Arjun Malhotra settled into his living room, the TV buzzing softly in the background. He flipped through channels until a breaking news alert caught his attention.
News Anchor: We've just received reports of a dangerous monster spotted at the construction site of the new Zenith Mall. Authorities are advising everyone to stay away. The situation is critical as workers are trapped inside.
Arjun Malhotra: Zenith Mall? That's where they were building the new shopping center. Those workers are in danger. I have to go there.
System: I think there might be a trap. Don't go.
Arjun Malhotra: There are people trapped there! I have to help.
System: I believe the Indian Hunter Association might be setting a trap. Remember Gorath's death? There was a drone recording it, so they must have seen it. They might be trying to catch you.
Arjun Malhotra: How could you be sure there's a trap?
System: I'm not just guessing. Your fight with Gorath was recorded. The Indian Hunter Association is aware of your capabilities and might want to capture you. Don't go there.
Arjun Malhotra: I understand, but I can't just ignore people in need.
System: Think about it. Why would the Indian Hunter Association not send its own hunters?
Arjun Malhotra: Maybe they're busy with other tasks?
System: Or maybe they're waiting to see how you handle it. It's a trap to lure you out. You need to be cautious.
Arjun Malhotra: I can't sit idly by while people are in danger.
System: Alright, but if you go, be extremely careful. They might be using this situation to their advantage. Also, I'd rather have a conversation with a dog than deal with you sometimes.
Arjun Malhotra: I appreciate the concern, but I've made up my mind. If it turns out to be a trap, then I'll deal with it.
System: Fine, but don't come crying to me if things go wrong. Just remember to stay sharp and think ahead.
Arjun Malhotra: I'll be cautious. I need to do this.
System: Alright, brother. Go save those people, but keep your guard up. Don't forget to use your new abilities if needed.
Arjun Malhotra: I'll remember. I'm heading out now.
As Arjun prepared to leave, he glanced back at the TV where the news continued to broadcast the escalating crisis at Zenith Mall. With a deep breath, he resolved to face whatever awaited him and rushed out, determined to help those in peril.
Arjun Malhotra, dressed in his combat gear, approached the Zenith Mall with determination. The air was tense, and the eerie silence of the mall's empty corridors was unsettling. He began his search for any trapped workers, but the mall seemed deserted.
As he ventured deeper, he suddenly felt a tingling sensation. His Spider Sensor ability activated, alerting him to an incoming danger. An arrow whizzed past him, narrowly missing its target.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): The system was right. This is a trap.
Arjun barely managed to dodge another arrow, and from a distance, Pinky Sharma observed with frustration.
Pinky Sharma (thinking): How is he dodging my arrows so effortlessly?
Before Arjun could react further, Koro Das charged from behind and threw a powerful punch. Arjun, guided by his Spider Sensor, dodged the attack just in time.
Koro Das (thinking): How is he avoiding my punch?
At that moment, Game Yadav and Irfan Khan arrived on the scene.
Game Yadav: Why did you attack first, you idiot?"
Through his headphones, Maya Joshi's voice was heard.
Maya Joshi: Why did you attack without confirming? We were supposed to observe first.
Arjun and the system conversed through their mental link.
System:You have a teleporter stone, right?
Arjun Malhotra: Yes, I have it.
System: Use the stone to get out of there quickly. They might call more hunters.
Arjun Malhotra: I'm not leaving. I want to take revenge.
System: What an idiot you are. I'm telling you to run for your own good.
Arjun Malhotra: No, I want to confront Pinky Sharma and Koro Das.
System: Fine, but if you're set on staying, consider using a strength potion. You can take it without drinking it, as long as it's in the system's inventory.
Arjun Malhotra: Okay, let me talk to them first.
System: And don't reveal your real name.
Arjun approached Game Yadav.
Arjun Malhotra: Hi, my name is Psycho. You guys have done a lot of wrong by spreading fake news.
Game Yadav: Hello, I'm Game Yadav. Yes, we made a mistake with the fake news, but that's why you came, right? We need to talk.
Arjun Malhotra: You're the top five hunters in India, and yet you spread fake news. I can't believe it. So, what do you want to discuss?
Game Yadav: We want to know how you found the mysterious monster. Do you work for someone?
Arjun Malhotra: Firstly, you call it the Mysterious Monster, but its real name is Gorath the Dread Beast. As for how I found its location, why should I tell you? And secondly, I don't work for anyone.
Game Yadav: Okay, you don't want to reveal how you found it. But I want to offer you a chance to join the Indian Hunter Association.
Arjun Malhotra: I'm not interested in joining.
Game Yadav: Why not? It's a great opportunity.
Arjun Malhotra: It's my choice. I don't want to join, and that's final.
Game Yadav: You're quite arrogant. Even though I'm speaking to you nicely, you respond with hostility. Fine, you can leave.
Suddenly, Arjun received a mission alert from the system.
