The scene shifted abruptly, as Srestha's expression turned from one of confusion to shock and disbelief. His heart raced, pounding in his chest as he looked around, perplexed by his surroundings. "Where am I?" he questioned, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Wasn't I in the river?"
Azazel, leaning closer to Sachi, whispered in her ear, "Looks like the real Srestha has awakened."
Srestha, oblivious to their whispers but sensing their presence, turned to face the duo. "Who are you guys?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Azazel and Sachi.
Azazel, his tone casual, replied, "We're your new coworkers. We're anti-heroes."
Srestha's brow furrowed in confusion. "What did you say? Anti-heroes and coworkers? I think you misunderstood. I'm a hero, well, not really, but I'll be one after I pass college."
Azazel, a mischievous glint in his eye, pressed further. "No, you're going to join the anti-heroes."
Srestha's face contorted in annoyance, his brows knitting together as he demanded, "What the hell are you talking about?"
Azazel, sensing the need for clarity, decided to reveal the entire matter to Srestha. He explained that Srestha was indeed the vessel of a god, and that he had already fought a vengeful spirit and destroyed the road in the process.
Srestha, his mind racing to comprehend the information, responded, "So I'm a vessel of God, meaning I'm an avatar?"
Azazel nodded in confirmation. "Yes, and by joining us, we can help you keep your identity as a vessel of God a secret. This will benefit you greatly, as most villains, vengeful spirits, or other individuals will target you simply because of your status as an avatar."
Srestha, his determination to save others still strong, interjected, "But I want to save people."
Before he could finish his sentence, Sachi spoke up, her voice soft yet reassuring. "Anti-heroes also save people. They may focus more on their missions, but they're still doing it for the greater good."
As the tension in the air grew palpable, the trio suddenly sensed an aura approaching. Sachi, ever vigilant, stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Srestha and Azazel. Her hand instinctively reached for her katana, ready to defend against any potential threat.
Two figures emerged from the shadows, their faces obscured by hoods and sweatshirts. Skinny pants adorned their lower bodies, adding to their mysterious demeanor. Sachi's blade gleamed in the dim light, its edge thirsty for action.
Just as she was about to strike, Azazel placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "And why were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
The first figure, her voice unmistakably feminine, retorted, "We didn't come here to listen to your chatter."
The second figure chimed in, her voice equally female and laced with disdain. "We are the ones who sent that vengeful spirit. Who do you think you are, meddling in our affairs?"
Azazel, his cool demeanor unwavering, smirked at the audacity of their claims. "You have some nerve, speaking like that after the chaos you've unleashed."
The first figure, deciding to reveal her true self, pushed back her hood. Long, flowing green hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a pair of striking emerald eyes and elongated ears. Srestha, his divine intuition kicking in, declared, "She isn't human."
The woman, a smirk playing on her lips, confirmed Srestha's assessment. "You're correct. I am an elf, one of the long-lost elven race. And she," she gestured to the second figure, "is an elf as well."
The second elf stepped forward, her features mirroring those of her companion. The scene was set for a confrontation unlike any other, as the heroes and anti-heroes faced off against these mysterious, otherworldly beings.
Srestha, his curiosity piqued by the elves' existence, spoke up. "I thought elves were extinct, even if they existed long ago."
The first elf, a mischievous glint in her eyes, replied, "You're correct, pretty boy. We somehow survived against all odds. My name is X."
Her sister, the second elf, stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Srestha. "I'm Y, her sister. And might I say, you look quite handsome. Perhaps we should go out sometime?"
Srestha, flustered by the sudden attention, stammered, "Well, I don't mind, I suppose."
Sachi, her patience wearing thin, interjected, "Of course you need to mind, pretty boy. Stop with the dramatics and focus on the real issue at hand."
The elves, their playful demeanor quickly replaced by a steely resolve, readied themselves for the impending conflict. X, her voice low and menacing, addressed the group. "You may be heroes and anti-heroes, but you're out of your depth here. Our power extends beyond your comprehension."
Azazel, undeterred by their threats, countered, "Careful, elves. Your arrogance may be your undoing. We've faced far greater challenges than you could ever imagine."
X, her eyes blazing with malice, spat out her ultimatum. "Your wish, Azazel, is to die."
Azazel, his smirk unwavering, retorted, "You may wish it, but I assure you, I won't die so easily."
Y, her tone dismissive, added, "We could kill you right here, but we have other matters to attend to."
Sachi, her voice dripping with disdain, quipped, "Of course, that's just an excuse for you to run away like a coward."
Azazel, his composure intact, addressed the elves with a parting shot. "Well, we shall meet again. Hopefully next time, you'll actually do something worth mentioning."
X and Y, their laughter echoing in the air, vanished into thin air, leaving the heroes and anti-heroes to ponder the implications of their encounter.
Srestha, still processing the revelation of his true nature and the presence of the elves, turned to Azazel and Sachi. "What do you think they meant by 'other matters to attend to'?"
Azazel, his expression grave, replied, "I have a feeling this is far from over. Those elves are hiding something, and it's only a matter of time before we cross paths again."
Sachi, her hand resting on her katana, nodded in agreement. "We need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. As anti-heroes, it's our duty to protect this city and its people, no matter the cost."
Srestha, still grappling with the revelations of his true nature and the encounter with the elves, turned to Azazel with a questioning gaze. "So, what do I do now?"
Azazel, his expression thoughtful, replied, "You'll come with us to our main office. We'll help you navigate this new reality and understand the extent of your powers as an avatar."
Sachi, her brow furrowed in concern, interjected, "Azazel, are you sure you want him to join us? He's still adjusting to this new information, and we don't know the full extent of what he's capable of."
Azazel, his conviction unwavering, countered, "I believe it's the right decision. But ultimately, Srestha, it's up to you. Do you want to join our ranks and become an anti-hero, or do you have another path in mind?"
Srestha, his mind racing with the possibilities, hesitated before responding. "I... I don't know. This is all so overwhelming. But I do know that I want to use my powers to help people, to be a force for good in this world."
Azazel, sensing Srestha's hesitation, offered a reassuring smile. "Joining us doesn't mean you can't be a hero. In fact, it will give you the resources and protection you need to fulfill your mission without drawing unwanted attention from those who seek to harm you because of your true nature."
Sachi, her expression softening, added, "We understand the weight of this decision, Srestha. Take some time to consider it. We'll be here, ready to support you, whatever you choose."
As the trio stood in the aftermath of the elves's departure, the world of Narayanganj stretched out before them, filled with endless possibilities and looming threats. The fate of the city, and perhaps the world, hung in the balance, waiting for Srestha's decision.
As the seconds ticked by, Srestha's mind raced with thoughts of his newfound destiny and the incredible events that had unfolded. He considered the offer to join the anti-heroes, his heart torn between the desire to help people and the fear of the unknown challenges that lay ahead.