Kabir sat in the dimly lit hideout, his breathing still uneven. His body ached in ways he had never felt before—not just exhaustion, but something deeper, like his very bones were being reshaped. He clenched his fists, watching the ring on his finger.

It had given him power beyond his imagination. But at what cost?

Across the room, Vikram analyzed the data from the ledger, his expression grim. Ananya paced nearby, stealing glances at Kabir.

“You need rest,” she said finally. “Whatever that thing did to you, it’s taking a toll.”

Kabir exhaled sharply. “Rest isn’t an option. If the Syndicate knows we have this ledger, they’ll come for us.”

“They’ll come either way,” Vikram muttered. “But you’re no good to us if you burn out.”

Kabir didn’t argue. His body was betraying him, his limbs heavy, his mind clouded. He removed the ring and placed it on the table. The moment he did, the strange energy dissipated, and an overwhelming fatigue crashed over him.

The last thing he heard before slipping into unconsciousness was Ananya’s worried voice.

A Vision of the Past

Kabir opened his eyes, but he wasn’t in the hideout.

He stood in the middle of a vast battlefield, the air thick with the scent of blood and steel. Warriors in ancient armor clashed around him, their swords singing through the air.

A figure stood ahead, clad in silver robes, his presence commanding. His face was obscured, but his voice was deep and knowing.

“You have awakened the Maverick’s Will.”

Kabir tried to speak, but no words came. The figure raised a hand, and suddenly, Kabir felt an overwhelming surge of energy, the same power the ring had given him—but raw, untamed.

“This strength is not yours to wield lightly,” the figure continued. “It will grant you dominion over battle, but the path is perilous. Power comes with a price.”

The battlefield blurred, and Kabir felt himself being pulled away.

Awakening

Kabir gasped, sitting upright. His skin was drenched in sweat, his heartbeat frantic. The vision still burned in his mind.

Ananya rushed to his side. “You okay?”

He nodded slowly. “The ring… it’s more than just an artifact.”

Vikram frowned. “What do you mean?”

Kabir hesitated. “It’s connected to something ancient. I saw… warriors, a battlefield. A man spoke to me, called it the Maverick’s Will.”

Vikram and Ananya exchanged glances.

“Whatever it is,” Vikram said finally, “we need to understand it before you use it again. Until then, keep it off.”

Kabir clenched his jaw but nodded. He had been reckless. The power was intoxicating, but he couldn’t afford to lose himself in it.

Just then, a loud ping came from Vikram’s laptop. He turned back to the screen, his face darkening.

“They found us.”

Ananya’s eyes widened. “The Syndicate?”

Vikram nodded. “They’re moving fast. We have maybe an hour before they hit this place.”

Kabir clenched his fists. Whether he was ready or not, the next fight was coming. And this time, he had more than just his fists—he had a weapon unlike any other.

The only question was whether he could control it.