[23 August 2115 (early morning)]
BhattTech Pivate Hospital Chennai
Sana was fully conscious now, lying on the hospital bed. She stretched a little, still feeling sore. Nearby, Zeel was sprawled on the sofa, half-asleep, mouth slightly open. A peaceful morning… until—
ZZZT ZZZT
The doorbell buzzed aggressively. Zeel groaned, dragging herself toward the door like a zombie. She opened it to find Maharshi, Jay, and Hirak standing there, holding a big breakfast tray.
Zeel (half-asleep, eyes barely open):You guys… here… at this hour?
Jay (raising an eyebrow): It's 8 AM, Zeel. Normal people call this "morning."
Hirak (grinning) : For Zeel, anything before noon is still "night."
Zeel ignored them and stepped aside, letting them in. Maharshi walked straight to Sana's bedside, placing the breakfast tray next to her.
Maharshi : Hey, how are you feeling now?
Sana (stretching her arms, yawning) : Better… I think. Not dead, at least.
Maharshi : Great. Here, eat. You need energy.
Zeel narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Maharshi.
Zeel : Whoa, whoa, whoa… hold on a second.
Jay : What?
Zeel (pointing at Maharshi) : Since when did YOU become a caring, breakfast-delivering, concerned teammate?
Hirak (mock gasp) : Maybe he hit his head yesterday and became nice?
Jay : Or maybe he's trying to impress someone?
Maharshi (frowning): I literally brought food. How does that make me a different person?
Zeel (grinning):Because you never did this for us! Where was this "caring leader" when I had a fever last month?
Maharshi : You had a fever?
Zeel : EXACTLY!
Sana tried to hold back a laugh, watching the chaos unfold. Meanwhile, Jay took a seat and started munching on some extra food from the tray.
Sana : Uh… is this my breakfast?
Jay (mouth full): Not anymore.
Sana: …Bro.
Maharshi (snatching the plate back): STOP EATING HER FOOD!
Jay groaned, but Sana finally got her meal. As she ate, the conversation shifted.
Hirak: So, since you're alive now, Sana, we should tell you. The next raid is today.
Sana (choking on food): WHAT?!
Zeel (patting her back): Yep. Welcome to BhattTech, where recovery is a myth.
Sana (still coughing):You're joking, right?
Maharshi : No. We found some weird Srapit Shakti readings deeper in Nanmangalam Forest. We need to investigate before things get worse.
Sana (sighing) : I just survived yesterday! What if I die today?
Jay (shrugging) : Then we'll hold a grand funeral. Even Arya might attend.
Sana : NOT HELPING, JAY!
Hirak (smirking) : Don't worry, we'll put "Died Bravely After One Mission" on your tombstone.
Sana : You all suck.
Zeel high-fived Jay while Maharshi rubbed his temples in frustration.
Maharshi : Joke aside, Sana Are you coming or not ? If you don't want to join we wouldn't force you.
Sana Think so a second.
Sana : Ok then, I'm in.
Zeel : Great Spirit.
Maharshi look at Jay and Hirak and nodded. Giving the Singnal that what they want to do is done.
Zeel : So, When we are leaving this hospital ?
Maharshi : In one hour. Get ready by one hour.
Zeel : Ok, our caring captain.
Jay,Hirak and Maharshi step out from the room.
Jay : So you really think we should do that.
Hirak : We don't have any other way to indentify her reality.
Maharshi : Yeah, if we want to now the truth must have to do this. No matter what.
They are about to move for the preparation for the next raid, But suddenly-
BEEP BEEP
The sudden buzz of their phones made them pause. Jay glanced at his screen first, and his eyes widened.
Jay: No way…
Hirak: What? Another emergency mission?
Jay (grinning): Nope. Check your phones, guys.
Maharshi and Hirak looked at their screens, and in an instant, their serious expressions shifted to excitement. The notification read:
"Attention all BhattTech Academy Warriors! The Annual 'Mahayantra Tournament' is officially announced! Gear up for the grand competition—glory, honor, and special rewards await the strongest fighters! Registrations open today!"
Hirak (pumped): Mahayantra Tournament… IT'S BACK!
Jay (smirking): Damn, it's been a year already?
Maharshi: The toughest competition in BhattTech Academy… Only the best of the best make it past the qualifiers.
Hirak: And last time, Arya completely dominated the finals.
