saga_of_vish_x

In a world where power is built on shadows and secrets, the ultimate throne is not just a seat of authority—it is the key to controlling everything. Hidden from history, this throne has silently dictated wars, economies, and the fate of empires. Now, the race to claim it has begun.

A man with a past buried in blood and deception, finds himself entangled in a deadly game of loyalty and betrayal. What starts as a mission for vengeance turns into a battle for supremacy, as he navigates a labyrinth of powerful adversaries—each willing to kill for a place at the top. With enemies lurking in the dark and allies who may not be what they seem, that man must decide: will he manipulate the game or become a pawn in it?

But power never comes without a price. Every step he takes brings him closer to the throne—yet further from his soul. And in this battle, only one rule remains: Win or be erased from history.

Race for the secret throne

AK sat in the ship's office, scanning through the cargo planner's final plan, ensuring everything was in order for the upcoming departure. His mind, however, was still lingering on the events of the past few hours—Anish's shaky behavior, the hidden provisions in the galley, and the creeping feeling that something bigger was at play aboard Levi Wisdom.

A sudden knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see a young officer standing at the entrance.

AK glanced up, maintaining his composed demeanor. "Come in."

The officer stepped forward, straight-backed and formal. "Sir, I'm Fourth Engineer Ananth Siva Kumar."

AK already knew who he was. Before stepping aboard Levi Wisdom, he had memorized the crew list, studying each name and rank. But he played along. "Alright, how can I call you? By your name or just 'Fourth'?"

AK nodded. "Alright, Fourth. What brings you here?"

Ananth held up a clipboard. "Second Officer asked me to submit the noon report for ROB in the ship office, so I came here. Is he around?"

"No, he's at the gangway," AK replied, eyeing the clipboard as Ananth placed it on the table. But just before setting it down, the engineer discreetly slipped a single paper from beneath it, tucking it away into his pocket. The movement was subtle, but AK's trained eyes didn't miss a thing.

His curiosity piqued. Why remove a document before submitting an official report?

Keeping his tone light, AK smirked. "What's that? A love letter for the Second Officer?"

Ananth chuckled, shaking his head. "No, sir. It's my salary slip. I had kept it inside the pad for safety."

AK leaned back, extending his hand. "Let me see."

Ananth hesitated for a second before handing over the folded slip. AK unfolded it and pretended to examine it, though he was more interested in Ananth's reaction than the numbers on the paper.

"Not bad," AK mused. "You're rich, Fourth."

Ananth laughed sarcastically. "Not as rich as you, sir."

AK chuckled, handing the slip back. "Alright, carry on. We'll catch up later."

As Ananth exited the office, AK's smile faded. His instincts were now fully awake. Was it really just a salary slip, or was something else hidden in that document? He had learned over the years that even the smallest, most innocent-looking details could be the key to unraveling a much larger secret.

And on Levi Wisdom, every little whisper mattered.

Chapter 10: Whispers in the Engine Room