The massive gates of Ujjaini towered above the road like the entrance to a different world.
Two enormous wooden doors reinforced with iron plates stood open, allowing travelers and merchants to enter the city. On either side of the gate, tall stone watchtowers rose into the early morning sky.
Torches burned along the walls while guards wearing bronze armor observed the incoming crowd carefully.
Arivaan slowed his steps slightly as he approached the entrance.
The closer they got to the gate, the louder the noise of the city became.
Merchants shouted while guiding their ox carts forward.
Travelers argued with the guards about taxes and entry permits.
Farmers carried baskets of vegetables toward the market district.
It was the normal rhythm of a waking city.
Yet for Arivaan, every step forward carried a quiet tension.
Behind him walked Devika Agnivarna, one of the most famous Rakshak warriors in Aryavarta.
Even with the cloak covering her appearance, the risk of being recognized was very real.
Arivaan glanced sideways.
Devika's expression remained cold and composed.
But he could see the tension in her shoulders.
"You're nervous," he said quietly.
Devika didn't look at him.
"I'm wondering how long it will take before someone recognizes me."
Arivaan chuckled.
"Hopefully longer than the next five minutes."
Devika's eyes briefly flashed with irritation.
"You're treating this like a game."
Arivaan shrugged.
"If I panic, we get caught faster."
They moved forward with the flow of travelers.
Two guards stood near the gate inspecting people as they passed.
Most were waved through after a quick glance.
But occasionally a merchant or traveler was stopped for questioning.
One guard stepped forward and raised his hand toward Arivaan.
"You there."
Arivaan stopped immediately.
Devika halted beside him.
The guard looked them both over carefully.
He was a tall man with a thick beard and a serious expression.
"Where are you coming from?"
Arivaan gave a small bow.
"From the northern villages, sir."
The guard frowned slightly.
"You're traveling early."
"We're looking for work in the city."
The guard's eyes moved toward Devika.
"Your companion seems quiet."
Devika remained silent.
Arivaan answered quickly.
"She doesn't speak much."
The guard studied them for another moment.
Then he stepped aside.
"Very well. Move along."
Arivaan nodded politely.
"Thank you."
He continued walking without hesitation.
Devika followed him through the gate.
Once they were several streets away from the entrance, Arivaan finally exhaled.
"Well."
Devika looked at him.
"Well what?"
"That went smoother than expected."
Devika glanced back toward the city gate.
"You were lucky."
"Luck seems to like me lately."
They now stood inside the main road leading into Ujjaini's outer district.
The city stretched outward in a maze of stone streets, markets, temples, and houses.
Morning had fully arrived now.
The sun slowly climbed above the horizon, bathing the rooftops in golden light.
Merchants opened their stalls along the main street.
Children ran through the alleys chasing each other.
The smell of freshly baked bread drifted through the air.
For Arivaan, the city looked almost overwhelming.
He had visited Ujjaini before during missions for the Kaal-Chhaya Sangh, but always briefly and under strict instructions.
This was the first time he had entered freely.
Devika observed the crowds carefully.
"This is reckless," she said quietly.
Arivaan raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"The Rakshak Sabha headquarters is only a few districts away."
"That's convenient."
Devika stared at him.
"You're joking."
Arivaan smiled.
"Relax."
"I'm not planning to walk into their headquarters."
Devika folded her arms under the cloak.
"Then what exactly are you planning?"
Arivaan looked around the busy street.
For a moment he simply observed the city.
Then he spoke calmly.
"I need information."
Devika frowned.
"About what?"
"About this power."
He tapped his temple.
"The jewel that shattered last night."
"That wasn't a normal artifact."
Devika remained silent.
Arivaan continued.
"If it came from ancient sources, someone in a city like this might know something about it."
"Scholars, traders, collectors…"
He gestured toward the marketplace.
"A city this large has everything."
Devika shook her head.
"You're wasting time."
Arivaan looked at her curiously.
"Why do you say that?"
Devika's voice became serious.
"Because if the Rakshak Sabha discovers what you can do…"
"…they will send people far stronger than me."
Arivaan smiled slightly.
"That's exactly why I want to understand it first."
He turned toward a nearby street leading deeper into the city.
"Come on."
Devika didn't move immediately.
Arivaan sighed.
"Oh right."
He focused on the floating panel again.
Command: Follow
Devika's body obeyed.
She stepped forward reluctantly and followed him into the busy streets of Ujjaini.
The deeper they walked into the city, the more crowded the roads became.
Colorful market stalls lined both sides of the street.
Spices, fabrics, jewelry, and weapons were displayed everywhere.
The city felt alive with movement.
Arivaan's eyes moved constantly.
He was observing everything.
Learning.
Planning.
Devika watched him carefully.
"You're thinking about something."
"Always."
"What is it this time?"
Arivaan glanced at the floating panel again.
The number had increased slightly during their walk through the city.
Assimilation: 33%
His smile returned.
"I'm thinking…"
"…that this power might change the entire balance between heroes and villains."
Devika's eyes narrowed.
"That's dangerous thinking."
Arivaan shrugged.
"Maybe."
He looked toward the distant central district where the towers of the Rakshak Sabha rose above the city skyline.
"But for now…"
"…I just need to learn how to use it."
And somewhere deep inside his mind, the strange power continued growing.