Visitors?-2

Groups among the camp had always existed , but now, they had fractured further, consolidating into three dominant groups.

About two hundred people, including women and children, lived in the camp. But since men made up half of the population, power was inevitably slanted in their favor. Three elders hurried forward to assume command in Veer's absence.

They attributed Shrihan's incapacity to lead on his youth and inexperience. While some rushed to establish their position in the new power structure, others paused, uncertain which side to support. By the second, the situation became increasingly unstable.

Most of the women tried to remain neutral. A handful had families to protect, but the majority had come to this camp seeking refuge under the infamous Veer, a man known for both his strength and his unwavering sense of justice.

Outside of the camp, the city was a nightmare. Slave traffickers prowled the ruins, criminals roamed free, and there were even rumors of cannibal gangs prowling along the coast.

In such brutal times, women without protection had no choice than to side with powerful men, hoping for safety in exchange for their loyalty.

Veer had accepted everyone—men, women, and children—as long as their hands were clean. However, long-term tranquility tended to make people restless.

Those who had previously feared Veer's authority and his wife's influence saw an opportunity.

Without him, they were free to grab power, and they acted quickly. Some of the ladies, who had previously masked their true nature, began moving loyalties, betting on the side with the best chance of winning.

They knew they possessed something that all men desired, and they were not hesitant to use it as cash. They soon became separated as well. Some joined the insurrection, siding with the individuals determined to overturn Veer's legacy.

Others, unwilling to join, attempted to blend into the background in order to avoid detection.

But how could so many potential "goods" go unnoticed?

If Veer had been more like the others—if he had been willing to indulge—this turmoil would not have occurred. Nonetheless, despite numerous subtle offers, he remained firmly faithful to his wife. He had never considered taking concubines or considering women as commodities.

As long as he had led, there had been order.

But now, with no one to hold them back, these men had begun to act on their worst impulses.

And the most unfortunate ones were the children.

Anyone over the age of ten was being treated as a commodity, divided up like livestock. Those who refused to take a side could only watch in silent horror, fully aware of what would happen to them next.

No one could have imagined that the most powerful faction in southern Mumbai would fall this low in less than an hour.

Shrihan and his mother remained in the quarters, weeping.

They could hear the distant disturbance, but their accommodations were deep within the compound, away from the courtyard where the true turmoil was taking place.

Meanwhile, the so-called "elders" gathered in a hidden chamber, their voices low but urgent.

"I said it countless times—Veer was too soft!" one of them yelled. "He took in too many obligations. If we had focused on recruiting more guys rather than taking in useless stray dogs, we would not be in this situation!"

The other two elders nodded in agreement.

But this meeting wasn't really a discussion—it was a performance.

They all knew Shrihan and Veer's wife couldn't be easily touched. Even the most ruthless among them hesitated. Veer had saved too many people, commanded too much respect. If someone struck the first blow against his family, they would be marked as the ultimate traitor.

For the time being, they needed to be strategic. "He wouldn't even let them go on scavenging missions," another elder remarked.

"He treated them like royalty while the rest of us risked our lives outside." A young man from the neutral faction finally spoke up.

"That's a damn lie," he stated firmly. "Our leader would never have allowed such corruption." His statements attracted attention.

A few heads turned towards him, their gaze filled with something terrible.

"Ah," one of the elders sneered. "Aren't you Raani's boy?"

The young man tensed.

"Maybe you should go lecture your mother instead," the elder continued, his tone mocking. "Tell her how not to backstab her best friend. Or maybe remind her of all the rumors about how… easy she was."

The insult landed hard, and the boy's fists tensed. Before he could lash out, someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

It was a trap. They were attempting to rile him up, inciting a confrontation that would justify making him an example.

"That's right," the elder smugly said. "Sit down and let the adults talk." The talk proceeded, becoming more assertive now that they had established the tone.

"We lost so many good people because Veer kept forcing them out," another elder complained.

"So what if they done some horrible things? Who has not sinned in this wicked world? Survival comes first! Nonetheless, he expelled persons who could have helped us grow stronger. Instead, we're stuck with these baggages: useless mouths to feed who can't even fight!"

""It's his wife," another man added. "She is the true problem. She envisioned a servant army rather than a military one. She hoarded resources and preserved the greatest accommodations for herself and her family. "

"And now she expects us to simply hand over power to her son? What about that little brat? What did he ever do? He still has milk teeth."

Murmurs of agreement echoed around the group. They were empowered now, and their bitterness had grown into something more frightening.

"This has to change," one of the elders stated. "We should administer this camp like a true community, with multiple leaders. There are no more kings or queens. No more pointless regulations that hold us back."

"That's correct! We've been shouldering the responsibility of protecting smaller villages for far too long. Why should they live peacefully while we fight the hordes?"

The room buzzed with excitement.

"It's settled, then!"

The decision was made. Shrihan and his mother wouldn't be killed—that would make too many enemies. But they would be exiled.

And without Veer's protection, they wouldn't last a week.

One of the elders stood, ready to announce their verdict to the camp.

But before he could take a step towards the door, Slam!

The door slammed open with such power that it echoed throughout the chamber.

Gasps filled the room as heads turned toward the entrance. Standing there, silhouetted by the dim torchlight, were the last two persons they anticipated.

Shrihan.

And his mother.

Her face was still covered with tears, but her eyes were filled with rage. Shrihan stood next to her, his expression unreadable.

However, when he spoke, his voice was like steel.

"You really thought we wouldn't hear you?" The room was stunned into silence. They anticipated to take over without resistance.

However, confronted with the true heirs of Veer's legacy, they realized— They knew their moment had arrived!