The rugged tires of a black jeep cut through the dimly lit roads, its headlights slicing through the eerie silence of the night. Inside, four individuals, dressed in tactical gear, sat with tense expressions, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
S890 finally broke the silence.
"S890, S893, S894... this is our first mission." His voice was steady, but there was an undertone of nervousness.
S891, the team's analyst, adjusted his earpiece and glanced at his tablet. "S891 here. Before we begin, where is the Rudra the president's bodyguard?"
S893, the strategist of the team, smirked and leaned back. "Based on my speculation, he's already arrived at the victim's location."
S892 frowned. "Why are the Survivors of Numn University so important for Project M?"
S891 didn't look up from his tablet as he replied, "I don't know yet, but let me check the bodyguard's files." His fingers tapped on the screen, opening an encrypted file labeled 'LEADS.'
Lead No. 1 - THAT GANG is the main reason behind the incident.
S893's expression darkened. "THAT GANG? What kind of name is that?"
S891 sighed. "It's a terminology used within Project M. There's limited information available, but let me continue."
Lead No. 2 - THAT GANG possesses Sound-Type attacks that induce hallucinations.
S892's eyes widened. "So that's why we were trained in the special counter-category. That explains these blindfolds in our gear. But what kind of sound-based attacks are we talking about?"
S890, the leader, finally spoke. "Yes. We were specifically trained to counter these types of attacks. But remember-we're rookies. We need to be cautious."
S891 nodded and scrolled further. "Lead No. 3 - THAT GANG is targeting reporters who are investigating the Survivors of Numn University."
S893's brows furrowed. "So we're looking for evidence of this pattern?"
S891 continued, "Exactly. And if Rudra the president's bodyguard is present, our priority is to observe and analyze the surroundings, not interfere."
He hesitated before adding, "There are also few encoded theories in this file. I haven't decrypted them yet, but from the looks of it... they might change everything."
The jeep slowed as they approached their destination. The tension in the air grew heavier.
S890 took a deep breath. "Looks like the bodyguard is already there."
With that, the team prepared to step into the unknown.
----
The jeep came to a slow halt in front of a dimly lit house, its worn-out walls hinting at the struggles within. S892 adjusted his earpiece and muttered, "This news reporter's name is Sekhar."
The four rookies stepped out in unison, forming a line, and immediately saluted the president's bodyguard.
Standing before them, the bodyguard's sharp eyes scanned the surroundings before he turned to a grieving woman. With a solemn expression, he offered his condolences to Sekhar's wife.
Without further words, he stepped inside, the four rookies following close behind. They entered Sekhar's study, where loose papers and an old laptop sat on the desk.
As they searched for clues, S893 murmured under his breath, "Why is he even looking for evidence? The information about the Survivors has already gone viral."
The bodyguard let out a weary sigh and replied in a calm yet firm voice, "I don't care if their identities are public. My only problem is with THAT GANG."
S891, still tapping at his device, hesitated before asking, "Boss... what exactly are the theories?"
Before he could answer, Sekhar's wife stepped into the room.
A sudden, sharp metallic sound echoed through the air. A rhythmic clang... like a heartbeat.
The bodyguard's expression changed instantly. His eyes sharpened, his instincts screaming danger.
Then, in a commanding voice, he shouted, "My Theory 2 is TRUE! Immediately retreat and put on your blindfolds-RELY ON YOUR SENSES!"
Without hesitation, he grabbed Sekhar's wife by the wrist.
She suddenly chuckled. A chilling, hollow laugh.
"Looks like you fell into my trap," she whispered, her voice distorting unnaturally.
But the bodyguard didn't waste a second-his dagger flashed through the air, slashing across Sekhar's wife. As her body collapsed, an unusual scent filled the air.
Suddenly, the concrete house began shifting.
The walls melted into dark, greenish wood. The air grew damp.
The bodyguard's eyes narrowed in realization.
"A hallucination-type transformation. We need to get out-NOW."
He broke through the illusion, lunging towards the exit just as the truck outside roared to life.
But then-another metallic sound.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
His instincts flared. This wasn't over.
Reacting instantly, he unsheathed his dagger, countering the metallic vibrations with a higher-pitched strike. The clash of sounds rippled through the air.
Then, another attack.
From three different directions.
The bodyguard met each one, deflecting them, but then-his gaze shifted to the fourth direction.
And his heart sank.
Lying motionless on the ground were the four rookies-the very men who had saluted him just moments ago.
Lifeless.
His grip on his weapon tightened. He moved quickly, gathering their bodies, placing them down gently.
With a deep breath, he murmured, "Sorry... I was late."
His fingers trembled for a brief moment, then stilled.
Then, he drew his sword.
The blade ignited, a mystical fire aura swirling around its edges.
He turned toward the twenty enemies now surrounding him.
"Looks like my theories have led me here."
And with a burst of flame, he dashed forward.
---
That Night
The Aditya president sat at his desk, reviewing confidential reports. The air was tense, the weight of national security pressing on his shoulders.
Then, the door creaked open.
He looked up-and his eyes widened.
Rudra The president's bodyguard stood there.
Drenched in blood.
His sword still dripped crimson.
And in his silent presence, the message was clear- The Hunting Grounds had claimed its prey.