As Arya returned from the capital, his mind was restless. He had seen something so vast and powerful for the first time. The experience reshaped his understanding of power. Now, he realized his position in the grand scheme of things—he was merely a pawn, controlled by those with real authority. Killing Upendra had felt monumental to him, but in the greater world, it had barely caused a ripple. Yes, life had changed for the people around the pit, but beyond its borders, the world remained unaffected. Compared to what he had seen today, his past victories felt small.
He had also seen a world beyond his imagination—so many different kinds of people and species working all over Suryagadh. The city was unlike anything he had known. Even the guards had amazed him. "They must be incredibly strong. Their weapons must be highly durable. But what stood out was their discipline—they moved in perfect sync, following commands without hesitation."
A strange thought crossed his mind. "I wouldn't mind living in such a city. So much freedom. Such order and peace. Who wouldn't want to be here? I wonder what the twins would think of this place. I should take them here someday. But entering that city is so difficult. I doubt Savignya would take me again, especially with the twins. Maybe if I become powerful enough, they'll let me in without needing a permission letter from the state head or Trishan."
He frowned. "But what would it take to reach that level? Even Savignya, who has known the state secretary for years, needed a permission letter. They wouldn't just let me in because of my seat at Yamsabha. That might help me enter, but what about the others? Ashvapati, Ganak, the twins... they would still be left behind."
A new idea took root in his mind. "I want to take everyone with me. The people outside the pit too. I understand the security concerns, but what about the needy? They could have proper food and shelter in a place like that. I don't want them to suffer. There's so much for everyone in that city. And my fighters... If they trained there, they would become strong warriors in no time. With that kind of equipment, my soldiers would be unstoppable."
Lost in thought, Arya instructed the convoy to stop at a small eatery. He ordered food for his men and paid extra for the people begging outside, instructing the owner to provide them with meals. The owner complied without hesitation.
Arya sat with his men, eating peacefully. He shared stories about his visit to Suryagadh, describing the city and all he had seen. The disciplined guards, the towering buildings, the vastness of it all—it was as if he had stepped into a different world.
After finishing his meal, he stepped outside. Across the street, he noticed a small temple. An old man sat near its entrance, waiting for someone to spare some food or coins. Arya scoffed. "No point in praying to a god who can't even provide for the poor and the needy," he thought. He called for more food and crossed the street to hand it to the old man.
Before turning away, something caught his eye—a mural on the temple wall. He had seen this before, in another temple, a year ago. He looked at it closely. Two sides locked in battle, their weapons clashing in the sky above them.
"You think any of this is true?" a voice spoke from behind.
Arya turned. A massive man sat nearby, covered in ragged clothes, a large cloth draped over his shoulders and face, obscuring most of his features.
"I don't know. Never gave it much thought," Arya replied.
The man leaned back against the temple floor. "I saw what you did. Offering food to a poor man—that was generous of you. Do you think he will remember you for it?"
"It doesn't matter if he remembers me or not. I helped because I could. Anyone would have done the same," Arya said.
"But no one did. Only you. That puts you above everyone else here." The man's voice carried a strange certainty. "There's something about you. A familiar feeling... Come here, boy."
For a moment, Arya moved forward, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. Then he stopped. A wave of awareness washed over him. "What just happened? Why did I do that?" He shook his head, snapping himself out of the moment.
The man let out a low chuckle. "I'll be seeing a lot of you, boy."
Arya shook his head again, forcing himself to turn away. He returned to his convoy, but his thoughts drifted once more—to Suryagadh, to the life beyond the pit, and to the power he needed to claim his place in that world.