The three superhumans immediately shifted into defensive stances, their enhanced bodies coiled like springs, ready to strike. Without hesitation, they launched their attack. One superhuman dashed forward at lightning speed, delivering a thunderous punch to the nearest armored figure. But the suit absorbed the blow effortlessly and emitted a faint hum as if mocking him for the effort.
The armored human retaliated with a swift backhand, sending the superhuman flying across the room and crashing into the wall with a sickening crunch. The second superhuman leaped into the air, aiming a devastating kick at another intruder. But before the attack could land, the armored figure raised an arm and fired a pulse cannon. The energy blast from the cannon struck mid-air, throwing the superhuman to the ground like a rag doll.
The last superhuman, more cautious, circled around, searching for an opening. But the suits were too advanced. A sudden pulse of energy surged through the room, knocking him out before he could even make his move.
"Father, we have to go!" Jagesh shouted, fear lacing his voice as the intruders advanced.
"Never!" Pratap barked, his pride refusing to waver even in the face of overwhelming odds against them.
"Father...Grandfather, stop this madness!" Vishal yelled as he and Jagesh grabbed Pratap, hoisting him over their shoulders. "Brother, we'll cover you!"
Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire
But hardly had they taken a few steps when a low hum filled the air. A blinding electric pulse shot through the room, striking all three in the back.
Jagesh and Vishal screamed as the energy coursed through their bodies, their muscles locking in place. They collapsed to the ground, trembling violently, their grip on Pratap failing as he fell with a heavy thud.
For a moment, the hall turned eerily silent, save for the hum of the intruders' suits. Then, from the direction of the door, the sounds of brutal gunfire erupted once more. Bullets ricocheted off the walls and armor alike as more soldiers entered the fray, their shouts echoing through the grand hall.
As for the weapons, they too were masterpieces of sophisticated engineering in their design yet they were deliberately made to look simple in appearance, blending seamlessly into everyday environments. His agents, disguised as traffic police, food vendors, and ordinary citizens, had begun guiding the flow of people in and out of strategic zones. Streets were cleared, paths opened, and chaos was kept to a minimum—all under his precise control.
What made his plan even more insidious was how his agents had been recruited. While some were forcibly reprogrammed, the majority were unsuspecting victims of the VR headsets they used for entertainment. Games became gateways, embedding subtle programming into their minds. It was like a silent virus, slowly altering their thoughts and actions, creating a network of sleeper agents ready to be activated at any moment.
A virus that was capable of changing a person's mind at will.
Aurora, who had been observing Evan silently, finally spoke. [While things went as planned, there's a significant risk. If even one faction goes rogue, they could detonate nukes or trigger uncontrollable chaos.]
Evan's smile faded, his eyes narrowing. "That's exactly what I'm greatly concerned about," he said, his voice calm but edged with steel. He knew he could stay physically safe in his fortified spaces, but the environmental destruction and fallout from a nuclear strike would be catastrophic.
He shook his head as if to clear the morbid thoughts. "Aurora, keep the Rajputs locked in a secure location. Treat them well—give them proper food, water, and anything else they might need. Keep them alive and comfortable. There's no need to make them suffer unnecessarily."
[Roger that.]
At that moment, the pilot's voice crackled through the intercom. "Sir, we'll be reaching Dilli shortly."
Evan set his glass down, his smile returning. "Excellent. It's time to crush the insects that have been buzzing for far too long."
Rising to his feet, he smoothed his suit and glanced out the window at the sprawling city below, unaware of the storm about to descend.