Technotronic Legends
Echoes of the Ancients
Dr. Charan Surisetty
Copyright © 2024 Dr. Charan Surisetty
All rights reservedThe characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.Published by The Prakriti Group.ISBN (paperback): 978-1-963766-01-1ISBN (hardcover): 978-1-963766-00-4ISBN (eBook): 978-1-963766-02-8
To my lovely wife and my two wonderful boys, who inspire me every day.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
About The Author
Chapter 1
The city of Nirvana stretched out in front of him like a dream, blending visions of the future with ancient mythology—tall skyscrapers reached for the sky, their reflections shimmering in the waters below. Along the waterfront, statues of gods and goddesses stood as guardians. This fusion of new displays flickered to life, showcasing scenes from sacred texts alongside news updates and advertisements for cutting-edge technologies.
At the center of this metropolis stood Prami Suri, tall and slim, with short black hair moving in the gentle breeze. He tapped on his wrist-mounted interface with determination. His fingers moved across the display like a pianist, each action precise.
"Damn firewall," he muttered as he raced to find a solution to overcome the barrier before him.
"Ah! There it is," Prami exclaimed with satisfaction evident in his voice as a smile spread across his face. A message flashed on the display: 'Access Granted.' His coding skills were unmatched; years of practice combined with an understanding of the intricate dance between ones and zeros that governed this digital realm.
"Seems like I made it," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the information scrolling across the screen. Little did people know that beneath Nirvana’s dazzling exterior, hidden within its code, lay secrets waiting to be uncovered by those enough to seek them. Prami Suri was always up for a challenge, especially when it involved unraveling the enigmas that haunted his family.
"Hey, Prami! Wait for me!" a youthful voice called out from behind him, accompanied by the sound of footsteps. Kritin Suri, with his tousled hair and slender figure, effortlessly maneuvered through the crowd like a river flowing around rocks.
"Kritin!" Prami grinned as his brother caught up to him, breathless but wearing a smile. "Good of you to join me."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," Kritin replied eagerly, his eyes brimming with excitement. He took in the surroundings—the captivating murals adorning the walls and the animated sculptures that seemed to come alive as they strolled past them. The city pulsated with artistry, and Kritin could sense its rhythm with his intuition.
"Did you manage to complete that painting you were working on?" Prami asked with curiosity about his brother’s creation.
"Almost," Kritin sighed. "I just can't seem to find the shade of blue for the sky. It’s really getting on my nerves."
"Maybe you're overcomplicating it," Prami remarked, his tone light yet empathetic. "You tend to do that."
"Perhaps," Kritin admitted, a smile forming on his lips. "As an artist, I feel a duty to capture the essence of Nirvana."
"I admire your passion." Prami chuckled, playfully nudging his brother. "Though I do wonder if you'll ever discover that elusive 'perfect shade.’"
"Haha! One day, brother," Kritin replied with a grin. "When I do, you'll be the first one to see it."
"You've got yourself a deal," Prami agreed, returning the grin. As they continued walking, their conversation flowed effortlessly between them—covering everything from their lives to their dreams for the future. Despite their contrasting personalities—Prami’s analytical mind and Kritin’s intuitive nature—their bond remained unbreakable, forged through shared pain and loss.
"Sometimes," Kritin pondered, his voice with a low tone as they strolled amidst the towering skyscrapers, "I can't. Wonder what Mom would think of our lives now."
"I feel the same way," Prami confessed, his thoughts turning inward. "I truly believe she would be proud of us, Kritin. And we will uncover the truth behind her disappearance, I promise."
"Thank you, Prami," Kritin whispered, his eyes shimmering with tears. "I have faith that we'll succeed."
Hand in hand, they continued their journey together, bound by their affection for one another and their unwavering resolve to unravel the secrets concealed within Nirvana’s heart.
