Safe the Kingdom

Chapter 6: Save the Kingdom-improvement

The chapter opens with Hitesh deep in training, sweat dripping down his face as he wields heavy equipment. Each movement is a struggle, his breathing ragged, but he doesn't stop. Determination fills his eyes. "If I can't even defeat a single soldier," he thinks, "then I'm useless."

Agnimukh enters the training area, watching Hitesh's relentless effort.

AGNIMUKH
"Alright, enough already! You've been training for days without a break. Don't you ever get tired?"

HITESH
"Four hours of sleep is more than enough each night," he replies, panting.

AGNIMUKH
(shaking his head) "Forget it. Anyway, congratulations—looks like you've finally overcome your gravity sickness. Your body has fully adjusted to Keplar's gravity."

HITESH
(slightly dismissive) "There's still so much training left to do."

AGNIMUKH
"For today, that's enough. Besides, you told me to prepare the entire army for war, and I've done it."

HITESH
(skeptical) "Liar. I've given you so many tasks, and you only do what you think is important. You're just humoring me."

A smile breaks out on Agnimukh's face, as if Hitesh had caught him in the act.

HITESH
"So, what's your motive anyway? Are you just working towards getting some statue of yourself carved here? I read that only the greatest heroes have raw statues made in special places across Keplar. So far, only three people have ever received that honor."

AGNIMUKH
(serious) "I don't care about statues or honors. I just want to see my planet free again. And you—what's your motive?"

HITESH
"Just to go back home someday." (He pauses) "But tell me, why did you even form this group? To scare the king?"

AGNIMUKH
"No. We're here so that if Demon Arc attacks, we can protect the planet."

HITESH
"With such a small group, you won't accomplish much, especially since the king's forces back Demon Arc as well."

Agnimukh's face falls.

HITESH
"Why don't you overthrow the king? If you take over his forces, you'll be in a much stronger position to defend Keplar from Demon Arc."

AGNIMUKH
(shocked, then thoughtful) "You may be right. If the king is gone and his forces are with us, we could really protect this planet."

Agnimukh looks at Hitesh, impressed with his insight.

Hitesh, recalling a memory from his past, speaks quietly.

HITESH
"You know, my father was a lot like you."

He remembers an incident from when he was eleven. He and his father were near a burning building. Most of the people inside had already been rescued, but suddenly they saw a family trapped deep inside. Hitesh's father turned to run in and save them, even as young Hitesh tried to stop him.

HITESH'S FATHER
"This world is like my family, son. And right now, I need to help my family."

With those words, he left Hitesh behind and charged into the flames. He managed to rescue the family, but as he was coming out, a door collapsed on him, trapping him under the burning debris. That day, Hitesh lost his father.

Back in the present, Agnimukh watches as Hitesh wipes a tear away.

AGNIMUKH
(gently) "Life itself is a riddle. Who knows what it'll bring us?"

Hitesh manages a smile, though the pain still lingers.

HITESH
"So...you were a general once, right? A leader of Keplar. What happened to you?"

AGNIMUKH
(chuckling) "Those were different times. The former king, our true ruler, passed away, and the current king...well, he's not really from the royal family."

HITESH
(shocked) "What? The current king isn't even from the royal lineage?"

AGNIMUKH
"I like your idea. We should do something to remove him from power. What do you suggest?"

HITESH
"You probably won't listen to me, but if you want my advice, I'd say start by expanding your forces. Gather more soldiers. When you're strong enough and have a good plan, take down the king."

AGNIMUKH
(considering) "Not a bad idea. Alright, let's settle it. We'll leave for our mission tomorrow. Get some rest tonight."

Narrator
Over these days of intense training, the bond between Hitesh and Agnimukh has grown stronger. Their shared motivations and stories from the past have begun to forge a mutual trust. Agnimukh has started to see the potential in Hitesh—not just as a warrior, but as someone who could help reshape Keplar's future.

To be continued...