REVENGE FROM ME

Seven days passed in peace—no chaos, no disturbances. Life in the village settled into a steady rhythm.

Only one change had occurred: Muskan had moved into the house directly across from Naeem's. Her old home had developed structural problems, forcing her to shift. Naeem didn't mind the new neighbor. If anything, her presence brought a quiet warmth to the street.

One morning, as Naeem walked past the village square, something caught his eye—a freshly pinned chart on the village board.

It listed the elemental users in the region:

Fire

Lightning

Earth

Water

Plant

Space

Shadow

Naeem stared at it thoughtfully. So many paths. So many possibilities.

The Summons

A month passed like a soft breeze—peaceful and uneventful.

Until one day, during a training session with his students, a village servant appeared, slightly out of breath.

"Master Naeem," the servant said respectfully. "The village leader requests your presence."

Naeem turned to his students. "That's all for today. We'll continue tomorrow."

He followed the servant through winding paths and quiet roads until they reached the village hall. Inside, the leader was seated on a carved wooden chair, fingers interlaced, eyes sharp.

As soon as Naeem stepped in, the leader looked up.

"I've been waiting for you," he said.

Naeem bowed slightly. "What's the matter?"

The leader leaned forward. "We've made a joint decision with our neighboring village. Together, we want to open a trade route between us."

He paused, then added, "But the area it must pass through… is under the control of the Red Fang Bandits."

Naeem's brow furrowed. The name stirred something in his memory, but he couldn't quite place it.

"And you want me to lead the mission?" he asked.

The leader nodded. "Yes. I want you to take charge of securing the works."

"Why me?"

"Because you're one of the most powerful elemental users we have. You're capable—and trusted."

Naeem hesitated for a moment, then said, "Fine. But I want to bring a few of my students along."

The leader's expression hardened. "No. They're just kids. This mission is dangerous."

"I'll be responsible for them," Naeem said calmly. "They're not ordinary kids—they've been training hard."

The leader sighed, then gave in. "Two. That's it. No more."

Naeem nodded. "Understood."

"The mission starts next week," the leader added. "Prepare accordingly."

As Naeem stepped out of the hall, a strange mix of excitement and unease stirred in his chest.

The calm days were over.

The next few days passed quietly as Naeem prepared for the journey ahead.

One of his first priorities was Anisha. He couldn't leave her alone in the village while he was away. After some thought, he approached Muskan, hoping she would agree to look after Anisha in his absence.

To his relief, Muskan agreed without hesitation.

"I'll take care of her like she's my own sister," she said, smiling warmly.

Naeem nodded. "Thank you. It means a lot."

Muskan simply waved him off. "Just come back safe."

The Day Arrives

At last, the day of departure arrived.

Naeem stood in front of the training field, his expression calm but focused. He looked toward his students and called out, "Razar. Ma-Ho. You're coming with me."

Razar's face lit up with excitement. "Really? I'm going with you?"

Naeem gave him a slight nod. "Yes. Get your things. We leave soon."

Ma-Ho hesitated, his eyes darting between Naeem and Razar. He hadn't expected to be chosen.

But after seeing the sheer joy on Razar's face, something inside him shifted.

With a small smile, Ma-Ho stepped forward. "Alright. I'm in."

The trio stood together, ready to step into the unknown.

The road ahead would be dangerous. But they would face it—together.