Chapter 3: The Coming of Help

When Purushottampuri was attacked by the Beasts, the local guards, skilled hunters, and magic users bravely faced the onslaught, managing to save many lives. However, the attack was on such a massive scale that even their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide. The situation grew increasingly dire with each passing moment. The head of Purushottampuri's security team quickly contacted the capital, pleading for backup. The response was swift. Within minutes, the capital organized a team of their finest warriors—a group of six highly skilled individuals—who would lead a force of 200 soldiers. However, to transport such a large contingent, a large portal needed to be activated. This process would take roughly an hour and a half to complete. Until then, the people of Purushottampuri had no choice but to fend for themselves. Meanwhile, Navin, a man known for his unshakable composure and unmatched skill with a sword, was sitting in a quiet corner, nursing a drink. Though not a habitual drinker, Navin occasionally indulged to alleviate the stress of his demanding responsibilities. A former marshal of Purushottampuri's security team, Navin was a close friend of Aamir's father, Karn, and a prominent member of the Hunter's Guild. Navin's thoughts often drifted to the past. He had been present during the mission that had claimed Karn's life. On that fateful day, Karn had entrusted Navin with a sacred vow: "As long as my son is not strong enough to protect himself and his family, I leave that responsibility to you." Navin had taken that promise to heart. Even after his promotion to Lord Commander and subsequent relocation to the capital, he never wavered in his commitment. He continued to oversee Aamir's well-being, teaching him the art of swordsmanship and ensuring his safety. At that moment, as Navin sipped his drink, his phone buzzed with an urgent message. It was an alert about the Beast attack on Purushottampuri. The message instructed him to assemble with six other hunters and prepare for immediate deployment. Two hundred soldiers would accompany them. Navin rose from his seat, his cloak swirling around him as he moved with purpose. Despite his age, his agility and speed were remarkable. He reached the Hunter's Guild in record time, covering a distance that would have taken most people twice as long. At the Guild, Navin met his six companions. Among them were two women, each striking in her own way. One had long, snow-white hair and skin as pale as moonlight. Her cold, imposing aura made her seem untouchable, a perception further reinforced by her reputation as a swordsmanship instructor at the prestigious Nalanda University of Wizardry and Warfare. The other woman, a skilled magic user, had an air of quiet confidence that belied her lethal capabilities. The four men accompanying them were equally formidable. One was a master of hand-to-hand combat, his movements so precise that he could disarm an opponent in seconds. Another was a magic user whose spells were said to be as unpredictable as they were devastating. The remaining two were expert swordsmen, their skills honed through countless battles. "Ah, Navin, good to see you've arrived," said the Guild Master, an elderly man whose frail appearance was deceptive. His sharp eyes and commanding presence made it clear he was not to be underestimated. Navin turned to the white-haired woman and asked, "Did they summon you too?" "It seems the situation in Purushottampuri is worse than we anticipated," she replied, her voice as cold as her demeanor. Navin nodded, his expression grim. "We need to get there as quickly as possible. How much longer until the portal is ready?" The Guild Master glanced at the large portal behind him. "Just a little while longer," he said. "Everyone, prepare yourselves." A short while later, the group stood before the massive portal. Of the many portals in the Guild, only eight were currently active. Seven were small, capable of transporting only a handful of individuals at a time. The eighth, however, was large enough to send 500 people in a single wave. Coordinates had already been set to transport them directly to the heart of Purushottampuri. Meanwhile, in Purushottampuri, chaos reigned. Aamir lay unconscious on the ground, his body battered and bruised. Riya, despite her own injuries, had encircled them with a ring of fire, using the last of her magic to create a barrier against the advancing Beasts. The guards stood around them, their weapons drawn, but their attention divided between aiding the wounded and containing the threat posed by the boy whose power had caused even the Specter-class Beasts to retreat. "Why aren't you helping the injured instead of standing here, guarding these children?" Riya demanded, her voice shaking with exhaustion. One of the guards hesitated before replying, "Other guards are assisting the wounded. But this boy... his aura is unlike anything we've seen. It's both terrifying and... unnatural." Before the guard could say more, a sudden gust of wind announced the arrival of Navin. His black cloak billowed behind him as he appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his presence commanding instant respect. "Wasn't this place under attack by the Beasts?" Navin asked, his voice calm but laced with authority. "Then why are you standing here instead of fighting them?" One of the guards, recognizing him, straightened immediately. "Commander Navin!" he exclaimed, saluting sharply. At the mention of Navin's name, all the guards snapped to attention. "Report," Navin ordered. "Sir, something strange happened," the guard began. "The Beasts, even the Specter-class ones, suddenly began retreating. We don't know why." Navin's sharp eyes fell on Aamir and Riya. "And these two?" The guard hesitated. "The boy... he defeated a Specter-class Beast singlehandedly. But his aura—it's even more dangerous than the Beasts themselves. That's why we were hesitant to approach." Navin's expression hardened. "Instead of treating their injuries, you're standing around gawking? Do you not understand what this boy has accomplished? He collapsed because of the toll his power took on him, and you think standing here will solve anything?" The guards shuffled nervously but made no move to leave. Navin's sharp gaze silenced any further protests. "I'll take responsibility for them," he declared. "Now, go and assist the others." Reluctantly, the guards dispersed. As they did, Riya's strength finally gave out. She collapsed, her body unable to endure the strain any longer. Navin caught her effortlessly, his expression softening as he steadied her. "You did well, little one," he said gently. "You've shown remarkable courage." His gaze shifted to Aamir. There's something extraordinary within you, something powerful and dangerous. If you can learn to control it... you'll surpass us all. But for now, you're just a boy in need of protection. "I will protect you, kid," Navin murmured, his voice barely audible. It was both a promise and a vow.