The radiant glow of displays illuminated the brothers’ countenances as they navigated through the streets. Prami adjusted his glasses. Scanned the digital billboards for information while Kritin’s eyes gleamed with delight at the vibrant colors that adorned the cityscape.
"Hey, Kritin," Prami initiated a conversation, "what do you think about this algorithm? It seems like it could revolutionize data security."
"Algorithms?" Kritin chuckled softly. Shook his head. "You know I'm more inclined toward aesthetics than algorithms, Prami. If you believe it holds significance, I trust your judgment."
"Seems fair," Prami responded, a smirk forming on his face. "So, what’s on your mind lately?"
"Well," Kritin replied, pausing to admire a mural painted by a street artist, "I've been pondering about dreams. How they can reveal things we may not grasp while awake."
"Interesting!" Prami reflected, his gaze fixed on the swirling patterns of light overhead. "Though I'd venture to say it's more likely our brains attempting to process our thoughts."
"Perhaps," Kritin conceded with a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe there's something profound behind it all. Something beyond logic and reason."
"The visionary." Prami chuckled, lightly tousling Kritin’s hair. They continued their stroll, their conversation meandering through the winding streets effortlessly as the paths themselves.
"Speaking of dreams," Kritin remarked with solemnity in his voice, "I had one involving Mom last night."
"Really?" Prami asked with concern etched across his face. "What transpired in that dream?"
"Nothing specific," Kritin admitted.
"But it felt like we were getting closer to uncovering what happened to her," Kritin expressed, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination.
"Let’s remain optimistic," Prami agreed, his determination reignited. "We have a responsibility to honor her memory by unraveling the truth."
"I wholeheartedly concur." Kritin nodded, relying not on Prami’s reasoning but also on his own artistic intuition.
Shoulder to shoulder, the two brothers delved deeper into the heart of Nirvana, united by their shared mission and the deep affection they held for their mother.
"Hey, Prami," Kritin called out from their apartment, his voice resonating throughout the room, "does this ring a bell?"
"What are you referring to?" Prami responded as he entered the living room, catching sight of Kritin holding a small metallic disc in his hands.
"It's Mom’s keepsake. She always carried it with her; she believed it brought her luck." His fingers gracefully traced over the patterns engraved on its surface, forming a captivating labyrinth.
"Of course, I remember," Prami murmured softly while examining the artifact closely. "I've attempted many times to decipher its meaning. It remains unlike anything I've encountered before."
"Maybe that's because it’s not simply a matter of logic," Kritin suggested, raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps there's an element to it, something we can only grasp if we let go of our preconceptions."
"Or perhaps it's a captivating piece of art," Prami countered, narrowing his eyes as he examined the token. "Regardless, it adds another fragment to the mystery surrounding Mom’s disappearance."
"True," Kritin agreed, returning the disc to Prami. "So, what should be our move? Any promising leads?"
"Nothing," Prami admitted, his determination evident in his jaw. "I won't stop until we uncover the truth about what happened to her. It's our duty to her and ourselves."
"I agree," Kritin sighed. "It can be frustrating, at times, though, you know? Like we're so close yet far away."
"Patience, Kritin," Prami reassured him as he pocketed the token. "We'll get there eventually. For now, let’s focus on the information we have and pursue any leads that come our way."
"Exactly." Kritin nodded in agreement, his mind filled with possibilities. "Well, at least we have each other for support."
"Always!" Prami smiled warmly, placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder. "Together, we will uncover this mystery. Bring Mom home."
"Home!" Kritin echoed, feeling a resonance with the word. It meant more than a place; it embodied a sense of belonging and connection that transcended the boundaries of time and space.
While Prami delved into his research again, Kritin observed the mesmerizing patterns of light outside their window. The conviction grew stronger within him that their mother’s keepsake held the key to unraveling the truth. He made a promise to explore every avenue, no matter how unconventional it may seem in their pursuit of answers.
