Krishnadevaraya's Perspective
(A few moments earlier)
Darkness.
Only silence… and thoughts.
"So… they are the hosts behind all of this."
"Celestial beings, they call themselves."
Krishnadevaraya's brows tightened.
"No shame. No compassion."
"They dragged teenagers into this hellish ecosystem for their entertainment."
Images crossed his mind—monsters beyond human strength, unnatural creatures, things no ordinary soldier could face.
"Zombies… bosses… magic."
> *"Even my strongest warriors would struggle."
His grip tightened slightly.
"And now I must protect my empire, calm my ministers, reassure my people…"
"…and guide these children called 'Candidates.'"
A heavy breath.
"They are not soldiers."
"They are just teenagers."
Slowly—
Krishnadevaraya opened his eyes.
---
Current Timeline – Royal Court
The pressure in the court shifted instantly.
Krishnadevaraya looked at the group before him—eight young faces, fear hidden behind forced calm.
His voice was deep and commanding, yet unexpectedly gentle.
Krishnadevaraya:
" I know you are worried. I know you are afraid. "
The court grew silent.
" But panic will only lead to ruin. What you face is real… and so are the consequences. "
He paused, letting his words sink in.
" Candidates—tell us your names. "
---
Nikhil's Perspective
"So this isn't a dream…
> *"Still… standing before a king like Krishnadevaraya…"
"I never imagined this in my life."
Nikhil stepped forward.
Nikhil:
"My name is Nikhil."
His voice was steady.
---
Aditya:
"My name is Aditya."
Though calm on the outside, his heart was still racing.
---
Janvi:
"My name is Janvi… it is an honor to meet such a great king."
Her voice trembled slightly.
---
Damni:
"My name is Damni. It is truly an honor to stand before the King of Vijayanagara."
---
Pallavi:
"My name is Pallavi."
Her hands were clenched, but she stood tall.
---
Harsh:
"My name is Harsh. It's… nice to meet you."
---
Hemant hesitated.
The weight of everything crushed his chest—but respect came first.
Hemant:
"My name is Hemant."
---
Jenit:
"My name is Jenit."
---
The Candidates stood silently.
Each of them stared at Krishnadevaraya, lost in their own thoughts.
Fear.
Confusion.
Honor.
Hopelessness.
Resolve.
---
Krishnadevaraya observed them carefully.
Then he spoke again, his voice firm.
Krishnadevaraya:
"These matters will be discussed later."
He turned slightly.
"You are young. Your minds need rest to understand the weight of what lies ahead."
A pause.
"Candidates… you may return to your rooms."
---
The royal court meeting came to an end.
As the Candidates walked out—
Nikhil's eyes suddenly caught sight of a man standing near the pillars.
A scholar.
His robes were simple, his posture calm.
Yet…
He looked worried.
But there was a faint smile on his face.
Nikhil couldn't see his full face before he was pulled along with the others.
"Who… was that?"
The doors of the royal court closed behind them.
End of Chapter .