Arjun's eyes fluttered open to a familiar sight—the soft, curved ceiling of the infirmary.
He had been here often, usually after brutal training sessions. But today, something was different.
Above him floated a glowing orb, a sphere of Shakti-powered light, gently pulsing like a living thing. Its serene, golden hue filled the room with warmth and peace, almost making him forget the dull ache that throbbed through every muscle in his body.
Then he felt it—another kind of warmth, grounding him.
His hand was being held tightly.
Turning his head, Arjun saw Meera and Dev standing by his bedside. Meera gripped his hand firmly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Dev, arms crossed, looked equally relieved, though he tried to mask it under his usual stoicism.
At the far end of the room, Maya stood stiffly, arms folded, wearing her trademark scowl. But even she couldn't hide the concern radiating from her.
And then… someone else.
A woman he didn't recognize, smiling kindly at him, with a presence so calm and nurturing it eased the turmoil in his heart.
Meera noticed his confusion and quickly introduced her.
"That's Prasanthi," she said gently. "She's the head of the infirmary. She's the one who healed you."
Prasanthi gave a soft laugh, rich and melodic.
"And, it seems, I am now your personal babysitter," she teased.
Arjun, still half-delirious, had only one coherent thought:
She's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Eyes as deep as oceans… a smile that could make a man abandon reason…
Without realizing it, he nodded at her like a dazed puppy.
Maya glared at him, trying to summon her anger—but only succeeded in looking more worried.
"You almost died, you idiot," she muttered fiercely. "What were you thinking, training alone at night? Eight hours a day isn't enough for you?"
Arjun grinned weakly. "I mean… I didn't die, right? That's a win in my book."
Dev sighed heavily and smacked him lightly on the head.
"She's telling you she was scared, dumbass. Maybe try not making jokes for once?"
Realizing how deeply they'd been worried for him, Arjun rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and muttered, "I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time. I'll call for help."
Maya and Dev sighed together, but let the matter drop—for now.
Before the conversation could continue, Agent Dharna entered the infirmary.
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Dharna's very presence was a weight in the air, commanding and undeniable.
He walked up to Arjun's bedside and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"You did well surviving," he said simply.
The room fell silent.
It was the first time most of them had ever heard Dharna give a compliment.
After a moment, Dharna turned to face all of them.
"It's time you know the truth," he said grimly.
"There are five ancient Shakti-powered organizations in this world. The Vale Guard is only one of them.
But that's not what matters right now. What matters is that the assassin who attacked you belonged to one of the most dangerous factions alive."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"They are called the Silent Lotus," Dharna continued. "A rogue assassination organization—made up of exiled warriors from all five Orders. They will kill anyone for the right price."
The trainees tensed at the revelation.
"The one who attacked you was a low-ranking member," Dharna explained. "He had basic shadow techniques—nothing compared to their elites.
The high-ranking Silent Lotus assassins can manipulate shadows like living weapons. They can forge blades, chains, even monsters out of darkness itself."
Arjun stared at him, horror slowly dawning in his eyes.
"Someone paid the Silent Lotus to eliminate you," Dharna said bluntly.
"The only reason you survived… was because they had no real intel about you. Your hard work and talent saved your life.
But next time… they'll send someone stronger."
The room felt colder.
For a long moment, Arjun said nothing.
Then he started laughing.
It was a broken, manic laugh that made Meera and Dev exchange worried looks.
Even Maya took a step closer, her fists clenched at her sides, helpless.
Arjun couldn't stop.
It was too much.
First, he awakened his Shakti and nearly died.
Then, he barely survived a fight with a Buha.
Now… now a secret assassination order had marked him for death?
His laughter turned hollow as he wiped at his eyes.
"Well, if I'm not the most unlucky bastard alive, I don't know who is," he said bitterly.
"First, half my life force burns out. Then monsters try to eat me. Then I'm dragged into a military cult… and now shadow assassins are after my head."
He looked up, eyes red with anger and exhaustion.
"Why? What did I ever do to deserve this?
Am I paying for the sins of a past life or something?"
He clenched his fists until his nails bit into his palms.
"Fuck this—FUCK—!"
He shouted, a raw, primal scream that made the Shakti-lights above him flicker.
Prasanthi stepped forward without hesitation.
She placed a warm, steady hand on his shoulder.
Her voice was calm, but carried the weight of steel beneath it.
"I know it feels impossible," she said softly.
"But if you endure this… if you keep fighting, no matter how unfair the world seems…
You will find peace at the end of it.
You are not cursed, Arjun.
You are being forged."
Her words wrapped around him like armor, steadying his fractured spirit.
For the first time since waking up, Arjun drew a deep, ragged breath—and let it out slowly.
He didn't say anything.
But the fire in his heart, though battered, refused to go out.