Morning light slipped gently through the curtains, filling the room with a soft, golden glow. The air felt calm—too calm—almost as if nothing unusual had happened the night before.
Somewhere in the silence… a faint snoring sound echoed.
Ashura lay sprawled across the bed like a lifeless body.
His face hung off the edge, his legs rested awkwardly on the ground, and his torso floated somewhere in between—defying all logic. Yet somehow… he was sleeping peacefully.
Two pigeons sat by the window, chirping softly, as if mocking his condition.
Nyra walked toward his room, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She knocked lazily on the door.
"Ashura… wake up…" she yawned.
"Your college is starting soon… don't you need to check?"
Silence.
No response.
She sighed.
"…Idiot."
"I'm coming in."
She pushed the door open and glanced inside—
Then paused.
Her expression froze for a second.
Then slowly changed.
A giggle escaped her lips.
"He really sleeps like a dead body…"
In a quiet, dimly lit dorm—
Four figures sat together in silence.
The air was thick with smoke.
A bald man leaned back against the sofa, a cigarette resting between his fingers. He took a slow drag, his eyes cold and unreadable.
"…Ashura."
Smoke escaped his lips.
"…he's someone worth noticing."
Ishaan sat across from him, his expression calm—but slightly troubled.
"…He has skill."
A pause.
"…real skill."
His eyes narrowed faintly.
"I still don't understand…"
"…why he lost to me the first time we met."
A voice emerged from the shadows.
The man's face remained hidden.
"…Maybe he didn't know."
"…about your supernatural abilities."
Silence lingered for a moment.
"…But that girl…"
The voice turned colder.
"…she revealed it too early."
Another figure spoke, casually exhaling smoke.
His face was blurred by the dim light.
"Ashura is perfect…"
A faint smirk.
"…for our project."
"But we still have time before capturing him."
Ishaan nodded slowly.
"…Yeah."
The bald man crushed his cigarette, his gaze darkening.
"…That girl…"
"…she had powers too."
His voice lowered.
"…Just like those three."
A pause.
"…Or maybe…"
"…there are more than we thought."
Another figure leaned forward slightly.
"Finding them won't be easy."
"…Then we start somewhere else."
A different voice spoke.
Cold. Calculated.
"…First…"
"…we get rid of the six projects."
Ishaan stood up silently.
"…Understood."
He glanced once around the room.
"…May I leave?"
The bald man gave a slight nod.
Without another word—
Ishaan walked out.
The door closed behind him.
Silence returned.
The bald man leaned back again, lighting another cigarette.
His eyes glowed faintly in the dark.
"…Ashura…"
A slow breath.
"…why are you so stubborn?"
Scene Shift
Ruhi chuckled softly, covering her lips as she tried to hold back her laughter. The moment only made Ashura more irritated, his expression tightening as he stepped forward and grabbed her collar in frustration.
"Idiot! Who told you to throw boiling water on me?" he shouted, his voice filled with anger and disbelief.
From the side, Avni spoke casually, almost as if nothing had happened. "…Me."
Ruhi couldn't hold it anymore and giggled again. For a second, Ashura just stood there, staring at them, completely stunned. Then his frustration finally burst.
"Why… can't I even live peacefully for one moment?" he muttered loudly before dropping to the ground, sitting there like someone who had completely given up.
Seeing this, Ruhi's expression slowly changed. The playful smile faded, replaced by a hint of worry. She stepped closer and spoke softly, "Are you okay, Ashura?"
Ashura gave a small nod, though his body still felt heavy. "My body hurts today," he admitted quietly.
Ruhi gently placed her hand on his head, patting him with care. "Then you should rest."
For a brief moment, everything felt calm again.
But Ashura pushed her hand away—not harshly, but with distance.
"No need," he said, standing up slowly. "I have work today."
His eyes changed completely. The softness disappeared, replaced by something colder… more focused.
Silence filled the room.
Inside his mind, a single thought repeated itself.
He needed answers.
