Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Shadows in the City

The road stretched endlessly before them, winding through dry terrain toward the nearest town. After the ambush in the rocky pass, the group had traveled with caution, their eyes scanning every shadow, every distant figure. Arjun knew the battle against the bandits was only the beginning. Someone—or something—was after the Orb, and they wouldn't stop until they had it.

By late afternoon, the dusty plains gave way to the sight of Kaligarh, a bustling trade city near the borders of multiple kingdoms. Towering stone walls protected the city, and its gates were open to merchants, travelers, and warriors alike. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from silk and spices to weapons and rare artifacts. The scent of roasted meats mixed with the aroma of incense, creating a chaotic yet inviting atmosphere.

"Finally," Varun said, stretching his arms. "I was starting to think we'd be wandering the wilderness forever."

Kesar shot him a look. "We're not here to relax. We need supplies, information, and a safe place to rest."

Arjun nodded. "And we need to find someone who can tell us more about the Orb. If we're being hunted, we need to know by who."

The Weight of the Orb

As they entered the city, Arjun could feel eyes on him. Whether it was his simple village clothing or the energy radiating from the Orb concealed in his bag, he couldn't tell. But the feeling of being watched was stronger than ever.

"We split up," Arjun said. "Ishaan, Kesar, find out if there have been any strange rumors—anything about artifacts or people looking for us. Varun, you handle supplies. I'll see if I can find someone who knows more about this."

The group nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

Arjun pulled his hood up and made his way toward the heart of the city. He passed street performers juggling fire, merchants arguing over prices, and beggars sitting by the roadside. But despite the noise and movement, he couldn't shake the feeling that danger was close.

As he turned a corner into a quieter alley, a voice stopped him.

"I wouldn't go any further if I were you."

Arjun spun around. A man stood in the shadows, leaning casually against the wall. He was draped in dark robes, his face hidden beneath a hood. Only his eyes, sharp and golden, were visible.

"Who are you?" Arjun asked, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword.

The man chuckled. "Someone who knows what you're carrying. And someone who knows you don't have much time."

Arjun tensed. "What do you mean?"

The man stepped closer, his movements smooth and confident. "The Orb has awakened, and the world has felt it. You may have survived a bandit attack, but those weren't just ordinary thieves. They were scouts. They were testing you. And now, their masters are coming."

A Web of Secrets

Arjun's grip on his sword tightened. "Who are these 'masters'?"

The man sighed. "You think the Devtas and Asuras will simply ignore the presence of an artifact like the Orb? That humans with ambition won't try to seize it for themselves? You're a fool if you think you can keep walking freely with that power in your hands."

Arjun narrowed his eyes. "Then what do you suggest?"

The man smiled. "Follow me."

Arjun hesitated but nodded. He knew that if he wanted answers, he had to take risks.

The man led him through a maze of narrow streets and hidden pathways until they reached a small, unmarked building. Inside, it was dimly lit, filled with old scrolls, maps, and strange artifacts.

"Sit," the man said, motioning to a wooden chair. "We have much to discuss."

Arjun took a seat, keeping his guard up. "Start talking."

The man lowered his hood, revealing sharp, angular features and a scar running down his cheek. His golden eyes gleamed in the candlelight.

"My name is Rudra. And if you want to survive what's coming, you'll need my help."

The Gathering Storm

Meanwhile, across the city, Kesar and Ishaan moved through the marketplace, eavesdropping on conversations.

"There's been talk," one merchant whispered to another. "Something powerful has appeared. The kings want it, the sages fear it, and the warlords are already making moves."

"Did you hear? A nobleman from the eastern province arrived last night, asking about an artifact," another voice murmured. "Said it could change the world."

Kesar and Ishaan exchanged glances. Trouble was coming faster than they had expected.

Varun, on the other hand, was haggling with a merchant over supplies when he noticed a hooded figure watching him from the distance. The figure didn't move, didn't speak—just stood there, observing.

Varun smirked. "Seems like we've made an impression."

He casually picked up his bag of supplies and walked away, making sure to take a different path back to their meeting point. If someone was following them, he'd make sure they regretted it.

A Dangerous Proposition

Back in the hidden room, Rudra poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Arjun.

"You think you can change the world with the Orb?" Rudra asked, raising an eyebrow. "Tell me, what do you actually know about it?"

Arjun hesitated. "…Not enough."

Rudra smirked. "At least you're honest." He leaned forward. "The Orb is more than just a relic. It is a keystone of power. In the wrong hands, it can unmake reality. In the right hands, it can rebuild a civilization. But power attracts hunger. And the ones coming for you? They don't care about balance. They care about control."

Arjun's jaw tightened. "So what do we do?"

Rudra's golden eyes gleamed. "You have two choices: Run. Hide. Wait for the inevitable." He paused. "Or… you become stronger. Strong enough that when they come for you, they realize too late that they've made a mistake."

Arjun exhaled, his fingers tightening around his cup. He had already chosen his path.

"I won't run," he said firmly. "I'll fight."

Rudra grinned. "Good. Then let's get started."

The Hunt Begins

As night fell over Kaligarh, unseen forces moved in the shadows. A figure in a crimson cloak stepped onto a balcony, looking down at the city below.

"So… the boy is here," the figure murmured. Their voice was laced with amusement. "The one who carries the Orb."

A second figure, draped in dark armor, knelt before them. "Your orders, my lord?"

The cloaked figure smiled. "Find him. And bring me the Orb."

The hunt had begun.