Chapter 4: In Violation

There had always been chaos on the streets of Delhi, but tonight, they felt like a battleground in waiting. The cold breeze of the night was full of tension as Arjun was chasing Vikram through narrow lanes and dimly lit lanes. He held the sword tightly, its weight was both a comfort and a burden.

“Where are we going?” asked Arjun, struggling to keep up with Vikram’s fast pace.

“There is a crack near the old fort,” said Vikram without turning. “It’s smaller than you’ve encountered before, but it could grow if we don’t close it quickly.”

Arjuna frowned. “How do you even know where these breaches occur?”

Vikram tapped a small tool stuck to his belt. It emits a faint, rhythmic pulse of light. “Technology meets tradition. This raises the energy signature of the portal activity. If you survive tonight you’ll get one, too.

Arjun’s stomach started churning in a casual manner in which Vikram said.

outlook

The old fort was overshadowed in the distance, its ancient walls bathed in moonlight. It was a place steeped in history, but tonight, it felt different—foreshadowed. The closer they got, the more Arjuna felt it: an unnatural peace, as if the world itself was holding its breath.

“What’s the plan?” asked Arjuna, trying to keep the tremors away from his voice.

Vikram looked at her, his expression serious. “The possibility of a breach will be guarded by minor monsters. They are not as powerful as the Asuras, but don’t underestimate them. You handle the little guys. I will deal with the violation.

“Wait, you’re throwing me into it?” said Arjuna, unbelievable. “I barely have time to figure out how to use this thing!” he picked up the sword.

“And the best way to learn,” Vikram said with a faint smile, “is to do.”

Before Arjun could argue further, Vikram stopped abruptly. He raised his hand, signaling silence.

They had arrived.

violation

The breach was actually a jagged tear, a swirling vortex of black and red energy hovering in the air over the fortress’s courtyard. The air around it broke with force, distorting the light and casting terrible shadows on the ancient stones.

Around the breech, three figures rotated. They were humanoid but twisted, their limbs were unnaturally long and their eyes were glowing an unholy green. Their paws scrape against the ground as they sniff the air, searching for prey.

“They are protectors,” whispered Vikram. “Less monsters. They’re fast, but they’re not too bright. Use this to your advantage.

Arjun swallowed hard, racing his pulse. “All right. Sharp, not bright. Got it.

Vikram gives her a reassuring nod. “You’re going to be fine. Remember, the sword will guide you.

With this, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Arjuna to face the creatures alone.

fight

The first monster saw him almost immediately, snapping his head as it let out a guttural snoring. It is charged, moving on all fours with terrible speed.

Arjuna’s heart fell into his throat. His grip on the sword strengthened as he tried to recall movements from his previous battle. The creature spunct, claws slashing toward its chest.

He moved sideways, narrowly avoiding the strike, and came to the sword in a wide arc. The blade grabbed the defender’s arm, detaching it cleanly. Black smoke was billowing out of the wound as the creature screamed in pain.

The other two defenders joined the fray, surrounding him like predators shaping his prey.

“Okay, no pressure,” Arjun muttered, his breathing gasping shortly.

The second guard jumped on him, his paws aimed at his head. Arjuna bent down and pushed the sword upwards, trapping the creature in the air. It let out a choked scream before it disintegrated into ashes.

The third hesitated, his glowing eyes darting between Arjuna and the sword.

“Yes, that’s right,” said Arjuna, his voice trembling. “Come and get it.

The demon jumped, and this time, Arjuna met it face-to-face. Their confrontation was ferocious, with the creature’s claws raking against his arm as he brought down the sword with all his might. The blade cleavage through its torso, splitting it in two.

As the last defender fell, Arjun stumbled back, his chest heavy. His arms burned from the effort, and his legs felt like jelly, but he was alive.

Closing the Breach

“Not bad,” Vikram said, emerging from the shadows. He walked toward the breach, his spear glowing faintly.

“Isn’t that bad? I just fought three horrible monsters! Arjun quipped.

“And you are standing still,” Vikram said with a smile. “It’s better than their first night.

Before Arjun could answer, Vikram turned his attention to the breech. He picked up the spear, chanting words in a language that Arjuna did not recognize. The air around the breech became heavier, and the vortex began to shrink, its red light dimmed.

As the crack closed, a wave of energy rippled outward, knocking Arjuna off his feet. He sat up groaning and saw Vikram standing on top of him, giving his hand.

“Congratulations,” Vikram said. “You survived.

A Moment of Reflection

Back in the sanctuary, Arjun sat leaning over the stone table, with a shallow cut on his arm. Vikram offered her a cup of tea, which she reluctantly accepted.

“So,” said Vikram, leaning against the table, “how do you feel?”

“Like I was hit by a bus,” Arjun said, taking a sip of his tea.

Vikram laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Tonight was just the beginning. Violations are increasing more often, and the incoming organisms will only get stronger.

Arjuna put the cup down, his hands trembling slightly. “What if I can’t do that?”

Vikram’s expressions softened. “You can. I’ve seen a lot of scoundrels, Arjun, but you... You are different. The sword has chosen you for a reason. Trust it. And have faith in yourself.

Arjuna did not answer. He could see the glowing pattern on the blade of the sword, the weight of Vikram’s words was setting on him.

For the first time, she realized how much was at stake—not just for her, but for the entire world.

Please read it now on Google Books:.https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7zc-EQAAQBAJ

Chapter end