Chapter Three: The Hunt.

After the events of the night in Yokohama, word spread quickly. The thugs that Nox defeated weren't ordinary street criminals; they were members of one of the most notorious gangs in Yokohama. This incident echoed throughout the criminal underworld, reaching even the participants of the upcoming battle, including Samsara.[Samsara Headquarters]At the headquarters of Samsara, an executive burst into President Ken's office, breathless. Ken, who had been enjoying a glass of wine and researching Nox, looked up in surprise."Sir, we just got word from Yokohama that the Bald Brothers gang was exterminated in a single night," the executive reported."The notorious gang involved in human trafficking and contract killing?" Ken asked, his interest piqued."Yes, sir. The same gang," the executive confirmed. "According to witnesses, it was done by a tall guy around 6 feet with broad shoulders."Ken's eyes widened. "Did you say a tall, 6-foot guy with broad shoulders?"The executive nodded. "Yes, sir. One witness also described a scar on his face and a tattoo around his eyes."Ken dropped his wine glass, the shattering sound echoing through the room. He stood frozen, goosebumps rising on his skin. Dismissing the executive, he turned toward the window, looking down at the city lights."You can't keep a low profile, can you?" Ken murmured to himself with a smile.[Shey-Phoksundo, Nepal]Nestled in the remote reaches of northwestern Nepal, Shey-Phoksundo is a hidden gem where nature's artistry is on full display. Snow-capped peaks kiss the sky, their reflections dancing on the surface of a turquoise lake. This is Phoksundo Lake, a shimmering oasis set against dramatic cliffs and lush greenery.A large man, roughly 6 feet 5 inches tall, emerged from the lake, water dripping from his muscular, scarred back. He moved toward a Himalayan black bear, each step causing massive boulders to shift. The bear, sensing the threat, lunged at the man. They battled ferociously, but the man, employing a rear naked choke, subdued the bear.A jeep pulled up, and a young woman in her early 20s got out, carrying a medical kit. "Gosh, Baba, you're always reckless. See, you're injured again," she scolded."Hey, Pasang, I'm your father. Don't raise your tone like that. You remind me of your mother," the man replied with a laugh.Three men got out of the jeep and approached. One of them, a man around 5 feet 6 inches wearing glasses, said, "We had the neutralizer, Sherpa, but you still chose to fight the bear.""These neutralizers are a waste of money. We're on a budget, and these cost money. Anyway, we got the job done. Quickly examine the bear before it wakes up. And Saurav, be careful," Sherpa replied.One of the men, John, approached Sherpa and handed him a satellite phone. "Sherpa, we've got a call for you. He says his name is Scavenger."Sherpa took the phone, "Thanks, John. Go help Saurav and take Ankit with you."Sherpa spoke into the phone, "Yeah, what? I thought our deal was over 8 years ago. Why are you calling me now?""I wonder if you know about the recent incident in Yokohama," Scavenger replied."What happened?" Sherpa asked."Someone wiped out the Bald Brothers," Scavenger informed him."I know who it is. Only he can do it," Sherpa said."Nox," Sherpa added.Scavenger explained the Blood and Honor battle and asked if Sherpa would represent his guild.Sherpa declined, "I'm done with that world. I have a life now.""It's not up to you. If our boss wants you, he will get you. I asked politely. Enjoy your life, Sherpa. And take care...of your precious daughter," Scavenger threatened."If you come near my daughter, you know what will happen," Sherpa warned, crushing the phone in his hand.Pasang, seeing her father break the phone, ran to him. "What happened? Who was that?""An old friend wanted to meet. I got excited and broke the phone," Sherpa replied."Baba, we're on a budget, and you just broke the phone!" Pasang scolded."Sorry, my dear. By the way, what's the count now?" Sherpa asked."This is the 30th bear, Baba," Pasang replied.Pasang and Sherpa walked back to the team. Sherpa and his team were the guardians of Shey Phoksundo National Park.Pasang and the team quickly moved to handle the tranquilized bear. Pasang administered a shot to keep it sedated while Saurav and Ankit secured it for transport. John helped gather the equipment, preparing to return to their base.Sherpa watched his team work with pride. Despite the threats and challenges, they had built something meaningful here. He couldn't let the past drag him back into the violent world he had left behind.Later that night, around a campfire, the team shared a meal. Pasang, sitting next to her father, asked, "Baba, who was that man on the phone really?"Sherpa sighed, knowing he couldn't hide the truth forever. "He was someone from my past, someone dangerous. He mentioned a battle that's about to take place.""A battle?" Pasang's eyes widened with curiosity and concern."Yes," Sherpa nodded. "It's called Blood and Honor. A fight to determine who will rule the underworld. They want me to participate.""And will you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly."No," Sherpa replied firmly. "I've left that life behind. My place is here, with you and the team, protecting this park."Pasang smiled, relieved. "Good. I don't want to lose you, Baba.""You won't," Sherpa assured her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We're safe here."As the fire crackled and the team laughed, Sherpa couldn't shake the feeling that this peace was fragile. He knew the underworld wouldn't let him go so easily, but for now, he would hold onto this moment, cherishing the calm before the storm.