Chapter 32: Into the Depths – A New Frontier
[Date: March 12, 2025 | Time: 6:05 AM | Location: Ankush's Bedroom, Jadavpur, Kolkata]
The gentle warmth of morning sunlight pierced through the curtains of Ankush's room, gently illuminating the walls with hues of soft gold. The chirping of distant birds and the muffled hum of the waking city provided a comforting backdrop, grounding Ankush as he slowly opened his eyes. For a moment, he lay still, savoring this brief moment of calm before reality surged back.
Yesterday's events, the fierce battle, the world announcement, and the incredible Guild Building Token—each memory rushed back to him in rapid succession. He sat upright, breathing deeply to steady his suddenly racing heart. Today was no ordinary morning. Today, he would carve out a future beyond imagination.
Quickly washing and changing into comfortable yet durable clothing suited for exploring the dense jungle, Ankush stepped downstairs into the familiar aroma of freshly brewed tea and sizzling breakfast.
"Good morning, Ankush," his mother greeted warmly from the kitchen. "You're up earlier than usual. Did you sleep well?"
Ankush smiled gently, pulling a chair from under the dining table. "I slept fine, Ma. But I've got some things to handle today."
Monika turned from the stove, eyebrows raised curiously. "Already heading out again?" There was mild concern in her voice, but also a sense of quiet pride.
"I have to," Ankush responded softly, taking a cup of tea from the tray she handed him. The tea was warm, its comforting aroma providing a momentary peace. "I'm scouting the location today. I want to get it right."
His father, Ramesh, entered the room, adjusting his glasses as he overheard their conversation. "Are you sure about this? Choosing the right location could determine everything. You have to be careful."
Ankush nodded thoughtfully. "I know, Dad. That's exactly why I'm leaving early. The area needs to be remote, deep enough to avoid attention, yet defensible enough to keep us safe from initial threats."
Ramesh studied his son's face carefully, sensing the weight Ankush carried. He placed a reassuring hand on Ankush's shoulder. "You've grown wise beyond your years, Ankush. But remember, wisdom alone won't protect you out there. Don't push yourself too far."
"I promise, Dad," Ankush reassured quietly. "I know what I'm doing. I'll be safe."
His mother joined them at the table, placing plates filled with traditional breakfast dishes—steaming poori, freshly cooked vegetables, and delicately spiced curry. "Eat well, Ankush. You'll need strength for today. Promise me you'll take no unnecessary risks."
He nodded solemnly, understanding the concern etched deeply into her expression. "I promise, Ma. Safety first."
Breakfast passed in comfortable yet slightly tense silence, each bite fueling him with newfound resolve. Soon, the warmth of family time drew to an end. Ankush stood, washed his hands, and quietly stepped toward the door, pausing momentarily to look back at his parents.
"I'll return safely," he reassured one final time.
---
[Time: 9:45 AM | Location: Kolkata City Center – Teleportation Hub]
The teleportation hub was teeming with activity, hunters and traders hustling in organized chaos. Ankush, now masked discreetly behind the Shadow Veil Mask, moved swiftly toward the main teleportation gate. He quickly keyed in coordinates deeper into the forest—a region far beyond typical hunting grounds, where no one dared venture casually.
The gate officer glanced briefly at his identification, nodding dismissively. The man clearly assumed Ankush was just another foolhardy awakened hunter chasing fortune or thrill in the wilderness.
As the gate pulsed alive, bathing him in shimmering mana, Ankush stepped through decisively, feeling a familiar rush of disorientation before the jungle materialized around him.
---
[Location: Outer Jungle Sector – Previously Explored Area | Time: 10:05 AM]
The jungle felt even denser today, trees crowding close together, towering trunks forming an imposing canopy high above. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the lush undergrowth in vibrant shades of green. Birds called occasionally, their sounds distant, cautious. Ankush inhaled deeply, savoring the thick air saturated with mana, tinged with danger and mystery.
This area had seen some human exploration, but only superficially. Today, he had one goal—delve deeper than anyone had ventured before, past the safe zones, and find the perfect place for his guild city.
Moving with confidence and speed, he swiftly traversed the familiar territory, pushing steadily deeper. Trees grew taller, thicker, roots tangling like giant serpents beneath his feet, and the mana density climbed exponentially with each passing kilometer.
---
[Location: Unknown Jungle – Unexplored Zone | Time: 12:45 PM]
Hours later, Ankush stood at the edge of known territory. Before him stretched the heart of the jungle—an impenetrable wall of ancient trees and thick foliage, infused with an overwhelming density of mana.
He paused briefly, feeling the silent pulse of danger. This was truly uncharted territory—a region marked on maps as S-ranked. No human had ever documented surviving more than a few minutes within.
But Ankush smiled beneath his mask, his blood humming with excitement rather than fear. He stepped forward confidently.
---
[Deeper Exploration: Time: 3:20 PM]
After hours of careful navigation, Ankush emerged into a wide clearing—a sprawling, open space surrounded by colossal trees, each standing hundreds of feet tall. Golden-green mana sparkled visibly in the air, indicating a place of immense natural power. Ankush immediately felt a connection to this spot; it radiated a unique tranquility amidst hidden dangers.
Activating his status window, he briefly scanned the mana density levels:
- Current Location Assessment:
- Mana Density: Extremely High (S+ Rank)
- Environmental Risk: Extreme (Monster Level: 100+ average)
- Dominant Monster Rank: A+ (some monsters evolving toward S- and higher)
Ankush nodded to himself. This was perfect. Dangerous enough to deter intruders, yet naturally defensible. The location would ensure privacy, safety, and abundant resources for growth.
Walking to the center of the clearing, he took a deep breath, activating the Guild Building Token's interface. Bright golden symbols shimmered into existence, hovering around him in an intricate, glowing pattern.
> [Guild Establishment Prompt]
> Do you wish to initiate Guild Creation Mode?
> (Yes | No)
He hesitated briefly, aware that once initiated, his life—and potentially humanity's future—would change forever.
But this was exactly why he had fought. Ankush had come this far, risked his life and hidden his identity, all for this singular moment of freedom.
He exhaled slowly, determination steeling his resolve.
"Initialize guild building location."
His command echoed softly into the clearing. Immediately, golden lines of mana raced outward from his position, tracing a vast circular boundary. The jungle itself responded, subtly shifting as if acknowledging its new master. Within seconds, a golden dome of protective energy rose around the entire clearing, invisible to outside eyes yet impenetrable by any monster below S+ rank.
A soft notification appeared before him, simple yet profound:
"Guild location initialized successfully. Proceed with guild construction when ready."
Ankush smiled faintly, eyes scanning the serene surroundings.
This was his beginning.
This would be his sanctuary.