The morning light streamed through Aryan’s window, but he barely noticed it. His body ached all over, a reminder of the fight in his own room the previous night. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see the masked men attacking him, feel their strikes, hear their grunts of pain as he fought back. But what haunted him the most was what happened afterward—their bodies vanishing into thin air like they had never existed.

He needed answers. He needed to talk to someone.

Grabbing his bag, Aryan decided to head to college. Maybe going back to a normal routine would help clear his mind. But deep inside, he knew normalcy was no longer an option.

A Shocking Encounter

The campus was bustling as usual, students chatting and walking to their classes. Aryan moved through the crowd, lost in his thoughts, barely noticing the familiar faces around him. Just as he was about to enter the classroom, someone suddenly jumped on his back.

“GOTCHA, BRO!!”

Aryan instinctively spun around, ready to fight, his fists clenched. The attacker stumbled back, laughing.

“Whoa, easy there, killer!”

Aryan blinked. It was Rohan—his best friend and one of the top national-level fighters in their age group. The guy who was always full of energy and mischief.

Rohan kept laughing, but his grin faltered when he noticed Aryan’s tense posture and the dark circles under his eyes.

“Yo… what’s wrong with you? You look like you saw a ghost.”

Aryan hesitated. He had always shared everything with Rohan, but this… this wasn’t something normal. Would Rohan even believe him? Would he call him crazy?

But the burden was too heavy to bear alone.

“Come with me,” Aryan said. “I need to talk to you.”

Revealing the Truth

They found an empty spot behind the college gym, away from prying eyes. Aryan took a deep breath and began recounting everything—the dream, the attack, the disappearing bodies, and the fight in his own room.

Rohan listened carefully, his usual playful expression turning serious.

“Wait, wait, wait…” Rohan held up a hand. “You’re telling me three masked guys attacked you?”

Aryan nodded.

“And after you fought them off, they just vanished?”

Another nod.

Rohan ran a hand through his hair. “Bro… that sounds like some movie sh*t. Are you messing with me?”

Aryan’s face remained firm. “I swear, Rohan. It happened.”

Rohan studied him for a moment. Then, for the first time, Aryan saw a serious expression on his face.

“If this is real,” Rohan said slowly, “then someone really wants you dead.” He crossed his arms. “And trust me, Aryan, I’ve been in a lot of fights. No normal person can survive a three-on-one.”

“I don’t know how I did,” Aryan admitted. “It was like my body moved on its own.”

Rohan frowned. “You’ve never been a trained fighter, but you’re saying you fought off three attackers?”

Aryan nodded again. That’s when Rohan suddenly dropped his bag and cracked his knuckles.

“Then let’s find out if you’re full of crap.”

Aryan raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Fight me. Right here. Right now.”

The Test of Strength

Rohan didn’t wait for Aryan’s answer. He lunged forward, faster than Aryan expected, throwing a sharp high kick toward Aryan’s head.

Aryan ducked, barely avoiding it.

Rohan smirked. “Not bad.” He switched stances, moving with a fluidity that only a trained fighter had. He struck again—this time a feint punch, followed by a real knee strike.

Aryan blocked the knee at the last second.

Rohan’s eyes narrowed. “You shouldn’t have been able to react to that.”

Aryan didn’t know how to explain it, but his body was moving faster than before. His reflexes had improved. His instincts were sharper. Was it because of the fight last night?

Rohan continued attacking, testing Aryan’s limits. But Aryan found himself reading Rohan’s movements, dodging just before impact.

Finally, Aryan countered—a quick punch aimed at Rohan’s ribs. It barely missed, but Rohan took a step back, genuinely surprised.

“…Dude,” Rohan said. “You weren’t this fast before.”

The two stood there, breathing heavily.

“You believe me now?” Aryan asked.

Rohan exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… and I don’t like what it means.”

Rohan’s Confession

They sat down, their fight forgotten. Rohan glanced around to make sure no one else was near.

“Aryan… I need to tell you something too.”

Aryan leaned in, curious.

“I don’t just fight in national tournaments.” Rohan’s voice was lower now. “I’ve been in underground fights.”

Aryan’s eyes widened. “You what?”

“I’ve fought people… who weren’t normal.” Rohan hesitated before continuing. “People with inhuman strength, speed, and reflexes. Just like what you’re describing.”

Aryan’s heart pounded. “Are you saying… they might be connected to the people who attacked me?”

Rohan nodded. “I don’t know who they are, but I’ve seen fighters who don’t move like humans. I always thought they were just crazy strong, but now…”

Aryan clenched his fists. His world had turned upside down in just two days. And now, his best friend had already seen glimpses of the same darkness.

Rohan sighed. “Look, bro. If people like that are after you, you need to get stronger. Fast.”

Aryan met his gaze. “Will you help me?”

Rohan grinned, cracking his knuckles. “Hell yeah. Let’s turn you into a fighter.”

But just as they shook hands, someone in the shadows watched them.

A figure hidden behind a nearby tree, listening to every word.

And he wasn’t alone.

To Be Continued...