"Countless salutations to the Queen of the Demi-Gods, the great Neerja Devi… from the Serpent Messenger of Nagalok!"
The strange man who had arrived with Ambu bowed deeply the moment he stood before her, his voice filled with respect.
For a few seconds, Neerja Devi didn't reply.
She simply… observed him.
Carefully.
The man standing before her was unlike anything one would normally see. He wore a deep green dhoti, its edges lined with fine golden embroidery. The fabric itself seemed alive—patterns of black and green dots ran across it, forming shapes that resembled slithering serpents.
On both his arms were heavy golden bangles, each engraved with intricate serpent figures. His entire body was covered with strange markings—designs of black and green snakes curling across his skin like they belonged there.
His skin was pale… unnaturally pale, as if he had come from a land of eternal frost.
On his forehead, a glowing green gem shimmered faintly.
And his eyes…
They weren't human.
They were crystal-like… sharp, glowing green… just like a serpent's.
Neerja Devi looked at him with quiet astonishment, taking in every detail of his eerie presence. But then, suddenly, she realized—
He was still bowing.
Without wasting another second, she smiled warmly and said,
"Welcome to Badallok… O mighty and valiant Serpent Messenger of Nagalok. It truly surprises us… that after so many centuries, Nagalok has remembered Badallok."
The Serpent Messenger slowly rose from his bow, a faint smile on his lips.
"Your Majesty… you already know that Badallok and Nagalok exist in different realms of Earth. And also… that without an important reason, beings of our worlds do not meet."
His tone shifted.
It grew heavier.
More serious.
"But today… I have come here on behalf of the Serpent King… to inform you of a grave matter."
The moment those words left his mouth… Neerja Devi's expression changed.
She knew.
Creatures of Nagalok were powerful… disciplined. They would never leave their realm without a serious cause.
And by the look on his face…
This wasn't just serious.
This was dangerous.
Yet, maintaining her composure, she gestured gracefully and said,
"Of course, Serpent Messenger. Please… come, take your seat. And yes—this is our special assistant minister… the ruler of the Mouse Clan… and an exceptionally clever mind—Mr. Ambu. I believe you've already met him."
As she introduced Ambu, the Serpent Messenger turned toward him. The moment he heard Mouse Clan, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He immediately bowed again, respectfully.
"My respects… my respects, King Ambu. I must apologize for not greeting you earlier. I have heard that though small in size, the Mouse Clan is unmatched in intelligence, agility… and the creation of extraordinary inventions."
He smiled slightly.
"I had only heard stories about your kind… but today, seeing you with my own eyes… I feel honored."
The moment Ambu heard this, his tiny chest puffed up with pride. Straightening himself, he replied in a firm, slightly dramatic tone,
"My greetings to you as well, mighty Serpent Messenger! We too have heard many tales of the powerful and deadly serpents of Nagalok. And now, after seeing you… I am certain every single one of those stories is true!"
A brief moment of mutual respect passed between them.
Then the three of them—Neerja Devi, Ambu, and the Serpent Messenger—took their seats around a beautifully crafted table inside the garden pavilion.
As they settled in, Neerja Devi smiled and asked,
"Tell me, Serpent Messenger… what would you like to drink?"
But before he could answer, Ambu suddenly jumped in, almost excited,
"Your Majesty, mango nectar will be perfect for me!"
For a moment—
Neerja Devi and the Serpent Messenger both smiled at his enthusiasm.
Then, with a faint and polite smile, the Serpent Messenger said,
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty… but I don't require anything."
The moment he said that—
Neerja Devi gently clapped her hands twice.
Clap… clap.
And instantly—
Glasses filled with rich mango nectar and sweet flower-based drinks appeared on the table out of thin air.
Both Ambu and the Serpent Messenger stared at them… surprised.
Seeing their reaction, Neerja Devi smiled softly.
"My apologies, Serpent Messenger… but in our kingdom, we never let a guest leave empty-handed. Please… have a drink, and tell us the reason for your visit."
The Serpent Messenger glanced at the glass in front of him.
Slowly… it began filling on its own with a glowing, sweet liquid.
He picked it up.
His face turned serious again.
"Neerja Devi… as you already know… no being from Nagalok can come here without a significant purpose."
He paused.
His eyes darkened slightly.
"I believe… the world has been changing lately. And along with it… certain events have started taking place… events that, according to the Serpent King… are dangerous."
Neerja Devi frowned slightly, confusion in her eyes.
"I'm sorry… I don't quite understand. What kind of dangerous events are you referring to?"
The Serpent Messenger leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping lower.
"As you know… Nagalok exists deep within the womb of Mother Earth… while Badallok resides above. And nearby… lie the realms of Paatallok… Nagalok… and Rakshaslok… all close to one another."
His grip on the glass tightened.
"For centuries… Paatallok remained silent… dormant."
A pause.
A heavy one.
"But recently…"
His voice almost turned into a whisper.
"Paatallok… has awakened."
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Neerja Devi's hand trembled—
The glass slipped from her fingers… and shattered on the ground.
Her eyes widened in pure shock.
Because if Paatallok had truly awakened…
Then something far worse than war…
…was coming.