Chapter 19: A New Beginning in Mumbai

Chapter 19: A New Beginning in Mumbai

Journey to Mumbai

After settling all my transactions in the Border City, I finally embarked on my journey to Mumbai. The thought of returning home after this dangerous but rewarding adventure filled me with excitement. I boarded a high-speed hover train, the safest and fastest way to travel between cities. The train glided effortlessly over the electromagnetic tracks, reaching speeds that made the landscape outside blur into streaks of green and brown.

Mumbai was a sprawling megacity, a beacon of human resilience and technology, standing tall amidst the dangers of the post-Cataclysm world. As the train approached the city limits, towering skyscrapers, illuminated highways, and holographic billboards came into view. The sight of home filled me with a rare sense of peace.

Reunion with Family

The moment I stepped into my family estate, my mother, Meera Verma, rushed toward me, her warm embrace erasing the exhaustion from my body.

"Veer! You were gone for so long!" she said, her voice filled with relief and reprimand. "I was so worried!"

"I'm fine, Ma," I reassured her, smiling. "I just needed to test my limits."

Before she could scold me further, my little sister, Riya, ran up to me, her tiny arms wrapping around my leg. "Bhaiyaa!" she squealed happily.

I picked her up and spun her around, laughing. "Did you miss me, princess?"

She nodded vigorously. "Lots!"

A deep chuckle interrupted our moment. My father, Arjun Verma, stood nearby, arms crossed, his piercing gaze scanning me from head to toe. Even though he was no longer in his prime, his aura was still overwhelming.

"You've changed," he noted. "You're stronger."

I nodded. "I awakened my mental power, Dad."

For the first time in a long while, his expression showed a flicker of surprise. Then, it shifted to something else—pride.

Telling His Father About His Awakening

"You awakened your mental power?" my father repeated, his brows raising in approval. "That's a rare gift, Veer. Few are chosen for this path."

I explained everything—the moment of awakening, my battles in the wilderness, and how I had rapidly improved. He listened attentively, nodding occasionally, his eyes gleaming with understanding.

After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice firm yet encouraging. "If you've awakened your mental power, then you must join the Mumbai Academy of Fighters (B.A.F.)."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Because Mental Warriors are incredibly valued," he said. "With your talent, they will invest immense resources into your growth. Your potential is boundless, Veer. You must seize every opportunity."

I considered his words. It made sense. The academy would provide me with training, equipment, and perhaps even mentors to accelerate my progress.

"I'll think about it," I said.

"Don't think too long," my father warned. "The world moves fast, and so must you."

Exploring Mumbai

The next day, I decided to take a stroll through the city, reacquainting myself with its vibrant life. Holographic advertisements flickered above, showcasing new weaponry, combat techniques, and genetic enhancers. Warriors in combat gear walked the streets, discussing missions and beast-hunting expeditions.

The air was filled with the sounds of traders shouting prices, hover cars zooming past, and the distant echoes of training battles from the numerous dojos scattered throughout the city.

I stopped by a genetic research facility and observed the latest advancements in beast core refinement. If I could integrate better techniques, my future hunts would become even more efficient.

Meeting Siya Sharma

Just as I was about to head home, I sensed a familiar presence behind me.

"Veer!"

I turned to see Siya Sharma, my childhood friend, standing there with a playful smirk. She looked the same yet different—her confidence had grown, and her aura was more refined.

"Back from playing in the wild, are you?" she teased.

I chuckled. "Something like that. How've you been?"

She crossed her arms. "Busy training. Unlike someone, I don't get to go on solo beast-hunting adventures."

We spent some time catching up, laughing and teasing each other. It was a reminder that despite everything changing, some things remained constant.

Playing with Riya

When I returned home, Riya dragged me to the backyard, insisting that I play with her. We ran around, chasing each other, and I let her "defeat" me in a mock battle, much to her delight.

Mom watched from the veranda, smiling. Even my father seemed more relaxed, his usual stern expression softening.

For the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.

Evaluating New Equipment & Setting a New Goal

Later that night, I sat in my training room, examining my seven new Level 3 flying knives. Their craftsmanship was impeccable, each blade honed to deadly perfection. With my enhanced mental power, I could control them with terrifying precision.

I clenched my fists, determination burning within me.

I had come far, but this was just the beginning.

I needed to grow stronger.

My next goal?

To reach the Titan Stage and become one of the most powerful warriors in the world.

With my system, my talent, and my determination, I would surpass every limit.

The journey had only just begun.

END OF THE CHAPTER....