The sun had begun its slow descent toward the western horizon, casting long shadows across the rooftops of Ujjaini.
From the highest tower of the Rakshak Sabha headquarters, the entire city could be seen clearly.
Markets buzzed with activity.
Caravans entered and exited through the massive city gates.
Smoke rose from countless cooking fires as evening preparations began.
To the ordinary citizens, it was just another peaceful day.
But inside the tall marble halls of the Rakshak headquarters, the atmosphere was far from calm.
A group of armored warriors stood gathered around a long wooden table covered with maps.
At the head of the table stood a tall man wearing silver armor.
His presence alone commanded attention.
His name was Rudra Sen.
Among the Rakshak warriors of Aryavarta, Rudra Sen was known as one of the most skilled hunters in the organization.
Wherever dangerous criminals appeared, Rudra Sen was usually the one sent to track them down.
And today, his mission was simple.
Find the truth behind the destruction of the Kaal-Chhaya Sangh.
A young Rakshak officer spoke nervously.
"Reports confirm that the fortress was completely destroyed."
Rudra Sen nodded slowly.
"And the bodies?"
"Most of the villains were burned or crushed during the collapse."
The officer hesitated before continuing.
"But several bodies are missing."
Rudra Sen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"How many?"
"Six."
Another Rakshak warrior added quietly.
"However, the most concerning detail is something else."
Rudra Sen looked toward him.
"Speak."
The warrior placed a scroll on the table.
"This mission was originally assigned to Devika Agnivarna."
The room grew silent.
Rudra Sen picked up the scroll and read the report carefully.
"Devika entered the fortress alone," he said.
"Yes."
"And she never returned."
The officer nodded.
"We searched the entire area."
"No body."
"No trace."
Rudra Sen placed the scroll down slowly.
That detail bothered him.
Devika Agnivarna was not an ordinary warrior.
She was one of the most disciplined fighters in the Rakshak Sabha.
If she had survived the battle, she would have returned immediately to report.
Unless something had prevented her.
Rudra Sen turned toward the window overlooking the city.
"What about witnesses?"
The officer answered quickly.
"Several travelers reported seeing unusual movements near the northern forest last night."
"Suspicious individuals entering the city this morning."
Rudra Sen crossed his arms.
"So the survivors fled to Ujjaini."
"Possibly."
Rudra Sen's expression hardened slightly.
"Then they're already inside the city."
The room fell silent again.
The Rakshak warriors understood what that meant.
Hunting criminals inside a crowded city was far more complicated than fighting them on open ground.
Civilians could easily get caught in the conflict.
Which meant the hunters had to be careful.
Rudra Sen turned back toward the table.
"Deploy search teams."
"Yes, sir."
"Focus on inns, marketplaces, and the outer districts."
The officers nodded and quickly left the room to carry out the orders.
Soon only one warrior remained.
A young Rakshak woman with long dark hair.
She stepped forward carefully.
"Sir… may I ask something?"
Rudra Sen glanced at her.
"Speak."
"If Devika Agnivarna truly disappeared during the mission…"
"…what do you think happened?"
Rudra Sen remained silent for several seconds.
Then he spoke quietly.
"There are three possibilities."
The young warrior listened carefully.
"First," Rudra Sen said, "she died during the battle."
"But we found no body."
"Correct."
"Second possibility?"
"She was captured."
The young warrior frowned.
"Captured?"
"Yes."
"But the Kaal-Chhaya Sangh was destroyed."
"Which is why the third possibility concerns me."
The young warrior's expression grew serious.
"What is it?"
Rudra Sen looked out toward the city again.
"That something unexpected happened inside that fortress."
The wind moved gently through the open window.
Far below, the people of Ujjaini continued their daily lives.
Unaware that a dangerous hunt had begun.
Rudra Sen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Devika Agnivarna does not disappear easily."
"So if she hasn't returned…"
"…someone powerful is responsible."
Meanwhile, several districts away in a quiet street near the marketplace—
Arivaan walked calmly beside Devika.
Neither of them knew that a new hunter had just arrived in the city.
But the game had already begun.
Because somewhere high above the streets of Ujjaini, Rudra Sen was studying the city carefully.
And sooner or later…
His path would cross with the man controlling one of the Rakshak Sabha's strongest warriors.
The hunt had begun.
And this time—
The hunter was far more dangerous than anyone Arivaan had faced before.