Whether or not the mercenaries sent by the defense contractors would be tempted by the treasure was none of Castle or Beckett's concern.
That was Big Ivan's problem—his job was supervising and protecting their interests.
If any of these corporate-hired men got any funny ideas, then Admiral Cole or Admiral Peterson would deal with the CEOs of Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.
Castle only needed to prove the treasure was real—and in doing so, he would secure massive favors from these powerful people.
---
Thanks to the defense contractors, their Land Rover was fully stocked with bottled drinking water.
As the SUV sped toward its destination, Castle and John sat in the backseat, educating their two Russian bodyguards on the horrifying state of public hygiene in India.
All of them had never been here before, so Castle shared everything he knew from past-life online videos about what to avoid in this bizarre country.
John was in complete disbelief:
"Rick, you're making this up. There's no way people here actually believe drinking cow urine makes them stronger…"
The two Russians in the front burst into laughter:
"Boss, even if you weren't a writer, you could totally be a stand-up comedian! Hahaha!"
Seeing their skepticism, Castle sighed.
"Guys, think about it. Why do you think Northrop Grumman stocked this SUV with so much bottled water? You really think it's because we're driving into a desert?"
John turned around and stared at the huge stockpile of bottled water filling the back half of the vehicle.
After a moment, he looked thoughtful:
"Wait… Rick, are you seriously telling me the public health situation here is that bad?"
Castle's expression grew serious:
"Yes. Listen carefully. Do not drink any local water or eat any local food until we leave this country. If you do, you might not survive long enough to regret it."
Finally, the three skeptics started to realize the gravity of the situation.
"Wait… isn't this country supposed to be a global superpower? And they still have these issues?"
Castle sighed again.
He didn't want his friends or bodyguards to suffer from ignorance.
So, with plenty of driving time ahead, he gave them a full crash course on India's realities.
What followed was a road trip full of exclamations like:
- "What the hell!?"
- "No way, that's insane!"
- "I refuse to believe this!"
By the time they finally reached their destination the next day, their understanding of India had been completely shattered.
---
When Castle arrived at the temple, he was shocked.
There was no sign of security.
No guards, no worshippers—nothing.
The temple was completely abandoned.
Even Sundararajan, the fanatical intelligence officer rumored to guard the temple, was nowhere to be found.
The entire place looked desolate and crumbling.
Castle and John exchanged a look—both relieved that they wouldn't have to eliminate anyone in a foreign country.
They had mentally prepared for a potential confrontation, but if no one was here, that made things much easier.
Without wasting time, the two Russian bodyguards carried the ground-penetrating radar out of the SUV.
John stayed outside, keeping watch for unwanted visitors, while Castle and the Russians entered the temple to scan the underground vault.
Thanks to his past-life knowledge, Castle immediately knew where to place the scanner.
Within five minutes, the radar confirmed the presence of a large underground chamber filled with precious metals.
That was all the proof they needed.
Castle grinned and walked out of the temple.
Taking out his satellite phone, he immediately called the key players:
- Lockheed Martin's CEO
- Boeing's CEO
- Northrop Grumman's CEO
- President Benjamin
- Admiral Cole
- Admiral Peterson
- The two high-ranking politicians
Everyone received the same message:
"The treasure is real. I've found it."
---
Castle had no reason to stay any longer.
His job was done.
Now, all that remained was excavating the treasure.
Two Russian bodyguards stayed behind to:
1. Secure the site
2. Wait for Big Ivan and the excavation crew
Meanwhile, U.S. military and political representatives would arrive soon to ensure accountability—preventing anyone from trying to steal a bigger share.
Big Ivan's team was already en route, and Castle had no reason to stick around.
So, he and John immediately started their return trip.
---
Before leaving, Castle gave the two Russian guards a final instruction:
"If Sundararajan suddenly shows up, capture him immediately."
John asked, "Why bother? If he's missing, maybe he's not a threat."
Castle shook his head.
"The fact that he isn't here is what worries me the most. If he shows up out of nowhere, something is wrong."
With that, he and John got back into the SUV and began driving back.
---
As they drove, John suddenly spoke up:
"Rick, I still can't believe you're willing to share this treasure with so many people. But I gotta admit… this plan was the right call."
Castle smirked:
"Feeling sentimental, John?"
John shrugged.
"Not really. Just saying—if we had tried to do this alone, we'd be totally screwed. Did you see the size of that temple? How the hell were we supposed to transport everything by ourselves?"
Castle internally chuckled.
If only John knew…
His personal inventory space was more than enough to store the entire treasure.
But this wasn't about money—this was about humiliating India.
Still, he responded with a casual explanation:
"John, you know I'm not doing this for the gold. I just want to see the look on India's face when they realize we took everything."
John actually laughed:
"Damn, Rick. You're saying this is a several-billion-dollar treasure hoard… do you think they'll cry when they find out?"
Castle shrugged.
"Not my problem. They tried to kidnap me—this is the price they pay."
John thought for a moment before asking:
"But why isn't the U.S. government punishing India or Japan? I mean… they helped Turkey try to kidnap you, right?"
Castle sighed.
"John, you need to understand international politics. Japan is America's pet dog—they do whatever the U.S. tells them.
And India? The U.S. considers them a 'democratic ally'. Plus, there are too many Indian immigrants in America now, and Benjamin needs political leverage.
Right now, the government's priority is starting a war with Turkey.
If they go after India too hard, they might push them into Turkey's arms. That's why they're letting this slide—for now."
John raised an eyebrow:
"But if we do this, won't India get pissed off anyway? You literally plan to let them know you stole their treasure."
Castle smirked.
"They just signed a deal to buy Rafale fighter jets from France.
If we pressure them too openly, France might side with them at the UN.
But if I steal everything quietly, it becomes a 'personal act'—not a government-sanctioned one."
John shook his head in amusement.
"Damn, Rick… you really thought this through."
Castle grinned.
"Of course. After all, if you're gonna slap someone in the face, you better make sure it hurts like hell."
______
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