Far beyond the forest refuge, on the bloodstained fields at the outskirts of Agnipur's capital city, Flarehearth, two riders surveyed the devastation from horseback. The area was heavily guarded by soldiers, yet chaos still lingered from the recent attack. The assault had been beyond human comprehension—it had wiped out an entire town, leaving a hundred soldiers dead. The scene was grim: the port lay in ruins, and the once-beautiful town that had sparkled like a star at night was now nothing but debris and ashes.
A soldier, his voice trembling with fear, turned to his comrade and spoke in a hushed tone. "What if they attack us again? We are not strong enough. They're monsters. Our king barely survived. Who will protect us if they return?"
The first soldier, though young, bore the scars of battle, and the exhaustion on his face made him look far older than his years.
The second soldier, attempting to reassure him, pointed ahead. "Look over there. Do you see the man riding the white horse?"
"That is Aarush, perhaps the most handsome man alive. But his appearance is nothing compared to his strength. He is the Commander of Sapt-Rakshak and one of the most formidable warriors in the world."
The first soldier looked on in awe. Aarush had a presence that commanded attention. His aura was calm yet powerful, and his very presence instilled a sense of security among those around him.
Yet, Aarush ignored the murmurs around him. He remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the ruins before him, his mind replaying the horrors of war that had taken place just days ago. Though the screams had faded, the pain still lingered like an unshakable shadow.
Beside him, a man who had gone unnoticed finally spoke. "Commander, wherever you go, people seem drawn to you. It appears you leave quite an impression."
Aarush let out a soft chuckle. "I wouldn't say I am popular. People only feel secure when they see someone capable of protecting them." His voice carried the same effortless charm as his appearance—smooth and captivating, as if woven from the melody of a nightingale.
The moment of amusement faded quickly. Aarush's demeanor changed as his gaze hardened, the weight of the situation evident in his expression. "Vahagn, I wish we had arrived earlier. We might have been able to stop this. The western threat is growing, and I fear this is just the beginning."
"Beyond that, there is still no news of Commander Arjun. It has been more than two moons' turn, and we have heard nothing from him."
A moment of silence followed. Then Aarush spoke again. "Let us focus on the present situation."
Vahagn furrowed his brows, deep in thought, like a wordsmith. "But why Agnipur? Why not my kingdom? My lands are closer to the west. Why would they risk traveling such a great distance across open seas?"
Aarush let out a sigh filled with vivid disappointment. "It is truly troubling. The rumors may hold some truth… it seems King Tellion has formed an alliance with them."
Vahagn burst into laughter, shaking his head as if the confirmation amused him. "I knew it! I have been saying this all along. My brother Tellion is nothing but a fool—a phony king unworthy of the throne. Do you remember when I pleaded with the council to make me king instead?"
Vahagn continued, "You all thought I was acting out of selfish ambition. Only King A—"
Aarush cut him off firmly. "Let the past remain in the past."
They continued their journey toward Flarehearth's palace, which stood in the heart of the city, towering over the coastline. Though the capital still stood, the destruction in the surrounding lands was a grim reminder of the power their enemies wielded.
Aarush, a tall man with a unique axe hanging on his back, entered the king's chamber first. It wasn't just any weapon—it emanated a mystic aura.
Upon seeing Aarush, King Tapasraj let out a deep sigh of relief. His eyes, filled with exhaustion and sorrow, threatened to spill with tears. Although he was alive, his right arm had been cut off, leaving him unable to wield a weapon with that hand.
"Thank the gods you are here," he muttered. His voice was heavy with emotion, the weight of his people's suffering resting upon his shoulders.
"They could have destroyed my entire nation if they wished. But it appears this was only a warning."
With a heavy breath, he continued, "This was not an army. There were only two of them. They wore masks… but one of them wielded Agnishul. Only someone with the gods' bloodline can wield it."
"He wiped out the town in an instant. The other one was just as powerful—he fought me directly, and look at what he has done. He has left me in this misery."
A deep silence filled the chamber, so profound that even the distant waves crashing against the shores could be heard. Aarush's face lost all color. It was as if a venomous serpent had sunk its fangs into him. Even Vahagn, who was always quick to mock and jest, was at a loss for words.
Finally, Vahagn found his voice, though it carried a hint of disbelief. "This… this cannot be. That weapon is nothing but a legend—there are only four weapons of God Tuhindra, and they are under our possession."
Tapasraj's expression darkened as he slammed his fist against his bed.
"Do you take me for a fool?! Did you not see the ruins yourself? Do you think I am imagining things? He wiped out an entire town with that weapon—the fire erupted everywhere as if it were in a rage, bending to his will. Do you believe me to be a weak king or a liar?"
Aarush calmed the king, and to Vahagn's surprise, he said, "That weapon was not a myth. Our stories are not myths. There are more than four weapons—seven weapons wielded by the first group of Sapt-Rakshak until they betrayed God Tuhindra. In the fierce war, he was able to defeat the Sapt-Rakshaks, but he was betrayed by his younger son, who was the leader of the Sapt-Rakshak. It is believed that the gods' forces were able to recover four weapons, but three are still missing. That weapon was wielded by Bhasmasur—the fire god bestowed his powers upon him. If that weapon exists…"
Aarush took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a brief moment, allowing his thoughts to settle. He could not allow emotions to cloud his judgment.
Finally, he opened his eyes and spoke in a firm, controlled voice. "If this is true, then we must find the other weapons. We know nothing about them. But this also confirms one thing—there is someone of our own working with them."
The weight of those words pressed upon the room like an inescapable curse from the past.
"The memories of the last war still haunt us," Aarush continued. "But if another war begins now… it will not be like before. This time, it could bring devastation upon all five nations."
He exhaled slowly, as if trying to push away the reality that was beginning to unfold before him.
"I will dispatch a rider to Dyuthi. She must know everything."