Author's Preface
Before the bidding for the ninth item had fully settled, Anshvi turned slightly toward Aashi, lowering her voice.
“Aunty… I wanted to ask something.” She paused for a moment, then continued more quietly,
“Is Uncle Ishant… okay? After Eklavya left that night…” Her gaze dipped slightly. “When he read the letter… he didn’t look alright.”
Aashi didn’t respond immediately. Her head lowered as she looked at the floor, her expression softening. For a brief moment, silence lingered between them.
“That night…” she said quietly, “he lost his composure.” There was no attempt to hide it. “He’s a father, after all.”
She let out a faint breath before continuing, “But by morning… he had already steadied himself.”
Anshvi frowned slightly. “Then why didn’t he send anyone to search for him? Outside the city… into the forest?”
Aashi lifted her head and looked at her gently. “He wanted to,” she replied. “But he stopped himself.” After a brief pause, she added. “He trusted Eklavya… more than his own fear.”
Then a faint smile appeared on her lips—soft, almost teasing.
“And besides… It’s not like you managed to change his mind either when you met him.” Her eyes shifted toward the orb as she added lightly, “You came back the next morning… didn’t you?”
Anshvi smiled faintly, a shy warmth touching her expression as she parted her lips to respond—but before she could say anything. A voice from below cut through the moment.
“Now… it is time for the final item.”
Her attention shifted instantly. She turned toward the viewing window, her gaze sharpening.
On the platform below, one of the attendants stepped forward, carrying a tray draped in deep red silk. The colour alone felt different—heavier and deliberate. It was enough to quiet even the restless murmurs in the hall.
The attendant approached the centre, stopping just beside the host. Her hands moved toward the silk but halted.
A presence entered the hall. From the side stairs, a man walked forward. His steps were unhurried, yet each one carried a weight that silenced the hall more effectively than any command.
The Head of the Patee Family—Jaism Patee.
The woman hosting the auction turned immediately. Without hesitation, she joined her palms and bowed her head respectfully, then stepped aside, descending the platform without a word. The shift was subtle—but absolute.
All attention moved to him. A deep, commanding voice spread across the hall.
“Thank you, everyone… for participating in today’s auction.” He paused, his gaze sweeping across the chamber—not searching, but measuring.
“As you all know, today’s auction is… special.” A slight emphasis rested on his next words. “Because of the final item.”
Then suddenly the air changed. A pressure descended. It was invisible yet undeniable.
The aura of a Spirit Warrior spread through the hall like a silent tide, pressing against every presence, every breath, every thought. Conversations died instantly. Even the most composed figures stiffened, their expressions tightening under the weight.
It was not an attack but a warning.
“Please,” he said calmly, though the weight behind his voice remained, “do not do anything rash… that may put you in difficulty.”
No one misunderstood the meaning behind his words. When the head of the Patee Family spoke, it was not merely authority; it was law within this space.
Without another pause, he reached forward and removed the silk covering. The moment it fell away, the hall seemed to draw a collective breath.
Resting within a square case lay a bracelet unlike anything seen before. It looked like it was crafted from rare, interwoven materials.
Its surface carried a natural elegance, yet what truly drew the eye were the Rudraksha beads embedded within it. Each one of the Rudraksha beads was faintly glowing and releasing a deep, steady aura.
The light it emitted was not bright, yet it felt… ancient and profound, as if it carried a presence beyond mere craftsmanship.
“Spirit Rudraksha Bracelet,” Jaism Patee announced, his voice calm but firm. “An Earth-tier artifact.”
A faint stir moved through the hall. “We may not fully understand its nature,” he continued, “but the value of an Earth-tier artifact… needs no explanation.”
After a brief pause, he added. “The starting price—one thousand low-grade spirit stones.”
“And each increment… not less than one thousand.”
The moment he finished, the orbs lit up. As soon as the final item was announced, the calm was shattered.
“Five thousand low-grade spirit stones.” — Room One spoke first, entering without any hesitation.
“Six thousand.” — Room Eight followed immediately.
“Ten thousand.” — Room Five raised the stakes in one sharp move, signalling they weren’t here to test limits.
“Eleven thousand.” — Room Nine joined, keeping the pressure steady.
Then— “Fifteen thousand.”
For the first time, Room Four entered. Anshvi’s voice was clear and firm.
“Twenty thousand.” — Room Five answered instantly, not allowing even a breath of space.
“Twenty-three thousand.” — Room One pushed forward, committing everything they had.
“Twenty-five thousand.” — Room Five again, relentless.
“Thirty thousand.” Anshvi didn’t hesitate this time.
The pace exploded instantly without testing or hesitation, only aggressive entry.
A voice rang out from Room Five, sharp with interest, faintly mocking, “Looks like Room Four is quite desperate to win this.”
“Thirty-five thousand.”
Anshvi didn’t respond to the remark. “Forty thousand.” The hall quieted further.
Bidders began to withdraw. This was no longer competition; this was escalation.
“Forty-five thousand.” After a brief pause. Then—
“Fifty thousand.” That was everything Anshvi had. Her hand clenched slightly, her breath tightening for just a moment.
Beside her, Aashi smiled gently and placed her hand over hers. “Just bid,” she said softly. “If it rises, don’t hold back.”
“Sixty thousand.” The jump was heavy now and intentional.
Anshvi hesitated, only for a fraction of a second, before speaking. “Seventy thousand.”
“Eighty thousand.”
Like this, the bidding surged past one hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones, each raised heavier than the last. Each voice carried the weight of dwindling reserves and rising desperation.
What had begun as competition had long since turned into a silent clash of resolve.
Room Five made its final move. “One hundred and ninety-five thousand low-grade spirit stones.”
The number struck the hall like a closing blow.
Anshvi inhaled slowly. ‘This had to be the end. I wish!’
“Two hundred thousand.”
Now, silence filled the hall. It was a long one. A laugh cracked, silent as the voice echoed faintly from Room Five.
“Haha… congratulations to Room Four. It’s yours.”
They had reached their limit. The Sahastra Family fell silent. All eyes turned, though no one could see her.
Jaism Patee waited a moment longer, confirming no further bids would come. Then he spoke…
“If no one else remains—”
“Room Four wins the Spirit Rudraksha Bracelet at the price of two hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones.”
A soft chime echoed. The decision was sealed. Anshvi smiled as she heard the voice and leaned over Aashi while her tears spread through her eyes and down her face. Aashi held her tightly in her arms in response. “You won, Anshvi. You won.”
“Yes, aunty.”
…
[A few hours ago]
Far away from the quiet storm of wealth and pride in the depths of the Pranahara Forest. When the dawn had begun to break. Faint golden light filtered through the dense canopy as the world slowly stirred awake.
Eklavya’s eyes opened. Around him, his companions rested. They both slumped over the table, and around them, others were lying on the ground.
For a brief moment, everything was still. Then, Eklavya's senses sharpened. Something… was coming.