Jay (grinning): Yeah… but this time, Arya isn't here. That means the title is up for grabs.
Maharshi: True. Without Arya, the playing field is more balanced. This year's champion could be anyone…
The three of them stood there for a moment, imagining the chaos, the battles, and the prestige that came with winning the tournament.
Hirak: So, we're all signing up, right?
Jay: Of course. Wouldn't miss it.
Maharshi (nodding): It'll be a good test for all of us.
Hirak: And… what about the new recruits? Should we tell them?
Jay (laughing): Oh yeah. I wanna see Sana's reaction.
Inside the hospital room, Sana was finishing her breakfast while Zeel was scrolling through her phone.
Zeel: Huh…?
Sana (raising an eyebrow): What?
Zeel (grinning widely): You're about to have an even bigger headache, rookie.
Sana: …Why do I feel like I won't like this?
Zeel: The Mahayantra Tournament is back!
Sana: Oh, cool. Then obviously, I'm not joining—
Zeel: OH MY GOD!!
Sana: W-What happened?!
Zeel (dramatically gasping): I just realized… this time Arya isn't here. That means the championship title is open. Last year, she completely dominated the tournament, but now? Now, anyone could win! This is my chance! My golden opportunity… to prove that I'm the best! Hahahaha!
Sana (staring blankly): Should I be concerned?
Zeel (ignoring her, still hyped): The tournament is the ultimate battlefield! Only the strongest fighters in Khatarnak Shreni and above get direct entry! Bhayanak Shreni and below have to fight in qualifiers just to enter!
Sana: …And in what shreni am I?
Zeel : uhh..low tier maha-khatarnak shreni.
Sana : Oh no.
Zeel : Oh yeah. It's greate you directly enrolled into the tournament. See we both are at low tier Maha-Khatarnak Shreni. We will show the world that who's the best. If i defeat you in tournament then.
Sana (deadpan): Then what? You'll declare yourself queen of BhattTech?
Zeel (grinning): EXACTLY! And also, I'll have undeniable proof that I'm stronger than you.
Sana (sighing): Great. More reasons to suffer.
Before she could protest further, the hospital door swung open again. Maharshi, Jay, and Hirak stepped back in, looking far too amused.
Jay: So… did she scream yet?
Zeel (proudly): Oh, she did.
Hirak: Good. That means she's in.
Sana: I DIDN'T SAY THAT!
Maharshi (crossing his arms): You might as well. You need real combat experience, and this tournament is the perfect way to sharpen your skills.
Sana (groaning): Why does everything in BhattTech involve me fighting for my life?
Zeel (grinning): Because you signed up for the best life ever.
Hirak: Also, because the stronger you get, the closer we get to understanding your full potential.
Sana (squinting): That sounds suspiciously like "We're using you for research."
Jay: …You're catching on fast.
Sana: I hate it here.
Maharshi: So that's a yes?
Sana sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this argument.
Sana: Fine. But if I die, I'm haunting all of you.
Jay (grinning): Deal.
Hirak (nodding): We'll even keep your room clean for your ghost.
Zeel: Just don't expect us to stop making fun of you.
Sana groaned, burying her face in her hands. This was going to be a long tournament.
[23 August 2115]
BhattTech's branch In Kashi.
Arya, Pratham, and Riva walked through the corridor of the office, their footsteps echoing against the sleek, metallic flooring. The early morning light filtered through the glass panels, casting a soft glow.
BEEP BEEP
All three of their communicators buzzed at the same time.
Pratham (checking his device): Another mission update?
Arya (glancing at the screen): No… It's an announcement.
Riva (raising an eyebrow): About?
Arya stopped walking, her eyes scanning the message. A slow smirk crept onto her face.
Arya: The Mahayantra Tournament has been officially announced.
Pratham (blinking): Already? Feels like just yesterday you wiped the floor with everyone in the finals.
Arya (grinning): I did, didn't I?
Riva: So, are you planning to join this year too?
Arya's smirk faded slightly as she locked her communicator screen.
Arya: No. Not this time.
Pratham and Riva exchanged glances.
Pratham: Because of our mission?
Arya: Exactly. I don't have time for the tournament. The mission takes priority.
Riva nodded in understanding, but Pratham leaned back against the corridor wall, crossing his arms.
Pratham: Still, it's weird not seeing your name on the list. You've been the reigning champion for years.
Arya: Which means… this year's tournament will be more interesting.
