Chapter 0:

Prologue

Leo: Kingfisher


As I stepped into the library, a soothing calm enveloped me, a welcome contrast to the bustling world outside. The hushed whispers and the faint rustling of pages created an ambiance of serene intellect, drawing me further into its embrace. My goal was clear—the science section, where a universe of knowledge awaited.

Browsing the organized shelves, I ran my fingers over the spines, feeling the wisdom contained within each volume. Soft light bathed the rows, inviting me to embark on a journey of discovery. The scent of old books filled the air, adding to the allure of the place.

In the science section, I perused the titles, searching for something to captivate my mind. "Cosmos," "Brief History of Time," "The Da Vinci Code," "Sherlock Holmes," and "Year 2320" beckoned to me, each offering a different adventure. While Sherlock Holmes stood out with his deductive prowess, my thirst for scientific exploration led me to seek something more.

Amidst these familiar titles, a small black leather-bound book caught my eye. With only 70 pages, it seemed concise yet intriguing. Its lack of a title on the cover intrigued me, and I couldn't resist the urge to explore further.

Flipping through the pages, I found no title or author until the very end. There, in a modest signature, was the name 'Maheshvar.'

As I pondered over the book, the librarian approached me with a warm smile. She recognized my interest in the enigmatic volume and offered it to me for four days. Grateful for her generosity, I accepted, eager to delve into its contents.

Leaving the library, I breathed in the fresh air, ready to continue my journey. My Royal Enfield motorcycle awaited me, a trusted companion for countless adventures. Today, it would take me to an army base, where an important figure was expected to arrive—the Jailer.

Rumors about the Jailer swirled in the air, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. His unique past and enigmatic nature fascinated me, driving my curiosity. As I rode towards the army base, anticipation filled my heart, eager to unravel the mysteries that awaited. 

Arriving at the army base, I felt a sense of urgency. The news of the Jailer's impending arrival had set the base abuzz with anticipation. I sought out a nearby soldier, hoping for news of the Jailer's arrival.

"Has the Jailer arrived?" I asked, my voice betraying a hint of anxiety.

The soldier shook his head. "Not yet," he replied, his tone terse.

Disappointment weighed heavily on me. I had hoped to meet the Jailer, to learn from him, but it seemed that fate had other plans. As time passed, the soldiers around me began to disperse, their purposeful movements a stark contrast to the lingering anticipation that gripped me.

Hours stretched into what felt like an eternity, and still, there was no sign of the Jailer. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the base. It was a strange feeling, akin to the onset of dusk, where the promise of a new day was replaced by a fading light.

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment.