Night had fully settled over the city of Ujjaini.
Lanterns hung from balconies and street posts, casting warm pools of light across the stone roads. Taverns filled with travelers and merchants, their laughter and music echoing through the streets.
But for the Rakshak Sabha, the city had become something else entirely.
A hunting ground.
Across multiple districts, patrol units quietly moved through the streets. Unlike the earlier searches, these teams were now more organized.
Each patrol carried small scrolls with descriptions of suspicious travelers.
And each patrol leader had been given the same instruction.
Find the cloaked pair.
Inside the Rakshak headquarters, Rudra Sen stood before a large map illuminated by several oil lamps.
Small wooden markers had been placed across different districts.
Each marker represented a patrol team.
Rudra Sen moved one of the markers slightly.
"The eastern market district…"
He studied the map carefully.
"If they entered the city this morning…"
"…they would need shelter."
He placed another marker beside a cluster of buildings.
"Inns."
A young Rakshak officer standing nearby nodded.
"We've already begun questioning the innkeepers."
Rudra Sen didn't look away from the map.
"Quietly?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
The officer hesitated before speaking again.
"There is one more detail."
Rudra Sen finally glanced up.
"What is it?"
"One innkeeper mentioned a pair matching the description."
Rudra Sen's eyes sharpened.
"Where?"
"The Silent Lotus Inn."
Rudra Sen's expression remained calm.
But the room grew noticeably colder.
"How long ago?"
"This morning."
Rudra Sen folded his arms.
"That confirms it."
The officer asked carefully,
"Should we raid the inn?"
Rudra Sen shook his head.
"No."
The officer blinked.
"No?"
"If they're still there, a raid will cause panic."
"And if they escape during the chaos…"
"…we lose the trail."
The officer nodded slowly.
"Then what do you suggest?"
Rudra Sen placed several markers around the inn's location.
"We close the net."
Meanwhile, several streets away—
Arivaan and Devika continued walking through the quieter districts of Ujjaini.
The crowds had thinned significantly as the night progressed.
Most travelers had either returned to their lodgings or gathered inside taverns.
Only a few lanterns illuminated the streets.
Devika broke the silence.
"The patrols have increased again."
Arivaan nodded.
"I noticed."
Devika looked toward the rooftops.
"They're moving strategically now."
"Not random searches."
Arivaan smiled faintly.
"That means the hunter is getting closer."
Devika frowned.
"You're still treating this like entertainment."
Arivaan glanced sideways at her.
"I'm studying my opponent."
Devika sighed.
"You haven't even met them yet."
Arivaan shrugged.
"Patterns tell you a lot about a person."
Devika remained quiet.
After several moments she spoke again.
"You should leave the city tonight."
"Why?"
"Because once the Rakshak Sabha identifies your location…"
"…they'll surround the entire district."
Arivaan stopped walking.
The narrow street around them was empty except for a single lantern hanging from a doorway.
He leaned casually against the wall.
"And what if I want them to surround the district?"
Devika stared at him.
"You're serious."
"Completely."
Devika shook her head.
"That's not confidence."
"That's arrogance."
Arivaan laughed quietly.
"Maybe."
He focused on the floating panel again.
Target: Devika AgnivarnaAssimilation: 70%
The number had climbed once more.
Every hour the connection grew stronger.
Arivaan wondered what would happen when it reached the next stage.
Devika noticed his expression.
"You're watching that interface again."
Arivaan nodded.
"Something interesting is happening."
Devika crossed her arms.
"You're getting stronger."
"Yes."
"And that worries me."
Arivaan pushed himself away from the wall.
"Why?"
"Because the stronger you become…"
"…the more dangerous your choices will be."
Arivaan started walking again.
Devika followed automatically.
"Danger is relative," he said.
Devika replied quietly,
"No."
"Some dangers destroy entire cities."
They reached a crossroads.
Arivaan paused again.
His eyes moved carefully across the surrounding rooftops.
Something felt different.
Too quiet.
Devika noticed it as well.
"What is it?"
Arivaan spoke softly.
"They're close."
Devika's eyes widened slightly.
"You sense them?"
Arivaan smiled.
"Not exactly."
He pointed toward the roof of a nearby building.
A faint shadow moved briefly against the moonlight.
Devika followed his gaze.
Her voice lowered immediately.
"Scouts."
Arivaan nodded.
"Looks like the net is closing."
Devika turned toward him.
"We need to leave."
Arivaan's smile slowly widened.
"Or…"
"…we could meet the hunter."
Devika stared at him.
"You really are insane."
Arivaan looked toward the distant Rakshak headquarters towering above the city skyline.
"Maybe."
Then he glanced again at the glowing panel.
Assimilation: 71%
The power inside him pulsed faintly.
Stronger.
Sharper.
More responsive.
Arivaan looked back toward the rooftop shadows.
"Let's see how good this hunter really is."
Because somewhere above the darkened streets of Ujjaini—
Rudra Sen's search teams were already moving into position.
And the moment of confrontation was rapidly approaching.