The Scarlet Sky: Colombo, Sri Lanka
The tranquility of the Indian Ocean was shattered in an instant. Right in the heart of Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, the sky tore open like an ancient wound. A massive A-Rank Hell Gate had manifested. This was no ordinary portal; the mana hemorrhaging from it was so toxic that birds began falling dead from the sky within a five-mile radius.
Sri Lanka possessed no S-Rank Dungers. Their local guilds made a desperate attempt to contain the breach, but a single wave of A-Rank monsters sent them reeling back in terror.
With the situation spiraling out of control, the Sri Lankan government sent an emergency plea to India's N.D.A. "We need the 'Vajra.' If this gate breaks down, Colombo will be wiped off the map."
The Call of Duty
An emergency briefing was held at the N.D.A. Headquarters. Adiraj was given the command. This wasn't just a raid; it was a global demonstration of India's new 35\% Magitech supremacy.
Adiraj mobilized the elite core of Garud Vajra. The squad included Vikram (B-Rank Elite) and the guild's most seasoned combatants. And, as always, a silent shadow stood beside Adiraj—Rudra.
As they stood by the diplomatic jet prepared for Colombo, Adiraj noticed Rudra staring intently at the holographic dungeon reports.
The Heart-to-Heart: Ambition and Reality
Adiraj walked over to Rudra and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What is it, kid? Don't like the weather in Colombo, or are the monsters bothering you?"
Rudra didn't look away from the screen. "A-Rank monsters... their mana density is significantly higher than B-Ranks, isn't it?"
Adiraj gave a faint smile. "Exponentially. Killing one A-Rank monster is equivalent to wiping out fifty B-Ranks. Why? Are you nervous?"
Rudra turned to face Adiraj. His face was a mask of calm, but his violet eyes held a deep, unquenchable thirst. "No. I just wanted to ask if I could push a little 'further ahead' in this raid."
Adiraj looked surprised, then asked seriously, "Rudra, don't you want to increase your rank?" He continued, "You're still officially a D-Ranker. I've seen your potential in the hall; you're better than most B-Rankers. Why haven't you applied for a rank-up exam yet?"
Rudra took a slow breath. "Yes, I do," he replied quietly.
But his mind was racing elsewhere. Ruin Soul had already warned him: after reaching Level\ 25, the experience (EXP) gained from common C-Rank or even B-Rank minions had become "negligible." His progression had hit a wall.
"Master... your reservoir is vast now," the Ruin Soul whispered in his mind. "A bucket of water cannot fill an ocean. You need the souls of these A-Rank monsters. If you wish to reach Level\ 30, this gate must become your hunting ground."
Rudra looked Adiraj in the eye. "Rank is just a tag, Adiraj-sir. I want real power. And that power is inside that gate."
Adiraj didn't grasp the darker meaning behind Rudra's words, but he was impressed by his resolve. "Fine. If you perform well in this raid, I'll personally talk to the N.D.A. for a special promotion. Deal?"
"Deal," Rudra answered.
The Arrival: The Gates of Despair
Upon landing in Colombo, they were greeted by smoke and the distant screams of battle. Massive Ancient Hydras and Stone Golems were already clawing their way out of the A-Rank Gate. N.D.A. tactical jets bombarded the area, but the shells barely scratched the monsters' primordial armor.
Adiraj donned his Vajra-II helmet. His suit flared with a brilliant golden aura.
"Garud Vajra! Listen up!" Adiraj roared. "We aren't here for a rescue mission. We are here to cauterize this infection. Vikram, take the right wing. The rest of the team, move into support positions."
He glanced at Rudra. "Rudra, stay behind me. A-Rank pressure can crush your lungs if you aren't careful."
Rudra said nothing, but he subtly loosened his [SOVEREIGN'S VEIL] just enough to 'feel' the incoming mana waves. His heart pounded with anticipation—this time, the feast was grand.
The Final Step
Reaching the mouth of the gate, Adiraj manifested his new Vajra-Twin Blades. Their brilliance cut through the choked, dark sky of Colombo.
"Team! Move in!"
With Adiraj's command, the finest Dungers of India stepped into the swirling purple vortex. Rudra was the last to enter. As he crossed the threshold, he felt the SSS+ aura locked within his reservoir tremble... as if recognizing its next prey.
The gates of the labyrinth sealed shut. Outside, there was only silence; inside, the dance of death was about to begin.