Far beyond the reach of the martial arts world, hidden in the embrace of nature, there lay a country by the name of Stambha. Nestled between two sparkling lakes, its land was blessed with the beauty of an interlaken, where the serene waters reflected the tranquil skies. 

The people of Stambha lived simple, peaceful lives. They worked the land, their hands stained with the fruits of their hard work. Fresh vegetables and fruits grew easily, thanks to the rich soil. The cattle grazed in the lush green fields, and the air was filled with the sweet smell of nature. The people were happy with their way of life and had no need for weapons or fighting. The martial arts world was far away, something they chose not to get involved in, and it had no impact on their quiet, peaceful lives.

The peace that enveloped Stambha was not a mere coincidence, but the result of a treaty forged twenty years ago.

The terms were simple yet profound: Stambha would be untouched by the martial arts world, and in return, it would remain a land of peace, free from the blades and battles of warriors. And so, the two realms went their separate ways, like two rivers running parallel, never crossing.

For a quarter of a century, Stambha flourished in its solitude. There were no warriors, no martial arts schools, no need for fighters. They worshipped their gods with devotion, seeking balance and enlightenment in every moment of their lives. Songs and dances filled the air, as they celebrated the simple joys of life. Festivals, where the people gathered in joyous harmony, brought light to even the darkest of nights. The land was a haven of serenity, untouched by the turmoil that ravaged the outer world.

There, life moved in a gentle rhythm. The seasons passed, one after another, like the flowing of a calm river. The people had no need for martial skills or war. Their hearts were full of kindness, their actions rooted in compassion. The gods smiled upon them, their blessings abundant.

And so, for twenty-five years, the country of Stambha lived as it always had, in peace, untouched by the harsh winds of the outside world. The people believed that this peace would endure forever—that the tranquility of their land would remain unbroken, like the still waters of the lakes that surrounded them. But fate, ever unpredictable, had different plans.

Chapter 1 - Welcoming the new guest

The crowned prince of Stambha, Kuber Bharat, nineteen years old, was returning from his usual night walk after dinner. Trailing a few steps behind him were his maids, Ridhi and Sita. The twin sisters were charming, always dressed in simple, yet graceful attire. They had been with the prince since they were very young, and over the years, their role had evolved from that of mere servants to trusted companions. Though they still helped him with daily tasks, their relationship had become one of friendship and familiarity. Now, at seventeen, they were no longer just girls looking after the prince, but young women who shared a bond with him that went beyond their duties. They walked closely together, often exchanging soft words and laughter as they followed the prince under the starry sky.

The night air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the soft touch of cold winds that whispered through the trees. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing melody that blended with the soft rhythm of the night. 

Behind them was His Highness's personal guard, Angad, a tall young man with a muscular build. He was the son of Jaidev, the royal weapons master, and at almost twenty-one years old. As Jaidev's only son, he had been chosen to carry on the family legacy, and he had trained in the art of sword fighting since he could hold a blade. He was the only one from the new generation permitted to learn the art of combat passed down through his family. He never allowed his guard to slip, always ensuring the safety of the prince.

For the most part, Angad didn't carry his weapon, as there was rarely any need for it in the peaceful land of Stambha. The country was known for its tranquility, where conflicts were a rarity, and the people lived in harmony. His sword was something he only wielded during training, when he honed his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Jaidev.

So, what was Angad doing there, following behind the prince on his nightly walk? It was simple: he was there to protect His Highness. From whom? From His Highness himself.

Kuber Bharat was an excitable soul, and his enthusiasm for life often got the better of him. The prince's greatest weakness was his love for animals. Wherever he went, he was bound to spot some creature—a stray dog, a bird, or even a small insect—and his immediate instinct was to jump forward, eager to touch and befriend it. The trouble was, not all animals were as friendly as he imagined.

Just last time, Kuber had found a stray cat. Without a second thought, he ran toward it, practically skipping with excitement at the thought of petting it. "A cat! A cat!" he had exclaimed, as if it were the rarest treasure on earth. The cat, of course, didn't share his enthusiasm. It hissed, its back arched, and it looked ready to give the prince a nice, painful scratch. If not for Angad's lightning-fast reflexes, Kuber would've been sporting a fresh set of claw marks, and that last time was just that morning. 

