The grand Flame Hall of the Agneyastra Guild shimmered with a thousand lights, casting long shadows over the gathered crowd. Hunters, supporters, and healers stood in formation, their faces tense, charged with silent ambition. The air felt heavy—electric, as if the very walls were waiting for a spark to ignite.
At the front, wrapped in her crimson battle robe, stood Agneyi. Her eyes burned fierce and unwavering. Her voice, when it came, rolled over them like thunder.
She raised her hand, and the murmurs fell away. Silence deepened until even the smallest breath seemed loud.
"Listen carefully," she began, her words echoing through the hall. "This… is your moment."
Behind her, vast screens flickered to life, projecting the twisted landscapes of Kaal Dweep. Hell Gates gaped open, monsters crept and snarled like living nightmares.
"The Kaal Dweep Project isn't just another mission," Agneyi declared. "It's a gateway to history. A chance to rise—not just in fame or fortune—but as protectors of the very land where millions died. They didn't fight for glory. They fought for honor."
Her gaze swept across the crowd.
"They didn't just die… they became immortal in our hearts. And now, you have a chance to walk the same path."
A palpable electricity pulsed through the assembly.
"Those who succeed in this mission will be recognized as core members. You'll fight beside me—as equals, not recruits. You will defend Bharat—not from the shadows, but on the front lines of history."
Her voice dropped, colder now, sharp as a blade.
"From today onward, your training will be brutal. Ruthless. Unforgiving. This won't teach you mere teamwork. It will force you to break… and then rebuild a stronger version of yourself."
She paused, then snapped her fingers.
"I'm forming ten elite teams. Each will have three Hunters, one Healer, and three Supporters."
Whispers rippled through the hall.
"Every team will face solo gate runs, rift scenarios, and live field survival. And to survive... you'll need top-tier equipment. That means Monster Gems."
Eyes sharpened, heads turned.
But one boy stood still, expression blank.
Rivaan leaned toward a senior from his college unit, voice low and unsure. "Wait… what are Monster Gems?"
The senior blinked, disbelief etched across his face. "You… what?"
"Monster Gems," Rivaan repeated honestly. "Never heard of them."
The boy laughed, but it was no friendly chuckle.
"Are you joking? How are you even in the Association then? If you don't care about money, why the hell are you here?"
Rivaan didn't answer.
Nearby, another supporter explained with a tone mixed with frustration and pride.
"Monster Gems are everything. Every monster drops them. Their value depends on rank. E-Rank goes for a thousand rupees, D-Rank five thousand, C-Rank ten thousand, B-Rank twenty thousand, A-Rank fifty thousand, and S-Rank? Half a million."
"We kill to collect. Simple as that. One S-Rank gem can buy you a car. We don't hunt for patriotism anymore—we hunt for profit."
Rivaan's breath caught in his chest. The truth slammed into him like a blade.
They weren't fighting to protect Bharat.
They were killing—for price tags.
His fists clenched tight, the weight of this reality burning inside him. His system whispered in his mind, sharp and knowing.
You see now, don't you? This world wears the mask of honor… but its soul is rotting.
But you… Rivaan… were never meant to walk the path they chose. You will change this.
He didn't know how. Not yet.
But that day, while others chased Monster Gems with greed in their eyes, Rivaan made a silent vow.
I will walk the path for those who cannot. Not for profit. Not for gems. But for something greater… for Bharat's soul.
Agneyi stepped forward, a holographic interface blooming before her like fire. Names appeared, glowing and flickering as she swiped through the list.
"Ten teams. Ten fire-forged squads. From now on, you live together, train together, bleed together."
She called out names with precise authority.
Team One, Vaidehi's Team, included a calm and deadly precision archer, a hot-headed axe wielder, illusion blade user, and their healer and supporters all ranked and ready.
Team Two, led by Yug, combined twin daggers, sound-based assassination, wind magic, and tactical healing.
And then, there was Team Seven.
Rehaan was the spear prodigy, arrogant and alpha. Tina moved like a shadow, quick and sarcastic. Jassi wielded a flame sword, muscular and intimidating. Their healer was quiet but tactical. Supporters rounded out the team—but one name stuck out.
Rivaan. Supporter. D-Rank. Unranked in skill, unknown in specialization.
Vaidehi met him near the stairwell, arms folded, her sharp eyes scanning him like a hawk.
"You're in Team Seven?" she asked low.
He nodded. "Supporter role."
She raised a brow. "Fitting. That's what cowards do, right?"
Rivaan smiled faintly. "Right. All I'm good for is carrying food and healing potions, isn't it?"
She leaned closer, eyes narrowing.
"You keep pretending, Rivaan. But don't blame me when they mock you into the ground."
He said nothing, only looked away.
Yug laughed, stepping closer. "Hell, I'd eat there. But seriously—Team Seven? That's Rehaan's team. That guy thinks he's the next Agneya."
Vaidehi snorted. "He's not even the next cockroach under her boot."
Rivaan chuckled softly.
Yug's voice dropped as he scanned the room. "Hey, you're not gonna snap on them again, right? Like last time? Boom—fire everywhere. Half the forest gone."
"Depends," Rivaan said dryly. "If they call me a rat one more time, I might sneeze a volcano."
Vaidehi smirked. "Let them underestimate you. Hide that flame for now. It's more terrifying when they don't see it coming."
The training hall was a far cry from glorious. It looked like a converted storage basement—cracked stone walls, air thick with oil and sweat.
Seven figures stood inside. Rivaan didn't recognize any of them.
Rehaan spun a spear lazily, Tina leaned against the wall with arms crossed, and Jassi cracked his knuckles.
They looked like wolves, sniffing for weakness.
Rivaan tried to contribute.
"There's a northern valley in the simulation. If we use the fog there, maybe we can flank the—"
Rehaan cut him off with a loud, theatrical laugh.
"Hold up… did the Supporter Rat just speak?"
Jassi grinned. "What's next? He teaches us battle tactics?"
Tina didn't even look up. "Hey, rat. You're here to lift weapons, not raise opinions."
"I just thought—"
"You thought?" Rehaan stepped close. "Listen, rat. Do you know how to swing a sword?"
Rivaan shook his head slowly.
"Ever smelled burnt flesh? Felt blood under your fingernails? No? Then you don't get to talk here."
"You teach us?" Jassi spat. "You're trash. You shouldn't be here."
Rivaan lowered his eyes. Their cruel words echoed in his mind, settling like stones in his chest.
They laughed, mocking him like an errand boy lost in a strategy meeting.
But the quiet support member, Rivaan himself, simply smiled to himself.
A predator's smile, patient and unreadable.
"Don't worry," he said steady. "I'll carry your swords. Just… try not to drop them."
Jassi raised a brow. "Is that sarcasm from a D-rank?"
Rehaan scoffed. "Swords are heavier than they look, little rat. You sure you can even lift one?"
Rivaan didn't answer. Calmly, he lifted a full iron rack stacked with potions and weapon sheaths—with one hand.
They didn't notice. They were too busy arguing over which gate to take.