NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: The Journey Home – Securing the Path Ahead
[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 6:15 AM | Location: Ashvattha Guild Territory – Outskirts]
The dawn sun cast its first golden rays over Ashvattha Guild City, illuminating the towering walls and the massive eight-storied guild hall at its center. The once untouched wilderness had transformed into an imposing fortress, a bastion of civilization in the heart of monster territory. Yet, despite the monumental achievement, one final task remained before Ankush could consider resting—securing a permanent link between his guild and South City.
Standing on the outskirts of the guild, he stared at the Teleportation Beacon in his hands. It was meant to be the gateway home, the first step in establishing a stable route between civilization and his guild city. However, there was one problem—he hadn't set the second teleportation point yet.
Without another registered teleportation node, he had no choice but to return the hard way. Manually.
Letting out a deep sigh, Ankush turned toward the dense jungle stretching beyond the guild's protective walls. It was going to be a long walk.
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[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 8:45 AM | Location: Outskirts of South City]
After nearly two and a half hours of trekking through the wilderness, avoiding unnecessary fights with stray monsters, Ankush finally emerged onto the paved roads near South City's outer perimeter.
The contrast between the untamed jungle and the structured cityscape was stark. The morning streets were already alive, filled with the usual bustling crowd of traders, hunters, and merchants. Floating mana-powered vehicles zipped through the sky, carrying their passengers with effortless grace.
Despite the familiar sights, Ankush felt… disconnected.
Yesterday, this city had been his entire world. But after spending time in his own guild city, watching it grow under his command, the idea of simply returning to normal life felt distant—almost unnatural.
Still, he had more pressing matters to attend to.
Adjusting his coat, he began the walk home.
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[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 9:15 AM | Location: Halder Residence]
As he stepped through the front gate of the Halder Residence, the warm scent of fresh parathas and steaming chai greeted him, wrapping around him like a nostalgic embrace. The house stood just as it had always been—a sturdy three-story structure, modest yet filled with warmth.
The moment he pushed open the door, his mother's voice rang out from the kitchen.
"Ankush! Where were you last night!?"
He barely had time to remove his shoes before Monika Halder emerged, her apron dusted with flour, a spatula still in her hand. Her eyes flickered with both relief and frustration as she hurried toward him.
His father, Ramesh Halder, sat at the dining table, a floating mana screen hovering beside his teacup. He looked up, his sharp gaze assessing his son.
"You didn't return home last night," his mother scolded, crossing her arms. "You could've at least sent a message!"
His father sighed, setting down his tea. "We know you've been busy with the guild, but even so, disappearing without a word isn't responsible."
Ankush raised his hands in surrender. "I know, I know. I just lost track of time."
That much was true. Between setting up the guild, clearing the dungeon, and securing upgrades, the concept of time had completely slipped his mind.
Taking a seat at the dining table, he grabbed a warm paratha and took a bite, savoring the taste. It was good to be home.
His mother watched him for a moment before sighing. "At least you're safe."
His father gave him a look. "What's your next move?"
Ankush swallowed his food before responding. "I need to set up the teleportation link for Ashvattha. Right now, I can only reach the guild by foot, and that's not practical in the long run. I was thinking of placing the return portal here, in our backyard."
His mother blinked. "Here? You mean… a portal directly to your guild?"
He nodded. "It's the safest option. I don't want to place it in a public hub like South City. If word spreads about Ashvattha's location, I'll have corporate guilds and the military breathing down my neck. Keeping the second teleportation node here will make sure no one can track it."
His father stroked his chin, deep in thought. "That's not a bad idea. If you keep it within the garden, it won't attract attention."
His mother, however, frowned. "But won't that bring danger to us? What if people find out?"
Ankush smiled reassuringly. "Only I will be able to use this teleportation gate. The system recognizes the Guild Master's authority—no one else can activate it."
His mother still looked uncertain, but she finally nodded. "If you're sure, then do it. But be careful, Ankush."
He nodded. "I will."
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[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 9:45 AM | Location: Halder Residence – Backyard]
Ankush stepped out into the small garden behind their house, where patches of green thrived under the morning sun. It was secluded, quiet, and most importantly—private.
A perfect place for the teleportation node.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled out the Teleportation Beacon and activated it.
A faint hum filled the air as a circular mana formation unfolded beneath his feet, glowing with soft blue and white runes. The spell matrix shimmered, expanding until it formed a stable spatial anchor.
A moment later, a notification appeared before him.
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[Teleportation Node Registered – Ashvattha Guild City ↔ Halder Residence]
---
He exhaled, feeling a sense of satisfaction settle over him.
Now, no matter where he was, he had a direct link between his guild and home.
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[Date: March 13, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM | Location: Halder Residence – Ankush's Room]
Back in his room, Ankush collapsed onto his bed, letting out a deep sigh. For the first time in over a day, he finally allowed himself to rest.
The last twenty-four hours had been nothing short of life-changing.
He had gone from a lone awakened student to the Guildmaster of India's first-ever independent guild.
The entire world had already taken notice. Powerful guilds, corporations, and governments were now searching for him—the mysterious figure who had built a city in monster territory.
But at this moment, he was just Ankush Halder, lying on his old bed, in the house he had grown up in, listening to the faint sounds of his parents moving around the kitchen.
A small smile tugged at his lips. For all the power he had gained, some things remained comfortingly the same.
His eyelids grew heavier, exhaustion finally overtaking him.
Tomorrow, he would return to Ashvattha and continue building his legacy.
But for now, he would sleep.