Things like that happened every day. No matter how many times Kuber found himself narrowly escaping the claws or teeth of some poor creature, he would always bounce back with that same wide grin, eager to try again. It was as if nothing had happened at all—he was completely unfazed, and within minutes, he'd be off looking for his next animal friend. To Angad, it was both amusing and exhausting. His biggest danger wasn't some villain lurking in the shadows; it was the prince himself.

Angad let out a long yawn, speaking more to himself than anyone else. "I know he's going to walk until he finds an animal," he mumbled, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Ridhi and Sita, who had been walking quietly behind him, exchanged a look before turning to shoot Angad an angry glare. They didn't take kindly to anyone making light of their crown prince, even if it was a harmless comment. They had supported Kuber through everything, and his eccentricities were just part of what made him, well, him.

Angad raised an eyebrow. "What's with them?" he muttered, realizing he'd hit a nerve.

The prince walked ahead, his hands elegantly tucked behind his back, his steps light and graceful. He was dressed in the finest of attire—an expensive woolen cloak draped over specially tailored clothes, the golden jewelry around his neck and wrists were glinting softly. His hair, styled meticulously, was adorned with the most exquisite and rare flowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the night sky.

The cloak he wore was no ordinary garment. It had been designed by the finest cloak maker in the land, chosen after a grueling four-day competition to ensure it was the best of the best. The wool, woven from rare threads, was crafted to protect him from the extreme cold that would soon grip the land of Stambha. Though winter hadn't arrived yet, the chill was less than a month away, and the cloak would be his shield when it did. Prevention is better taken ahead of its time. 

It was also, a symbol of both luxury and practicality, a sign of the attention to detail that went into everything related to the crown prince's well-being.

"Let's see what the border woods have inside them," Kuber said with a mischievous grin, his fox-like eyes sparkling with excitement.

At that moment, they were staying in the prince's hometown state, where the royal palace was nestled near the edge of the kingdom. The palace had its very own little forest, just a stone's throw from the country's border. If there were no enemies lurking in the shadows, at least there were bound to be animals, and that was exactly what Kuber was hoping to find. His love for animals knew no bounds, and the woods were always full of creatures to satisfy his curiosity.

The four of them were out on a walk, though, as was often the case, the fourth member of the group had little choice in the matter.

"Your Highness," Angad finally asked, his patience thinning as he yawned, "when will this walk come to an end?"

"Shh! Listen to nature. How peaceful!" Kuber said, his eyes closed, a contented smile on his face.

Ridhi and Sita admired the prince's serene expression, nodding in agreement. They were used to his fondness for the quiet moments when he could connect with nature.

"Sorry?" Angad asked, raising an eyebrow and focusing his ears toward the woods. "Am I supposed to listen to the crickets?" he wondered aloud. "That's a pretty clear noise. I don't like it!"

"Offender!" Ridhi snapped, stepping on Angad's foot with a sharp tap. 

He lifted his leg, clutching it with both hands in pain, letting out little cries and squeezing his eyes shut, "That hurt!" 

"So what? Crickets are also part of nature! His Highness loves them too!" Ridhi scolded him. Sita nodded aggressively, to side with her sister.

They were united in their devotion to their prince, and nothing could stand in their way, even if it meant scolding Angad for his small complaint.

They continued walking, the gentle rhythm of their steps echoing in the stillness of the forest. Kuber, ever the restless soul, walked ahead with his gaze wandering, his heart always searching for a new creature to befriend. 

Then, suddenly, a sound reached his ears. It was the unmistakable sound of someone—or something—breathing loudly. Kuber's senses sharpened instantly, his ears focusing on the noise.

Without wasting a second, his eyes snapped open, "What could it be?" he thought, his body already in motion. With a burst of energy, he took off, running toward the source of the sound, his legs carrying him swiftly through the path ahead.

Ridhi and Sita, always quick to follow, were close behind, their footsteps light but determined, always at the ready to support their dear prince. They didn't question his sudden rush—they knew that whatever he had found, it was sure to be something worth their attention.

