Chapter 11: Blades in the Dark
The city had quieted by midnight, its constant hum softening to a distant murmur. But in Aanya's mind, there was no quiet.
She sat at the small desk in the shelter, papers spread before her, the glow of a lone lamp highlighting her determined expression. The documents from Meera outlined Rajiv's offshore accounts, his silent partners, and the trail of money he thought was hidden.
Every line felt like a weapon waiting to be drawn.
[Ding!]
New Subtask: Secure 3 Board Allies before Rajiv's Counterattack.
Progress: 0/3.
Reward: Boardroom Authority Skill.
Penalty: Rajiv regains uncontested control of Malhotra Global.
Her fingers traced the edge of the page. "Three allies…"
Arjun sat on the couch nearby, his posture relaxed, though his eyes were half-lidded like a predator waiting in tall grass. Even at rest, he radiated a kind of sharp awareness.
Finally, he broke the silence. "You're planning to approach Mr. Kothari tomorrow."
Aanya's eyes flicked up. "You read my notes?"
He smirked faintly. "You left them out on the table."
She shook her head, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Yes. Kothari controls nearly fifteen percent of the board's voting shares. If he joins me, others will follow."
"Then it's a good move," Arjun said simply.
Aanya studied him. "You speak like someone who's led a war council before."
His eyes darkened briefly. "I've fought wars. Just not the kind you read about in the newspapers."
The honesty in his tone left her momentarily breathless. She wanted to ask more, to peel back the layers of mystery that cloaked him, but before she could—
A sound cut through the silence.
The faint scrape of metal against the window.
Arjun was on his feet in an instant, his eyes narrowing. "Stay behind me."
Aanya's pulse spiked. She moved instinctively closer, clutching the edge of the desk.
The next moment, the window shattered inward.
Shards of glass sprayed the room as two figures in black slipped through with inhuman grace. Their faces were covered, their blades gleaming in the dim light.
Not thugs. Assassins.
Aanya's breath caught. "Rajiv…"
Arjun's voice dropped low, cold. "Finally."
The assassins moved as one, blades flashing. Arjun met them head-on.
The fight was nothing like the scuffle in the mall. This was faster, sharper, deadly.
One assassin swung high — Arjun blocked with his forearm, twisting the blade aside before driving a knee into the man's ribs. The other slashed low — Arjun spun, catching the attacker's wrist and twisting until the knife clattered to the floor.
But the assassins were skilled, their movements precise and ruthless. They recovered instantly, circling him like wolves.
Aanya stood frozen, the sound of steel ringing in her ears.
[Ding!]
Warning: Host in direct danger.
Temporary Buff Unlocked: Willpower Surge.
Option: Distract attackers to aid candidate.
Her heart raced. Distract them? But how—
One assassin lunged toward her.
She grabbed the desk lamp and swung it with all her strength. The heavy metal base connected with a sickening thud, knocking the man off balance.
Arjun seized the moment. His palm struck the assassin's chest with brutal precision — the man flew back, crashing into the wall and slumping motionless.
The second assassin snarled and slashed again. Arjun caught the blade between his hands, twisting it out of his grip before delivering a devastating strike to his temple.
The room fell silent, save for Aanya's ragged breathing.
Both assassins lay unconscious, their weapons scattered.
Arjun exhaled slowly, his chest rising and falling evenly despite the fight.
Aanya stared at him, her heart thundering. "That wasn't… human."
He met her gaze, his eyes sharp as steel. For a moment, he didn't answer. Then, in a low voice, he said, "Because I'm not just human."
The system chimed.
[Candidate Skill Revealed:] Cultivation Technique — Shadow Dragon Form (Suppressed).
Strength Rating: S-Class.
Compatibility Increase: +20%.
Her lips parted in shock. Shadow Dragon Form…
Before she could ask more, Arjun bent down, checking the assassins. "Alive. But barely. Rajiv's getting desperate."
Meera, drawn by the commotion, rushed into the room. Her eyes widened at the shattered glass and unconscious bodies. "Gods… what happened?"
Aanya steadied her breath. "Rajiv sent assassins."
Meera's face paled. "He's escalating. If he's this desperate, he'll stop at nothing."
Arjun's jaw tightened. "Then we hit him before he strikes again."
Later that night, after the police quietly collected the bodies under Meera's instructions, Aanya sat alone by the broken window, staring out at the city lights.
Arjun joined her silently, setting a cup of chai in front of her.
She took it with trembling hands. "If you hadn't been here tonight…"
He leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on her. "Then you'd be gone. And so would your chance for revenge."
Her throat tightened. "Why risk yourself for me?"
His eyes softened — just barely. "Because your war is mine. And because… I can't watch another family destroyed by him."
Something in his voice — raw, pained, unguarded — struck her deeply.
For a long moment, neither spoke. The distance between them felt charged, fragile, alive.
Finally, she whispered, "Tomorrow, we go to Kothari."
Arjun gave a small nod. "And I'll be your shadow. Again."
The system chimed softly in her mind.
[Ding!]
Host has survived first assassination attempt.
Achievement Unlocked: Survivor of the Shadows.
Bonus Attribute: +10 Mental Resilience.
She closed her eyes, gripping the cup tighter. Rajiv, you wanted me dead. But you've only made me stronger.
Far away, in a darkened study, Rajiv listened to the assassin handler's report over the phone.
"They failed?" Rajiv's voice was calm — too calm.
"Yes, sir. She wasn't alone. The man with her—"
Rajiv's eyes narrowed. "That man. Find out who he is. Immediately."
He ended the call, staring out at the night sky. His reflection smirked back at him.
"So, little niece… you've found yourself a protector. Let's see how long he lasts."