I have to meet that scientist.
I want to know what's really going on.
Ashura let out a slow breath, his expression turning serious as the weight of last night returned to him.
Ashura stood under the shower, his head slightly lowered as warm water flowed over his body. The steady sound of droplets hitting the floor filled the silence, but his mind was far from calm.
That girl…
Her image flashed again in his thoughts.
There was no doubt about it anymore—what she used wasn't normal. It wasn't strength, nor skill… it was something else entirely.
Something unreal.
Magic…?
The word felt strange even in his own mind.
It sounded like something out of anime or games—something fictional. And yet… he had seen it with his own eyes. He had felt it. The pressure, the power… it wasn't something a normal human could ever possess.
"How is that even possible…" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible under the running water.
His eyes slowly hardened.
This wasn't just curiosity anymore.
It was something deeper.
A need.
"I want answers."
The water continued to fall, sliding down his face as he closed his eyes for a brief moment. His breathing slowed, but his thoughts only grew heavier.
That lab woman…
That place…
Everything was connected.
Ashura let out a cold sigh.
Then opened his eyes again.
"I have to meet her."
Ashura grabbed a towel and rubbed his hair lazily before walking out of the bathroom. A yawn escaped his lips as he stretched slightly, still half-asleep.
"…I'm still sleepy…"
He stepped into the hallway.
At the same time, Avni walked past him, holding a basket full of clothes. She paused mid-step, glancing at him with slight confusion.
"Ashura… aren't you going to check your college?"
"Not in the mood," he replied casually, not even stopping.
Avni straightened a little, adjusting the basket in her arms.
"…Why?"
"Don't you want to see how it is?"
"Nope."
Ashura shook his head lightly, yawning again.
"If Ruhi checks, that's enough."
Avni blinked.
"…Ruhi said the exact same thing."
She stepped closer and lightly punched his head.
"You two twins are exactly the same."
Ashura chuckled.
"Nah… she's shorter, smarter, and a crybaby."
He smirked slightly.
"I'm tall, handsome… and strong."
Avni nodded slowly.
"…Hmm. Maybe."
A small chuckle escaped her.
"…but you're still an idiot."
"Oi—! You're the idiot!"
Ashura snapped back instantly.
Avni just smiled, completely unfazed.
Then her expression softened.
"Take care of yourself."
Ashura paused.
"You've been getting distracted lately… day by day."
Her voice turned gentle.
"…If something happens, don't forget to tell your elder sister."
Ashura looked away slightly, a faint blush appearing.
"…I'm not a kid anymore."
Avni smiled softly.
"Still… every boy needs his elder sister."
A brief silence passed between them.
"You remember," she continued quietly, "when you were little… you always wanted me by your side?"
Ashura let out a small chuckle.
"…That was a long time ago."
"Maybe."
She turned away, walking toward her room.
"But for me…"
She glanced back with a soft smile.
"…you're still a kid."
The door closed gently behind her.
Ashura stood there for a moment.
Silent.
"…Take care, huh…"
He muttered under his breath.
Ashura muttered quietly to himself as he stepped forward.
"…I promise, Avni…"
"I'll check the college."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"…after I meet that woman."
He took a breath.
"…Let's go."
And with that, he walked out.
Scene Shift
Shina lay sprawled across the sofa, her stomach pressed against it while her legs were folded lazily behind her. Earphones in, she scrolled endlessly through reels on her phone, completely lost in her own little world.
A sudden laugh escaped her.
"Hehehe… what even is this…"
She clutched her stomach, giggling uncontrollably.
From behind—
Shizu sat quietly, watching her.
Lady Shina looks… happy today.
Calm… relaxed…
But why…?
Shina suddenly sat up, her hair slightly messy and her clothes casually loose, giving her a comfortable, almost homely look. She stretched her arms upward, letting out a long yawn.
"Huuuhhh…"
Then she dropped back slightly, sighing.
"…I'm tired."
A pause.
"…after doing absolutely nothing."