Angad, although frightened, ran behind them as well. He also heard the loud breathing, which had him concerned for his prince. "Your Highness, please don't go into the woods!" Angad begged.

After running through the woods for a while, Kuber finally found the area from where the loud breathing was coming. There was the animal, lying on the ground in front of the bushes. Due to the darkness, it wasn't clearly visible, but it looked black from afar. Kuber looked at it with excitement and astonishment. He slowly stepped towards it.

"Your Highness, don't go near it. It could be a bigger one," Angad said, trying to convince his prince.

"It surely is," Kuber mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper, lost in the mystery of the sound. But in that fleeting moment, his excitement faded as he realized something was wrong. The animal in front of him wasn't moving in the playful way he had imagined; it was breathing heavily, a low, strained sound that filled the quiet air. The breath was ragged, filled with pain, and Kuber's heart skipped a beat.

"It's hurt!" Kuber exclaimed, his voice filled with sudden worry. His earlier excitement quickly transformed into concern. Without a second thought, his feet moved faster, his mind focused only on reaching the creature in need. His eyes, full of compassion, fixed on the wounded animal ahead, and his instincts urged him forward.

"Your Highness!" Ridhi and Sita called out in unison, their voices full of concern and a touch of panic. They had seen the prince rush ahead too many times before, but this time it was different. This time, he was heading toward something in pain, which could attack him due to irritation.

They turned to look at Angad, their gazes sharp and commanding. "Go after him!" Ridhi ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Angad froze for a split second, his body still tense from the earlier frustration, but the urgency in Ridhi and Sita's eyes left him no choice. Without another word, he sprinted after Kuber, his legs moving faster than usual as he tried to catch up. His feet lifted higher, the effort of the run pulling at his muscles, but it was more than just the physical exertion that weighed on him. His teeth gritted, frustration boiling inside him. He was scared—scared for Kuber, for the unknown danger that could be waiting ahead.

But as Kuber's personal guard, Angad didn't have the luxury of hesitating. He had to protect him, no matter what. His heart raced as he pushed his body to its limits, his mind only focused on one thing: keeping the prince safe. What if something happened to him? The thought gnawed at him, and he couldn't shake it.

Behind them, Ridhi and Sita exchanged a look, their faces filled with worry. They had always been by the prince's side, protecting him in their own way, but this time, something about the urgency in the air made them uneasy. They, too, quickened their pace, their steps in sync as they followed closely behind Angad.

Kuber ran closer to the creature, his heart racing with concern, but as he drew near, something felt off. The figure before him seemed to be draped in a black cloak. Turned out, the black color didn't belong to the animal at all—it was the cloak. His confusion grew as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

Angad arrived just behind him, catching up quickly. He, too, paused, squinting at the scene in front of him. "An animal wearing a cloak?" He muttered. 

Just as Kuber was about to reach out to the creature, a flash of lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating everything in a blinding white light. The moment the sky lit up, the true nature of the creature was revealed. The black cloak shifted, and beneath it, they saw something that made their blood run cold—a human face, pale and eerily calm, attached to the top of the cloak.

Both Kuber and Angad stumbled back in shock, their legs giving way beneath them as they collapsed to the ground. Their minds struggled to process what they had just seen, the image of the strange, unnatural figure haunting them.

Ridhi and Sita, who had been running behind, heard the sudden gasps of their companions and saw the figures drop to the ground. Panic surged through them, and they screamed in unison, their voices filled with fear and confusion. Clutching each other tightly, they tried to make sense of the situation, their minds racing. The woods had always felt peaceful to them—how could something like this exist here?

"A human?" Angad mumbled in true terror, his voice shaking. "In the woods?" His eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to comprehend what he was seeing.

Kuber, still in shock from the unexpected turn of events, slowly got to his feet. With hesitant steps, he moved closer to the figure, his eyes searching for any sign of life. As the lightning cracked once more, the flash revealed the full extent of the man's condition. His face, covered in deep, bloody wounds, was barely visible beneath the dark cloak. The fabric was soaked in blood, and the man's breathing was shallow, labored—his eyes were barely open, struggling to stay conscious.

