Charge!!
"Diwankula, one of the oldest towns in history, was initially inhabited by Vennulam, a community later known as Dravida, and then Tamils. Five friends from this community—Akatsumi, Azhura, Adamus, Mahoraga, and Sifon—established their own clans: Akatsumi, Azhura, Adamus, Mahoraga, and Sifon respectively. Later, the Adamus clan split into two: Adamus and Nostrus, while the Akatsumi clan split into Mitsuba," Mazhiro explained.
"I see," Shailya responded, intrigued by the history.
"Thus, as of now, the seven clans—Akatsumi, Azhura, Adamus, Mahoraga, Sifon, Nostrus, and Mitsuba—share the same roots. They all originated in Diwankula, but for reasons unknown to me, the seven clans spread out all over the world. It is said that Akatsumi, my ancestor, was the eldest of the group," Mazhiro continued.
"Oh, so this is what you meant by roots in Diwankula," Shailya said, understanding dawning on him.
"Yes, exactly. Not to mention that each clan has its own way of fighting. For example, the Akatsumi clan uses swords and blades, while the Mahoraga clan uses spears and swords," Mazhiro added.
"I saw my father training with spears and swords one day, but why use old age tools when we have modern tech like guns, missiles, nukes, etc.?" Shailya asked, puzzled.
"We, the 'Saptavansh', are much stronger than nukes and modern tech by just using old-age weapons," Mazhiro explained.
"Really?" Shailya asked, incredulous.
"Yeah, didn't you use a blade to fight?" Mazhiro asked.
"I just used it because we didn't have any weapons at all—no guns, no pistols, no grenades," Shailya said.
"Believe what you want but—" Mazhiro started.
"But what?" Shailya prompted.
"Nothing. I already told you so much," Mazhiro said.
"This is so unfair, you can't stop now of all times," Shailya protested.
"Hahaha, you don't remember, right?" Mazhiro chuckled.
"What?" Shailya asked.
"We are in the middle of a competition," Mazhiro reminded him.
"Crap! I need to go," Shailya exclaimed.
"Meet me at the ending ceremony, Shailya," Mazhiro said.
"Ok, B-Byee, senkai," Shailya said, rushing off.
"THE RACE IS OVER," an announcement echoed.
"Already? But I didn't cross the finish line," Shailya thought, confusion setting in.
"This is not a race just for you. I think you have lost," Vahalla said.
"But—" Shailya began to protest.
"Focus on the announcement," Vahalla instructed.
Shailya listened intently as the announcement continued, realizing that the competition was not just a physical race but a test of many skills, including knowledge, strategy, and teamwork.
"70 PEOPLE PASSES, 50 OF THEM REMAINS HERE AND WILL GET THEIR CERTIFICATES." announcer said
"I wonder who the 20 people succeeded are? Is Mazhiro too there" Shailya thought
"You can pass" Vahalla said
"I can"t" Shailya said
"Focus on the announcement." Vahalla said
THE 20 CANDIDATES PASSING ARE:
Anata Shikawa
Mazhiro Akatsumi
Elva Adamus
Shailya Mahoraga
Sainen
Armeet Surya
Hinova Akala
Sukheer
Walburgh Danson
Muzban Ali
Sahaj Pal
Sima Jainandan
Ajit Marwan
Shina Pawan
Saimen Conter
Mahendra Ballabh Rao
Seinda
Ahuro
Shinsho Mitsuba
Miyazaki Azhura
THESE CADETS PASS ON," the announcer declared.
"Wait, I passed?" Shailya thought, astonished.
"Well done, Shailya," Vahalla said, his voice filled with pride.
"I'm curious. How did I pass by 4th rank?" Shailya asked.
"It's pretty simple. The way you fought those robots, and the strength of your sword's blow, your Examiner was mesmerized, thus giving you high points," Vahalla explained.
"Woah!" Shailya exclaimed.
"Don't be flattered; this was just a mere fitness test. Your upcoming test, the one-on-one fights, will not be so easy," Vahalla warned.
"I'm prepared for the worst outcome. This is gonna be fun," Shailya said, excitement building.
"Don't let me down. In order to protect this planet, you need to spread awareness about their attack, and that is only possible if you're in a high-ranked position and dear to the Pannival," Vahalla reminded him.
"It is time. I shall go to the arena," Shailya said.
"I wish you luck!" Vahalla said earnestly.
As Shailya and the other candidates walked to the arena, the Muvah Army was paving its way for an attack on Marinabad.
"Marinabad Attack Force of the Muvah Army, take the lead and infiltrate the enemy territory. All units stick to your assigned positions. Unit 1 and the other units following it shall take the lead and charge," Shehbaz Ali, the commander responsible for the operation, ordered.
"As per your command, chief. Unit 1, Unit 10, Unit 11, Unit 12, Unit 14, and Unit 17, under the command of Zakir Sayyad, will charge now," Zakir Sayyad, the attack unit commander, confirmed.
"Good work, Attack Unit. Now, Unit 2 and Unit 3 shall take their leave and distract the Malwai Military as per the plan of Operation Taqdir. Captain of Unit 2, take command of the Deceiving Unit and charge. All permissions approved," Shehbaz continued.
