The Journey to Gulmira
Paramveer sat by the window of the economy-class flight, his forehead pressed against the cool glass as he stared out at the endless expanse of clouds below. The hum of the plane's engines was a constant backdrop to his thoughts, which were racing faster than the aircraft itself. The 16-hour flight from New York to Kabul had cost him $800—a significant chunk of his savings, but a necessary expense. He couldn't afford to waste time, and the cheapest flight had been the only option.
As the plane cruised at 35,000 feet, Paramveer's mind wandered to the Karma Seal on his hand. The intricate, rhombus patterns seemed to pulse faintly, a reminder of the immense power it granted him. He had only scratched the surface of its capabilities, but even at this early stage, the Karma Seal had already given him abilities that defied the laws of physics. He decided to take this time to reflect on what he knew about the seal and its powers.
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The Abilities of the Karma Seal
1. Sage Mode
Sage Mode was a state that allowed the user to absorb natural energy from their surroundings, blending it with their chakra to significantly enhance their physical and sensory abilities. In this state, the user's strength, speed, and durability increased exponentially, and they gained access to powerful techniques that required natural energy. Sage Mode also heightened the user's perception, allowing them to sense chakra and detect enemies from great distances. However, maintaining Sage Mode required immense focus and control, as an imbalance in natural energy could turn the user to stone.
2. Flying Ability
The Karma Seal granted Paramveer the ability to defy gravity and fly. This wasn't just simple levitation—it was true flight, allowing him to move freely through the air at incredible speeds. The ability was fueled by his chakra, and while it was incredibly useful for both travel and combat, it also drained his reserves quickly if used excessively.
3. Ninjutsu Absorption
One of the most versatile abilities of the Karma Seal was its capacity to absorb ninjutsu. This meant that any chakra-based attack or technique directed at Paramveer could be nullified and absorbed, adding the absorbed chakra to his own reserves. This ability made him nearly invulnerable to energy-based attacks and gave him a significant advantage in battles against other chakra users.
4. Space-Time Jutsu
The Karma Seal also granted Paramveer access to space-time ninjutsu, allowing him to manipulate the fabric of space and time. This included techniques like teleportation, dimensional travel, and even the creation of pocket dimensions. However, these abilities were incredibly advanced and required a deep understanding of space-time mechanics, something Paramveer was still far from mastering.
Paramveer sighed, running his fingers over the seal. These abilities were incredible, but they came with limitations. His chakra reserves, while substantial, were only at the level of a Jonin—a high-ranking ninja, but far from the godlike power of characters like Naruto or Sasuke. He would need to be careful not to overextend himself, especially in a high-stakes mission like the one he was about to undertake.
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Arrival in Kabul
The plane touched down in Kabul after what felt like an eternity. Paramveer stepped off the aircraft and was immediately hit by a wave of dry, scorching heat. The air was thick with dust, and the sun blazed down mercilessly. It was a stark contrast to the cool, crisp air of New York, and Paramveer quickly realized that his current outfit—a hoodie and jeans—was completely unsuitable for this climate.
He made his way through the bustling airport, his senses on high alert. Kabul was a city of contrasts, with modern buildings standing alongside ancient ruins, and the streets teemed with life. Paramveer flagged down a taxi and asked the driver to take him to a local market where he could buy more appropriate clothing.
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Shopping and Exploration
The market was a vibrant, chaotic place, filled with the sounds of haggling vendors and the smells of spices and grilled meat. Paramveer navigated the narrow alleys, eventually finding a shop that sold lightweight, breathable clothing. He picked out a few loose-fitting shirts and pants made from cotton, as well as a traditional Afghan scarf to protect his head from the sun.
After changing into his new clothes, Paramveer decided to explore the market further. He sampled some local dishes, savoring the rich flavors of kebabs, naan bread, and a spicy stew called qorma. The food was delicious, but more importantly, it gave him a chance to blend in and gather information.
He struck up a conversation with a friendly shopkeeper, casually mentioning that he was a traveler interested in visiting smaller villages. The shopkeeper recommended Gulmira, describing it as a quiet, remote village with a rich history. Paramveer nodded, feigning interest, but his mind was already racing. Gulmira was his destination, and he was one step closer to finding Tony Stark.
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The Journey to Gulmira
Paramveer boarded a local bus bound for Gulmira early the next morning. The vehicle was old and rickety, with seats that creaked with every bump in the road. The journey took five grueling hours, during which Paramveer had plenty of time to observe his fellow passengers. Most were locals—farmers, merchants, and families—who seemed accustomed to the long, uncomfortable ride.
As the bus approached Gulmira, the landscape changed dramatically. The lush greenery of Kabul gave way to arid, rocky terrain, and the village itself was a stark contrast to the bustling city. Gulmira was small and impoverished, with crumbling buildings and dirt roads. The people here lived simple, hard lives, and it was clear that they had been largely forgotten by the outside world.
Paramveer stepped off the bus, his bag slung over his shoulder, and took in his surroundings. The village was eerily quiet, with only a few children playing in the distance and a handful of elderly men sitting in the shade. He knew he stood out like a sore thumb—a foreigner in a place where outsiders were rare.
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The Hotel and the Trap
Paramveer found a small, rundown hotel on the edge of the village. The owner, an elderly man with a weathered face, eyed him suspiciously but agreed to rent him a room for the night. The room was sparse, with a single bed, a rickety chair, and a cracked mirror on the wall. Paramveer didn't mind; he just needed a place to rest and plan his next move.
As night fell, Paramveer lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Ten Rings took notice of him. A foreigner in Gulmira was bound to attract attention, and he was counting on it. He had let himself be seen, let the rumors spread, and now he waited.
Sure enough, just past midnight, he heard the sound of footsteps outside his door. The door burst open, and several armed men rushed in, their faces covered by scarves. Paramveer didn't resist as they grabbed him, tied his hands, and covered his eyes with a blindfold. He let them lead him out of the hotel and into a waiting vehicle.
As the car sped away into the night, Paramveer allowed himself a small smile. The trap had been set, and he had walked right into it. But he wasn't the prey—he was the predator.