NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30: Decisions Under the Starlight
[Date: March 11, 2025 | Time: 7:15 PM | Location: Ankush's Home, Jadavpur, Kolkata]
The fading twilight cast warm hues across Kolkata's horizon as Ankush emerged from the teleportation gate in Sector 3, his thoughts swirling with possibilities and uncertainties. He stepped onto the familiar paved streets, feeling the comforting buzz of city life wrap around him once again. After the suffocating intensity of the jungle and the high-stakes battle against the Abyssal Drake, the everyday hustle of Kolkata felt almost surreal, like stepping back into an ordinary dream.
He took a slow breath, savoring the evening air tinged with street food aromas, mingled with the faint hum of mana-powered vehicles zipping through the crowded roads. Ankush knew that despite his extraordinary accomplishments, blending back into daily life would be crucial for his own safety.
His thoughts wandered back to the Guild Building Token sitting securely in his system inventory. The power he held now was unprecedented. With that token, he could establish his own fortress, carve out an oasis of civilization within monster-infested wilderness, and create something no corporate guild or military-controlled city could rival. But first, he had to make some preparations—and for that, he needed to carefully manage his next steps.
Before anything else, Ankush decided to buy something vital: a mask. He had learned quickly that anonymity would become his most valuable asset. Walking briskly through the lively streets, he navigated toward a quieter side-alley market near Jadavpur. He knew the place well—it was popular among hunters seeking anonymity.
The market itself was small but crowded, filled with narrow stalls and covered by worn-out tarps, keeping out the fading sunlight. Ankush approached a stall specializing in stealth and protective gear, the shopkeeper nodding subtly in greeting. Without wasting words, Ankush pointed at a sleek black mask with a subtle mana aura—a Shadow Veil Mask, perfect for anonymity. After paying quickly, he donned it immediately, feeling its mana quietly cloak his presence.
Secure in his newfound anonymity, he made his way toward the bustling South City Mall, Kolkata's primary awakened trading hub. The mall was a towering marvel of modern architecture and magical engineering, its gleaming glass façade reflecting the colors of the setting sun. Hundreds of hunters, traders, and guild representatives moved purposefully in and out, their hurried footsteps echoing across the polished marble floors.
Ankush stepped into the trading hall, the heart of South City Mall, where enormous screens displayed fluctuating mana stone prices, artifact values, and equipment ratings. He approached a counter labeled "Mana & Monster Material Exchange," operated by a polite woman with sharp eyes hidden behind sleek glasses.
"Good evening," Ankush greeted softly, placing a small storage pouch on the counter. The woman quickly glanced at his masked face but didn't ask questions; discretion was customary here.
She opened the pouch carefully, eyes widening slightly as several glowing mana stones rolled gently onto the cushioned tray. "Two B+ stones, and three A- stones," she muttered, rapidly entering the data into her terminal. The woman maintained her composure but couldn't entirely hide the glint of surprise in her eyes. "These are exceptionally high-quality. Are you selling all of them?"
Ankush nodded quietly. She quickly processed the transaction, the digital panel beside her flashing numbers: "Transaction complete. 1,240,000 CRG credited to your account."
He thanked her with a silent nod and stepped back, disappearing into the crowd. But his mind was elsewhere, already considering the next steps. Despite the substantial amount he'd earned from the sale, the most valuable item—the S- ranked mana stone—remained safely hidden within his system storage. Selling such a priceless resource openly would trigger alarms across the world. That was attention he couldn't afford—not yet.
He moved quickly, weaving effortlessly through the crowds and exiting the mall. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kolkata's bustling streets illuminated in neon and magical lanterns, painting a vibrant nightlife filled with energy and excitement. But Ankush had no time for distractions. Tonight, he had one goal: to return home and plan his next moves carefully.
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Back at his family home, Ankush quietly pushed open the iron gate. The cozy familiarity washed over him instantly—the gentle rustling of leaves from the small garden, the scent of dinner wafting invitingly through the open windows. Inside, his parents were waiting anxiously. His mother, Monika, hurriedly emerged from the kitchen, relief washing across her face as she saw him safe.
"Ankush, thank goodness you're safe!" she exclaimed, rushing to hug him tightly. "I was so worried when we saw the global announcement. Did something happen?"
Ankush smiled gently, removing his mask. "I'm fine, Ma. Better than fine, actually."
Ramesh appeared in the doorway, concern etched deeply on his face. "Tell us exactly what happened. Was that really you?"
Taking a deep breath, Ankush nodded. "It was me. I… actually did manage to defeat a monster on the verge of evolving into an S- rank."
Both parents stared at him, eyes wide. Monika gasped softly, covering her mouth. "S- rank...? Ankush, that's unbelievable! How did you even survive?"
"It was weakened," Ankush quickly interjected, seeing their fear. "The evolution failed, and I attacked at the perfect moment. The beast was already injured, barely clinging to life. Luck played a significant role."
His parents exchanged glances, clearly struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what he described. Ramesh finally sighed, shaking his head in awe. "Even weakened, it's astounding. But tell us—what exactly did you gain from it? The announcement mentioned something about a 'Guild Token'."
Ankush paused briefly, choosing his words carefully. "I received a Guild Building Token—something completely unprecedented. With it, I can establish a safe zone, a guild city deep in monster territories. No monsters will ever be able to attack the place."
His parents stared at him, speechless for several moments, the gravity of his words sinking in slowly.
Monika was the first to respond, her voice trembling slightly, eyes wide with disbelief. "Ankush... a city? Isn't that... incredibly dangerous? You'll become a target!"
"I know," he admitted, sighing softly. "That's why I've been cautious. I haven't revealed my identity yet, and I'll keep it hidden as long as possible. Tomorrow, I'm planning to search for a suitable location, somewhere deeper in the jungle."
"Deeper in the jungle?" Ramesh interjected sharply. "Ankush, the dangers there are unimaginable. Just today, the whole world was thrown into chaos because someone—you—managed to kill an S- monster. Every powerful guild, every government, every corporate giant is frantically searching for you. If your identity is revealed, our family could be in grave danger!"
Ankush met his father's anxious gaze firmly. "I know the risks. That's why I'm doing this carefully. If we don't seize this opportunity, someone else will. Either corporations or military guilds—people who already control the world. I don't want to serve them. I want to build something independent, something free."
His mother's eyes softened, understanding the fierce determination in her son's voice. "Ankush, we've always trusted you. But this path is dangerous—far more than we ever imagined. Are you certain about this?"
"I am," he answered firmly. "This isn't just about me. It's about us. It's about securing our future, one where we can truly live free. If I build this guild city, I can protect you, protect us from anyone who'd threaten our freedom."
Ramesh hesitated, visibly conflicted, before finally nodding slowly. "We trust your decision, Ankush. But promise us you'll be cautious. The world is watching now."
Ankush met his father's gaze steadily. "I promise, Dad."
His mother smiled warmly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Then let's celebrate this tonight. Tomorrow is a new beginning."
Ankush smiled, feeling warmth spread throughout his chest. "Thank you, Ma. I'll do everything I can to keep us safe."
As he followed them into the warmth of their home, Ankush's thoughts lingered on the future. Tomorrow, he'd set out once again into the unknown, to forge a new path—his own path—under the watchful gaze of a world thrown into turmoil by his actions.