Chapter 3: The Aftermath

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2

[What’s wrong with Arjun? How could he let a demon slip through?]

[Our precious influencer even got hurt. Isn’t this neglect of duty?]

[My heart aches. There must be an explanation!]

[If Arjun can’t do his job, replace him as guardian!]

The comments came in a rush, like the first downpour of the monsoon after a dusty summer. My phone buzzed with so many notifications, even the battery gave up and blinked red in protest.

As soon as I switched on my phone, I was bombarded by a flood of comments from people on Instagram and WhatsApp forwards.

Neighbours peeked over their balconies, probably gossiping about the 'news' as they did every morning over a cup of ginger chai.

Last night, an army of one lakh demons invaded.

I alone slew them all, but in the chaos, a single small demon slipped past me.

That demon broke into an influencer’s flat. Fortunately, the city defence team responded in time, preventing greater harm.

In the morning, the city felt strangely normal, except for the distant wail of a siren and the bitter tang of burnt rubber lingering in the air.

I thought the matter was settled, but unexpectedly, the influencer posted about the incident on social media.

Of course. Why should she let such a juicy story go to waste? Already, I could imagine reels with sad music and #PrayForMe trending on everyone's timeline.

I scrolled through her post, feeling a mix of betrayal and exhaustion. The comments section was already full of memes about me—one even had my face pasted on a comic strip, sighing, 'Kya yaar, Arjun bhi fail ho gaya.' I put the phone down, rubbing my temples.

Just then, my phone rang.

It was Kunal, captain of the defence team.

His caller ID flashed with his old college photo, reminding me of those simpler days when our biggest problem was who would win the cricket match during fest season.

Kunal is an SS-level ability user.

I am responsible for the border, fending off outside threats.

The defence team is responsible for the city’s interior, protecting our home.

"Arjun, return immediately for investigation."

As soon as the call connected, Kunal’s displeased voice came through.

His tone was sharp, like when a school principal catches you bunking class. No greeting, no 'How are you?'

I frowned, sensing there was more to this, but decided to go explain last night’s events in person.

Most importantly, based on my years of combat experience, I suspected the one lakh demons last night were only a vanguard.

Within twenty-four hours, a large-scale invasion was highly likely.

The memory of last night's battle clung to me, the adrenaline not quite faded. My intuition—what Amma called "sixth sense"—told me the city was far from safe.