The storm was fast approaching, its ominous presence creeping closer with every passing second. Despite the thick, expensive cloak wrapped around him, Kuber could feel the chill seeping into his bones, a reminder of how close the storm really was.

Kuber's heart raced as he looked up at the sky, knowing they had little time before the storm broke. But his focus was drawn back to the man before him, who was clearly in a state of severe distress. Without hesitation, Kuber rushed forward, determined to help. He extended his forearm to offer support, ready to lift the injured man and take him somewhere safe.

However, as soon as his hands made contact with the man's body, something unexpected happened. The moment Kuber touched him, the injured figure surged with strength, pushing him away with surprising force. Kuber stumbled back, shocked and confused, the air between them thick with tension. The man's eyes, though half-closed, flickered with something that Kuber couldn't quite place—a mix of fear, pain, and perhaps...warning.

"Your Highness!" Angad called out urgently, rushing forward to protect Kuber. This was the first time in the history of their peaceful country that someone had attacked another, and Angad's instincts kicked in. Shocked and confused by the sudden aggression, Kuber froze, unsure of how to react. Angad, ready to defend the prince at all costs, took a step closer to the man.

But just as Angad was about to act, Kuber's voice rang out, clear and firm. "Stop! Don't fight him!"

Angad hesitated, his muscles still coiled with the readiness to strike. "But he hurt you, Your Highness!" Angad protested, his voice full of concern and anger.

Kuber, despite the fear gnawing at him, shook his head. "Let it be! He seems injured. Let's first take care of that." His words were calm, but there was a quiet determination in his voice.

Angad looked at Kuber for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. Though he was well-trained in the art of combat, he was from Stambha, a place where compassion and care had always been taught before anything else. His duty to protect the prince came first, but he knew Kuber's heart was kind, and in this moment, it seemed right to follow his wishes.

Kuber, after a deep breath, stood up, his legs still slightly unsteady from the shock of the encounter. He didn't rush this time, approaching the man slowly and cautiously, aware that any sudden movement might cause him to panic again. The storm was approaching fast, but his focus remained entirely on the injured figure before him.

"Why are you resisting?" Kuber asked gently, his voice soft and coaxing. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help you. Trust me." He spoke with the kind of sincerity that came from deep within, hoping the man would sense his genuine intentions.

The man's body trembled slightly, his energy clearly depleted. His eyes fluttered, but he no longer resisted. Whether from exhaustion or the weight of his injuries, he simply couldn't fight back. As Kuber moved closer, the man's eyelids began to close, his body surrendering to the overwhelming fatigue. He allowed Kuber to approach without any further struggle, his breath shallow and labored.

Kuber reached out carefully, knowing that any sudden movements could startle the man. But, as he touched the injured figure's shoulder, there was no more resistance. 

Kuber gently placed his hand on the injured man's shoulder to help support him, his grip steady but careful. Angad stepped in to assist, his strong arms steadying the man as they walked together. 

The wind howled around them, its intensity growing with every passing moment. The storm had finally arrived, and it was not a gentle one. It came with fury, a wild force that whipped at their faces, making it almost impossible to stand upright.

Despite the harsh conditions, the group pressed on, determined to get the man to safety. Angad and Kuber struggled against the wind, their bodies bracing against the storm's strength as they held the man steady between them. Ridhi and Sita, with their quick reflexes and calm determination, led the way, navigating the treacherous path.

The storm was relentless, its power increasing by the minute. It felt as though the very air itself was alive, swirling and crashing around them with a force they could hardly withstand. 

But somehow, after what seemed like an eternity of battling the wind and cold, they finally reached the royal mansion.

The intensity of the storm was so fierce that even the soldiers on duty, who were usually well-prepared for anything, had to retreat indoors. The cold and wind were unbearable, and the outer room, built specifically for emergencies like this, had become their sanctuary. Inside, the soldiers huddled together, warming themselves with cups of hot herbal tea, trying to shake off the chill that had crept into their bones.

"Are you not concerned about His Highness? He went for a walk," a junior soldier asked, his voice laced with worry as he glanced toward the storm battering against the mansion's walls.

The senior soldier, Nakshatra, calmly sipped his hot herbal tea, "You must have heard the popular saying in our country: 'No one can stop the storm and night walk of the prince.'" He looked at the junior soldier, "What do you think that means?"

