Location: VIP Lawn, New Delhi (The Summit Venue)
Time: 02:45 PM – 06:00 PM
Date: November 30, 2025
The golden afternoon sun bathed the VIP lawn. While the Phonk bass still thrummed in the distance, the atmosphere shifted from a high-octane party to what could only be described as an emotional "siege."
Jaxson Reed, having just demolished his third plate of Indian snacks, stood abruptly before Shiva. Behind him stood Alistair Sterling and Jin-Woo Park, their expressions unusually earnest.
"Listen, Shiva, this is all great," Jaxson began, his voice booming. "But you made us a promise back at the Switzerland summit. You said when we came to India, you'd take us to your 'Real Home.' We want to meet your parents, your grandparents—the whole family!"
Shiva hesitated, glancing at the group. "Are you guys crazy? My family aren't S-Rankers. They're ordinary people. If fifteen of you walk in there and even one person accidentally leaks their Mana, my house will fold like a paper crane. It's too risky."
"We aren't children, Shiva!" Alistair laughed. "We know how to suppress our auras. We didn't come to India early just for the gala; we came to see the people who managed to raise a lunatic like you."
Shiva was about to refuse again when he caught Sierra Fox's gaze. The usually stoic and shy Rank 23 stepped forward, her eyes reflecting a quiet, desperate longing.
"Shiva... please," Sierra whispered. "You promised. I... I want to see what a 'Real Family' looks like. To feel what a grandparent's love is like. Please take me with you."
Sierra was an orphan who had spent her entire life in sterile training centers and government labs. For her, "Family" was a concept found only in textbooks. Her plea melted Shiva's resolve. He couldn't say no.
The Tactical Intervention
Before Shiva could agree, Adiraj's cold, authoritative voice cut through the air.
"Fine. We will take you home."
The S-Rankers turned to see Adiraj adjusting his suit, his mind already having analyzed every possible disaster scenario.
"But first, I need to make preparations," Adiraj stated. "We will head out by evening. Until my safety checklist is complete, no one leaves this lawn. Klaus, come with me."
Klaus Richter (Technomancer) gave a mischievous smile and followed Adiraj. The other S-Rankers erupted into cheers, celebrating like school children. They were oblivious to the diplomatic and security nightmare they were requesting, but their joy was genuine. Many of them lacked families of their own and yearned for the warmth of a household.
The Sanctuary Protocol
Location: Underground Command Center / Shiva's BungalowTime: 03:30 PM
Adiraj entered a secure side room with Klaus and immediately dialed Raghav on an encrypted line.
"Raghav, listen. Set the Underground Mana-Absorbing Grid beneath Shiva's bungalow to its maximum limit. Activate Red-Line mode," Adiraj instructed.
Shiva had installed these machines years ago when his own MP began to fluctuate, ensuring his family stayed safe from his passive radiation. But there was a massive difference between one S-Ranker and fifteen.
"Sir, the collective pressure of fifteen Sovereigns might overheat the system," Raghav warned.
Klaus took the mic from Adiraj. "Don't sweat it, soldier. I'm here. Adiraj, give me remote access to the grid. I'll re-route the cooling system into a 'Mana-to-Energy Conversion' loop. The more mana they leak, the faster the system will cool itself."
Klaus's fingers flew across his tablet. Within minutes, Shiva's home was transformed into a high-tech Mana Bunker. He even prepared invisible 'Aura-Sync Brackets' for each guest to prevent their individual auras from clashing and creating static energy inside the house.
The Domestic Front: Pooja's Command
Time: 04:15 PM
Adiraj made the next call to Pooja (Shiva's sister).
"Didi, fifteen of our friends are coming over this evening. They are foreigners, so please have the guest rooms ready," Adiraj said calmly.
Pooja's voice was as warm as ever. "Don't worry, Adi. You mentioned they might come. Mom, Kritika, and I have already decided. We're preparing a massive Indian feast—Shahi Paneer, Daal Makhani, and fresh rotis. You just bring them here; we'll handle the rest."
Adiraj smiled faintly. He knew that while the S-Rankers might be "Monsters" to the world, they would be completely disarmed by Pooja's hospitality and "love."
The Homecoming Ride
Location: Delhi HighwayTime: 06:00 PM
The preparations were complete. Adiraj returned to the lawn and announced, "The convoy is ready. Let's go home."
Jaxson, Alistair, and Jin-Woo let out a thunderous cheer. Their excitement was palpable. Adiraj instructed Vikram to lead the other thirteen S-Rankers in the armored convoy, while Shiva pulled up in his white Land Rover Defender.
Shiva took the driver's seat, with Sierra Fox beside him. Sierra was silent, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her dress. Shiva started the engine. This time, there was no Phonk or aggressive bass. He played a Soft and Melodious Indian Instrumental. The soothing notes immediately began to dissolve Sierra's stress.
The vehicles surged onto the highway, moving toward the bungalow under the fading evening light. The S-Rankers stared out the windows like they were entering a different world. They had no idea that the next few hours would be the most peaceful and memorable of their lives.
Fifteen of the world's greatest "Monsters" were about to knock on the door of an Indian home.
Chapter Summary
The Request: S-Rankers, led by Jaxson and Sierra, demand to visit Shiva's family to experience a "Real Home."
The Safety Grid: Adiraj and Klaus Richter upgrade the bungalow's mana-absorption systems to handle fifteen S-Rankers simultaneously.
The Feast: Pooja and the family begin preparing a traditional Indian dinner for the high-tier guests.
The Transition: Shiva uses soft music to calm the nervous Sierra Fox as the "Monsters" head toward a sanctuary of peace.