Riva (curious): What do you mean?
Arya turned to face them fully, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
Arya: With me out of the competition, there's no clear winner. It's a free-for-all now. People who never stood a chance before might finally get their moment.
Pratham (chuckling): So basically, you're giving the rest of BhattTech a chance to breathe.
Arya (smirking): Call it a gift. But what about you.
Pratham : It's obvious mission is our first priority. Especially when people's lifes are in threat of Srapit Aatmas.
Arya : hmm...Seeing An Intermediate-tier Maha-Khatarnak Shreni's Srapit Jadugar not in the list is also weird. Means this time number of participants will be skyrocket.
Before they could continue the conversation, a door at the end of the corridor opened. Manager of BhattTech Kashi's branch manager was here.
Raghavan Iyer : hm ? Oh good morning everyone.
Raghavan Iyer stepped out of his office, adjusting the sleeves of his neatly pressed kurta. His salt-and-pepper hair was perfectly combed back, and a faint tilak rested on his forehead. He blinked in surprise at the trio standing before him.
Raghavan Iyer (grinning): Ah, what a sight early in the morning! Two of BhattTech's finest warriors and The great Navigator, standing in my corridor. Should I be honored or worried?
Arya (smirking): That depends. Do you like surprises?
Raghavan Iyer (chuckling): Only if they don't involve explosions.
Pratham: No promises.
Riva sighed, already used to their antics. Raghavan stepped forward, glancing at Arya.
Raghavan Iyer: I assume you've seen the Mahayantra Tournament announcement?
Arya: We have. But we won't be participating this time.
Raghavan nodded, his expression thoughtful.
Raghavan Iyer: Expected. A mission like yours takes precedence. Still, it'll be strange not seeing Arya Singh reigning over the battlefield.
Pratham: That's what I said!
Arya: You all talk as if I never let anyone else win.
Riva: …You don't.
Raghavan chuckled before shifting to a more serious tone.
Raghavan Iyer: Well, speaking of missions… I have an update. It's best we discuss it inside.
They follow him insude his cabin. Raghavan Iyer seating on his chair and Pratham and Arya seating infront of table. And Riva standing beside Arya.
Arya : Riva..
Riva : Yes, ma'am.
Riva handover a tablet to Raghavan Iyer. He read all the information in the tablet.
Raghavan Iyer : Hmm..So you really want to do this.
Arya : Yes sir.
Raghavan Iyer : See..Your plan is quite dangerous I don't know your intentions but all i can do is to help you in this mission. So count me in your side.
Arya nodded, Raghavan Iyer opened a holographic 3D screen on his desk. And two 2D screens infront of Arya.
Raghavan Iyer : Here is the final information which you asked. So from today we can start our operation kashi.
Arya, Pratham, and Riva leaned in, their eyes scanning the data flashing across the holographic displays. The intricate maps of Kashi, security footage, and energy fluctuation graphs formed a web of critical information.
Riva (analyzing the screen): The fluctuation zones seem concentrated near Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and… Vishwanath Temple?
Pratham (frowning): That's unusual. If this were a standard Srapit Aatma activity, we'd expect hotspots in isolated or abandoned areas, not in highly populated and spiritually significant locations.
Arya: Which means this isn't just random Aatma activity. Someone's orchestrating it.
Raghavan Iyer: My thoughts exactly. I ran a secondary analysis. The energy surges don't follow the typical unstable decay of Srapit Shakti. Instead, they're rhythmic… almost like a signal.
Arya (leaning forward): A signal? For what?
Raghavan tapped on the screen, enlarging a wave-like pattern of fluctuating energy readings.
Raghavan Iyer: This isn't just an emergence of Srapit Aatmas. It's a call. Something—or someone—is sending a pulse, and from what I can decipher, it's an attempt to synchronize multiple sources of Srapit Shakti.
Arya and Pratham's expressions changed when they hear "pulse signals". Both remember the incident happened when they are in raid in Arunachal Pradesh.
Pratham : Arya don't you think..it's same as-
Arya : You are right it could be him.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, the air growing heavier with an unspoken dread. The weight of realization settled on their shoulders like an iron chain. The gravity of the situation pressed down on them, tightening their chests with the knowledge of what was to come. Arya and Pratham didn't need to say it aloud—they could already see the storm forming on the horizon. Chaos was coming, inevitable and merciless, and they were standing right in its path.
To be continue