As the sun descended below the horizon, casting a glow over Nirvana’s cityscape, Prami and Kritin stood on their balcony, surrounded by towering skyscrapers that seemed to reach for the heavens. Holographic displays adorned the landscape like tapestries. The vibrant streets below were alive, with activity as people navigated through this metropolis.
"Hey, look at this," Kritin exclaimed suddenly, a spark of excitement in his eyes as he proudly displayed his masterpiece. A painting featuring their mother, Roni. The vibrant colors partially veiled her face, creating an effect.
"Wow!" Prami responded, genuinely impressed. "You've truly surpassed yourself this time."
"Thank you," Kritin replied with a smile. "You know what's odd? Every time I try to capture Mom’s face, it transforms into something, something that surpasses our comprehension."
"Possibly," Prami pondered aloud. "Maybe it's because you believe her disappearance is intertwined with something grander than we can grasp."
"Exactly," Kritin agreed, nodding as his fingers gently trailed along the canvas edges. "I have this feeling that she was taken for a purpose. If we unravel that purpose, we'll uncover the truth."
"Fascinating," Prami remarked while thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "It might be worth pursuing this lead."
"Absolutely!" Kritin exclaimed with a grin. His artistic intuition fueled his curiosity further. "Let’s not waste any time. We should delve into this mystery wholeheartedly."
The two brothers gazed out at the city of Nirvana, feeling a rush of determination and hope as the last rays of twilight faded away. They were united in their mission to uncover the truth behind their mother’s disappearance and bring her home.
"Absolutely," Prami said, giving Kritin a pat on the back. "Let’s do this for Mom."
"For Mom!" Kritin echoed, his voice full of determination as they entered their apartment, ready to embark on a journey.
"Come on, let’s go," Prami urged Kritin as they stepped onto the streets of Nirvana again.
"Hold on!" Kritin exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a display. "Look at that! It reminds me of the Garuda, doesn't it?"
"You're right," Prami agreed, admiring the design of the bird-like machine soaring above them. "A perfect blend of mythology and cutting-edge technology."
They continued navigating through the cityscape, passing by advertisements for both temples and tech companies. The air buzzed with the sound of flying vehicles gracefully maneuvering between towering skyscrapers.
"Have you ever noticed how the buildings seem to communicate with each other?" Kritin inquired, his eye captivated by the architecture.
"Communicate?" Prami raised an eyebrow. "You mean how they're linked by skywalks and data streams?"
"Exactly," Kritin replied, tracing the intertwined paths above with his gaze. "It's as if they're exchanging secrets and sharing knowledge."
"That's an observation," Prami admitted, appreciating the insight with his mind.
As they strolled along, the brothers came across a crowd gathered around a street performer. Adorned in traditional attire, a man skillfully manipulated a levitating ball, making it dance and spin to the rhythm of his tabla.
"Amazing," Kritin whispered, completely engrossed by the fusion of art and technology.
"Indeed." Prami nodded thoughtfully, studying the performer's technique. "He’s utilizing fields to control the ball’s movements."
"You always approach things logically," Kritin teased naturedly, playfully nudging his brother. "But acknowledge that there's something magical about it too."
"Perhaps," Prami conceded with a smile. "Magic or not, what truly matters is that we remain focused on our mission."
"Absolutely." Kritin nodded, a serious expression on his face. "We must uncover the truth about our mother no matter what."
"Exactly," Prami affirmed, determination gleaming in his eyes. "We'll diligently pursue every lead, connect all the dots and decipher any codes to unravel this enigma."
"Let’s begin by retracing her footsteps," Kritin suggested, relying on his intuition. "I have a feeling there's a clue within her past waiting to be discovered."
"Sounds like a plan," Prami agreed, giving Kritin a pat on the back. "All for the sake of our mother."
"For Mom!" Kritin echoed as they ventured into the illuminated streets of Nirvana, prepared to embark on their audacious quest for answers.
