Mukul had been living in the Desai house for a few days now. The transition from village life to city life was smooth for him — after all, he had already handled businesses, studies, and cultivation simultaneously. But now, surrounded by his family and in the heart of the city, he could begin expanding his plans on a much larger scale.
Shreya Desai, as protective and curious as ever, called Mukul into the living room one evening. "Mukul," she began, her eyes sharp with interest, "you've finally come here and settled. But tell me… what are your plans for the future? And your studies? Have you arranged your college admission?"
Mukul sat calmly, hands folded, exuding the quiet confidence that came from years of calculated preparation. "Yes, Shreya. I've already enrolled. I'll start classes soon."
Shreya raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Which college?"
Mukul smiled faintly. "IIT Global Academy. It's ranked third in the world and the top in India. They offer all streams of study — medical, management, engineering, arts, literature, music, and even game development. Admission is merit-based, not donation-based."
Shreya's eyes widened. "IIT Global Academy? That's… incredible! Mukul, you've enrolled in the same college that all your sisters studied in. That makes you our junior — all of us, your seniors there. And the best part? Merit-based admission! You didn't need any favours, yet you earned your place." She clapped her hands lightly, a proud smile spreading across her face.
Mukul nodded. "I want to master knowledge in every field I can, and this college offers the resources to do so. I also want to continue cultivation alongside my studies."
Shreya chuckled softly. "Of course. You've always been different, Mukul. You can manage anything — and I know you'll succeed there too. But," she paused, eyes twinkling, "we can't let you leave the city without a proper reward for your efforts. You've been working so hard, balancing everything. I think it's time to buy you a car and a bike."
Mukul tilted his head in mild surprise. "I… don't need a reward, Shreya. But if it's your wish…"
Shreya waved her hand dismissively. "It's my wish. Now, you deserve the best."
A week later, Mukul was introduced to his rewards. The car was a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, sleek and silver, electric-powered with 761 horsepower, 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, full autopilot features, and a luxurious interior with smart AI-assisted systems. The bike was a Ducati Panigale V4, red and black, 214 horsepower, a top speed of 299 km/h, equipped with advanced traction control, cornering ABS, and a racing-grade lightweight frame.
Mukul's eyes gleamed, not because of luxury, but because he immediately began analysing their possibilities. With his knowledge in vehicle modification, he could enhance these machines to meet his exact requirements — speed, stealth, and combat utility if needed.
Within days, he had set up a private workshop in the basement of the Desai house. Using advanced materials, software programming, and mechanical knowledge from his past life, he modified both vehicles.
The Porsche Taycan received stealth upgrades: an enhanced battery for longer range, a reinforced chassis, silent electric motors, smart surveillance integration, and a secret compartment for security equipment. The interior AI was enhanced to sync with Mukul's personal devices and guild network.
The Ducati Panigale V4 was tuned for maximum acceleration and manoeuvrability. Mukul added custom shock absorbers, reinforced brake systems, lightweight armour plating, and a multi-functional dashboard that could connect to his hacking and intelligence systems. Even the tyres were upgraded for extreme conditions, capable of high grip on city roads, highways, and off-road terrains.
After completing the modifications, Mukul drove both the car and bike around the city late at night, testing every function. They performed perfectly — fast, smart, and reliable, exactly as he intended.
Shreya, watching him from the driveway, raised an eyebrow. "I see… You didn't just take the gifts, did you?" she said, smirking.
Mukul turned and smiled faintly. "I learn from everything I touch, Shreya. The car, the bike… they're just tools. Tools to help me achieve my goals while protecting the people I care about."
Shreya's expression softened. "That's my little brother. Ambitious, careful, and always planning ten steps. Don't forget — you have us now. Your sisters, your family. We'll protect you, too."
Mukul's heart warmed. The city was vast, the college was challenging, and enemies from his past life could be waiting. But with his family, his guilds, and his modified vehicles, he felt ready for the next stage of his journey. He had the power, the tools, the knowledge, and now, the support of the Desai family.
That night, Mukul parked the Porsche in the underground garage of the mansion, the Ducati beside it, and stood silently in the driveway. The city lights stretched infinitely before him. Ahead lay college, cultivation, guild management, and the shadowy world he had once conquered.
Mukul whispered to himself, "Step by step, I'll grow stronger. Protect my family. Master knowledge. And prepare for everything the world will throw at me."
The city was alive, but Mukul was already ten steps ahead, a young genius blending into the shadows, ready to rise higher than anyone could imagine.