The junior soldier blinked in confusion, but Nakshatra continued, "There are emergency wooden rooms placed at regular intervals in the royal palace. His Highness has never been one to let a little storm stop him. He's more than capable of finding shelter when he needs it." He shrugged nonchalantly. "He wouldn't be in danger, unless, of course, he found an animal." 

Just as he finished speaking, some of the other soldiers, who had been standing by the window, suddenly peered outside, their faces going tense with sudden realization.

"Who's that? Who's that?" they whispered in hushed voices, 

One of them leaned closer to the window, squinting through the rain and wind. After a moment, his face lit up with recognition. "That's His Highness's neck jewelry shining!"

Sure enough, they could make out the figure of Kuber, his gleaming jewelry reflecting the flashes of lightning. But there was something strange—he was not alone. "He's bringing someone with him," the soldier muttered, his voice filled with curiosity. "Seems like he did find an animal after all."

Nakshatra, who had been listening quietly, stood up without a word. His gaze had already shifted to the window, and now, seeing the prince's unmistakable figure in the storm, he knew what needed to be done. "Prepare yourselves," he commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. Without a moment's hesitation, he headed for the door.

The other soldiers, who had been in the middle of their tea, immediately stood up and followed him.

The weight of the unconscious man seemed to grow with every step. Kuber's breath came in ragged gasps, his muscles aching from the strain. "I can't do this anymore..." he whispered, his voice laced with exhaustion and pain. His grip on the man slackened slightly, the burden of carrying him growing too much to bear. The man's heavy blood-soaked cloak made it even more difficult for Kuber to support him, and the prince's own body was protesting.

Angad, who was equally worn out, struggled beside him. "Just a little more, Your Highness," he urged, though his voice was tight with fatigue. The two of them were barely holding onto the injured man, their steps slow and unsteady. 

Ridhi and Sita, seeing their prince's struggle, rushed forward to help, offering their support from behind the man. Together, they slowly made their way forward, but the weight of the situation—and the man—was becoming unbearable.

It was then that the soldiers spotted them, and Kuber's heart lightened as he saw them rushing to their aid. Relief washed over him. "Take him to the room beside mine," Kuber ordered,

Everyone in Stambha, the land of peace and innocence, believed in the goodness of all things. No one questioned the appearance of the mysterious man—they simply acted to help. All except Nakshatra.

As the soldiers laid the unconscious man on Kuber's bed, Nakshatra's sharp eyes caught something unusual—a small sword-like weapon hanging from the man's waist. His hand shot out, quick as lightning, snatching the weapon away and tucking it into his belt. 

After a few hours, the storm finally began to die down, and once the winds had settled, the royal doctor was called—not for the man, but for Kuber. The prince winced as he sat down, his back aching from the unnatural weight he'd carried through the storm.

After treating Kuber's back with care and applying soothing ointments, the doctor turned his attention to the injured man. He examined him thoroughly, noting the various injuries that marred the stranger's body. "He's not in any immediate danger," the royal doctor said, his tone measured. "Just some cuts and bruises, likely from fighting a predator." He glanced at the prince. "He'll recover quickly with the right medicines."

"A predator?" Ridhi and Sita exchanged a glance, their eyes full of concern as they offered Kuber a cup of herbal tea.

The royal doctor nodded. "Yes. But I doubt this man is from the martial arts world." His eyes lingered on the prince, his expression unreadable. 

The mention of the martial arts world sent a chill down Kuber's spine. He felt a wave of dread wash over him as the realization settled in. What had I done? Kuber's thoughts spiraled, his heart heavy with fear. All his life, he had worked to spread peace and love, worshiping the gods, living in devotion, and avoiding any wrongdoings. He had devoted himself to purity, to the ideals of his country. And yet, here he was, helping a man who might be from the very world he had worked so hard to avoid.

He stared at the doctor, his face frozen in shock and fear. Ridhi, Sita, and Angad stood around him, their expressions mirroring his own sense of dread. No one spoke. The air in the room felt heavy, the uncertainty pressing down on them all. The prince had unknowingly crossed a line, and none of them knew where it would lead.