Shizu spoke calmly from behind.
"Lady Shina… may I ask you something?"
Shina turned her head slightly.
"Yes, Shizu."
Shizu hesitated for a moment, then asked softly—
"Do you really… love Ashura ji?"
She looked at her seriously.
"Please don't hide it from me."
A small, gentle smile followed.
Shina slowly sat up, her hand resting lightly on her chest. Her expression turned a little awkward, as if she didn't quite know how to answer.
"…Honestly…"
She exhaled softly.
"I don't know."
Shizu blinked.
"I don't know if I love him or not," Shina continued quietly. "I never felt anything like that… not really."
She paused, thinking.
"…Except that I like his nature."
A faint smile appeared.
"He's calm… strong… different."
Her gaze softened.
"…He feels like a hero."
Silence filled the room for a moment.
"And maybe…" she added slowly, "someday… if I start feeling something…"
A shy smile formed.
"…then I'll date him."
Shizu listened without interrupting.
"I didn't fall for him instantly," Shina said honestly. "But that doesn't mean I hate him either."
She looked down slightly.
"…I'm just… stuck."
A quiet smile returned to her face.
Then—
Her expression changed.
"…But he killed that man."
Her hand clenched tightly.
"…the one who hurt my sister…"
Her teeth pressed together slightly.
There was anger.
Pain.
"…So to me…"
She whispered.
"…he's still a hero."
A small laugh escaped her.
"…and a hero deserves a queen… right?"
For a moment, Shizu stayed silent.
Then—
A soft giggle slipped out.
Shina's face turned red instantly.
"Hey—! What was that for?!"
Shizu smiled warmly.
"…You're like a little girl."
Shizu smiled calmly, her eyes soft.
"…You really are something else, Lady Shina."
A small giggle escaped her lips.
Shina chuckled lightly.
"Thanks, Shizu."
Without thinking much, she lay back down on the sofa again, grabbing her phone and slipping her earphones back in.
Then, without even looking at her, she spoke—
Her tone playful… but slightly threatening.
"Now don't you dare interrupt my peaceful time."
Shizu froze for a second.
"…Understood, Lady."
I won't disturb you…
She gulped quietly, nodding to herself.
Meanwhile—
Shina was already back in her own world, scrolling through reels as if nothing had happened, a faint smile still lingering on her face.
Inside his room, Ashura stood quietly, his thoughts running deeper than his calm expression showed.
I should carry something… just in case.
His eyes moved across the table.
A pistol.
A dagger.
A steel rod.
And a small vial of poison.
One by one, he picked them up, checking each item carefully before slipping them into his pockets.
"…For safety," he muttered under his breath.
A yawn escaped him.
"…Am I going to meet someone…"
A faint smirk appeared.
"…or going on a hunt?"
He let out a quiet chuckle.
After a moment, he straightened his posture.
"…I'm ready."
Another yawn followed.
"…Still sleepy…"
Ashura walked toward the door and opened it casually.
"Nyra—"
From the other room, an irritated voice replied instantly.
"Say didi."
Ashura sighed.
"…Okay, didi."
"I'm going out for a walk."
Nyra stood there with her hands on her hips, giving him a suspicious look before nodding.
"Fine."
"Come back quickly. Lunch is almost ready."
Ashura gave a small nod.
"…Okay."
And without saying anything more—
He stepped outside.
The door closed behind him.
Ashura walked through the streets casually, headphones on, music playing softly in his ears. The world around him moved as usual, but his mind was somewhere else entirely.
"…I don't even know what I'll find there," he muttered to himself.
A brief pause.
"…I just want answers."
His voice was calm—
but his eyes weren't.
After a few minutes, he finally stopped.
"…I'm here."
In front of him stood a small house.
Nothing unusual.
No guards.
No signs.
Just… ordinary.
Ashura narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…This is it?"
Still, he stepped forward and pressed the doorbell.
A voice echoed from inside.
"Who's there?"
