At manager's cabin
Ayaan and Nyra each settled into their respective seats, and the manager, too, took his place with composed authority.
"I don't know why, but whenever I'm in front of this man, I sense a distinct aura… as if, at any moment, he could kill me," Ayaan thought silently.
To him, the manager was a formidable presence—one that constantly reminded him of his own helplessness in front of such power.
Suddenly, Nyra sprang from her seat and plopped into the manager's lap.
"Grandpa!" she exclaimed affectionately.
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm in the middle of something important. Don't sit on me in front of everyone," the manager replied with a gentle chuckle.
Watching the two share a light moment, Ayaan allowed himself a faint smile. A hint of relief began to wash over him.
Just then, the manager extended his hand toward Ayaan.
"I never told you my name, did I? I'm Dev."
Ayaan shook his hand and said politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"But Grandpa," Nyra interrupted, her eyes curious, "why did you suddenly call us here?"
"Ah, yes! I needed to speak with Ayaan privately. Nyra, could you give us a moment? I'll explain everything to you afterward."
"Alright, Grandpa," she replied and left the room promptly.
As she departed, she cast a small smile back at Ayaan before quietly stepping out.
Now only Ayaan and the manager remained.
"How are you feeling now? Any aftereffects from the smoke?" the manager inquired.
"No... nothing unusual so far," Ayaan replied calmly.
"I see. I can only imagine what you've been through—losing your friends, seeing your sister in that state... you've endured more than most," Dev said, with a trace of sorrow.
Ayaan's eyes dimmed slightly, and he responded only with a quiet, "Yeah…"
"Your sister still needs some time to fully recover. But…" the manager rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "I give you my word—she'll wake up soon."
Ayaan's head shot up, hope lighting his eyes. "You mean that?"
"I do. In today's world, nothing is impossible. We've advanced enough to bring anyone back from the brink. So, Ayaan, you don't need to worry about your sister anymore."
Tears welled in Ayaan's eyes. "Thank God…" he whispered, wiping them away. Then he asked, "And... what about my friends? Did you find their bodies?"
"Not yet. We've thoroughly investigated the area, but so far... nothing," the manager replied, his tone somber.
Ayaan's face fell. He looked down again, disheartened. "So… still no news."
"We've informed their families of everything. I doubt they'll ever be able to bear the pain completely, but we've offered them financial support. After all, they were our people too," the manager added gently.
Ayaan was at a loss for words. Still, he asked, "Did they ask about me?"
After a moment's pause, the manager answered, "As far as they know... you died along with them. That's why we haven't told them the truth yet."
"Oh…" Ayaan muttered under his breath.
"You're part of our team now, so I don't want to keep any secrets from you," Dev said.
"Secrets?" Ayaan looked puzzled.
"Yes. Let me tell you about the organization. We're called the Trinity Foundation. Our mission is to locate and contain unknown entities—creatures that pose a new and dangerous threat to the human world."
"We call them Asuras. Do you know what that word means?"
"Asuras? Aren't they demons?" Ayaan asked, uncertain.
"Exactly. Demons that stand against the divine and spread chaos in the world."
"So far, we've captured ten of them," Dev said.
"Only ten?" Ayaan asked in surprise.
"I know it sounds like a small number, but we've done this in just two years," he replied with a proud smile. Then his expression darkened slightly. "We don't have much time left. To survive the coming storm, we need to capture as many Asuras as we can. Otherwise… this world will fall."
A chill ran through Ayaan's veins. "The world… will end? What do you mean?"
"It's a long story," Dev said, his eyes piercing through Ayaan. "But first, I want you to complete your first mission. After that, I'll tell you everything."
"Mission?" Ayaan echoed, startled.
"Yes," the manager replied, taking a deep breath. "We're facing an emergency. We'll have to skip your training. You're going on a mission now—with the Field Reapers."
At this, fear flickered in Ayaan's eyes. His palms began to sweat, and he stood up abruptly. "You're kidding, right?"
There was no amusement in Dev's gaze. Only cold, impartial truth. "I'm not joking, Ayaan. Don't forget what I told you: until we're certain we can trust you, you won't be allowed to see your sister."
Ayaan fell silent, but inside, his heart was in turmoil.
"I'm giving you a chance," Dev continued. "Your task is only to observe. Stay out of danger. Report everything directly to me."
"If the mission is successful, you'll officially become a part of the Field Reapers. But," he paused, his eyes hardening slightly, "if you lose control or attack without reason—we'll have no choice but to eliminate you."
A heavy silence filled the room. Ayaan clenched his fists. "And if I refuse to go?"
Dev's expression remained calm, but the burden in his eyes was evident.
"Then your sister remains in her current state. And you… will be imprisoned here for the rest of your life."
Ayaan's breathing quickened. "So… I don't have a choice?"
His throat felt parched. Restlessness and anger surged inside him, coiling like a storm. He bowed his head low.
Then, quietly, he spoke. "Alright, sir. I'm ready."
Dev looked at him for a long moment, as if apologizing with his eyes. "Forgive me, Ayaan."
Suddenly—
BAM!
The door burst open. The loud sound made them both jump, their eyes darting toward the entrance.
Three figures emerged from the shadows beyond.
A familiar smile crept onto the manager's face. "Ah, so the three of you are here."
The first man—muscular, confident, and radiating power with every step—grinned. "Manager, how long were you planning to keep us waiting to meet the new guy?"
The second—quiet, wearing a white T-shirt, his long hair falling over calm eyes—seemed absorbed in a world of his own. His gaze remained fixed on a wall, indifferent to the rest.
And the third…
Luna. Nyra's elder sister.
Ayaan's breath caught the moment he saw her. "You…?"
In Luna's eyes lingered the same old secret—as though she longed to speak, but could not. Her expression softened slightly at the sight of Ayaan, yet she avoided his gaze.
The manager stepped between them and looked at Ayaan.
"Ayaan, these three will lead you. They are… the Field Reapers."