opponent. His deep, heavy voice resonated with authority, perfectly matching his bulky physique. Standing at around 5.10 feet tall, he had a menacing and serious expression on his face. From his intense expressions and powerful aura, it was evident that he had carried the weight of frustration for a long time, or perhaps he was simply born to fight.
Nikhil, perplexed by the unexpected turn of events, couldn't help but voice his curiosity, "Why are you stealing? You don't seem like robbers."
Updesh was taken aback by the question coming from his opponent. Before he could respond, Raju interjected, his tone dripping with a mix of confidence and warning, "Boy, looks can be deceiving."
With a subtle signal from Raju, Updesh understood that the time for words had ended—it was time to fight.
----: End of the Chapter:----
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