Chapter 10: The Phantom’s Warning

The warehouse was silent except for their ragged breathing. The adrenaline from the escape still coursed through Aryan's veins, but his mind wasn't on the gunfire or the explosion.

It was on The Phantom.

A man who moved like him, thought like him—was him.

And he had made a promise.

"I'll take away what you care about most."

Aryan glanced at Renu. Was this what The Phantom meant?

She caught his gaze, her brows furrowing. "You're thinking too much again."

Aryan let out a slow breath. "We need answers, Renu. Now."

She nodded. "Then we start with The Assembly."

They had spent weeks chasing dead ends, but now? They had something real. The Phantom wasn't just a myth. He was connected to The Assembly, and that meant—

They could find him.

And when they did, Aryan would make him talk.

A Secret Meeting

Renu worked fast, hacking into old Assembly records, looking for anything that could tie The Phantom to a real location.

"Got something," she said after an hour.

Aryan leaned over her shoulder, scanning the screen. A name stood out. Dr. Veer Kapoor.

"Who is he?" Aryan asked.

"A scientist. Former Assembly operative. Went underground five years ago," Renu said. "If anyone knows what The Assembly did to you, it's him."

Aryan's jaw tightened. "Where is he?"

Renu smirked. "He thinks he's hiding. He's not."

A Step Closer to the Truth

Dr. Kapoor's hideout was an old pharmaceutical warehouse on the city outskirts. No security. Too easy.

Aryan and Renu moved in silently. The door creaked as they entered, dust swirling in the dim light.

And then—a gun clicked.

"I wouldn't take another step if I were you," a voice said.

Aryan turned slowly. Dr. Veer Kapoor. Older, thinner, but his eyes were sharp with recognition.

He knew who Aryan was.

"Doctor," Aryan said, keeping his voice even. "We need to talk."

Dr. Kapoor chuckled darkly. "You should've stayed dead."

Aryan froze.

Renu raised her gun. "What do you mean?"

Kapoor smirked. "You're asking the wrong question." He turned to Aryan. "The real question is—why did they bring you back?"

The Phantom's Warning

Before Aryan could react, a phone rang.

Dr. Kapoor pulled a small burner phone from his pocket. He held it up, eyes locking onto Aryan's.

Aryan's stomach twisted. He already knew who it was.

Kapoor hit the speaker button.

A familiar, cold voice filled the room.

"You never should have come here, Aryan."

The Phantom.

Aryan's fists clenched. "Where are you?"

A soft chuckle. "Closer than you think."

Aryan's grip on his gun tightened. "Why are you doing this?"

Silence. Then—laughter.

"I told you, detective," The Phantom said. "You were never meant to know the truth."

A pause. Then—gunfire.

Dr. Kapoor's eyes widened as a red hole blossomed in his forehead.

A sniper.

Aryan lunged, tackling Renu to the ground as another shot rang out. Kapoor was dead.

And The Phantom had just sent a message.

There was no turning back.

End of Chapter 10