"Ashura Rivaan," he replied calmly.
"I was invited."
For a moment—
silence.
Then—
"Come inside."
Click.
The door unlocked automatically.
Ashura didn't hesitate.
He pushed it open and walked in as if it was just another place.
But his mind remained alert.
…This doesn't look like a laboratory.
As soon as Ashura stepped inside—
The ground beneath him suddenly split open.
There was no warning.
No sound.
Just—
crack.
His eyes widened slightly.
…Huh?
For a brief second, time felt slower.
…So this is how it is…
A faint, almost amused thought crossed his mind.
…Fate, huh.
And then—
Boom.
The floor vanished completely beneath him.
Ashura's body dropped straight down into darkness.
"Ahhhhh—!"
His voice echoed as he fell deeper, the light above him shrinking with every second.
After a few seconds—
Ashura pushed himself up, cracking his back slightly as he stood.
"Ouch… my spine feels dead," he muttered, stretching lazily as if the fall hadn't bothered him much.
He glanced around.
The place was… different.
Not what he expected.
"…Can someone tell me where I am?" he asked casually.
A voice answered.
Calm. Controlled.
"It's our pleasure to meet you, Ashura."
Ashura's gaze sharpened instantly.
In front of him—
Six figures stood along the wall.
Watching him.
"…Who are you people?" he asked, his tone no longer playful.
Then—
His eyes locked onto one face.
"…Emilia."
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
Emilia's expression twisted instantly. Her teeth clenched, anger flashing in her eyes.
"You bastard—! Why did you—"
"Enough."
A single voice cut through the air.
Sharp.
Absolute.
The room fell silent.
Emilia froze.
"…Sorry."
She lowered her head, stepping back without another word.
Ashura's eyes shifted.
…That woman.
He recognized her.
The one who had stopped him earlier.
The one who had taken Emilia away.
She stepped forward slowly, a calm smile resting on her face.
Too calm.
"Hello, Ashura."
"I'm Anjali."
Her eyes held a strange warmth—
but something beneath it felt… unreadable.
"And please…"
She glanced briefly at Emilia.
"…ignore my child's behavior."
Her smile remained.
Unshaken.
Anjali smiled calmly, her expression never changing.
"…Shall we have some tea?"
Ashura tilted his head slightly.
"Sure…"
A faint smirk appeared.
"…as long as it doesn't contain poison."
A soft giggle escaped her.
"Don't worry."
Her voice remained gentle.
"We are friends."
A few moments later—
Ashura sat at a table.
Surrounded.
Six figures stood around him, silent, watching his every move. The air felt heavy, almost suffocating, as if each of them carried something dangerous within them.
Anjali placed a cup of tea in front of him and pushed it forward slightly.
"…Drink."
She smiled.
Ashura didn't touch it immediately.
His eyes stayed on the cup.
Then—
"…Can someone drink it before me?" he asked casually.
For a second, no one moved.
Then Anjali picked up the cup without hesitation and took a sip.
"…It's good."
She smiled again, completely unfazed.
"…Oh."
Ashura nodded lightly.
"I trust you."
He picked up the cup.
…This woman is something else.
A faint chuckle escaped him as he took a sip.
Around him—
All six continued staring.
Silently.
They were dressed differently—refined, almost elegant. Each of them had distinct hair colors, sharp eyes, and an unnatural presence that pressed against the air itself.
Their aura wasn't normal.
It was suffocating.
Then—
One of them stepped forward.
A boy.
His voice cold.
"So…"
His gaze locked onto Ashura.
"You're the one who defeated Emilia?"
Ashura looked up calmly.
"…Yeah."
Anjali spoke softly, her tone calm but firm.
"Don't start, Aaron."
A boy with blue hair and sharp green eyes stepped forward anyway. His gaze locked onto Ashura, cold and challenging.
"I want to see you."
He cracked his knuckles.
The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
Ashura glanced at him calmly, completely unfazed.
"…I'm not in the mood to fight."
