When Purushottampuri was attacked by the Beasts, the local guards, skilled hunters, and magic users bravely faced the onslaught, managing to save many lives. However, the attack was on such a massive scale that even their efforts were not enough. The situation was dire.
In the midst of this, the head of Purushottampuri's security team contacted the capital, seeking backup. The capital responded swiftly, dispatching a team of their finest warriors, a group of six people who would lead a force of 200 soldiers. To transport them to Purushottampuri, they needed to activate a large portal, a process that would take roughly one and a half hours. Until then, the people of Purushottampuri would need to survive on their own.
At that moment, Navin, a man sitting in a quiet corner, was drinking—though he was not a habitual drinker, it was something he did occasionally to relieve stress. Navin, a skilled swordsman, had once been the marshal of Purushottampuri's security team. He was also a close friend of Aamir's father and a member of the Hunter's Guild.
Navin had been with Aamir's father during the mission that resulted in the death of Karn, a promise was made on that day. Karn had entrusted Navin with a vow: "As long as your son is not strong enough to protect himself and his family, I will protect them in your stead." Even after moving to the capital due to his promotion, Navin had never broken that promise. He had continued to look after Aamir and his family, even teaching Aamir the art of swordsmanship.
Now, as a Lord Commander, Navin was well-known, and his presence was marked by his black cloak. He was respected by all. It was during one of his rare moments of solitude when he received a message on his phone. The message informed him of the Beast attack on Purushottampuri and that he, along with six other hunters, was to go there immediately. Two hundred soldiers would accompany them.
Navin stood up quickly and, with great speed, made his way towards the Hunter's Guild. His journey was so fast that no ordinary person would have believed he could cover the distance in such a short time. When he reached the Guild, he was met by his six companions—two young women, about 24 or 25 years old, and four men. The two women were incredibly beautiful, to the point where no one would expect them to be warriors. One of the women had white hair and skin as pale as snow, radiating an aura so cold that it seemed impossible to defeat her. She was a teacher of swordsmanship at the Nalanda University of Wizardry and Warfare. The other woman was a magic user.
Among the four men, one was a magic user, another was a master of hand-to-hand combat, and the remaining two were skilled swordsmen.
"Ah, Navin, it's good that you've arrived," said the Guild Master, an elderly but confident man.
Navin turned to the white-haired woman and asked, "Did they summon you too?"
"It seems like the situation in Purushottampuri is worse than we thought," she replied.
Navin nodded. "We need to get there as quickly as possible. How much longer before we can teleport?"
The Guild Master replied, "Just a little while. Everyone, get ready."
A few moments later, the group stood in front of the portal. There were many portals, but only eight were activated. Seven were small, while one was large enough to send around 500 people at once. Coordinates had already been set for the center of Purushottampuri.
Meanwhile, in Purushottampuri, Aamir had been knocked unconscious. Riya, in a desperate attempt to protect him, surrounded them both with a circle of fire. The guards had surrounded them, unsure of what to do.
"Why aren't you helping the wounded instead of standing here, guarding these children?" Riya asked, her voice shaking with exhaustion.
One of the guards replied, "There are other guards helping the injured, but we can't let this boy go without a thorough check. And besides, we don't understand... the Beasts are retreating. How is that possible?"
As the guard spoke, Navin suddenly appeared behind them, as if he had materialized from thin air. He looked down at Aamir, lying on the ground, and Riya, barely conscious from her injuries, holding him. The guards stood frozen, unsure of how to respond.
"Wasn't this place under attack by the Beasts?" Navin asked, his voice calm but firm. "Then why are you guarding these children instead of fighting the Beasts?"
One of the guards, recognizing him, straightened immediately. "Commander Navin!" he exclaimed.
At the mention of Navin's name, all the guards snapped to attention. "Sir, something strange happened. All the Beasts, even the Specter-class Beasts, started retreating for no apparent reason."
Navin raised an eyebrow. "You've surrounded these children? Why? Instead of treating their injuries, you're standing around questioning them? Do you not realize that this boy, unconscious here on the ground, defeated a Specter-class Beast like it was nothing? And yet, his aura... it's even more dangerous than the Beasts themselves. That's why he collapsed. We can't just leave him here. He may be dangerous, but I'll take responsibility for him. You can leave now."
The guards hesitated for a moment, unsure, but when Navin's sharp gaze fell on them, they quickly dispersed. As they did, Riya collapsed, her body unable to hold up any longer.
Navin caught her just in time, steadying her with one hand. "You did well, little one. You showed great courage," he said, his voice softer now.
Looking at Aamir, he thought to himself, There's something powerful hidden within you, something dangerous. If you learn to control it, you'll go far. But for now... I'll protect you, kid.
"I will protect you, kid," he whispered under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else.