Chapter – Glimpse of Nexus City
By the time they crossed the forest ridge, the city of Nexus stretched before them — a glowing skyline stitched together with glass towers, neon banners, and streams of light that curved like rivers through the air. The city shimmered beneath the mid-morning sun, alive and loud, a blend of technology and tradition that somehow worked perfectly together.
For Anay, it was like stepping into another world.
Hover-bikes hummed across sky lanes, street vendors shouted about their deals, and small delivery drones zipped past with trays of steaming samosas and milk tea. Yet, down at ground level, the streets were still very much Indian — narrow lanes packed with people, bursting colors, and the smell of food that made his stomach growl instantly.
"Smells like heaven," Kael muttered, grinning as he stretched his arms. "Come on, Liora, we deserve a proper meal after all that forest running."
They followed the aroma to a busy corner where a man flipped dosas with the speed of lightning. Behind him, a holographic menu flickered in blue light — Masala Dosa 60 rupees, Paneer Wrap 90, Cyber Chai 25.
The man looked up, recognizing Kael instantly.
"Arre, Kael baba! You came back ah?" he said with a wide grin. "How long it's been, haan?"
Kael smiled sheepishly. "Too long, uncle. You still remember me?"
"How can I forget, you used to steal chutney from my counter!" the man laughed, slapping his spatula down. "Sit, sit! I'll make you something special!"
They sat on a low steel bench, the noise of the city wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Liora leaned forward, eyes shining as she watched the drones passing above. "I can't believe this city runs on hybrid energy now. Look—those floating panels collect both sunlight and etheric power."
Anay nodded, impressed. "Master Kai once said Nexus is the beating heart of this era. Technology and power—side by side."
Kael tore a piece of dosa and dipped it into chutney. "And street food—never forget the third pillar of civilization."
Anay chuckled. "You'll never change."
After eating, they wandered deeper into Nexus. The streets shimmered with glowing banners announcing The Yuddha Tournament – Two Days to Go!. Children ran past wearing badges of famous warriors, while older students practiced small energy bursts or elemental tricks in the open parks.
They crossed into the Market Sector, where stalls sold everything from enchanted bracelets to small spirit stones. There were people in academy uniforms, travelers from other regions, and even a few merchants from the Beast Realm — their skin gleaming faintly under the sunlight.
The architecture shifted as they moved inward — old-style Indian flats with drying clothes and flower garlands hanging from balconies were now beside smooth black towers of glass. The hum of machines mixed with temple bells and street vendors' calls.
It was chaotic. Loud. Alive.
And somehow, beautiful.
"Feels like Mumbai, doesn't it?" Kael said as they walked past a crowded junction. "Except with less traffic and more flying cars."
"Maybe," Anay replied, smiling. "But the energy's the same."
As the sun began to lower, they reached the Yuddha Registration Hall — a colossal circular structure lined with banners of past champions. The symbol of Yuddha—a flaming lotus encircled by rings—was engraved above the entrance. Inside, dozens of students stood in line, their faces glowing with excitement and nervous energy.
After the registration (where Anay received Participant Number 49), they stepped outside again into the evening breeze. Nexus was starting to glow under thousands of lights. Street lamps flickered on, and the air was filled with the hum of celebration. Distant fireworks popped faintly as people prepared for the grand event.
Liora bought a kulfi from a roadside cart and smiled at the boys. "It's strange," she said, looking around. "This city feels so alive… but also heavy, like something's always waiting to happen."
Kael leaned back against a railing, watching the holographic displays light up the sky. "That's Nexus for you. Beauty and danger side by side."
Anay looked at the crowd of young warriors around them, each laughing, training, or showing off their powers. "It's perfect," he said softly. "This is where we should be."
Kael stretched and yawned. "Yeah, perfect—until the fights start. Anyway," he said, turning to them, "the tournament begins two days from now. But tomorrow night, at nine, there's the Opening Ceremony at the Grand Arena. We'll go, okay?"
"Of course," Liora said, licking her kulfi with a small smile. "Wouldn't miss it."
As they began walking back toward their inn, the city lights shimmered in their eyes.
For a moment, they weren't warriors or survivors. Just three friends—laughing, eating, and breathing in the endless life of Nexus City.