Chapter 4: The Hidden Enemy
The fight at the old basketball court became the biggest topic on campus.
By Monday morning, every student at Imperial National University had heard the same story.
"The silent topper defeated Vikram Malhotra."
"No one has ever stood against the Campus King."
"Surya isn't an ordinary student."
Surya ignored every whisper as he entered the classroom.
Aman hurried over.
"Surya... something is wrong."
"What happened?"
"I overheard Yash talking on the phone yesterday. Vikram has backed off for now, but someone else is coming."
"Who?"
Aman shook his head.
"I don't know. They only called him... The Hunter."
Surya remained calm.
"Names don't matter."
"They do if that person enjoys hurting people," Aman replied.
Just then, Aditi walked into the classroom carrying a notebook.
She stopped beside Surya.
"You should be careful."
Surya looked at her.
"You saw the fight?"
"I saw enough to know that people will keep challenging you."
Before Surya could answer, a loud scream echoed from the corridor.
Students rushed outside.
A first-year student lay on the floor, clutching his arm in pain.
Standing over him was a tall student wearing a black hoodie.
His face was hidden beneath a cap.
"I told you," the stranger said coldly. "Never speak Yash's name again."
The frightened crowd stepped back.
The hooded student slowly turned toward Surya.
"So..."
"You're the famous hero."
Surya stepped forward.
"Leave him alone."
The stranger smiled.
"I wasn't looking for him."
"I came for you."
Without warning, he rushed forward and threw a fast punch.
Surya narrowly dodged it.
The stranger's speed surprised everyone.
The two exchanged quick blows across the corridor, forcing the students to scatter.
Aditi quickly helped the injured student to safety.
Aman shouted, "Security is coming!"
The hooded student glanced toward the stairwell.
"Looks like our introduction is over."
He stepped back and removed the cap just enough for Surya to see his face.
"My name is Aryan Khanna."
"I've never lost a fight."
"And next time..."
"I won't leave until one of us is lying on the ground."
He disappeared down the staircase before security arrived.
The corridor fell silent.
Aman stared after him.
"He's dangerous."
Surya looked at the broken classroom window left behind during the fight.
"No."
"He's disciplined."
"That makes him even more dangerous."
From a distance, Yash watched everything with a satisfied smile.
He hadn't defeated Surya himself.
Instead...
He had brought in someone who enjoyed hunting the strongest opponents.
The battle for Imperial National University had only just begun.
To Be Continued...