Time: 11:30 AM
Date: November 18, 2025
Location: Garud Vajra HQ, Central Mumbai
Inside the bathroom, warm droplets of water cascaded over Rudra's body. For the first time in eight months, he was bathing in a secure location, free from the constant shadow of a monster attack. He washed away the layers of dust, dried blood, and the deep-seated fatigue that had become a permanent part of his cold survivalist life.
When he stepped out, a set of new clothes had been laid out for him—a comfortable dark T-shirt, loose track pants, and fresh undergarments. Putting them on brought a strange sense of relief. After an eternity of living like a hunted animal, he finally felt like a 'Human' again.
He exited the room to find Raghav already waiting for him. Raghav offered a faint, friendly smile. "Come on, let's head downstairs," he said, leading Rudra toward a massive elevator at the end of the corridor.
As they stepped inside, Rudra's sharp analytical mind immediately noted that the lift was not made of standard steel or glass. The walls had a peculiar metallic and bone-like texture, radiating a suppressed mana energy.
Raghav noticed Rudra's observant gaze and explained, "This elevator is forged from A-Rank monster materials and their reinforced bones. A-Rank Hell Gates don't open often, but when they do, the resources gathered are at least 20 times more powerful and durable than anything from a B-Rank beast. Even if a heavy explosive detonated inside this lift, it wouldn't leave a single scratch."
Rudra silently filed this information away. Garud Vajra was not just a leader in raw power; they were at the absolute pinnacle of infrastructure and resource management.
The lift came to a smooth halt and the doors slid open. Raghav led him toward the guild's 'Combat Sector.' The area was vastly larger and more technologically advanced than any military training ground Rudra had ever seen.
As they walked, Raghav began explaining the guild's hierarchy. "Every rank has its own assigned combat zone. We divide them based on power and rank—D, C, B, B+, A, and A+ Zones. Each zone has its own gravity, mana pressure, and wall durability calibrated specifically for that rank to help dungers push their limits."
Rudra passed by several zones, observing that as the rank increased, the training became significantly more brutal and destructive. Finally, Raghav led him to a massive, isolated area at the far end—The Elite Combat Zone.
"This is the most powerful zone in the guild," Raghav said with a hint of pride. "Its durability is so extreme that even our Guild Master, Adiraj, conducts his heavy training sessions right here."
Rudra looked inside the zone, his cold mental circuits constantly processing the visuals. The individuals sparring inside moved with speeds and shockwaves that were beyond the comprehension of ordinary humans. Every corner of this HQ revealed something new and increasingly powerful.
In the center of the Elite Zone stood Vikram Singh. He was in standard training gear, yet his 29 Million MP heavy aura dominated the entire sector. He was fulfilling his role as Vice-Leader with absolute focus, barking commands and corrections at the elite members.
Hearing their footsteps, Vikram turned around. A soft, brotherly smile broke across his stern face. He walked over to Rudra.
"So, you have finally finished your sleep," Vikram said in a calm voice. He then added, "Adiraj isn't here right now. He had to attend an urgent meeting at the Hunter Association."
Vikram looked directly into Rudra's eyes. "Would you like to train?"
Rudra hesitated. His power didn't come from conventional training; it was derived from Gluttony and Ruin Soul's precise calculations. Sparring here would risk exposing his true level and the dark nature of his energy. Rudra gave a cold, polite shake of his head and declined.
Vikram understood and did not force the issue. "Fair enough." He turned to Raghav. "Raghav, take him to the canteen. He must be starving."
"Yes, Sir," Raghav replied with disciplined precision. He looked at Rudra and smiled. "Let's go, Rudra."
Before they left, Vikram stopped Rudra. "Come see me after you've eaten. I want to show you the rest of the headquarters."
Rudra nodded in acknowledgement and followed Raghav out.
As they walked back through the main corridors toward the canteen, Rudra noticed something striking. In every hallway they passed, every dunger—regardless of their rank—would stop, bow their head in respect, and greet Raghav. "Good Morning, Sir."
Rudra's mind instantly mapped the hierarchy. Despite Raghav's joking and friendly nature, he commanded immense respect within these walls. This was because Raghav was one of Garud Vajra's 'Elite Members'—an A+ Ranker with 15.2 Million MP. This respect was earned purely through his rank and the power he wielded.
When they reached the canteen, the atmosphere was entirely different. The air was filled with the aroma of high-quality food. The hall was massive, filled with dungers eating and talking. Raghav and Rudra filled their plates from the buffet and sat at a long table already occupied by several others.
These dungers seemed genuinely happy. They were people who fought at the doors of death, yet here, they laughed, talked openly, and enjoyed their meals. There was a unique sense of peace and brotherhood in this space.
Rudra sat before his plate. The last time he ate, he had gorged like a starving animal without looking at anyone. But today, in this safe environment, surrounded by normal conversation, Rudra took his first bite slowly. This time, he wasn't eating like a glutton; he was eating like a normal 'Human.' For the first time, the cold survivalist circuits in his brain were somewhat quiet.
Chapter Summary
Psychological Shift: Rudra freshens up and experiences a rare moment of feeling "human" in a safe environment.
Infrastructure Intelligence: Introduction to the A-Rank material elevators and the ranked Combat Zones (D to Elite).
The Vice-Leader: Vikram Singh (29 Million MP) offers training, which Rudra declines to keep his powers hidden.
Guild Respect: Rudra observes the absolute respect shown to A+ Rankers like Raghav within the guild hierarchy.
Brotherhood: The canteen scene establishes a sense of community and safety within Garud Vajra.
Status Log
Current Date: November 18, 2025
Rudra's MP: 99,820 (B-Rank - Suppressed).
Raghav's MP: 15.2 Million (A+ Rank).
Vikram's MP: 29 Million (Peak A-Rank).
Next Objective: Tour the HQ with Vikram and explore the R&D or Forge sectors.