Guardians of Dying Earth

Chapter 3: Unlikely Powers

The journey to the Protectors' headquarters in Uttarakhand had taken RagRocK across treacherous terrain, through mountains and valleys, until he found himself standing at the gates of a massive facility. The building loomed ahead, surrounded by a high wall and guarded by stern-faced officers. Inside was the promise of change, a chance to gain the strength necessary to avenge his family.

He could hardly contain his anticipation. After his brother's death, RagRocK had one goal in mind: to become strong enough to defeat the alien invaders who had torn his world apart. The Protectors, with their biological enhancements, offered the only viable path.

He entered the compound, feeling both nervous and determined. A few recruits wandered about, talking in hushed tones, their expressions filled with the same mix of excitement and dread. RagRocK couldn't help but wonder how many would succeed in the experiment that awaited them—and what kind of power they would gain.

As he walked toward the main building, a voice called out from behind him.

"Hey, new guy! You look like you're about to shit yourself. Need some advice?"

RagRocK turned to see a man leaning against the wall, casually smoking a cigarette. He had a look of nonchalance, but there was something about the way he carried himself that suggested he had seen it all.

The man grinned, flicking the cigarette to the ground. "I'm Tripathi. I went through the experiment a while back, but let's just say... things didn't go exactly as I expected."

RagRocK raised an eyebrow. "You mean, you're part of the Protectors?"

Tripathi laughed, a short bark of amusement. "Not exactly. They didn't exactly 'accept' me into their ranks." He paused, eyes gleaming with a mixture of humor and bitterness. "But don't get me wrong—I'm not complaining. I'm doing just fine."

RagRocK's curiosity piqued. "Why didn't they accept you? You went through the experiment, right?"

Tripathi shrugged, his smirk never faltering. "Yeah, I went through it, but the power I got wasn't exactly what they were looking for."

"What kind of power?" RagRocK asked, unable to suppress his interest.

Tripathi leaned in, lowering his voice. "Well, I got the ability to, uh, satisfy women. Every single one of them. Doesn't matter what they need. I can... well, let's just say I'm a highly sought-after man. They pay a lot of money for my services."

RagRocK stared, unsure if he had heard correctly. "Satisfy women? That's your power?"

"Yep," Tripathi said, grinning wider. "I'm a p*********—famous all over the world. Women from all walks of life hire me for my... services. Celebrities, businesswomen, politicians—doesn't matter. They all book me for their personal satisfaction. I'm basically a luxury, you could say."

RagRocK frowned, trying to process what Tripathi was saying. "That sounds... strange. I mean, it's impressive, but isn't there something more you want to do with your abilities?"

Tripathi's expression shifted, his smile fading slightly. "Of course there is. I didn't come here to become famous for that. I wanted to be part of the Protectors, to fight for humanity. But when they saw what power I had, they told me it wasn't useful. I was... well, cast aside."

RagRocK's eyebrows shot up. "You mean, they didn't want you because of your power?"

"Exactly," Tripathi said, his tone becoming more serious. "They're all about results. If you don't have the right kind of power, you're not welcome. So, I ended up here, making money, but I'm not doing anything meaningful."

RagRocK could see the frustration in Tripathi's eyes. "That's messed up. You've got a power that can help people, but they didn't even give you a chance?"

Tripathi nodded. "It's a system that doesn't care about what's useful to humanity. The Protectors only want warriors, people who can fight and kill. They don't want someone like me who, well, helps women with their... needs."

RagRocK stood silent for a moment, taking in the bitterness in Tripathi's words. He understood what it felt like to be pushed aside for things outside his control.

Finally, he looked at Tripathi, his voice firm. "I'm not here for fame, or any of that. I'm here to get stronger. To protect my family. I'll use whatever power I get, but I won't let them use me for something I'm not."

Tripathi raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by RagRocK's resolve. "That's the right attitude, kid. But you might want to be careful. The experiment changes you. Sometimes, it doesn't give you what you expect. And sometimes... it changes who you are."

RagRocK nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Tripathi's expression softened. "Just don't lose yourself along the way. If you do, you might end up like me. Stuck with a power you didn't ask for and a life you didn't choose."

RagRocK looked up at the entrance to the building, feeling the weight of what lay ahead. "I won't forget. Thanks for the advice, Tripathi."

"You'll need it," Tripathi said, his voice quiet but sincere. "Good luck, kid."

With that, Tripathi turned and walked away, leaving RagRocK standing there with a sense of purpose—and a growing understanding of the choices that lay ahead.

As RagRocK made his way into the building, his heart pounded in his chest. The experiment awaited, and with it, the possibility of gaining the power he needed to avenge his family. But he couldn't shake the feeling that, like Tripathi, he might not get what he expected—or what he truly wanted.

End of Chapter 3