Location: Outside Dharavi Hell Gate / Sector 4 Black Market
Date & Time: February 15, 2025 | 01:30 PM (IST)
The deep purple and crimson aura of the Hell Gate was rapidly shrinking, collapsing into itself. A strange, heavy static hung in the air, effectively blinding any electronic sensors or mana-radars in the vicinity.
The N.D.A.I. squad finally emerged from the portal, drenched in sweat but wearing expressions of sheer relief. The C-Rank leader clutched the D-Rank Boss Core in his hand like a trophy. Outside, the waiting guards erupted into cheers, celebrating their first flawless, casualty-free victory.
In the midst of the noise and celebration, no one spared a glance at the unstable, dying gate.
Exactly one second before the portal vanished into nothingness, a shadow glided out from the static aura. Rudra's C-Rank speed, combined with the matte-dark fabric of his Scavenger's Skin, rendered him virtually invisible. Without a sound, without leaving a single trace, he navigated the blind spots of the N.D.A.I. sensors and vanished into the scorched ruins of Dharavi.
Location: Rudra's Underground BaseTime: 02:45 PM (IST) Rudra sat in the absolute silence of his hideout, focusing his mind on his 1,200 sq. ft. inventory. The vast void was now overflowing with high-grade loot: kilograms of pure Essence Dust, football-sized Glowshards pried from the cavern walls, and jagged chunks of high-purity Infused Ore.
"Do not make the mistake of dumping this 'trash' into the market just yet," Ruin Soul's icy voice resonated. "A.W.A.K.E. is still in the early stages of research. In the future, the demand for things like Vitreous Fluid and Echo Moss will skyrocket. If you sell this all at once, the N.D.A.I. will realize someone else was inside that dungeon. Hold these for now."
"I know," Rudra replied calmly. "But to survive in the world of the remaining 55%—to pay for secure bunkers and basic resources—I still need fiat currency. I'll only trade the common Essence Stones and a few D-Rank fangs for now."
Location: Sector 4 Black MarketTime: 05:00 PM (IST) The atmosphere of the market was a grim reflection of the new world's reality. On one side were the desperate civilians, handing over thousands of rupees for a handful of rice or basic medicine. On the other were the Awakened, for whom the only true 'gold standard' was now Essence Stones.
Rudra stood in a dark alleyway of the market. He wore a featureless dark mask and had pulled the hood of his Scavenger's Skin low. Not an inch of his identity was visible; he looked like just another anonymous scavenger in the crowd.
He walked up to the counter of a high-tier underground broker. Without a word, he pulled five glowing D-Rank Essence Stones and a half-dozen sharpened D-Rank fangs from his inventory and placed them on the table.
The broker adjusted his monocle, inspecting the purity of the stones. A flash of greed crossed his eyes, though he kept his tone professional.
"The market is unstable, friend," the broker whispered. "There are no fixed prices. However, due to the high demand for instant mana recovery and A.W.A.K.E.'s new mana-tech engines... I can offer you ₹20,000 per D-Rank stone. The fangs are high quality as well; I'll give you an extra twenty thousand for the set."
Rudra gave a simple, short nod. The deal was struck.
The broker produced a thick bundle of cash—₹1,20,000—and slid it across the counter. As Rudra reached for it, the broker leaned in, dropping a low-voiced rumor.
"You look like a lone wolf, so I'll give you some free advice," the broker muttered. "If you ever happen to get your hands on a Boss Core, don't sell it here for pocket change. Word is, A.W.A.K.E. and some private guilds are planning to hold 'Auctions' for those cores soon. A single core will be worth thousands of Essence Stones."
Rudra stuffed the cash inside his hoodie. The image of the C-Rank leader clutching that Boss Core flashed in his mind. But behind his mask, there was no regret. He knew that what lay hidden in his 1,200 sq. ft. inventory was far more powerful—and profitable—than a single core.
"Thank you," Rudra said in a cold, emotionless voice. He turned and vanished into the shadows of the crowded market without looking back.
Chapter Summary
Location & Time: Dharavi Portal / Sector 4 Black Market | February 15, 2025.
The Exit: Rudra successfully exits the Hell Gate undetected, utilizing the mana static and the squad's distraction.
Economic Strategy: Rudra and Ruin Soul decide to hoard high-value materials (Infused Ore, Glowshards) for future price surges, while trading common items for fiat currency (Cash).
The Trade: Rudra earns ₹1,20,000 by trading 5 D-Rank Essence Stones and 6 D-Rank Fangs at the Black Market.
Intelligence: Rudra learns about upcoming 'Boss Core Auctions' and the fact that Cores will become a massive future currency.
Character Status: Rudra is financially secure for basic needs and strategically wealthy in terms of raw materials. He remains completely anonymous.