Against The Eternity Chapter 16: [15] Chapter - 6: A Father’s Fury (Part - 2/2)

Read chapter 16 of Against The Eternity by Phoenixfly_steller on NovelPedia.

[15] Chapter - 6: A Father’s Fury (Part - 2/2) As Eklavya moved past the city gates with Anshvi, leaving the sounds of commerce and the bustle of everyday life behind, the mood in the Rudra Clan changed in a way that passed largely unnoticed, like ripples in water before a storm. It was at this very moment that two large figures emerged from the main gates of the clan’s territory: Neewansh, the leader of the Marwah Clan, and Vedant, the leader of the Taraj Clan. They moved with deliberate slowness, their faces carefully composed, but behind their polite masks, a burning greed gnawed at them, restless and impatient. Guards saluted them formally, but their presence was followed by an air of tension as the two men strode confidently towards the meeting hall, their intent far weightier than their polite demeanour. The meeting hall was a massive and sombre place, with stone pillars that rose like ancient giants towards a dark ceiling. The symbol of the Rudra Clan was emblazoned on the far wall, carved deep into black stone, lit by flickering fire crystals that cast a dancing amber glow over the room. The hall was normally filled with the clan’s elders and their discussions, but now it was empty, the silence a heavy presence that pressed against the very air. Only one person was in the room. Ishant Rudra sat on the central throne-like seat, motionless, his hands resting calmly on the armrests. He did not rise to greet them. He did not speak. He simply watched. And in that alone, both visitors slowed their pace. For a brief moment, Neewansh and Vedant felt a shiver run down their spines, like the touch of a cold blade against their skin. Ishant Rudra’s presence was not boisterous or aggressive; it was simply immovable, absolute – like the presence of a mountain that did not notice the storms. They drew near and bowed in respect. “Clan Leader Ishant,” Neewansh greeted tactfully. A faint smile played on Ishant’s lips, but it lacked warmth. “You came uninvited.” The two leaders exchanged a brief look before Neewansh continued, his words dripping with honey. “We heard your son, Eklavya, has progressed from Throat Chakra Opening to Third Eye Chakra Opening in merely a month. We came to offer our congratulations.” A brief, harsh laugh burst from Ishant. “You did not come for congratulations. Do not waste my time. Get on with it.” The hall fell silent. The fire crystals pulsed. Finally, Neewansh let out a breath. “We have come… to return the half of the market won during the bet.” Vedant moved to the forefront at once, his words steady but hungry. “In return, we ask for the spirit stone mine that lies within the Nile Mountain Range.” Ishant’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly. “And if I do not give it to you?” Vedant stood tall. “If the land is not formally ceded to the Rudra Clan, then the city laws state that the mine must be divided equally among the three great clans. We merely ask for our due.” The air in the hall turned chill. “But who found the mine?” Ishant asked in a low voice. Vedant paused. “Y-your clan.” “Then it is mine,” Ishant said, his voice soft — perilously soft, like still water hiding enough depth to swallow armies whole. Neewansh hastily produced a scroll. “We have drawn up the proper paperwork. All that is needed is your signature.” Ishant stood. The instant his feet made contact with the floor, the hall shook. His aura burst outwards like a tempest shattering its bonds. The invisible force slammed against the hall. The temperature dropped. Darkness lengthened along the walls as spiritual energy filled every nook of the hall. Neewansh and Vedant fell to their knees the instant they were caught in the maelstrom, their bodies compelled by the overwhelming might. “What—?!” Vedant coughed, gasping for air. “You… you’re not a Grandmaster Warrior… you’re— a Spirit Warrior!” Before he could finish, a black-cloaked figure burst into the hall through the entrance, spiritual energy bursting forth as the man tried to protect the two