The Global Arrival: N.D.A. Fortress
The scene outside the N.D.A. Headquarters was reminiscent of a preparation for a global war. Massive diplomatic jets hovered in the Delhi sky, and elite security squads from every corner of the globe were deployed across the perimeter. This was the largest gathering for the "Magitech Joint-Development Treaty." India's 35\% advancement miracle had forced the world's superpowers to congregate in Delhi.
Rudra stood in a corner of the lounge, wearing the official black jacket of the Garud Vajra Guild. His [SOVEREIGN'S VEIL] and [RESERVOIR] were active at full capacity. For him, this was an opportunity—a chance to observe his potential enemies like a predator from the tall grass.
The Assembly: Nations and Legends
Inside the massive Summit Hall, high-ranking officials and living legends took their seats:
Russia: General Volkov and their S-Ranker, Viktor "The Blood Berserker."
USA: A.D.A. officials alongside their most hardened S-Ranker, Mason Steele.
France: Juliette "The Crimson Saint," the world's newest S-Rank sensation.
Germany & Japan: While they currently lacked S-Rankers, their top-tier scientists and diplomats sat at the front, hungry for Magitech blueprints.
Adiraj stood at the center of the hall, his new Vajra-II suit humming with a faint, rhythmic blue mana pulse.
The Conversation: Sharing the Future
"Adiraj," Mason Steele (USA) broke the silence with his gravelly voice. "We saw the Gurugram footage. Clearing a B-Rank gate in under ten minutes? We all know B-Rank gates have become a 'daily routine' for us, but that level of speed and efficiency? Is that truly just the result of Magitech 35\%?"
Adiraj offered a slight smile. "Mason, 35\% isn't just about durability; it's about 'Mana-Conservation.' India has decided to share its Magitech knowledge with every nation that has signed the treaty. We are providing the blueprints so your Dungers can be prepared for the escalating threat of A-Rank gates."
General Volkov (Russia) slammed his fist on the table. "A-Rank gates... we've only seen a handful of them in the last two years, but they brought nothing but devastation. We have the experience for B-Rank, but if the frequency of A-Rank gates increases, we will be annihilated without this technology."
Juliette (France) spoke softly, her voice silk-like yet commanding. "True, General. The world has survived the B-Rank Hell Gates thus far, but A-Rank gates must be our primary concern. Adiraj, can this new suit withstand the physical strikes of an A-Rank Boss?"
Adiraj nodded. "This new alloy is equivalent to Rank-A durability. We have broken the bottleneck. Starting today, Russia, the USA, France, Japan, and Germany will have access to our theoretical blueprints. Together, we will push this technology to 50%."
The officials from Japan and Germany sighed in relief. Even without S-Rankers, their armies were about to become significantly more powerful with Magitech.
The Encounter: The Perfect Mask
Juliette was detached from the noise of the summit. Her eyes repeatedly drifted toward Rudra. He stood there quietly, looking every bit like an ordinary trainee. Juliette stood up and made her way toward him. Rudra saw her approaching.
"Master... do not be alarmed," the Ruin Soul whispered in his mind. "I have sealed Gluttony completely. The Ruin Stone's control is absolute. She will find nothing."
Juliette stopped directly in front of Rudra. "You... you're Rudra, right?" she asked. "I'm Juliette. May I hold your hand? Just a gesture of friendship."
Adiraj watched from a distance but did not interfere. Rudra took Juliette's hand without hesitation.
For a split second, Juliette activated her Vital Resonance skill. she expected to feel something 'strange' or a 'surge' of power... but there was nothing.
Rudra's hand felt entirely normal. Juliette sensed only the steady heartbeat of a 17-year-old boy and a faint trace of D-Rank mana. No void, no darkness, no energy spikes. Rudra had suppressed himself so meticulously that even an S-Rank Healer saw him as a "Zero."
"It was very nice to meet you," Juliette said, pulling her hand back. Her face was calm. Her suspicions had vanished completely. "Perhaps Adiraj only brought him into the guild out of friendship," she thought.
Rudra gave a slight, polite nod and remained silent. After deceiving technology, the Ruin Stone had now successfully deceived human intuition.
The Conclusion: A Temporary Peace
The meeting concluded, and the treaty was officially signed. India had shown the world the path forward through Magitech. As the S-Rankers and officials began to depart for their respective countries, they left believing they were finally ready for the A-Rank gates.
Adiraj walked over to Rudra and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Everything okay? Juliette is a bit 'observant,' but she isn't a bad person."
"I'm fine," Rudra replied.
Rudra looked out of the hall window as the most powerful people on the planet departed. He knew they were relying on Magitech to stop the A-Rank threats... but the SSS+ aura locked within his reservoir was a constant reminder that the true storm—the S-Rank Gates—had yet to arrive. Until then, he would remain in the shadows.