Chapter 2
"Three years," Prami exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the image of their mother. The flickering light cast a glow on his slender figure. "We've been searching for three years."
Leaning against the wall with his shaggy brown hair falling into his eyes, Kritin spoke with conviction. "I have a feeling, Prami. We're getting closer. I just know it." His fingers gently traced patterns in the air as if he were painting a picture only he could see.
Prami’s analytical gaze remained focused on the glowing image as he muttered, "Intuition alone won't suffice. We need facts, evidence…" He let out a sigh. "Something that will guide us to her."
Kritin suggested, pushing himself off the wall, "Perhaps we've been looking in all the wrong places. What if the answer lies here, within the city itself? Hidden away?"
Prami’s dark eyes narrowed with intrigue. "What are you implying?"
"The city holds its secrets, Prami," Kritin explained earnestly. "There might be places our mother deemed dangerous, locations she ventured into herself. Maybe…maybe that's where she went, and perhaps…it's where we'll find her."
"Hidden parts of the city?" Prami asked with a hint of skepticism in his voice. There was also a spark of curiosity. "Like what?"
"Come with me," Kritin insisted, confidently walking out of the room.
∆∆∆
The brothers descended into the depths of the city, where ancient structures coexisted with state-of-the-art technology. This place had been forgotten by time, enveloped in mystery and shadows. The air carried a presence as if it harbored the whispers of untold stories.
"Take a look around," Kritin whispered, motioning toward the abandoned buildings that loomed above them. "These are remnants from a world that existed before us. A world that always seemed to captivate our mother."
"Or perhaps it's the world where the Narakas operate," Prami interjected, scanning the dark streets for any signs of danger. "They could be here now watching our every move."
"In that case, we'll keep an eye on them well," Kritin declared resolutely. "We can't allow fear to hinder our quest for truth."
Prami nodded, his determination evident in his jaw. "Alright, little brother. Let’s uncover the secrets concealed within this city."
As they ventured further into this forgotten realm, an unnatural chill pervaded the air, creeping into their bones.
Shadows swayed in the corners of their vision. A feeling of uneasiness settled upon them.
"There's something off," Prami murmured, his breath forming a mist in the air. "It's as if we're being lured in ensnared…"
"Maybe it's some kind of trial," Kritin replied, lightly brushing his fingertips against a decaying wall. "A means to separate the worthy from the vulnerable."
"Or maybe it's a trap," Prami retorted in his voice cautiously. "Remain vigilant, Kritin. We have no clue what awaits us within this place."
With each step they took, the concealed part of the city appeared to encroach upon them, enveloping them in darkness and secrecy. Nevertheless, fueled by the hope that somewhere amidst this realm, they would uncover the truth behind their mother’s disappearance.
A faint glow flickered off in the distance, capturing Prami’s attention. "Kritin, look," he whispered, indicating its origin.
"What could that be?" Kritin asked, squinting at the light as they approached cautiously.
As they came, the brothers stumbled upon an object nestled between two weathered bricks emitting a glow. Intricate symbols adorned its surface, and an enigmatic energy seemed to emanate from it.
"Could this be…Mom’s?" Prami pondered, his thoughts racing. "Why would she leave it here?"
"Perhaps it's a clue," Kritin suggested optimistically, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Or maybe it's a trap," Prami muttered cautiously, his fingertips hovering over the token.
"Take it," Kritin encouraged. "We've come this far."
Prami hesitated momentarily before snatching the token from its concealed spot. As soon as it made contact with his skin, a shimmering aura enveloped them. Before their eyes materialized, a figure.
"Who are you?" Prami demanded protectively, clutching the token tightly.
"I am Nala," the figure responded in a melodious voice. "A guide within this city. I am here to assist you on your journey."
"Can we trust you?" Kritin inquired skeptically while observing the being.
"Nala explained that your mother left this token for you to discover." Nala gestured toward the object now held in Prami’s hand.
