As Vikram said, "I understand it now," he sprinted toward the Feathered Nightmare. Feathered, seeing Vikram charging, took flight and dashed straight at him. Vikram leaped, dodging the tackle, and grabbed Feathered's leg mid-air. With sheer strength, Vikram slammed him against the surrounding pillars and the ground before throwing him aside.
Running upward, Feathered shouted, "How many times do I have to tell you to surrender? If it weren't for the mission, I wouldn't be holding back. You're not even able to touch me!"
Vikram smirked, turning back briefly. "Like I care if you're holding back or not! The only thing I see is you struggling just like me."
Feathered, furious, spread his wings and charged again. Vikram taunted, "You're nothing but my Sunday dinner. Let's see who eats who!"
Infuriated, Feathered roared and chased him. Vikram zigzagged through the floors, darting into rooms to make it difficult for Feathered to maneuver. Inside one room, Vikram stood by the wall and said, "Tell me one thing."
"What?" Feathered growled, stopping mid-air.
"Who are you guys, and what do you want from me?"
"You'll get your answers when I take you to the leader," Feathered sneered.
"The leader?" Vikram asked.
"Yes. He's a demon hybrid. His father was one of the four guards of Demon Prince Rudra."
"Demon Prince?" Vikram echoed in shock.
"You heard right. Now you understand the gravity of the situation. If you come quietly, this will end peacefully. The leader and the others want you alive."
Vikram's face hardened. "Shut up! Why should I care? You hurt my family!"
Feathered chuckled darkly. "Yes, and I still remember how miserable they looked. I enjoyed it."
Vikram clenched his fists, his voice cold. "As long as I'm alive, tonight will be your nightmare."
Feathered smirked. "As you wish."
With a burst of speed, Feathered charged at Vikram. But before he could strike, Vikram jumped over him, revealing a rod he had strategically placed on the wall. Feathered, unable to change direction in the confined space, crashed into the rod, which pierced through his chest.
Gasping, Feathered staggered back, coughing blood. "That bastard..." he muttered before Vikram slammed him into a wall.
Before Feathered could recover, Vikram attacked relentlessly. He punched Feathered's face. "This is for my father!" He punched again. "And this is for my mother!" Grabbing Feathered by the arms, he growled, "This is for my family!" and broke both of Feathered's arms.
Feathered roared in pain, kicking Vikram and sending him flying into the hollow center of the building. Vikram landed on the ground, looking up as Feathered lifted the entire building above his head.
"Is this the end?" Vikram thought as he saw the massive structure looming above him.
Feathered sneered. "Your family will burn on sandalwood after I crush you!"
But before Feathered could throw the building, a gunshot rang out, hitting his arm. The building's weight crushed down on him, rendering him unable to fly. Feathered let out a final scream as he fell with the building, disappearing into the rubble.
Vikram coughed, trying to stand. "Ugh... ugh..."
A voice startled him. "Are you alright?"
Vikram turned to see Ansh. "Sir, you?"
"I tracked your phone. Your parents were worried," Ansh said.
Vikram took a deep breath and turned to the rubble. "I need to confirm it."
"You can't move that alone. Wait for backup," Ansh advised.
Ignoring him, Vikram began tossing rubble aside, his strength surprising Ansh.
"What are you, some kind of superhero?" Ansh asked.
"I don't know," Vikram muttered. "But they say I'm the chosen one." He finally uncovered Feathered's lifeless body. "It's over," he whispered before collapsing unconscious.
"Vikram! Vikram!" Ansh shouted, rushing to him and carrying him to his car.
---
Later, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, staring at the destruction. Shane muttered, "We lost the second strongest of our group... This enemy is no joke. Even with enlightenment, Feathered couldn't win."
He walked to Feathered's body, lifting it onto his shoulders. "Now it's my turn. I'll make Kali drink Vikram's blood."
With that, Shane disappeared into the night.