Chapter 1: the shadow above punjab
The bright moon shone high in the sky. Beneath it, a vast stretch of farmland spread endlessly in every direction. Between rows of sugarcane, crops, and trees, a highway cut through the fields like a dark ribbon.
As the view zoomed out, the highway looked no more than a thin line, swallowed by the massive sea of farmland on both sides.
Cars sped along the road, their headlights slicing through the night. Among them, a jeep thundered forward at reckless speed, loud music blasting from its speakers as it overtook vehicle after vehicle. Two people sat inside, relaxed, laughing, drinking as if the road belonged to them.
Ahead, they spotted a tractor—its music even louder.
The jeep swerved closer, running parallel to it. On the tractor sat three men: one driving, two seated on either side. All three wore turbans. As both parties glanced at each other, understanding passed without words.
The jeep driver reached down, pulled out three cans from a box near his feet, and handed them to his friend. Standing up, the friend threw one can toward the tractor driver, one to the man on his left, and one to the other.
All three caught them cleanly.
They opened the cans immediately and started drinking.
"Let's meet at the restaurant!" the jeep driver shouted, his voice barely audible over the music.
One of the men on the tractor raised his thumb in confirmation while still drinking.
The jeep driver grinned, sat back down, opened two more cans, handed one to his friend, and they sped ahead once more.
As the view zoomed out, the outline of a city appeared ahead.
The city was massive and alive, packed with towering buildings glowing under artificial lights. At its center stood the tallest structure of all, dominating the skyline like a silent ruler.
Inside a small roadside restaurant, spices were sprinkled over steaming momos. Red sauce was poured into a small bowl beside the plate. The momo seller looked up as the jeep riders approached, still drinking from their cans.
They stopped in front of him.
Smiles were exchanged. Hands were shaken by the seller with both of them.
Just as they were about to walk inside, loud music echoed from outside.
The tractor had arrived.
Near the restaurant's parking area stood a statue of four white horses, each rearing on its hind legs, facing different directions. They looked almost alive, frozen mid-growl, veins and muscles carved with terrifying realism.
Suddenly—
One of the horse's eyes glowed.
The scene shifted.
A deserted plain stretched endlessly beneath a blazing sun. Heat shimmered violently, steam rising from the burning sand. The place looked lifeless—until a lone figure appeared, trudging forward.
Steam wrapped around his legs as he walked with his head lowered. Each step grew heavier than the last. His pace slowed. His body began to release steam under the brutal heat.
Ahead of him floated a human-sized circular portal, bordered by dark purple clouds. That was all he could see.
He lifted his hand toward it.
His vision blurred.
His body collapsed onto the burning sand, steam still rising from his skin. He tried to lift his hand again, tried to raise his head—
And lost consciousness.
A quiet meeting room.
A girl sat watching something on her laptop while two boys sat in silence. Another boy stood near the glass wall, gazing at the moon shining outside.
The room remained silent until the girl closed her laptop.
"This is getting out of hand," she said.
Noor
Legend – Rank 11
Age: 15
She opened her eyes and looked straight at the boy sitting in front of her.
Speak something, she thought.
He flinched under her stare.
"Is she telling me to say something…?" he thought.
"Yes… everyone thinks the three of us are running Legend," he finally said.
Sukhvir Singh
Legend – Rank 3
Age: 15
Noor smiled slightly, satisfied.
Beside him, another boy watched silently.
Veer
Legend – Rank 2
Age: 18
He glanced toward the one standing by the glass.
"Other gangs are denying your existence, boss," Noor said, turning her gaze toward the moon watcher.
No reply.
Say something, idiot. We need to convince him, she thought, turning back toward Sukhvir—only to see his head lowered.
Her irritation grew.
"They call you a coward…" Sukhvir muttered through clenched teeth, his voice shaking with anger.
Veer listened quietly, eyes closed.
If boss ever decides to reveal himself, no one will dare call him that, Noor thought sadly.
"Our own members doubt your existence," she continued. "There's a chance of an internal war."
Still no answer.
No matter what, I'll make anyone who calls boss a coward regret it, she vowed silently.
Finally, the moon watcher turned around.
"I know it's a bad situation."
Sahil
Legend – Rank 1
Age: 18
Veer opened his eyes. Sukhvir kept his head down.
"But I can't show myself," Sahil continued calmly. "You all know that."
Why doesn't he understand… Noor froze in a funny way.
"But boss, other gangs are planning to attack. They think Punjab has no number one!" Noor stood up.
"That's fine," Sahil replied. "Let them come."
I'll crush them, Sukhvir thought, standing up excitedly. "I'll defeat them all alone!"
Here he goes again, Noor thought irritably. Does he even know how many gangs there are?
"I'll beat them one by one… gather them… beat them again… then crush them with a bulldozer—"
Veer watched calmly.
They aren't worried about gangs. They're angry because of the word 'coward'… but he still won't reveal himself. And that's for the best.While Veer was thinking Noor suddenly grabbed the front of Sukhvir's shirt and shook him hard, snapping him out of his thoughts, while Sahil watched silently from the side.
Sahil placed a hand on Sukhvir's shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"You three are my most trusted companions," Sahil said gently. "I know you'll handle everything."
Noor's chest tightened.
But if you don't show yourself… she thought sadly.
"Leader—" she tried to stop him.
Veer stepped in, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's enough, Noor. We'll handle it."
He looked at Sahil. "We won't let them disturb you."
Sahil smiled.
"I know you're angry because they call me a coward," he said calmly. "But don't worry. They don't know me."
"You three do."
He placed a hand on Noor's shoulder. "By the way, don't you have pre-boards? Best of luck. I know you'll score full marks."
She blushed and smiled.
Did he forget I have exams too? Sukhvir thought awkwardly.
Sahil turned to him. "You too, Sukhvir. Don't fail this time."
"What?!" Sukhvir shouted as Sahil walked into the lift.
Noor smirked. "What can boss expect from someone who doesn't even know the subjects?"
Sukhvir glared at her.
Veer, however, was lost in thought and sat on his chair miss those days… the year we conquered Punjab… what did they call it again…
Images flashed—
Three figures, covered in blood, standing over a battlefield filled with fallen bodies.
"I hope he is fine wherever he is. "