Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Assassins Strike

The air was thick with tension. The night sky over the city was clouded, casting an eerie gloom over the streets. Arjun sat cross-legged in the training chamber, his muscles aching from the brutal endurance trial. His mind, however, was sharper than ever. The system had notified him of his progress.

System Notification:

Orb Resonance Level Increased (Level 2 → Level 3).

New Skill Unlocked: Energy Perception.

Arjun exhaled deeply. He could feel it—the faint pulse of the Orb's energy, a rhythm that matched his own heartbeat. The more he trained, the deeper the connection became.

Across the chamber, Rudra observed him with a satisfied nod. "You're improving quickly, but you're still far from ready."

Arjun opened his eyes. "Then let's keep going."

Rudra smirked. "Good spirit. But you might not have a choice."

Before Arjun could ask what he meant, a loud crack split the air. The chamber doors shuddered violently, as if struck by a great force.

Rudra's expression darkened. "They're here."

The Shadowed Intruders

Arjun shot to his feet. "Who's here?"

Rudra pulled a dagger from his belt. "Assassins. Someone's put a price on your head."

The doors burst open, revealing three figures in dark robes. Their faces were obscured by masks, and their movements were unnaturally smooth, like wraiths gliding through the air.

One of them stepped forward, his voice calm but chilling. "Hand over the Orb, and we'll make your death painless."

Arjun clenched his fists. "Not happening."

The assassin sighed. "So be it."

In an instant, they attacked.

A Battle in the Dark

The first assassin lunged at Arjun with twin daggers, their blades glistening with a dark liquid—poison. Arjun barely dodged, rolling to the side as the second assassin struck from behind.

Skill Activated: Combat Instincts (Level 3).

Arjun felt time slow as his reflexes heightened. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a slash aimed at his throat. Reacting on instinct, he kicked the attacker in the stomach, sending him staggering back.

Rudra, meanwhile, engaged the third assassin. Their blades clashed, sparks flying as their movements blurred in a deadly dance.

But the assassins were fast—too fast.

One of them managed to land a shallow cut on Arjun's arm. The wound burned instantly.

System Warning: Poison Detected!

Toxicity Level: Low

Auto-purification in Progress…

Arjun gritted his teeth. He couldn't afford to slow down. Summoning his energy, he activated his newest ability.

Skill Activated: Energy Perception.

Suddenly, the battlefield changed. The air shimmered with energy trails, revealing the flow of movement around him. He could see the assassins' next moves before they happened.

When the first assassin lunged again, Arjun was ready. He sidestepped smoothly and countered with a precise strike to the ribs, knocking the man off balance.

Rudra took advantage of the opening, driving his dagger into the attacker's shoulder. The assassin screamed and collapsed.

The remaining two hesitated.

"You're stronger than we expected," one of them admitted. "But you're still not leaving here alive."

Arjun's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that."

A Deadly Gambit

The assassins changed their strategy. One pulled out a small vial and shattered it on the ground. A thick, purple mist spread through the chamber.

"Don't breathe it in!" Rudra warned.

But it was too late. Arjun felt his limbs growing heavy, his vision blurring.

System Alert: Paralysis Mist Detected!

Status Effect: Movement Impaired (20%)

Countermeasure: Increased Stamina Consumption to Resist.

Arjun fought against the numbing sensation, forcing himself to move. He focused his energy, channeling it into his legs.

Skill Activated: Energy Surge (Level 2).

His body ignited with renewed strength. The paralysis faded slightly—just enough to move.

The assassins weren't expecting him to resist. Using their surprise to his advantage, Arjun launched himself forward, driving his knee into the nearest enemy's chest. The assassin crashed into the wall, unconscious.

The last remaining attacker hesitated.

Rudra didn't. With a swift motion, he hurled his dagger. The blade struck the assassin's mask, shattering it. The man fell to his knees, clutching his face.

The battle was over.

Unfinished Business

Arjun panted, his hands trembling from exhaustion. "Who sent you?" he demanded.

The conscious assassin chuckled weakly. "You think this ends with us? You have no idea what's coming."

His body tensed—and then, before Arjun could react, the assassin bit down on something hidden in his mouth. His body convulsed, and within seconds, he was dead.

Rudra cursed. "Poison pill. They were never meant to talk."

Arjun clenched his fists. "That means whoever sent them is powerful."

Rudra nodded. "And they won't stop until they get what they want."

Arjun exhaled sharply. He had survived tonight—but this was just the beginning. If he wanted to achieve his goal of making India the strongest nation, he would have to prepare for enemies far deadlier than mere assassins.