Year 21XX
World War III had raged for over half a decade. India, having maintained neutrality for years, had finally entered the conflict the previous winter.
Undisclosed Naval Base, Indian Ocean
It was a bright summer day, the sky clear save for scattered clouds. The sea lay calm as a man holding a sealed file stepped onto the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
"Welcome aboard the INS Ashoka, sir," a naval officer said crisply. "The Admiral is expecting you."
"Thank you," the man replied. "Please lead the way."
They crossed the deck toward the island structure and ascended to the flag bridge. Inside, several senior officers stood gathered around an elderly man with grey hair and a firm bearing.
"Admiral Varma," the young man said, offering a nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Welcome, Raj beta," the Admiral replied warmly. "I trust your journey was uneventful."
"With all due respect, sir," Raj said evenly, "I'm here on official business."
The Admiral smiled faintly. "Direct as always. Still, I worry—after what happened last month."
"I appreciate your concern, sir," Raj replied. "As you can see, I'm fine."He held out the file. "These are the orders and updated assignments."
The Admiral took the documents, skimmed them, and handed them to a nearby officer."Officer Sharma, prepare the fleet. We move out."
"Yes, sir."
The Admiral turned back to Raj. "Come. Let's have some tea."
"If you wish," Raj said. "It would be my pleasure."
They left the bridge and descended to a quieter room below deck.
"How are you holding up, Raj?" the Admiral asked gently. "If you need anything—anything at all—you come to me."
"Thank you, Uncle," Raj said. "I'm doing well. I was promoted recently."
The man seated across from him was family—his father's cousin. Both had served with distinction. His father had risen through the army; his uncle through the navy. Both had reached the highest ranks of their respective services.
His father had been near the front lines, inspecting units and boosting morale.
The transport aircraft carrying him had been struck by a missile.
No survivors.
Raj had cleared the UPSC soon after and joined the IAS. Now, at twenty-three, he worked directly under the Prime Minister's Office.
"I'm glad to hear—"
BOOM.
The ship shuddered violently. A second explosion followed, then alarms screamed through the hull.
"Raj!" the Admiral shouted. "Are you hurt?"
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Naval Base Medical Facility
A stretcher rushed down the corridor toward the emergency room, surrounded by frantic voices.
"Doctor, we're losing him!"
"I know—prepare the OR! Call Dr. Jay!"
Darkness
Where am I?
I can't feel the left side of my body.
There was tea… Uncle… the explosion—
Were we attacked?
I hope Uncle is safe.
I feel… tired.
So tired.
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
"Doctor—we've lost him."
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The Kingdom of Valangar
The royal palace echoed with the cries of a newborn.
"Waa—waa—waa—"
"My King," a midwife said softly, bowing. "It is a boy. But… we could not save the Queen."
A tall man dressed in royal robes stepped forward. He looked at the child for a long moment before lifting him gently into his arms.
"Beautiful," he murmured. "Thank you, my beloved, for giving me our son."
He turned to the attendants."Ensure the prince is cared for. Prepare the funeral rites for the Queen. Summon the priests. Inform them that an heir has been born."
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What the hell—
Where am I?
Why am I so small?!
Wait—no. No way.
Don't tell me—
I reincarnated?!
Like one of those trash novels I used to read?!
I died at twenty-three. I hadn't even lived properly. After everything I went through—after finally getting some peace—
WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?!
I did not sign up for this!