The Hero's Return: Back to Delhi
Following the closure of the terrifying A-Rank Inferno Gate in Colombo, Adiraj and his elite strike force returned to Delhi. Outside the N.D.A. Headquarters, thousands had gathered with flowers and cheers, waiting for their champions. For Adiraj, it was another medal for his chest, but his eyes were clouded with the fatigue of a hard-won battle.
Inside the Garud Vajra Guild, the atmosphere was celebratory. Vikram and the other members lounged in the hall, praising the performance of the new 35% Magitech suits. They had seen firsthand how the upgraded technology had pulled them back from the brink of death.
But far from the festivities, Rudra stood on the guild's high balcony. For him, the Colombo gate was merely a 'Leveling Station.' His true objective remained illuminated in a haunting red glow on his system interface.
The Call of the Ruin Soul
"Master... the time has come," the Ruin Soul's cold, vibrating voice echoed in Rudra's mind. "The fires of Colombo have filled your reservoir, but your physical vessel is still trapped within the cage of Rank-D. Your evolution quest can wait no longer."
Rudra clenched his fist. "Where is the Void-Leopard? I've checked the N.D.A.'s list of active gates, but there's no mention of such a beast."
"Listen..." the Ruin Soul scanned the mana-currents of the atmosphere. "In the foothills of the North Indian Himalayas, near Manali, a new B-Rank Hell Gate has manifested—[The Shadow-Frost Labyrinth]. The mana density there is saturated with the 'Void' element. The Leopard is there, hunting in the eternal dark."
The Request: Adiraj's Permission
Rudra immediately made his way to Adiraj's private office. Adiraj was in the process of removing his charred Vajra-II suit. His body was marked with faint scratches, but his trademark smile remained intact.
"Rudra! What brings you here? Why aren't you at the party? Vikram is telling the whole guild about your incredible stamina," Adiraj said with a chuckle.
Rudra didn't waste time with pleasantries. "Adiraj-sir, I need to go on a new mission. A B-Rank [Shadow-Frost] gate has opened near Manali. I can feel that the monsters there are exactly what I need for my training."
Adiraj paused, looking at the boy. He saw the same 'hunger' in Rudra's eyes that he had witnessed in the depths of Colombo. "You just reached Level 30. Why the rush, kid? Take some rest."
"Rest is a weakness, sir. I need to reach Rank-C... and this gate is essential for that," Rudra replied in his usual flat, determined tone.
Adiraj took a deep breath. He knew there was no stopping Rudra once he had set his sights on something. "Fine. If you're that adamant, I won't stop you. Besides, Vikram's squad needs a field test for the new Magitech gear's 'Frost-Resistance' capabilities."
The Squad: Re-uniting with Vikram
Adiraj immediately summoned Vikram. While Vikram no longer looked down on Rudra as a 'useless D-Ranker,' he still maintained his persona as the seasoned senior.
"Vikram, take Rudra to the B-Rank [Shadow-Frost] gate in Manali. This time, the test is for the 35% Magitech's thermal stability in sub-zero mana environments. Be careful—this gate has Void elements; sensors might glitch," Adiraj instructed.
Vikram saluted. "Understood, Leader! Rudra, get your gear ready. We're going hunting in the snow!"
The Departure: Into the Frost
Within hours, a Garud Vajra transport jet was soaring toward the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Rudra stared out of the window at the falling snowflakes. Within his reservoir, the 32,000 crystals kept his mana stable, but his attributes were vibrating, practically screaming for the evolution to begin.
When they reached the site in Manali, the gate was an ominous sight. Unlike the usual purple portals, this one was a deep, frozen Cold-Blue. The mana leaking from it seemed to freeze the very air in its tracks.
"Formation!" Vikram commanded, unsheathing his Greatsword. "This is a B-Rank gate, but the pressure is... strange. Rudra, stay behind us!"
Rudra gave a simple nod, but beneath the shadows of his jacket, his [DARKSMITH] dagger had already manifested. The SSS+ aura within his reservoir hummed faintly. He knew that deep within that frozen labyrinth, the Void-Leopard was waiting for him.
"Alright, team! Move in!" Vikram shouted.
One by one, Vikram's squad and Rudra stepped through the dark, icy vortex. As Rudra crossed the threshold, the portal sealed behind them with a heavy, final thud.
The Hunt for the Leopard's Heart had officially begun.