After Nill's death and the danger had finally passed, the baby in Viranth's arms stopped crying and looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. Viranth couldn't help but smile.
His face had been frozen in shock for most of the day, but now, seeing the baby's innocent gaze, a rare warmth filled him. Quickly, he rushed over to Nill's body, hoping to find the communication device—the watch Nill had used to alert his superiors.
Nill's body was still intact, but his soul... it was gone forever, resting in the embrace of Lord Shiva.
Searching desperately, Viranth found the watch, but it was completely destroyed. Clicking his tongue in frustration, he muttered, "Damn it."
He knew if the message about the baby had already been sent to Vijayin's higher-ups, they would stop at nothing to hunt Om down.
Looking down at the baby, now peacefully sleeping in his arms, Viranth sighed deeply. He didn't know what the future would bring, but first, he had to escape this place. With heavy, wounded steps, he began walking back toward the base, his mind racing through everything that had happened.
Before today, he had only suspected that the baby was special. But now, after witnessing the impossible, he was certain — Om was no ordinary child.
He was torn between two choices: hide Om forever or report everything to Senapati and the Dharma King.
While he was lost in thought, his communication watch buzzed.
Senapati.
Viranth hesitated for a moment. There was no running from this. He accepted the call.
Senapati's usual calm voice came through, "What is the situation, Commander?"
Viranth took a deep breath before replying, "Senapati, the enemy commander, Nill Bishop, has been eliminated. He was a Soul Stage cultivator, extremely powerful, specializing in Earth and Fire elements. His soul has been completely extinguished. Chief Sumit... he fell in battle, sacrificing himself heroically."
A heavy sigh echoed from the other side.
"You did well. Chief Sumit's sacrifice will be honored. Return to base immediately and tend to your injuries. You are granted one month's leave before resuming your duties," Senapati said.
Viranth was about to respond when the baby in his arms suddenly started crying again. The wail was loud enough for Senapati to hear.
"What was that sound?" Senapati asked, sharp and alert.
Panic rose in Viranth's chest. He hadn't yet decided whether to reveal the baby's existence, but he knew he couldn't hide it now. Resolving himself, he told Senapati everything—how he had found the baby floating down the raging river, guarded by a multi-headed snake.
However, he deliberately omitted key details: the divine voice that had saved him, the baby's soul power breaking a Soul Stage barrier, and how even the Panchabhooth (five elements) had responded to the child.
Senapati fell silent for a moment.
Finally, he asked, "What do you intend to do with the baby?"
Without hesitation, Viranth answered, "Senapati, my own child died on the battlefield just last week... and now, fate has placed this child into my hands. I would like to adopt him. I will raise this baby as my own."
There was another pause.
Then Senapati replied, "Very well. Complete the necessary formalities. As long as there are no abnormalities found in the boy, you are granted permission to adopt him. The Dharma Kingdom will stand by you."
Viranth's expression remained stoic, but inside, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
"Thank you, Senapati," he said quietly.
He knew that had he not adopted the child, Om would have been sent to an orphanage, an Ashram for abandoned children — a fate he refused to let happen.
The call ended, and Viranth was once again surrounded by the silent forest.
With great caution, he continued toward the base. Though he feared ambushes, he soon realized that the enemy had already retreated after news of their commander's death reached them.
Still, Viranth remained vigilant, not dropping his guard for even a second.
After about thirty minutes, he reached the base.
Without delay, he headed to the infirmary and asked the doctors to check on the baby first.
The doctors examined Om carefully and concluded that he was perfectly healthy. Relieved, Viranth finally allowed himself to collapse into a treatment chair, where the medics began attending to his injuries.
The doctors, however, couldn't help but exchange puzzled glances. It was common for soldiers to find orphaned babies on battlefields, but never before had a commander returned carrying one — and completely unharmed, no less.
Meanwhile, soldiers who had been fighting at the front lines returned to the base. They were confused when they saw the enemy retreating so suddenly, unaware of what had transpired. Seeking answers, a group of them made their way toward the infirmary.
Inside, they found their commander asleep, covered in wounds and bandages.
Seeing their leader in such a vulnerable state was disheartening — until their eyes fell on the small cradle beside him.
A baby.
A rare, surreal sight amidst the bloodstained reality of war.
Captain Bharan, one of Viranth's trusted officers, approached the attending doctor.
"What happened, Doctor? How is the Commander? And... who is that baby?"
The doctor, sitting in his chair, sighed heavily. "The Commander's body has gone through hell, Bharan. Frankly, I'm shocked he stayed conscious this long with those injuries and blood loss. But thanks to his strength—and perhaps the Almighty's protection—he made it back before collapsing. As for the baby... the Commander brought him from the battlefield."
Bharan's brows furrowed. "There are no settlements nearby. Where did he find a baby?"
The doctor shook his head. "He didn't explain much. Only gave me the child's name."
Curious, Bharan asked, "What is the child's name?"
The doctor smiled faintly and replied,
"Om Viranth."