The dense, desolate forest was filled with towering trees, their thick canopies barely allowing sunlight to pierce through. The crisp, crunching sound of dry leaves underfoot echoed through the wilderness, betraying the presence of someone walking over them.
"Everyone, move carefully. The deeper the silence in the forest, the higher the chances of danger lurking," a man spoke in a heavy yet calm voice.
"But General Aryamitra, don't you think we could have taken another route? We've been walking non-stop for the past two hours," Sia said, wiping sweat from her forehead as she addressed General Aryamitra.
This group trekking through the forest was General Aryamitra's team, on their first official mission together. However, the long journey had exhausted all the team members. Aryamitra had briefed them about the mission two days prior before leading them here.
"General, I can't go any further," a girl gasped, collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. It was Naira, who looked at Aryamitra with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for a break. Seeing the fatigue in everyone's faces, Aryamitra couldn't refuse and allowed them to rest for a while. The moment he gave the order, the entire team sighed in relief, drinking water and catching their breath.
"Stay here. I'll be back shortly," Aryamitra commanded before walking deeper into the forest.
Meanwhile, Ansh, who had been trailing slightly behind, also stopped to rest. "Hey, doesn't this guy ever talk to anyone?" Ishan asked Vedant, eyeing Ansh.
It wasn't that Ansh had any issues with his teammates, but every time he considered opening up, the memory of that day resurfaced—the day he had been betrayed by Kiara. He could never forget the moment he thought he had finally escaped his loneliness, only to realize the girl he had trusted was from a monstrous race and had used him. Since then, Ansh had closed himself off, fearing betrayal if he ever trusted someone again.
Unaware of his past, his teammates mistook his silence for arrogance—except for Aira. During their first mission, when a one-horned wolf had suddenly attacked them, everyone had frozen in fear. But when they fought back, Aira had noticed how bravely Ansh had charged at the beast, dealing most of the damage himself. His courage had left an impression on her.
So, when the team began discussing his aloofness, Aira hesitantly spoke up, "Maybe… he has his reasons."
The others turned to her in surprise, making her lower her gaze in slight embarrassment.
"AHHH—HELP!"
A sudden scream pierced the eerie silence of the forest. The voice was so loud that there was no doubt—someone was in danger. The entire team jumped to their feet, grabbing their gear and sprinting toward the source of the cry.
Ansh, however, was already ahead of them, rushing without a second thought—even if it was a trap.
When he reached the riverbank, he saw a small girl collapsed on the ground. She looked no older than nine or ten. But when Ansh followed her terrified gaze, his eyes widened in shock.
A massive serpent—its scales a shimmering blue, its length stretching over fifty feet—loomed over her, flicking its tongue menacingly.
Without wasting a second, Ansh dashed forward, standing protectively in front of the girl. He unsheathed his dagger, Anilakiran, and lunged at the monstrous snake.
"WIND SLASH!"
Ansh's most powerful attack struck the serpent's neck—but to his horror, it had no effect. The beast didn't even flinch.
His teeth clenched in frustration as the serpent coiled, ready to strike. Just as it lunged—
"STONE GUARD!"
BOOM!
A massive wall of stone erupted between Ansh and the serpent. The impact shattered half the barrier, dust swirling in the air.
Ansh stood frozen, stunned.
.......?
(To be continued...)
Writer: 🕉️