"As per your command, chief. Unit 2 and Unit 3, under the command of Military Captain Ajit Parwan, will now charge," Ajit Parwan responded.
"Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 7, and Unit 9, the backup unit, will be ready to immediately support the main force. Vice Commander Subhojit Mehar, take command," Shehbaz instructed.
"As per the command of the military chief, I, Subhojit Mehar, vice commander of the Muvah Defence Force, will lead Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 7, and Unit 9, and I swear to supply backup at any cost," Subhojit Mehar pledged.
"Unit 6, Unit 8, and Unit 15, the healing unit, will work under the command of the Captain of Unit 6, and will treat the fallen soldiers. This is our final mission—prove yourself," Shehbaz emphasized.
"As per your command, sir, Shirza Khatun, the captain of Unit 6 and in charge of the healing unit, will fulfill her duty at any cost. Hail Muvah," Shirza Khatun declared.
"Hail Muvah," Shehbaz cried out loud.
"HAIL MUVAHHH!" everyone in the council echoed.
"We will capture Marinabad and Sarzapur at any cost. Everyone, take your transmitters and follow your assigned leaders," Shehbaz commanded.
The battle of Marinabad was set. Despite knowing that 60% of the Malwai Military would be present at Marinabad, Muvah was confident to attack, even in front of the head of the military and the Pannival. This surprise attack would change the fate of the whole world and Shailya Mahoraga.
"All the candidates are present in the Arena of Victory. I will now declare the fights. This is going to be a one-on-one fight, the third and final test," the announcer declared.
"I'm super excited," Shailya said, brimming with anticipation.
"Same goes for us, Mahoraga," Mazhiro, Anata, and Sainen echoed.
"Wait, I know Akatsumi, but who are you two?" Shailya asked.
"Uhm, I guess we never met. I am Sainen of Runestone Regiment," Sainen introduced himself.
"I will be sure not to forget you, senior," Shailya said.
"And Umm, I thought you saw me destroying those robots. Didn't ya?" Anata said with a smile.
"Now I remember, but I still don't know your name," Shailya admitted.
"Anata, Anata Shikawa. I'm captain of the 1st Division in Runestone Regiment. They call me the Female Titan," Anata said confidently.
"I'm scared. Anyways, so you are Sainen, you Shikawa, and you are Akatsumi. Aren't you?" Shailya confirmed.
"Yeah," Mazhiro said.
"Yup," Sainen said.
"Correct!" Anata replied.
"Call me Mahoraga Shailya," Shailya said, his name carrying a sense of pride.
"Mahoraga, that surname is quite astonishing," Anata remarked.
"Yeah, I know," Shailya said, a bit embarrassed.
"I think we should head towards the Cadets' Area," Mazhiro suggested.
"Yeah," everyone agreed.
Shailya, Mazhiro, Anata, Sainen, and Vahalla were unaware that this could be their last fight as the Muvah Army was approaching. The clock was ticking, time was passing, second by second, and the enemy was already in motion.
"The first match is Ahuro vs. Miyazaki Azhura," the announcer declared.
"Azhura?" Shailya said, surprised.
"Yeah, Shailya, we are not the only Saptavansh out here," Mazhiro said.
"I'm looking forward to this fight," Shailya said.
"You should. Who knows who your opponent will be," Mazhiro said.
Shailya nodded.
"Shailya, don't just sit here," Vahalla advised.
"Oh! What shall I do, Vahalla the Great?" Shailya asked in his mind.
"Close your eyes and practice your prediction senses. Try to predict the moves before they even happen," Vahalla instructed.
"This is just a supernatural power, man," Shailya said skeptically.
"You are not the only one who knows to swing a sword. Every candidate ranked 20 or higher knows to use their powers just like you, but they don't realize it yet. It is just—" Vahalla started.
"Come on, stop it. I don't want spoilers. Say that after I win my first battle," Shailya said, cutting him off.
"Things are getting interesting," Shailya thought, his excitement building.
In the shadows of the arena, a dark figure watched the proceedings with a sinister smile. The main antagonist of this arc, Raunak, was plotting something devious. He had been orchestrating the surprise attack on Marinabad and had a deeper, more insidious plan in motion.
"Everything is falling into place," Raunak whispered to himself. "The chaos at Marinabad is just the beginning. Soon, the true power of the Muvah Army will be unleashed, and the world will tremble."
Raunak's eyes gleamed with malevolence as he watched Shailya and the other candidates prepare for their fights. "Enjoy your little victories while you can," he thought. "For soon, you will all be pawns in my grand design."
"I repeat, the deceiving unit has reached its destination. Give me orders to charge towards the enemy, Chief," Ajit Parwan reported. He and his troops were ready for a full-fledged war.
As Shailya focused on honing his prediction senses, the looming threat of Raunak's plan cast a shadow over the arena. The true test of Shailya's strength, courage, and destiny was about to begin, and the fate of Marinabad, and perhaps the world, hung in the balance.
With the Muvah Army closing in and Raunak's dark schemes in motion, Shailya and his comrades were unaware of the storm about to engulf them. The battle for Marinabad would be unlike any they had faced before, and their survival would depend on their ability to stand united against the forces of darkness.
[To be continued in Chapter 9]