"I am obligated by her desires."
"Then lend us your aid," Prami urged, determination shining in his eyes. "Assist us in uncovering the truth behind our mother’s vanishing."
Nala nodded, a feeling embracing the trio as they ventured further into the core of the concealed city, each step bringing them closer to unraveling the enigma that plagued their lives.
"Now, where should we head?" Prami questioned, his gaze scanning the streets ahead.
"Follow my lead," Nala directed, gracefully gliding through the shadows of the city. The brothers exchanged looks. Followed her nevertheless, their curiosity outweighing their apprehension.
"Do you sense it?" Kritin whispered with awe gleaming in his eyes. "The resonance of energy and technology surrounding us?"
"Stay focused on our path," Prami admonished, his analytical gaze fixed on Nala’s back. He couldn't deny that there was a charge in the air. He preferred to rely on logic rather than indulge in fanciful notions.
As they delved deeper into the city, their surroundings transformed from dim and narrow alleyways to an expanse of towering temples.
The worn stone exteriors were blended with surfaces revealing the ancient structures’ advanced modifications.
"Welcome to the maze of ancient temples," Nala announced, pausing at the entrance of a grand structure. Holographic symbols shimmered on its doors, casting patterns on the ground.
"Wow!" Kritin exclaimed, his artistic eye absorbing every nuance. "It feels like a collision of the past and future in this place."
"Absolutely," Nala agreed. "These temples hold the key to uncovering your mother’s disappearance."
"In that case, let’s not waste any time," Prami declared, his voice steady despite his heart pounding rapidly.
As they crossed the threshold, the temple’s interior revealed itself to be just as breathtaking as its exterior. Ancient carvings coexisted harmoniously with touchscreens, blurring the boundaries between cutting-edge technologies.
"Which way should we go?" Kritin asked, gazing down endless corridors branching out before them.
"Leave it to me," Nala responded confidently, raising her hand to display a map. "One of these paths will bring us closer to unraveling the truth."
"Let’s get started then," Prami said firmly, his determination unwavering.
"Time is of the essence."
"Remember," Nala warned as they ventured deeper into the maze, "the answers you're searching for lie within these walls, but so do the hidden secrets that have been concealed for centuries."
Every word struck a chord with Prami and Kritin, their minds brimming with anticipation as they pressed on through the labyrinth guided by Nala’s wisdom and the mysterious token that had led them there.
"Over here!" Kritin exclaimed, pointing toward a wall adorned with symbols. Prami and Nala joined him, studying the script interwoven with shimmering lines.
"Do you understand it?" Prami asked Nala, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"I can only grasp part of it," Nala replied, delicately tracing her fingers over the engravings. "These symbols…they depict a sequence."
"Like a code?" Prami suggested, his coding instincts kicking in.
"Exactly," Nala confirmed. "We must solve this to progress further."
"Alright." Prami flexed his knuckles eagerly, ready to take on the challenge. "Let’s get to work."
As they unraveled the code, Kritin’s intuitive eye caught an alteration in the glyphs.
"Wait," he exclaimed, a surge of excitement evident in his voice. "Take a look at this pattern!"
"Good catch," Prami commended, adjusting their approach accordingly. Together, they rearranged the symbols, unveiling the concealed message.
"Eureka!" Kritin exclaimed as a section of the wall smoothly slid open, revealing a chamber.
"Let’s be careful," Nala cautioned, her tone tinged with concern. "This temple is laden with traps."
"Got it," Prami acknowledged with a nod, taking charge. They proceeded cautiously, skillfully evading pitfalls and disabling mechanisms intended to deter trespassers.
"Another puzzle," Kritin noted, standing before an imposing stone door adorned with an array of buttons.
"Hmm…" Prami pondered while examining the configuration. He pressed a button; nothing happened. "Kritin, any ideas?"
"Well…" Kritin trailed off thoughtfully as he scrutinized the patterns. His artistic intuition guided his hand as he swiped across the buttons, triggering a chime.
