Arjun adjusted his robes as sunlight poured into his flat. The dawn felt different—a mixture of nervous excitement and unspoken responsibility. A knock at the door broke his concentration.
When he opened it, Raj, Viraaj, and Vikram stood waiting.
Raj grinned. "Ready for the big day, Arjun? This isn't just about picking a weapon—it's about proving your worth as a Maha Rank hunter."
Arjun smiled, though his palms felt slightly clammy. "I hope I'm ready for whatever comes."
Viraaj's calm demeanor helped ground him. "You've already proven your strength, Arjun. Just stay focused, and trust yourself."
Vikram couldn't resist a tease. "Just don't embarrass us, alright?"
Arjun chuckled. "I'll do my best. You're all giving me so much confidence."
Raj gestured toward his car parked outside. "Come on, I'll explain the details on the way."
Arjun nodded, locking his door behind him. "Alright. Let's get going."
Inside the car, the hum of the engine blended with Raj's steady voice as he explained the ritual.
"Many S-Rank weapons from past raids will be displayed," Raj began. "Each one has its own willpower and chooses its master based on worthiness."
Arjun leaned forward, intrigued. "Are there any weapons that haven't chosen a master yet?"
Raj's expression shifted slightly, his tone reverent. "Yes. A sword called Rudragon."
The name carried weight, and Arjun could feel its significance even before Raj elaborated.
"Rudragon was forged from Hiravium, the strongest metal discovered in rifts. It's the most powerful weapon known to us. Over a century ago, during India's first S-Rank raid, it was recovered by Shiv, the first Maha Rank hunter. The raid itself was against Rudraksha, a dragon capable of destroying the world."
Arjun listened, his curiosity deepening. "Named after Lord Shiva and that Rift Boss, Rudraksha?"
Raj nodded. "Exactly. But in over 100 years, no hunter has been deemed worthy by the Rudragon."
Arjun swallowed. "Sounds like an impossible task. What do I need to do to earn any weapon?"
"Focus and meditation," Raj explained. "It aligns your chakra and willpower, creating an aura that weapons respond to."
"Meditation, huh?" Arjun rubbed his neck. "I'll do my best."
From the driver's seat, a voice broke in. "We'll be at the venue in 20 minutes, sir."
Raj glanced at Arjun. "Use this time to clear your mind."
Arjun closed his eyes, letting the car's steady motion help center him.
When they arrived at Aditya Castle, Arjun was struck by its grandeur. Once a royal palace, it now stood as a symbol of India's hunter legacy.
Raj handed him a chakra mask. "The media's here, along with other hunters. You'll need this to protect your identity."
Arjun took it, his fingers brushing over the material as he channeled his chakra into creating a mask. Blue, red, and black hues swirled together, matching his robes.
He slipped it on and stepped out of the car, greeted by a wave of camera flashes and murmurs.
Chairman Aayus approached, his hand extended. "Welcome, Arjun. Congratulations on becoming India's 7th Maha Rank hunter."
"Thank you," Arjun replied humbly, bowing slightly. "It's an honor to be here."
The other Maha Rank hunters looked on with mixed expressions—some impressed, others skeptical.
Inside the castle's grand hall, rows of S-Rank weapons gleamed under the light. Swords, spears, bows, and more were displayed, each radiating its own energy.
Arjun sat cross-legged in the center of the room, closing his eyes to meditate.
"Don't interfere with this ritual," he silently warned Kal.
Kal's voice echoed in his mind, laced with mockery. "Fine. I'll just watch."
Arjun tuned him out, focusing on aligning his chakra. Minutes passed, and his aura began to ripple outward.
But nothing happened.
Whispers spread among the spectators.
"Maybe he's not worthy," one murmured.
"Even strong hunters fail sometimes," another added.
Arjun felt their doubt pressing in but refused to falter. He deepened his focus, his aura growing steadier.
Suddenly, a surge of energy pulsed through the hall. Gasps echoed as Rudragon, the legendary sword, began to glow.
The weapon shot forward, moving faster than the eye could follow, and stopped directly in front of Arjun.
Time seemed to freeze as he reached out and grasped the hilt. The moment he did, an overwhelming sense of power coursed through him.
The room fell silent, every eye fixed on him.
"That's... Rudragon," someone whispered. "No one's ever been chosen by it before."
Viraaj's voice broke the silence, filled with pride. "Arjun is truly extraordinary."
After the ritual, Chairman Aayus approached with a smile. "Congratulations, Arjun. Let's take a photo for your new hunter license."
Arjun nodded, holding Rudragon aloft as the cameras flashed.
When he received the updated license, it bore his title: 7th Maha Rank Hunter of India.
That evening, a grand feast was held in his honor. Arjun found himself surrounded by dignitaries and hunters, all eager to speak with him.
One hunter leaned in, attempting to peer under his mask. "Why not reveal your face? Surely it's safe among us."
Raj's voice cut through firmly. "For his safety, Arjun's identity must remain a secret. He'll reveal his face when the time is right."
Arjun shot him a grateful look and spent the rest of the evening engaging in conversations, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
As the celebration wound down, Arjun stepped outside for a moment of quiet. He looked at Rudragon, its blade gleaming under the moonlight.
"Rudragon," he whispered, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities.
Kal's voice returned, unusually subdued. "Enjoy the moment, Arjun. It won't last forever."
Arjun exhaled, his grip tightening on the sword. The path ahead was daunting, but tonight, he allowed himself a moment of pride.