As the sun rose in the sky and a cold breeze swept through the air, birds chattered, and sunlight filled the room with a gentle warmth.
A sudden loud sound came from the window, giving the impression that someone or something was trying to get inside the house. Startled by the noise, Bhairav and Ray woke up, sensing an ominous presence inside their home.
They quickly made their way to the kitchen, where the sound had originated. There, they saw a wrinkled old man with gray hair eating an apple while holding a cane.
Bhairav and Ray: Who are you, mister, and how did you get in?
Bhanu Singh: Oh, are you talking about me? It's quite a complicated story. It would be better if you asked them.
Ray and Bhairav shouted in unison: WHO?
Suddenly, the sound of glass breaking echoed through the house. Within moments, the room was surrounded by hundreds of strange-looking people. Some were taller than seven feet, and others had scars across their bodies.
Realizing the danger, Bhairav grabbed Ray's hand and rushed to a corner with fewer guards.
In an instant, the room was filled with the bodies of defeated foes.
Bhanu chuckled, amused by the outcome.
Bhanu: Amazing! You took out 40 of my elite men in under 10 seconds. Now I'm curious about how I should abduct you and your little brother.
Ray, with a hint of anger in his voice: Do you think this is a joke? You maniacs! What do you even want from us, and why are you attacking us?
Bhairav patted Ray's head reassuringly:
Bhairav: Don't worry, your big bro is here. As long as I'm around, nobody can touch a hair on your head.
Bhanu, his eyes gleaming with excitement:
Bhanu: Really??
He opened the main door, welcoming four new figures into the house.
Bhanu: Meet them. They are the executives of our Black Serpent. Survive if you can.
Four extremely tall figures surrounded Ray and Bhairav. The tension in the room suggested that a bloodbath was imminent.
Raaghav (Executive of Black Serpent/Young Master): Dad, I think only one of us would have been enough for these two.
Sambhu (Executive of Black Serpent): Young master, you shouldn't underestimate your opponents.
Vajra (Executive of Black Serpent): Are they even strong?
Shinichiro (Strongest Executive): Everyone, step aside. I'll take both of them alone.
The room buzzed with chatter until Bhairav spoke up.
Bhairav: I don't know why you're targeting us, but if you insist on messing with my little brother, I won't stand still.
Ray: Big bro, I'm here to help you. Don't worry about them.
Bhairav: No, you mustn't participate in this fight. It can be dangerous, and besides, you're only 11 years old. It's too risky.
Ray, feeling a mix of determination and wisdom, looked at Bhairav:
Ray: Bhaiya, trust me this time. I won't be a burden in this fight.
Raaghav, mockingly: Hey, aren't we getting too emotional here? Lol! Someone might mistake it for a drama.
Before Raaghav could say more, Bhairav punched him in the gut.
Raaghav: Argh, not bad. It certainly hurt like a bee sting.
Bhairav knew the fight could turn dangerous if he got surrounded by all four. Before he could devise a plan, he saw Ray leaping towards Raaghav and Sambhu.
Ray: Bhaiya, handle the rest. I'll take care of these two.
Bhairav nodded and leaped towards the other two, saying:
Bhairav: Don't get hurt, my foolish brother!
Ray: Don't worry, I won't.
The room filled with the sounds of punches and cracking bones as the building shook from their clashes.
Ray picked up a hammer from the table, ready to strike. Spotting an opportunity, he swung his hammer towards Raaghav's head, aiming to end the fight quickly.
But Sambhu stepped forward, taking the hit on his right arm.
Sambhu groaned in pain, annoyed. He realized Ray was no ordinary opponent, possessing an inexplicable amount of experience.
Sambhu: Argh! Young master, I told you not to underestimate any opponent, but you still did.
Raaghav: Hmm, you're right. Should I get serious now?
Raaghav closed his eyes and took an unfamiliar fighting stance, seemingly full of openings but deceptively dangerous.
Raaghav: Look closely. This is the fighting style I created to catch my opponents off guard.
Sambhu: Young master, your fighting style is impressive as always.
The room fell silent as both sides waited for the other to move. Suddenly, Raaghav and Sambhu charged at Ray together, not giving him time to think.
Sambhu tried to grab Ray's waist but was met with a powerful hammer swing. At that moment, Raaghav leaped into the air, kicking Ray in the head.
Ray's head throbbed from the kick, but Sambhu, struck by Ray's hammer, was bleeding profusely and quickly lost consciousness.
Ray sighed deeply. A white glow, invisible to the naked eye, appeared in his palm—his Pledge of Benevolence was active (5% currently).
[Start of author explanation]
Author: Pledge of Benevolence multipliers
1 - 5% Activation: 1.25 Fold
10 - 20% Activation: 1.5 Fold
30 - 40% Activation: 1.75 Fold
50% - 90% Activation: 2 Folds
100% Activation: 2.5 Folds
[End of Author Explanation]
Ray's body filled with power, and he swung his hammer with full force at Raaghav. Raaghav countered with a kick aimed at Ray's legs.
The impact was so intense that it shattered the brick floor. Both Ray and Raaghav fell unconscious.
The scene shifted to Bhairav, who had already knocked out one of his opponents, soaked in their blood.