"Well done!" Prami grinned appreciatively while patting his brother on the back.
"A team effort indeed," Kritin responded with a smile as the door swung open.
"Brace yourselves," Nala said somberly.
"The next room will test your determination," the guide announced.
"We won't give up until we locate our mother, no matter what," Prami asserted, mentally preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
"Absolutely," Kritin affirmed with a resolve in his eyes. Together, they stepped forward into the chamber, ready to confront whatever obstacles awaited them.
"Look at that!" Kritin exclaimed in awe, his gaze fixated on the mesmerizing interplay of patterns adorning the temple walls. "It's truly breathtaking."
"You're right," Prami concurred while cautiously extending his hand to touch the glistening interface. "But what purpose does it serve?"
"We should investigate," suggested Kritin as he hesitated with his fingers suspended above the symbols.
"Hold on," Nala interjected with a note of concern in her voice. "These interfaces are ancient and potentially dangerous. Let’s exercise caution."
"Certainly," Prami acknowledged, refocusing his attention on the panel and meticulously studying the array of symbols with his mind. "Kriti, any thoughts?"
"This one?" Kritin proposed while lightly tapping a symbol resembling a cascading waterfall.
"Ah, excellent idea!" Prami couldn't contain his excitement as the temple chamber suddenly filled with the soothing sound of gushing water. To their amazement, a concealed door slid open, revealing a passageway. "This must be our path forward," he exclaimed.
"Awesome!" Kritin said with a grin. With Nala’s gentle radiance illuminating their way, they bravely ventured into the lit corridor.
"Stay vigilant," Nala cautioned. "There are challenges awaiting us ahead."
"No worries," Prami replied softly, quickly scanning the walls for any hidden hints or clues. "Hey, what's that there?"
Kritin joined him. Focused on examining the curved surface before them. "It seems like another interface," he observed thoughtfully. "This one appears to respond to touch."
"How intriguing," Prami pondered aloud as he gently ran his fingers across the panel. "Let’s see if we can unlock its secrets—"
Suddenly, Kritin’s sharp shout broke through the air, pulling Prami back in time to avoid a concealed blade shooting out from the wall. The brothers exchanged glances before speaking.
"That was a close call," Kritin acknowledged with a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for saving me," Prami expressed gratefully. "We need to approach this challenge now; let’s take a moment and think it through together."
"You're absolutely right," Kritin agreed wholeheartedly. "Perhaps if we combine our knowledge and skills, you focusing on patterns and me handling the elements…"
With determination in their eyes, they sealed their agreement with a nod.
They approached the interface again, working together to unravel its mysteries.
"Hey, check this out." Kritin pointed to a series of lines forming a design. "I think this might hold some significance."
"You're right," Prami agreed. "It seems to be a sequence. If we follow it…"
"Like this?" Kritin traced the design with his finger, causing the wall to shift and reveal another passage.
"Amazing!" Prami exclaimed, giving his brother a pat on the back. "Together, we're unstoppable."
"Let’s keep going," Kritin urged, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "Who knows what we'll discover?"
"I'm with you," Prami said with determination etched on his face. "No challenge can stand in our way."
As they descended into the concealed city, Prami, Kritin, and Nala found themselves surrounded by a labyrinth of futuristic corridors. The air filled with anticipation and Prami couldn't help but feel an exhilarating thrill at the prospect of uncovering clues about their mother’s disappearance.
"Take a look at this," Kritin whispered, his fingers gently hovering over a panel embedded in the wall.
"I've never come across a symbol like this before," Prami remarked, his eyes fixed on the emblem. "Nala, any thoughts?"
"I'm not familiar with it either," Nala responded calmly, her voice resonating through the passage. "Perhaps it has some connection to your mother’s disappearance."
"Let’s make a note of them," Kritin suggested, quickly sketching the symbol on a scrap of paper. "There might be a pattern we can discover."
