The early morning light glinted off the road as the group gathered outside the shop, anticipation in the air. Aaryan stood quietly at the back, observing his fellow villagers, who were all gathered for the expedition. His thoughts wandered, but they kept returning to the mission ahead—the potential rewards were great, but so were the risks. Aaryan had seen how high the stakes were before; this time, it was no different.


    Then, a voice cut through the murmurs of the group.


    "Everyone, gather up," the voice commanded.


    Everyone turned, their eyes shifting toward the shop doorway. A young man had appeared there, tall and striking, wearing a deep blue robe that contrasted against the earthy hues of the village. He looked no older than seventeen, but there was an undeniable authority about him. His posture was rigid, straight as an arrow, and his eyes were sharp—cold, even. His presence caused a ripple of respect through the crowd.


    Flanking him were two bodyguards, their imposing figures and stern expressions making it clear that no one would dare cross them. One of the bodyguards was bald with a deep scar cutting across his left eye, his presence exuding an air of violence. The other was more silent, yet his muscular frame and hardened stare were enough to make even the boldest hesitate.


    Aaryan could feel the change in atmosphere. The group was tense now, a shift from the casual chatter to the stark reality of what was to come.


    The young man in blue robes stepped forward, scanning the group with an air of superiority. His gaze lingered on each face, making them all fidget uncomfortably.


    "Enough with the pleasantries," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "This mission is important. No mistakes will be tolerated. If we succeed, the rewards will be great—enough to make every one of you feel like a king. But if we fail, the consequences will be severe. So, focus and follow the orders without question."


    Aaryan’s heart skipped a beat. The mention of rewards had caught everyone’s attention, but the weight of failure hung heavy in the air. They all knew what was at stake.


    The young man turned his gaze toward the group’s leader, a man with a broad chest and a fake grin plastered on his face. "Junior Chief Nayan," the leader began, his tone dripping with flattery, "what an honour it is to have you with us today. Will you be joining us on this mission?"


    Nayan waved a hand dismissively, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "No, I have other matters to attend to. But I will be overseeing everything. My father entrusted me with this, so I’ll ensure the mission proceeds smoothly."


    He paused, allowing his words to settle into the group. "You will be split into teams. Some will accompany my father’s team to the deeper parts of the mountain. The rest will handle the peripheral areas, keeping watch and gathering what we need."


    The group shifted, murmurs running through them as the weight of the task began to sink in. Aaryan’s heart thudded faster. This wasn’t just a standard expedition into the woods—it was a high-priority mission. The kind that could change everything for those who succeeded.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    But then, the group leader spoke again, a wicked grin tugging at his lips. "And since this mission is so important, we can’t afford to carry anyone who could be a liability. Aaryan," he called out, his voice dripping with disdain.


    The entire group turned to look at Aaryan. His heart sank, but his face remained neutral, the ever-present smile still gracing his lips. He had long since learned not to let their barbs get to him. Still, the situation stung. He had worked just as hard as anyone else, but to them, he was always the burden.


    "You’ve made mistakes before," the leader continued, a thinly veiled insult in his tone. "This mission is too important. If you can’t prove yourself, we’ll have to leave you behind. No one wants to be responsible for a failure because of you."


    Aaryan’s thoughts spun, but he kept his composure. He wasn’t about to let them see how much their words hurt.


    Nayan, who had been watching this exchange with a mixture of interest and disdain, stepped forward. "Aaryan," he said, his voice cold. "If not for that man—your adoptive father—saving my own father all those years ago, you wouldn’t even be here. Don’t make me regret keeping you on this team. This mission is no joke, so either don’t get in the way or sit this one out."


    Aaryan’s expression faltered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly masked it with a calm smile. His heart clenched, but he knew this was his chance. The mission, dangerous as it might be, was his ticket out of Kamalpuri. The rewards were too great to pass up.


    "Junior Chief, I won’t make any mistakes," Aaryan said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside. "Please allow me to stay on the team."


    Nayan didn’t reply immediately. His eyes studied Aaryan, a glint of amusement in his gaze, before he nodded curtly. "Fine. Don’t make me regret this."


    Aaryan sighed quietly in relief, but the tension in his chest remained. He had passed this test, but the real challenge awaited in the mountains.


    Just then, a noise broke through the group’s murmurs—a commotion coming from down the road. A group of around seventy people appeared, marching with purpose. At the front of the group were five figures: three clad in silver Armor, two wearing blue robes identical to Nayan’s. They approached the shop swiftly, and Nayan strode forward to meet them.


    Aaryan watched closely, noting the unfamiliar faces and the heavy presence of the armoured men. These weren’t regular villagers. These were outsiders, likely from a neighbouring town, and their arrival only deepened the mystery of the mission. What was so important that they needed reinforcements?


    As the two groups exchanged words in low voices, Aaryan tried to listen, but the conversations were too quiet. He caught a few words about the mission''s importance, and the mention of teams and their assignments. The seriousness of the situation pressed down on him again, making his mind race.


    The group was eventually divided into teams, each with a leader. Aaryan found himself placed in one of the weaker teams, surrounded by men who barely looked at him. His team would be handling the outer perimeter, acting as scouts.


    Nayan’s elder brother, Sharan, called for attention as the teams were finalized. His voice was strong and confident, and he commanded respect without needing to ask for it.


    "Everyone, get ready. We march now," Sharan announced, his eyes gleaming with purpose.


    Aaryan tightened his grip on the satchel of supplies in his hand. His heartbeat faster as he followed the others toward the mountains. No one spoke to him, but he could feel their eyes on him, filled with silent judgment. He knew they would never see him as anything more than the "clown," the one who smiled despite his hardships. But this mission, this opportunity—it was his chance to prove them wrong.


    The mountains loomed ahead, dark and mysterious. As Aaryan took his first steps toward the unknown, he felt the weight of everything that was at stake. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: this mission would change everything.