Location: Shiva's Bungalow, New Delhi
Time: 10:30 AM
Date: November 27, 2025
Shiva's open-roof Jeep navigated through the smooth, bustling streets of Delhi before pulling into a posh residential area. This wasn't a secluded military base deep in a jungle, which was the standard for most S-Rankers or Top Guild HQs. Instead, it was a neighborhood filled with ordinary people where neighbors knew one another and children rode their bicycles freely.
In the heart of this ordinary colony stood a magnificent and sprawling bungalow. From the outside, it looked like nothing less than a modern palace, yet its vibe lacked any trace of arrogance or an intimidating aura.
Upon seeing the Jeep, the Asura Guild guards stationed at the main gate stepped forward with deep respect. Their faces showed no fear, only a genuine reverence for their leader. They opened the massive iron gates without delay. Shiva drove inside, crossing a large, beautiful courtyard before parking the vehicle.
The engine cut out. Shiva and Adiraj stepped down and walked toward the main entrance.
The man who moved through the Garud Vajra HQ as an emotionless, cold, and absolute dictator underwent a complete transformation as his feet touched the steps of this house. The strictness on Adiraj's face and the crushing burden of the N.D.A.I. on his shoulders seemed to evaporate into the air the moment he crossed the threshold. Here, he wasn't a Sovereign with 255 Million MP; he had returned simply as a son of this house.
The Gathering of the Hearth
Time: 10:35 AM
As the two of them stepped into the vast and elegant living hall, a soft and genuine smile broke across Adiraj's face at the sight before him.
Shiva's entire family was seated on the large sofa set in the middle of the hall. They had been waiting since morning for Adiraj's arrival.
Without wasting a second, Adiraj stepped forward. He adjusted his coat and immediately knelt on the floor before the elders of the house—Shiva's grandparents. He touched their feet with profound devotion.
"Live long, my child," his grandmother said, stroking Adiraj's head with maternal affection. His grandfather smiled and offered his blessings as well.
Adiraj then rose and moved toward Shiva's parents. He bowed to touch their feet. Shiva's mother immediately caught him by the shoulders, pulled him up, and embraced him tightly.
"You have grown so thin, Adi," his mother said with a worried expression, her hand resting on his cheek. "Do you not eat properly in Mumbai? You are always drowned in that tension and work."
Adiraj gave a light laugh. "No, Ma, it's nothing like that. Kritika Bhabhi takes full care of me."
He then proceeded to seek the blessings of Shiva's elder sister, who was 30 years old. She playfully ruffled his hair as if he were truly her own younger brother. Finally, Adiraj turned and looked at his brother-in-law.
The two stepped forward and shared a firm embrace.
The brother-in-law was an Unawakened human—he possessed no magical power, no MP, and no system. Compared to an S-Ranker, his physical strength was non-existent. Yet, in Adiraj's eyes, this man commanded as much respect as any Sovereign. His mind was as sharp as a razor; he alone handled the Asura Guild's complicated politics, N.D.A.I. diplomatic relations, and government paperwork.
While embracing him, the brother-in-law observed Adiraj's tired face up close. He understood how deeply the pressure of December 4th was draining the 24-year-old.
Patting Adiraj's back, he whispered softly in his ear, "Don't worry about the tension, Adi. I have the ministers and the N.D.A.I. diplomatic front fully under control. You are here only to relax."
Adiraj nodded silently. Half the weight on his heart felt lifted already.
"Adi Mamu! Adi Mamu!" (Uncle Adi!)
A sweet, innocent voice echoed in the room. His sister's three-year-old son came running on his tiny legs and clung to Adiraj's legs.
The 8th most powerful dunger in the world, the man whose presence made A-Rank monsters tremble, immediately knelt on the floor. A sparkle of pure love appeared in Adiraj's eyes—a look the outside world had never seen. He lifted the child into his arms and kissed his chubby cheek.
"How is my champion?" Adiraj asked, tossing the child lightly into the air, causing the hall to erupt with the boy's giggling laughter.
The Shield of Peace
Time: 11:00 AM
A short while later, everyone settled comfortably in the living room. The house staff brought tea and hot snacks. The atmosphere was incredibly cheerful.
While sipping tea, the grandfather asked, "And tell us, son, how is everyone in Mumbai? How is Vikram? And how is our little Kiara?"
Adiraj replied with a smile, "Everyone is fine, Dada-ji. Vikram Bhaiya's joking nature is the same as always, and Kiara has grown much bigger and more mischievous than before."
As the conversation flowed, the brother-in-law placed his teacup on the table and shifted the topic to a more serious tone. "But Adi... the atmosphere in Delhi regarding the December 4th party is very tense. The top ministers of the Indian Government and the N.D.A.I. are holding their breath. The entire S-Rank roster of the Apex Syndicate is going to land here. Regarding the security perimeter, we have a meeting this evening—"
Before the brother-in-law could finish his sentence and pull Adiraj back into his S-Rank tactical mode, Shiva interrupted him.
"That's enough, both of you!" Shiva exclaimed loudly, a samosa in one hand and a teacup in the other. Everyone began to smile at his outburst. "Don't bring politics and national security inside the house. My brother has traveled a long way today, and he is here only to rest. We will handle all the headaches tomorrow."
The brother-in-law laughed and raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. Shiva's sister and mother laughed along.
Adiraj sat on the sofa, taking a sip of his tea as he watched the family. All the cold calculations, the N.D.A.I. maps, and the fear of death... everything had been washed away in that ordinary living hall. The name 'Asura' (The Destroyer) might have been terrifying for the world, but the hope and peace within this house were more powerful than any S-Rank weapon.
Chapter Summary
The Transformation: Adiraj sheds his "Cold Sovereign" persona and returns to his role as a beloved family member in Shiva's home.
The Family Dynamic: Introduction of Shiva's family: Grandparents, Parents, Sister (30), Brother-in-law, and Nephew (3).
The Strategic Pillar: The Brother-in-law is revealed to be an Unawakened human who manages the guild's massive political and diplomatic machinery, providing a safe haven for the S-Rankers.
The "No Work" Rule: Shiva enforces a strict "no politics" rule at home to ensure Adiraj gets the mental rest he needs before the December 4th event.
Emotional Contrast: The peace and normalcy of Shiva's household are highlighted as the true source of strength for the protectors of Delhi.