Chapter 9: Fractured Alliances

The journey back to the sanctuary was tame, fading into the adrenaline-calming tension from the temple battle. Arjun, Vikram and Radhika roamed the streets of Delhi, their silhouettes blended with shadows. Despite his victory, a heaviness remained in the air.

As they entered the hidden entrance of the sanctuary, Arjun finally broke the silence.

“He was ... Some more,” she said, her voice pounding with exhaustion. “Do they always get that big?”

Radhika gave a dry laugh. “It wasn’t big. He was mid-tier.

“Mid-tier?” Arjun’s voice was a little torn. “So what’s the top tier then? A whole skyscraper with legs?”

Vikram smiled, but his usual sharp demeanor quickly returned. “Focus. The big question is why the Asuras are intensifying their attacks. It wasn’t just a random breach – they were specifically targeting that temple.

Radhika shook her head. “They’re working toward something. We don’t know what that is yet.

A New Revelation

Inside the sanctuary, Avni waited, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the group’s war-clad appearance.

“You succeeded,” she said, her eyes fixed on Arjuna. “But you’ve brought back more questions than answers.”

“Good to see you too,” Arjun said, leaning on the bench. “Care to explain why a mid-level demon almost flattened us?”

Avni ignored his sarcasm and pointed to the glowing map of the city on the table. The red marks pulsed at various points, including the temple they had just left.

“Violations are increasing more frequently,” she said. “More focused. Look here. He pointed to the markers. “These places are not random. They form a pattern.

Arjuna leaned forward. “What kind of pattern?”

“A circle,” Avni said. “If the Asuras manage to accomplish this, they will create a nexus point – a strong enough to open a permanent gateway to the hell realm.

The room fell silent as her words sank in weight.

“So what?” said Radhika at last. “We keep playing weird-a-mole with breaches until they give up?”

“No,” said Avni. “We need to find their leader – who’s carrying it out.” Without them, violations will be weakened.

Fractures within the group

The conversation took a sharp turn when Radhika questioned Avni’s mannerisms.

“How long have you been monitoring these violations?” she asked, her tone sharpening. “And you still don’t know who’s behind them?

Avni’s calm mask did not waver. “Asuras are masters of deception. Their leaders have been hiding for centuries. Finding them is no small task.

“Convenient excuse,” Radhika muttered.

“That’s it,” Vikram interjected, his voice firm. “We’re on the same side.

“Shall we?” retorted Radhika. “Because from where I stand, it seems that you are chasing shadows while the Asuras are building an army.”

Arjuna held up his hands. “Hey, can’t we start another battle here?” I have enough for one day.

The tension in the room was palpable, but Avni finally spoke, her voice cutting through the discord.

“Radhika,” she said equally, “if you have a better plan, I’m listening.”

Radhika hesitated, her sharp gaze softened slightly. “We need to go on the offensive. Find their next target and take the fight to them. Sitting back and reacting is not going to work.

Avni nodded slowly. “I agree. But we’ll need more information before we can take action. I will reach out to my sources in the soul realm. In the meantime, you should all relax. You’re going to need your strength.

A Moment of Reflection

Later that night, Arjuna was sitting alone in the training hall of the sanctuary, his sword resting on his lap. The events of the day were repeated in his mind - battles with the defender, huge asuras, tensions between his new allies.

He ran his fingers with the hilt of the sword, feeling its faint heat.

“You did well today,” a voice came behind him.

Arjuna turned to see Vikram standing at the doorway, his expression unnaturally soft.

“Shall I?” asked Arjuna. “Because it’s like I’m just stumbling from one disaster to another.”

Vikram sat next to her and said, “It seems like that at first. “But you’re adapting. The fastest.

Arjuna hesitated before speaking. “Have you ever wondered if it’s worth it? Fighting these battles, risking your life... Does it ever feel like it’s too much?

Vikram was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Everyday.” But if we don’t fight, who will?

Enemy detected

Meanwhile, in the depths of hell, a darkened man watched the unfolding events unfold in Delhi through a flickering portal.

“It looks like the Astra carrier is more flexible than we anticipated,” the figure said, his voice growling a low.

Another figure stepped forward, clad in dark armor. It was Kiritan, the Asura chieftain. “Resilient or not, he’s just a mortal. Should I deal with that?”

Patience, the first figure said. “The carrier is still discovering its power. Let it grow. The stronger he is, the more valuable his fall will be.

“And violations?” asked Kiritan.

“Continue as planned,” the figure said. “The nexus must be completed. Once the entrance is opened, nothing will stand in our way – not the weapon bearer, not the Jyotirlinga order, not even the guardian.

The portal flickered and went dark, leaving the room in ominous silence.

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Chapter end