System: You have a new mission. Defeat the enemys in front of you, scare everyone, and make them believe you are the strongest. Completing this mission will earn you the following rewards:
3000 System Points
3000 SU Points
10 Lottery Spins
One random rare ability
5 random ability upgrades
One Strength Reducing Potion
Bonus Rewards
One new ability - Dragon's Roar
(Description: The user channels fiery dragon energy into their sword, releasing a powerful roar with each swing. This roar manifests as a wave of intense heat and flame, capable of incinerating obstacles and dealing heavy damage to foes. The sword's fire can also be used to create temporary barriers of flame for protection.)
Future Vision (The system shows you a glimpse of your future.)
50 Strength Potions
20 Healing Potions
Arjun Malhotra: How will I fight them? They're very strong, ranked SS+.
System: I'll handle it. Absorb all the strength potions. With these, you'll be ranked within Sh rank for 30 minutes. You can beat them with this temporary boost.
Arjun laughed to himself.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): I'm ready to take them on now.
He faced Game Yadav and the others.
Arjun Malhotra: Wait, you guys want me to join, right? How about this: If you five can beat me within 30 minutes, I'll consider joining. But if you fail, you have to leave me alone.
Game Yadav: Alright, we accept your challenge.
Without hesitation, Arjun launched an Inferno Strike Kick at Koro Das. The battle was about to begin, and the stakes were high.
As Arjun Malhotra unleashed his Inferno Strike Kick, Koro Das was caught off guard. The sheer force of the attack sent him stumbling backward, the intense heat radiating from the strike lighting up the dimly lit mall. Shadows danced ominously on the walls as Game Yadav, Pinky Sharma, and Irfan Khan immediately readied themselves for battle. From a safe distance, Afrin Ansari, the healer of the group, quickly began channeling her energy to heal Koro Das's injuries. As the golden aura of her healing powers enveloped him, Koro Das regained his footing, ready to rejoin the fight.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): "Koro Das may be strong, but he lacks intelligence. If Afrin Ansari keeps healing him, this battle will drag on. I need to take her out first. She's the weakest in terms of strength, so it won't be too difficult. Once she's out of the picture, I'll deal with Pinky Sharma and her arrows. Then I'll finish off Koro Das, and finally, I'll take down Game Yadav and Irfan Khan."
With a quick glance around the area, Arjun spotted a sturdy rope lying on the floor, likely left behind by workers in their haste to evacuate the mall. An idea formed in his mind, and he quickly snatched up the rope.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): "If I can bind Afrin Ansari, she won't be able to heal anyone. That'll level the playing field."
He swiftly moved towards Afrin, keeping his movements quiet and calculated. As she focused on healing Koro Das, she didn't notice Arjun approaching from behind. With a quick motion, Arjun looped the rope around her, binding her hands tightly. She struggled, but her strength was no match for his.
Afrin Ansari: "What the—!"
Before she could finish her sentence, Arjun silenced her with a well-placed blow, knocking her unconscious. He dragged her behind a large pillar, ensuring she was out of sight and unable to assist her team.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): "One down, four to go."
Next on his list was Pinky Sharma, Pinky Sharma was thinking from a distance, "I think this is much above our rank. No one can dodge my arrow so well, but this one is dodging my arrow so well." Then Maya Joshi says through headphones,"Pinky Sharma, are you ok?"
Pinky Sharma: "I am fine, what happened?"
Maya Joshi: "Afrin Ansari has been knocked down."
Pinky Sharma: "What are those three people doing? If we get injured, then who will heal us?"
Maya Joshi: "You keep watching and keep shooting from a distance."
Pinky Sharma: "Okay."
Pinky Sharma is thinking, "I have to defeat him by any means possible."
Our main character is thinking behind the wall, "I will get out of here. If she starts shooting arrows at me, but I also have a bow." The system gave me after completing the mission. Arjun takes the bow from the system inventory and uses the Precise Strike ability with the bow and shoots an arrow at Pinky Sharma. The arrow hits Pinky Sharma's hand, and Pinky Sharma gets knocked down.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): That's three. Now for Koro Das.
With Pinky down, Arjun turned his attention back to Koro Das, who was now fully healed but visibly frustrated by the turn of events. Without Afrin to heal him and Pinky to provide ranged support, Koro Das was at a disadvantage.
Arjun knew Koro Das relied heavily on brute strength, so he used his agility and speed to his advantage. As Koro Das charged at him, Arjun sidestepped the attack and delivered a series of rapid strikes to Koro's exposed sides. Each blow landed with precision, weakening the brute.
Koro Das, now desperate, swung wildly in an attempt to land a hit, but Arjun was too fast. With a final, powerful roundhouse kick, Arjun sent Koro Das crashing into a nearby wall. The impact was enough to knock him out cold.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): Three down. Just Game Yadav and Irfan Khan left.
Game Yadav and Irfan Khan exchanged glances, realizing that they had underestimated Arjun. They both stepped forward, ready to engage him in a two-on-one fight.
Game Yadav: You're stronger than we thought, Psycho. But this ends now."
