Night had begun settling over the city of Ujjaini.
Lanterns flickered along the streets, casting golden pools of light across the stone roads. Taverns filled with travelers and merchants sharing drinks while musicians played soft melodies near the marketplaces.
To most citizens, the city felt lively and peaceful.
But hidden beneath that calm atmosphere, the hunt had already begun.
Inside the towering headquarters of the Rakshak Sabha, Rudra Sen stood alone on a balcony overlooking the city.
The cool evening wind moved through his long dark hair as his sharp eyes scanned the streets below.
He had spent the entire afternoon studying reports.
Witness statements.
Patrol observations.
Travel records.
Each small piece of information formed a larger picture in his mind.
A puzzle.
And Rudra Sen had always been exceptionally good at solving puzzles.
Behind him, the sound of footsteps echoed softly across the marble floor.
The young Rakshak officer from earlier approached respectfully.
"Sir."
Rudra Sen didn't turn around.
"What did you find?"
The officer bowed slightly.
"Our search teams have gathered several reports."
"Speak."
"Multiple travelers entered the city from the northern road this morning."
Rudra Sen nodded.
"That matches the timeline."
"Yes."
"But there's something unusual."
Rudra Sen finally turned.
"Explain."
The officer placed several scrolls on a nearby table.
"These witnesses all describe a similar pair."
Rudra Sen walked toward the table.
"A man and a woman."
The officer nodded.
"Yes."
"The man appears ordinary."
"Dark cloak. Average build."
"Nothing particularly distinctive."
Rudra Sen's eyes moved to the next report.
"And the woman?"
"She kept her face hidden."
"Always wearing a cloak."
Rudra Sen frowned slightly.
"That's not unusual."
"No."
"But several witnesses noticed something strange about her behavior."
"What kind of behavior?"
The officer hesitated.
"They said she moved… stiffly."
Rudra Sen's eyes narrowed.
"Like a trained warrior trying to hide their posture."
The officer nodded slowly.
"That was my thought as well."
Rudra Sen tapped the table lightly with his finger.
A cloaked woman.
Entering the city shortly after the fortress battle.
Moving like a trained fighter.
And never revealing her face.
His instincts sharpened instantly.
"Where were they last seen?"
The officer pointed to a location on the city map.
"The eastern district."
"Near the bazaar."
Rudra Sen studied the map carefully.
The bazaar was one of the busiest places in the city.
Perfect for disappearing into a crowd.
Which meant the pair were not acting randomly.
They were thinking.
Planning.
Rudra Sen looked up.
"Deploy additional patrols in that district."
"Yes, sir."
"And quietly inform the innkeepers."
The officer nodded.
"You suspect they're hiding in an inn."
Rudra Sen gave a small smile.
"Travelers always need a place to sleep."
The officer quickly left the room to carry out the orders.
Rudra Sen remained behind, studying the city map.
If his suspicion was correct…
Then Devika Agnivarna might still be alive.
But that raised a far more troubling question.
Why hadn't she returned?
Devika was not someone who disappeared easily.
If she were injured, she would still attempt to report back.
If she were captured…
Rudra Sen's eyes darkened slightly.
That possibility troubled him the most.
Because if someone had managed to capture a Rakshak warrior of Devika's level—
Then that person was extremely dangerous.
Meanwhile, several districts away—
Arivaan and Devika walked slowly through a quiet street near the outer edge of the market district.
The crowds had thinned as night approached.
Lantern light illuminated the road while distant music drifted from nearby taverns.
Arivaan seemed relaxed.
But Devika noticed the way his eyes constantly moved.
Observing.
Calculating.
"You're expecting something," she said quietly.
Arivaan smiled slightly.
"I always expect something."
Devika frowned.
"The patrols are increasing."
"Yes."
"They're getting closer."
Arivaan nodded calmly.
"That means the hunter has started working."
Devika stopped walking.
"You already figured that out?"
Arivaan shrugged.
"It was inevitable."
Devika studied him carefully.
"You're not worried."
"Should I be?"
Devika's voice became serious.
"If the Rakshak Sabha sends a hunter…"
"…that person will not stop until they find you."
Arivaan chuckled softly.
"That's fine."
Devika stared at him.
"You really are confident."
Arivaan looked up at the night sky.
"No."
He then glanced at the floating panel.
Target: Devika AgnivarnaAssimilation: 68%
The number had grown again.
The connection between them was steadily strengthening.
Arivaan looked back toward Devika.
"I'm just curious."
"About what?"
"What kind of hunter they'll send."
Devika sighed.
"You'll regret that curiosity."
Arivaan's smile widened slightly.
"Maybe."
He turned and began walking again.
"Until then…"
"…we keep moving."
Devika followed automatically.
Neither of them realized just how close the hunt had already come.
Because at that very moment—
Rudra Sen was studying the city streets from above.
And slowly, piece by piece…
The trail leading to Arivaan was beginning to form.