Returning Home for Dinner

[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 10:30 PM | Location: Ashvattha Guild City – Teleportation Hub]

The cool night breeze brushed against Ankush's face as he and Soymojit walked through the wide stone streets of the guild city. The glowing mana lamps cast a soft golden hue, flickering gently in the night. The stars above stretched endlessly across the sky, unobstructed by city lights, making the entire scene feel like something out of a dream.

Despite the breathtaking view, Soymojit was exhausted. He rubbed his temples, glancing at his friend with a mix of admiration and pure frustration.

"Bro, do you even know what the word 'rest' means?" he asked, his voice laced with resignation.

Ankush chuckled, stretching his arms. "You tell me, Soymo. You think we would've achieved half of this if we just sat around?"

Soymojit groaned. "I swear, if I get white hair from all this stress before I'm twenty-five, I'm blaming you."

Ankush smirked but didn't respond. His eyes were already fixed on the teleportation hub ahead—one of the key landmarks of the guild city.

---

[Teleportation Hub – Ashvattha Guild City]

Normally, teleportation hubs allowed guild members to travel instantly between their designated locations, but this was the first time Ankush had actually linked the other end of the teleportation system to his own home.

A glowing rune circle at the center of the hub flickered to life as Ankush activated the sequence. Within seconds, a pulsating blue portal formed in front of them, its edges humming softly with spatial magic.

Soymojit looked at it with a deadpan expression. "So, we're just gonna walk through this thing like it's another Tuesday, huh?"

Ankush shrugged. "Pretty much."

With that, they stepped forward—and in an instant, the world around them shifted.

---

[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 10:35 PM | Location: Ankush's House, Jadavpur – Garden]

A gentle breeze greeted them as they materialized inside the well-maintained garden of Ankush's family home. The air was rich with the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers, and the sound of distant city traffic hummed faintly in the background.

Soymojit stumbled slightly, regaining his balance before glancing around. "Wait. This is… your garden?"

Ankush nodded, looking around at the small space. The teleportation exit had materialized near the backyard lotus pond, right behind a dense patch of tulsi plants.

Soymojit exhaled. "I don't know whether this is genius or just straight-up insane. You can literally walk out of your house and into another world."

Ankush grinned. "Convenience is key, Soymo."

Before Soymojit could say anything else, they both heard the sound of the front door opening.

---

[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 10:50 PM | Location: Ankush's Home, Jadavpur, Kolkata]

The warm glow of interior lights shone through the windows, casting comforting shadows across the walls.

Just as Ankush stepped forward, the front door swung open.

His mother, Monika Halder, stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, eyes narrowing.

"You're late."

Soymojit immediately froze in place. "Uh… I think I left something at the guild. I should go—"

Ankush grabbed his collar before he could bolt. "Not happening, Soymo."

His mother sighed but then gave him a soft smile. "I was worried, but I knew you'd keep your promise."

Ankush grinned. "Of course, Ma. No matter what happens, I'll always come home for dinner."

His father, Ramesh Halder, appeared behind her, shaking his head. "I don't know whether to be proud or terrified. You've been making quite the headlines, son."

Ankush scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… about that."

Monika shook her head. "No 'yeah about that.' First, you both sit down and eat. Then, you can explain whatever trouble you've managed to stir up this time."

Ankush chuckled. "Fair enough."

Soymojit, now feeling much safer, sighed in relief. "Aunty, please tell me there's mutton curry tonight."

Monika raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

Soymojit grinned. "I knew I liked this family for a reason."

---

[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 11:15 PM | Location: Dining Room]

The dining room was filled with laughter and warmth. Plates of steaming rice, dal, fried vegetables, and rich, aromatic mutton curry covered the table.

Soymojit wasted no time digging in, groaning in pure bliss as he took his first bite. "I swear, Aunty, if I ever have to choose between life and your cooking, I'm choosing the food."

Monika chuckled. "Well, I'm glad someone appreciates my cooking." She shot a playful glance at Ankush, who was quietly eating with a small smile.

Ramesh cleared his throat. "Alright, son. Now that your friend has been sufficiently bribed with food, let's talk. What's your next plan?"

Ankush wiped his mouth and leaned back. "Tomorrow, I'm going back into the jungle."

Monika stiffened. "Already?"

Ramesh frowned. "Didn't you just come back?"

Soymojit immediately raised a hand. "For the record, I also think this is insane."

Ankush sighed. "I don't have a choice. There are things I need to obtain. Materials for something much bigger."

His parents exchanged glances, both knowing that stopping him wasn't an option.

Monika sighed. "At least promise me you won't take unnecessary risks."

Ankush smiled reassuringly. "I promise, Ma."

His mother nodded, though her eyes still held a trace of worry.

Ramesh leaned forward. "And what about the guild? You've built something revolutionary, Ankush. Are you prepared for the consequences?"

Ankush met his father's gaze with determined eyes. "Yes. And that's why I need to keep pushing forward. If I hesitate, others will catch up. This guild… this city… it has to be more than just a safe zone. It has to be a beacon of change."

Silence settled over the room.

Then, Ramesh nodded. "Then make sure you do it right."

Ankush smiled. "I will."

Soymojit groaned. "Great. So while normal people are sleeping, I get to go on another insane adventure tomorrow."

Monika laughed. "You should stay over, Soymojit. You'll need the energy for whatever madness Ankush has planned."

Soymojit brightened. "Aunty, I thought you'd never ask!"

Ankush rolled his eyes but smiled. "Alright, alright. Let's all get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

As they finished the meal, Ankush felt a sense of calmness wash over him.

No matter how powerful he became—this place, this home, would always be his anchor.

Tomorrow, the world awaited.

But tonight—

He was home.