" What should we do ? "

In a dimly lit room, a large table stood at the center, surrounded by a group of murmuring figures. Shadows veiled their faces as they conversed in low tones, their discussions shrouded in secrecy.

" It's more like what can we do ? ".

" I never expected this would happen "

This happened so suddenly that no one could have predicted it.

"Should we call the prominent sages and assign them there?"

" Be practical, we don't have that much sages to be assigned there, it may leave our society defenseless "

" We should seek help "

" Nonsense, the other countries would use this chance to destroy our society "

Each one of them has different opinions, and none of them could agree with each other, or, more accurately, a solution couldn't be found.

And suddenly, someone from the corner of the table raised their hand.

" Sir, if you don't mind, can I suggest something ? " He asked.

" Proceed ".

Hesitantly he said

" I think we should call him back "

The mood shifted instantly; even without a name, they sensed the target of his talk. Whispers and murmurs spread, signaling a tension-filled air.

" I stand against it "

" Me too ".

Most of the voices were against it and rest of them were silent. Their faces frowned, like they refrain from talking about it.

" Explain " He said, the one who sat on the farthest end of the table. He alone sat there, emitting dominance and superiority.

" Sir, I don't want to offend anyone here but I have to tell you the truth. We basically are helpless, weak and low on personnel. We need him, and to our advantage, he lives there to, he might be accustomed by no- ".

BANGGG!!!!

Suddenly someone slammed the table and stood angrily.

" BLASPHEMY! You expect us to call that rogue, uncontrollable traitor back? Sir it should never be allowed "

" Then what do you expect us to do ? Watch and just let it happen ? "

He looked down, as he knew he couldn't deny the truth. But still his mind was against it

" Send him a letter "

" We still don't know if he will acce- "

" Send him a letter, it's up to him if he will accept or not ".

" Yes "

The one who everyone called as Sir made his decision. Everyone was silent, not a single word just irritated faces and neutral ones. He stood up from the chair.

" Everyone present here, I hope you know the level of this situation. A situation where either we could take advantage of it or be completely destroyed. We should use this opportunity, and for that we need him. I have thought about it, Azil Dulqif will be called back ".

Ash Grey: Resonance

Chapter 1: Past

"N-no, p-please, N-nooo," the words stuttered through his lips, disjointed and desperate.

SWIISHHHH!

"AUGHHHH, UHAAA!"

The world around him blurred into a frenzy of motion, each moment bleeding into the next in a surreal dance of chaos.

The blood splattered across his hands, staining them crimson, merging with the rage and wrath in his eyes. Yet, as he glanced up, his gaze was empty, devoid of emotion, lost in the abyss of his own.

[ Scenario II ]

"You monster," the accusation echoed, sharp and accusing.

"You don't deserve to be a sage."

"Get out of here, you murderer."

JOLTTTT!!

His eyes snapped open, wide with disbelief, hands trembling as they pressed against his pounding temples. He struggled to catch his breath, each gasp a sharp reminder of the nightmare that had enveloped him.

" HUFF HUFF "

He looked at the palm of his hands, clamping his jaws tight, eyes despaired but not shown because of his silky black hair.

He glanced at the time, around 7:04 AM, feeling exhausted from a nightmare. Hesitant and unwilling to get up, he looked left and right. Gradually, his breathing steadied, and he began to relax.

He dragged himself out of bed and sluggishly went through his morning routine. With a blank expression and eyes fixed on the ground, he showered and dressed, devoid of any enthusiasm.

He dressed in formal attire, neatly tucking in his shirt. Grabbing a bag from under the table, he completed his ensemble by taking his ID card from the hall hanger. The card displayed: "Azil Dulqif: B.Com."

Getting ready for his morning college class, he emerged from his room, ensuring it was securely locked, before making his way to the parking lot. There, amidst the rows of vehicles, his gaze settled on a sleek Yamaha MT15. With a sense of familiarity, he approached the bike, running his hand over its contours before swinging a leg over and revving the engine.

As he navigated the streets of Bangalore, famously dubbed the Garden City, he encountered a lively scene. From the iconic Starbucks to BMW showrooms and bustling McCafe outlets, the city's cosmopolitan vibe was evident. His route took him from the greenery of Lal Bagh to the vibrant neighborhoods of Kammanahalli and Kothanur. Kammanahalli offered a bustling mix of eateries and shops, while Kothanur exuded a serene residential charm. Each stop along the way painted a picture of Bangalore's diverse and dynamic urban landscape.

[ Cutscene ]

During the morning classes from 9:00 to 11:50, the college buzzed with activity as thousands of students filled the halls and pavements. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, he stood apart, his gaze fixed on the ground, seeking solace in solitude. While others reveled in friendships and greetings, he craved nothing but isolation, yearning to be left alone with his thoughts. In the classroom, he remained invisible, intentionally distancing himself from the bonds of connection. Attendance was a mere formality as he absorbed the essential lessons, his mind resistant to the distractions of social interaction. With each passing minute, his desire for solitude grew stronger, until finally, when the bell signaled the end of class, he retreated swiftly, finding comfort in the quiet sanctuary of his own company.

His life in Bangalore wasn't easy. He had to take on multiple jobs to earn enough money for rent. From cashier to delivery man to dishwasher, he did it all. Yet, he persisted, seeing it as just part of his daily routine.

After going through his usual routine, he returns to his apartment at night. Surprisingly, he doesn't appear tired. Despite this, his expression remains unchanged. He cooks his food and heads to bed by 11 PM. However, even after one hour passes, then two, he simply can't fall asleep. His eyes remain wide open, fixed on the ceiling. He thought and thought and thought while finally his eyes closed watching the ceiling fan......

" You truly are naive aren't you ? "

" Huh ? "

His face wasn't clear, shrouded in darkness, completely blurry. He felt confused. Was it a human? Or some other creature? He wasn't sure. But he was definitely gasping again, just like before. His eyes were wide open, sweat pouring, feeling as if someone was pressing on his chest.

" Remember, when self interest enters the picture, no human would extend their hand. In your darkest hours, betrayal, suffocation and even death may await you "

He said smirking, pitying him. He let out a laugh, a laugh that was moking him. And suddenly.

" KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK ".