The neon lights of Delhi flickered through the heavy smog, casting long, jagged shadows over the ruins of Sector 7. Phuntsho adjusted the scope of his bolt-action rifle, his breath steady despite the chaos below. At Level 3, most soldiers were cannon fodder, but Phuntsho was a Solo Guardian—a marksman who lived in the silence between heartbeats.
"Eagle Lead to Guardian. Status report," a crackling voice echoed in his earpiece.
"Target in sight," Phuntsho whispered. "But something is wrong. The energy readings are spiking. This isn't a standard Level 10 breach."
Suddenly, the ground groaned. A massive silhouette emerged from the dust—Leader 81. The air grew cold, heavy with a power that made Phuntsho's Level 3 interface glitch with warning red icons.
"Dragon Shield, now!" shouted Wangdi from the street level.
A shimmering gold barrier erupted around the squad, but Leader 81 didn't even slow down. With a casual flick of his wrist, a bolt of dark energy shattered the shield like glass.
Phuntsho watched in horror through his lens as his teammates were tossed aside like ragdolls. Dev, Bheem, Wangdi—the elite Vanguard—down in seconds.
"Retreat! Phuntsho, get out of there!" Hingselma's voice screamed before a deafening blast cut her off.
Phuntsho didn't retreat. He locked his bolt, chambered a round, and centered his crosshairs on the God-like figure below. His level said he should run. His heart said he was the only one left to fight.
The Hunter Warrior was born in that moment of certain death.