Chapter: The Storm Approaches
Rishi Saxena stood on the balcony of his mansion, his eyes fixed on the horizon as he stewed in thought. The call he had received echoed in his mind, a stern and unmistakable demand to resolve the matter swiftly. He understood the implications — his position, his gang, and his future ambitions all hinged on maintaining control. This small issue with the orphanage and that troublesome boy could not be allowed to fester. It was time to act.
He turned abruptly and called for his most trusted ally. "Nazrul!" he bellowed, his voice commanding the silence of the grand estate. Moments later, Nazrul Sheikh appeared in the doorway, his familiar grin spreading across his face.
"What's got you so worked up, Rishi?" Nazrul asked, walking in casually. "A mere orphanage? We can handle that easily. I'll take care of it myself, no problem."
Rishi's gaze narrowed, a slight smile curling on his lips. "I got a call," he said, his tone lowering. "They told me to end this quickly. No more delays. I'm going in personally and taking half of our army with me."
Nazrul's brow furrowed, but before he could speak, Rishi continued. "It's not just about the boy. It's about setting an example. If we can't crush this small threat, what will we do when bigger challenges arise?"
Nazrul laughed, shaking his head. "Brother, if this is all it takes to make you anxious, then we're in deeper trouble than I thought. You've reached the mid-stage of the Warrior level, and I'm right there with you. This boy's nothing compared to us."
Rishi's surprise quickly melted into a hearty laugh. "Impressive. I didn't expect you to catch up so fast. But, still, I'm sending half the men with you. I won't take any chances. Go, take care of this, and when it's done, we'll throw a party."
Nazrul's eyes twinkled with excitement. "You're sending me with half the army? Alright, I'll handle it." He clapped Rishi on the back, giving him a mock salute before turning to prepare.
As Nazrul readied himself to leave, Rishi reminded him one last time. "No risks. If you need the backup, use them. This isn't just about the orphanage — it's about showing our power."
Nazrul nodded and walked out of the mansion, a steady confidence radiating from him. His childhood friend, his brother, had entrusted him with this task, and he would not fail.
---
The convoy rumbled down the streets of Pune, an imposing force that made the people scatter in fear. Vehicles packed with armed men, many of them cultivators at the early stages of the Warrior level, moved like a storm toward their destination — the Seth Dhaniram Orphanage. As they approached, Nazrul stood at the front of the convoy, his voice loud and commanding.
"Listen up! This is not a major fight. But Rishi Bhai has sent you to ensure this matter is dealt with swiftly and decisively. We are going to destroy that orphanage and wipe out every last one of them. No one survives, not even the children. Rishi Bhai has big plans for Pune, and we cannot afford any interruptions. Do you understand?"
A unified cheer erupted from the men, their voices ringing out with zeal. "Rishi Bhai is our ideal! We will conquer the city, even if it means rivers of blood!"
Nazrul grinned, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. He looked back at the army, knowing the loyalty they had to him and Rishi, and the power they wielded. The city of Pune would soon be in their hands.
---
As they neared the orphanage, a strange sense of unease lingered in the air. The protective shield around the building flickered faintly, almost imperceptible to the untrained eye, but Nazrul felt its presence immediately. He raised his hand, signaling for the attack to begin.
"Destroy that shield!" he ordered, his voice cutting through the tension.
The first wave of attacks came in the form of powerful energy blasts, aimed directly at the shield. The men fired their most potent attacks, but the shield held firm. No visible damage was done. Nazrul frowned, his intuition kicking in. He ordered his men to back off.
He stepped forward himself, launching a flurry of mid-stage Warrior-level attacks. A barrage of energy and force erupted from his fists, but once again, the shield absorbed it, not even a tremor in response. Then, the unimaginable happened.
The shield, which had absorbed the attacks, retaliated.
A wave of energy shot back at the attackers, overwhelming them. Men were thrown across the battlefield, screaming as they were consumed by the sheer power of the shield. Forty men fell within seconds. Nazrul's eyes widened in shock. This was no ordinary shield — it was beyond anything he had anticipated.
He quickly grabbed his communicator, calling Rishi. "Brother, we've underestimated the situation. This shield is far stronger than we thought. We're taking heavy losses."
On the other end, Rishi's voice was calm but firm. "Get out of there, Nazrul. Now."
Reluctantly, Nazrul gave the order to retreat. "Fall back! We're leaving!" The remaining men scrambled to retreat, many of them wounded, their morale shaken by the unexpected force they had encountered.
---
As the convoy pulled away, humiliated and bloodied, the residents of Pune witnessed the retreat, and a sense of hope flickered in their hearts. The mighty Saxena gang, which had terrorized the city for so long, had been forced to retreat by a mere shield. They whispered among themselves, wondering what had happened. Some prayed for the end of Rishi Saxena's tyranny.
Meanwhile, far from the scene, Vani's voice echoed in Ranveer's mind. *Nazrul Sheikh is retreating. It's time.*
Ranveer, who had been meditating and focusing on his training, opened his eyes. He felt the shift within his body — the energy that now coursed through him. "Have I really advanced?" he asked, his heart racing.
Vani's voice responded with quiet approval. "You have reached the half-step of the Noble level, Ranveer. But there is no time to celebrate. Saxena's gang is regrouping. They will strike again. You need to go to the orphanage now."
Ranveer's eyes blazed with anger. "Let's finish this. It's time to end Saxena's reign."
Vani's voice held a note of urgency. "Yes. But remember, this is just the beginning. Tonight, we will destroy Saxena's gang — for good."
With resolve burning in his chest, Ranveer turned toward Seth Dhaniram Orphanage, ready to take the final steps in his journey. The battle for Pune had begun, and he would be the one to tip the scales.