Arjun Malhotra: We'll see about that.
The tension in the air was palpable as Game Yadav and Irfan Khan circled Arjun, each calculating their next move. Arjun's senses were heightened, thanks to the Spider Sensor ability, allowing him to anticipate their attacks. Irfan Khan was the first to strike, launching a flurry of punches that Arjun deftly dodged. Game Yadav followed up with a sweeping kick, aiming to knock Arjun off balance, but Arjun leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): These two are much more coordinated than the others. I'll need to be strategic.
Landing gracefully on the floor, Arjun quickly formulated a plan. He decided to focus on Irfan Khan first, knowing that Game Yadav was the more experienced fighter. Using his enhanced speed, Arjun closed the distance between himself and Irfan, launching a powerful kick to his midsection. The force of the blow sent Irfan stumbling backward, but he quickly regained his composure, countering with a punch aimed at Arjun's face. Arjun blocked the attack and retaliated with a swift elbow strike, catching Irfan off guard and knocking him to the ground.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): One more to go.
Now, only Game Yadav remained. He was the strongest of the group, and Arjun knew this final battle would be the toughest. Game Yadav squared off against Arjun, his eyes locked onto his opponent. The two fighters stood still for a moment, each waiting for the other to make the first move.
Game Yadav: You've taken down my entire team, Psycho. But I'm not going to go down that easily.
Arjun Malhotra: Good, because I'm just getting started.
The atmosphere in Zenith Mall was electric as the final confrontation unfolded. Game Yadav and Irfan Khan stood ready, their expressions fierce and determined. Arjun Malhotra, exhausted but resolute, faced them with unwavering confidence.
Game Yadav: "You've proven yourself formidable, Psycho, but this is where your journey ends. Irfan, let's show him what teamwork can do."
Irfan Khan: "On it. Let's make this quick."
Irfan Khan charged forward, launching a series of rapid punches. Arjun swiftly dodged the blows, his agility allowing him to weave through Irfan's attacks. At the same time, Game Yadav circled around, looking for an opening. Irfan, noticing Arjun's evasive maneuvers, altered his strategy, aiming to corner him.
Arjun Malhotra (thinking): "They're using a combination attack. I need to break their coordination."
As Irfan delivered a powerful uppercut, Arjun ducked and spun around, delivering a crushing blow to Irfan's side. Irfan stumbled, but quickly recovered, leaping back to regain his footing. Game Yadav seized the opportunity, launching a spinning kick aimed at Arjun's head. Arjun ducked under the kick and, with lightning speed, kicked Irfan in the chest, sending him crashing into a display stand.
Game Yadav: "Irfan, get up! We can't let him get the best of us."
Irfan Khan (groaning): "I'm trying, but he's too fast!"
Arjun took advantage of the distraction, focusing on Irfan. With a swift, calculated movement, he delivered a series of quick strikes to Irfan's legs, causing him to fall to the ground. Arjun stood over Irfan, preparing to finish him off.
Arjun Malhotra: "I'm not here to play fair. You brought this on yourselves."
With one final, powerful kick, Arjun knocked Irfan out of the fight. He then turned his full attention to Game Yadav, who was now visibly enraged.
Game Yadav: "You're making a big mistake, Psycho. You think you can just waltz in here and take us down?"
Arjun Malhotra: "It's not about mistakes. It's about showing who's in control."
Game Yadav charged at Arjun, unleashing a flurry of powerful punches and kicks. Arjun countered with a series of evasive maneuvers and precise strikes. The two engaged in a brutal exchange, each blow echoing through the empty mall.
Game Yadav: "You're good, but you're not invincible!"
Arjun Malhotra: "You'll have to try harder than that."
The battle raged on, with Game Yadav using every trick in his arsenal to overpower Arjun. Despite the intensity of the fight, Arjun's speed and strategy kept him one step ahead. Finally, with a decisive move, Arjun landed a powerful punch to Game Yadav's midsection, followed by a spinning kick that sent him crashing into a nearby wall.
Game Rajput (groaning): "I... I can't believe it."
Arjun Malhotra: "Believe it. You're done."
Exhausted but victorious, Arjun stood over the fallen Game Yadav, who lay unconscious on the floor. The system appeared before Arjun, its digital form glowing with satisfaction.
System: "Congratulations, Arjun Malhotra. Your mission has been completed."
Arjun looked around at the defeated hunters and sighed, realizing the gravity of his actions. He pulled out the healing potions from his inventory and began distributing them to Irfan Khan, Pinky Sharma, Koro Das, and Afrin Ansari.
Arjun Malhotra: "You all fought well. Here, this should help."
Pinky Sharma (mumbling): "You're not so bad yourself."
Koro Das (groaning): "This is definitely going to be a story to tell."
As the hunters slowly regained their strength, Arjun couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment mixed with a twinge of regret. He had achieved his goal, but the consequences of his actions weighed heavily on him.
Arjun Malhotra:"I hope you all understand why I had to do this. It was never personal."