Before Anjali could speak again—
Emilia's voice cut in, low and filled with anger.
"Show him… what we are."
Her eyes burned with humiliation.
Aaron didn't wait.
In a flash, he stepped forward and grabbed Ashura by the collar, slamming him against the wall. The impact echoed through the room as his aura flared violently.
"How did you hurt Emilia… you bastard?!"
Ashura didn't react.
He just stared at him.
Silently.
Cold.
Around them, the others stood up.
Tension filled every corner.
"Aaron—stop!" Anjali shouted.
But it was already too late.
Ashura let out a quiet sigh.
Then—
He moved.
His hand grabbed Aaron's shoulder calmly.
Too calmly.
"…Die, idiot."
Bang.
He slammed Aaron's head straight into the wall.
A loud crack echoed.
"Ahhhh—!"
Aaron screamed, his grip loosening instantly.
"I'll burn you—!" he shouted, raising his hand, preparing to chant.
But before he could—
A cold metallic click.
Ashura pressed a gun against his forehead.
"…Really?"
His voice was low.
Challenging.
Aaron froze.
His breath stopped.
"…Huh…?"
For the first time—
Fear flickered.
"Ashura—stop!" Anjali's voice trembled.
All eyes turned toward her.
She stepped forward, clearly shaken.
"…Please…"
Her voice broke slightly.
"They're not human."
Silence.
"They are…"
Her words came out slowly.
"…mythical beings."
A pause.
"…Luminarisis."
The room fell completely still.
Ashura's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Luminarisis?"
He repeated quietly.
Scene Shift
Yash lay sprawled across the bed, hugging a pillow tightly as if it were someone precious. He pressed his face into it and kissed it dramatically.
"Ruhi… my love…"
He hugged the pillow even tighter.
On the floor—
Harsh sat calmly, reading a book, completely unfazed.
"…That's just childish," he said coldly without even looking up.
Beside Yash, Reyansh lay on his back, staring at the ceiling with a lazy expression.
"…You're missing her too, right?"
Yash instantly shot up.
"What—?!"
His eyes widened as he glared at Reyansh.
"…You also love Ruhi?!"
Reyansh turned his head slowly, then chuckled.
"…No."
A small smirk formed.
"…I love Ashura."
Yash froze for a second.
"…Huh?"
Then, flustered, he grabbed the pillow again.
"I love Ruhi!"
He shouted proudly.
"No matter what—even if an angel falls for me—I won't leave my girl!"
He hugged the pillow even tighter, as if proving his loyalty.
Harsh calmly flipped a page of his book.
"…Ashura and Ruhi's birthday is coming."
Reyansh glanced at him.
"…When?"
"7th June."
Yash nodded quickly.
"Yeah…"
A mischievous grin appeared.
"…Looks like a birthday is coming."
He chuckled.
The airport buzzed with noise.
Crowds moved in every direction—people talking, luggage rolling, announcements echoing through the air. Receptionists stood at their counters, guiding passengers with practiced smiles while the distant roar of engines faded slowly.
A voice echoed through the speakers.
"Attention please. Flight 112 has landed safely. Passengers are requested to proceed toward Gate 3 for arrival procedures. Thank you."
Moments later—
The aircraft doors opened.
A thin layer of smoke drifted out as the stairs were placed.
Step.
A figure emerged.
He paused for a second, taking a deep breath as his shoes touched the ground.
"…Huh…"
A slow sigh escaped him.
"…Finally."
His eyes lifted.
Cold.
Sharp.
"…I'm back."
"…India."
A faint smirk formed on his lips.
"…Shina…"
His gaze darkened.
"…I'll steal your peace."
The air around him felt heavy, as if his presence alone carried something dangerous.
From behind, a voice spoke respectfully.
"Shall we proceed, sir?"
He didn't look back.
"…Let's go."
And with that—
He walked forward.
Chapter 11 Ended.
"Without realizing it… Ashura had stepped into a world he was never meant to enter."