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In the vast sky, a black eagle soared, its wings spread wide as it crossed countless rivers, mountains, and forests, moving swiftly in a single direction.
After days of journeying, it finally reached its destination. With the first rays of a new dawn painting the world in colors of gold and crimson, that black eagle, despite its dark feathers, appeared no less than a divine bird descending from the heavens.
Upon its back sat a man clothed in white robes, holding a child close to his chest. He was heading quickly toward a city nestled within nature's embrace—surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests.
This city was known as Jabajpur, located in the southern region of the kingdom of Swarnbhumi. People called it "The City of Warriors."
Just outside the city stood a massive platform, built for travelers and their mystical beasts to rest and prepare for journeys. As soon as Raktab spotted it, he gave his eagle a signal to descend.
The eagle, obeying its master's command, dived down at great speed and landed firmly on the platform.
The sight stunned everyone.
The enormous black eagle, descending from the heavens, drew all eyes. People stopped what they were doing, whispering to one another in disbelief.
One man rubbed his eyes and said to the fellow standing beside him:
"Brother, are my eyes deceiving me, or am I dreaming? Is that… a Rank Three Mystical Eagle, the kind found only atop the southern peaks?"
The other man nodded in awe.
"Yes, it's the same. A black eagle that, when fully grown, can even reach Rank Five! But… who is this man? Never before have we seen him in Jabajpur, nor heard his name. Surely, if there were a master of such a beast here, we would have known. Only a handful in this city possess Rank Three or above beasts. And this eagle… it's almost impossible to find one!"
Another voice joined in, whispering with reverence:
"Look at him… dressed in white. He doesn't look ordinary. He looks like someone with terrifying power."
The crowd murmured in agreement, but many couldn't hide the envy burning inside them—for that black eagle was no ordinary beast.
Hearing their chatter, Raktab sighed deeply and shook his head. They were right.
This was no common bird. It was a Rank Three Black Eagle, among the largest and rarest species of its kind—found only in the highest mountain ranges.
Every year, thousands risked their lives in search of such eagles. Yet even when they managed to find them, very few could tame them. Countless men were slain or left broken, for even a Rank Three mystical beast possessed strength equal to that of an Indrajeet Rank warrior, a rank only the rarest soldiers could achieve.
Just then, a lean man appeared in the crowd. People immediately stepped aside to make way for him, for a golden insignia glimmered on his chest. He walked straight up to Raktab, bowing slightly before speaking.
"Sir, you seem new to Jabajpur. Do you require any assistance?"
Raktab studied the man with sharp eyes but said nothing. His gaze shifted to the golden insignia—shaped like a bird—on the man's robe.
The lean man noticed the eagle and froze for a moment. Astonishment flickered in his eyes, but he quickly masked it.
He bowed again politely.
"Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Sagar—a humble member of the Association."
Raktab, who had been waiting for him to finish talking, finally let his heavy, commanding voice echo:
"Will you close your mouth for a while and give me a chance to speak?"
Sagar flushed, embarrassed. The truth was clear—he had been rambling without pause since his arrival.
Without another word, Raktab tossed him a pouch.
It landed in Sagar's hands with a weighty thud.
The man's eyes lit up when he realized it was filled with a hundred gold coins. His earlier shame was instantly replaced with a wide grin.
But Raktab's tone was cold:
"Don't be so happy. That's not a gift. You'll earn it by helping me."
Suppressing his excitement, Sagar bowed again.
"Forgive me. I got carried away. Please tell me how I can be of service. I'll do my best."
Raktab leaned in and whispered something. Sagar's eyes widened, but he nodded firmly.
"Follow me," he said.
Leaving the eagle to rest in a secure corner, Raktab and the child followed Sagar through winding streets until they arrived at a grand palace.
Above its gates, a sign read:
"Devraj Auction House Association."
Inside, they were led to a lavish hall.
"Please rest here," Sagar said politely. "I'll fetch someone to assist you."
A short while later, he returned with a heavy-set man clad in red robes embroidered with golden birds—the mark of high rank within the Association.
"This is the one I mentioned," Sagar explained.
The man's eyes gleamed as he stepped forward.
"I am Pashuraj Bhatia, Vice-Head of the Association. And you are…?"
"Raktab," came the calm reply.
"So, Raktab," Pashuraj said smoothly, "what sort of deal brings you to us today?"
In answer, Raktab raised his hand. A strange ring shimmered on his finger—not a simple ornament, but a storage ring.
With a flick, a massive two-foot-long egg appeared on the table.
"I wish to trade this," Raktab said evenly.
"The egg of a Rank Three Swanhawk."
Gasps filled the hall. Pashuraj's eyes widened with greed and disbelief. His lips curved into a smile he could not hide.
"This… I cannot believe it. The very creature I've sought for a year, and here lies its egg before me! And still warm… still alive."
The Swanhawk—a Rank Four mystical bird—laid its eggs only once a year, nesting deep within mountain crevices. Upon hatching, its chicks were already Rank Two, possessing the strength of a Paramjeet-ranked warrior. Fully grown, a Swanhawk could evolve to Rank Five, rivaling even the mightiest Maha Rudra warriors.
Such an egg was priceless.
Pashuraj's tone softened immediately, filled with reverence. He poured a drink with his own hands and offered it to Raktab.
"Tell me, noble one, do you truly wish to sell this?"
"Yes," Raktab replied firmly.
The Vice-Head hesitated before offering:
"Five hundred thousand gold coins."
Raktab's gaze hardened.
"Too little. I want six hundred thousand."
Back and forth they bargained, tension crackling like fire. Finally, Pashuraj relented.
"Very well. Six hundred thousand."
He produced a golden letter stamped with the Association's seal. The parchment glittered with red ink declaring:
"Devraj Auction House Association – Payment Due: Six Hundred Thousand Gold Coins."
Raktab examined the letter briefly before storing it away in his ring.
Pashuraj spread his arms, smiling.
"Why leave so soon? Please, rest as our guest for a while."
But Raktab shook his head.
"My apologies. I have urgent matters. I must go."
Moments later, with the child held firmly, he mounted his black eagle once more. With a thunderous cry, the beast spread its wings and soared into the heavens.
And so their journey continued…
What awaited them ahead?
To uncover the next chapter of this tale, keep reading—
"The Heartless Warrior."