"Good idea," Prami agreed, his gaze shifting between the walls and the lit path ahead.
As they ventured further into the unknown, each step intensified Prami’s heartbeat and fueled his racing thoughts.
"Hold on a moment." Nala suddenly halted, her hand raised in anticipation. "There's something you should see."
"Show us," Prami prompted eagerly, curiosity now fully ignited.
Nala led them to a concealed chamber adorned with carvings and pulsating interfaces. In its center, a holographic projection flickered to life, revealing the image of someone familiar.
"Mom!" Kritin exclaimed in astonishment, reaching out toward the figure.
"Listen carefully," Prami whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
"Find the truth." Their mother’s words reverberated, her voice filled with strain yet unwavering determination. "Don't trust anyone. Stay cautious of the Asur and his followers, the Narakas."
The message concluded, leaving the brothers in a state of shock.
"Who exactly are these Asur and Narakas?" Kritin asked anxiously with fear.
"They are our adversaries," Nala responded solemnly. "They relentlessly pursue power at any cost."
"In that case, we must exercise caution," Prami stated firmly, his determination solidifying. "We will uncover the truth. Bring our mother back safely."
"Agreed." Kritin nodded in agreement, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "Let us move forward."
With each step they took into the depths of the concealed city, the trio braced themselves for dangers lurking ahead. In the shadows, the mysterious Asur and his followers loomed ominously, their intentions as cryptic as the passages enveloping Prami, Kritin and Nala on their quest for answers.
Chapter 3
Prami examined the token in his hand, its shiny metallic surface catching the light streaming through the apartment window. Kritin leaned in, squinting at the symbols etched into the metal.
"Do you think it could be some kind of code?" Kritin pondered, tapping his fingers on the table.
"It's a possibility," Prami murmured, studying the token with a gaze. "If we manage to decipher this, it might provide some insight into what happened to Mom."
"Maybe it could just be a herring meant to mislead us," Kritin mused with a touch of concern clouding his expressive eyes.
"Every lead I've pursued so far has led to dead ends," Prami said through clenched teeth, frustration simmering beneath his composed exterior.
"Don't blame yourself for that," Kritin reassured him. "We'll work together. Get to the bottom of this."
"I appreciate your confidence, but…"
Just as Prami was about to continue speaking, a screen flickered to life and interrupted him. Nala’s androgynous features materialized before them, with her appearance and calm demeanor contrasting their environment.
"Sorry for interrupting," Nala spoke in a steady voice. "I have uncovered information concerning your mother’s disappearance."
"Share with us, What is it?" Prami urged, placing the token on the table.
Nala disclosed, her expression with no emotion, "Your mother had connections with the Narakas."
"Seriously?" Kritin’s disbelief was palpable. "Mom? She's a teacher!"
"Don't judge by appearances," Nala responded. "It appears she led a double life, one that put her into contact with dangerous individuals."
Prami’s mind raced as fragments of memories connected. "That explains the late nights and mysterious phone calls."
"Is she…is she alright?" Kritin’s voice trembled, his concern evident.
"I cannot provide an answer to that," Nala admitted. "I can assist you in uncovering the truth behind her disappearance."
"In that case, we have no option." Prami’s determination solidified, his gaze locked onto the token. "We must find her."
"Tell us more about the Narakas," Prami said calmly yet strained.
Nala nodded in agreement. "The Narakas are an organization led by the Asur. He possesses immense power and poses a significant threat to our city."
"Power?" Kritin furrowed his brow, his expression filled with concern. "What kind of power are we talking about here?"
Nala paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated the question. "It's not about prowess and vast resources," she replied. "There are rumors that he desires godlike abilities."
"Gods…" Kritin murmured under his breath, his fingers rhythmically tapping on the table.
Prami’s jaw clenched tightly as he processed the information. "That's absolutely insane," he stated firmly.