The clang of steel echoed under the fading sun as cadets practiced with their chosen weapons in the open training ground. Dust swirled with each swift movement, and the air vibrated with intensity. Amidst this chaos, Major Abhay Singh walked with calm authority, his eyes scanning every cadet, every grip, every stance.
He halted near Rivet and Keshav.
"Unique choice," Major Abhay remarked, his eyes locking onto the twin black metallic axes gripped tightly in Rivet's hands.
Rivet gave a slight smile. "It just… felt right, sir."
Major Abhay nodded, stepping closer.
"These are dual army axes — heavier than most weapons here, and deadlier in close combat. Precision, strength, and rhythm… that's what they demand. Let me show you the basics."
Rivet listened intently as Abhay demonstrated simple arcs, reverse spins, and defensive pivots. With each motion, the axes sang through the air like thunderclaps waiting to fall. Rivet mirrored the moves — slow at first, but soon with a strange ease… almost instinctive.
"You've got a natural rhythm, Rivet," Abhay said with a hint of surprise.
Rivet just nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Maybe the axes chose me, sir."
Major Abhay chuckled faintly and turned to Keshav, who stood nearby with a military dagger in hand.
"Daggers like these require speed and precision. Silent… deadly. In close quarters, you won't have time to think — your instincts must act before your mind does."
Keshav absorbed every word, his eyes sharp and focused.
The training continued until the sun dipped low behind the horizon, and cadets lined up their weapons, breathless but fulfilled.
Later that day – Tactical Hall, Mapping Class
The cadets sat cross-legged, tired but alert, as a senior instructor pointed at a large digital map glowing on the screen behind him.
"Tomorrow," he began, "we move to Sector 14X — a dense forest zone chosen for real-environment combat simulation. You'll apply everything you've learned: stealth, navigation, survival, and teamwork. This is not a game — treat it like war."
Gasps and murmurs moved through the room. Some were nervous. Some thrilled.
Night – Cadet Dormitory
Laughter echoed in the dark corridors. Cadets sat on bunks, cracking jokes, mimicking instructors, and sharing stories of their blunders with new weapons.
Later that night, the cadets gathered in the dimly lit common lounge, a modest space with old couches, a couple of wooden benches, and warm yellow lights that buzzed softly. Laughter bounced off the walls as groups played cards, swapped stories, or just enjoyed a rare moment of calm.
Rivet sat on a bench near the window, his axes resting beside him. Keshav and Arnav joined him, each holding a steaming cup of chai from the mess.
"You think we're really ready for tomorrow?" Rivet asked, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes fixed on the dark silhouette of the forest beyond the camp fence.
Keshav smirked and nudged him with his elbow.
"Doesn't matter. We're going anyway."
They all laughed — not because it was funny, but because it was real. Because fear, nerves, and uncertainty didn't stand a chance against the bond they were building.
Lights dimmed. Conversations faded. Silence embraced the dorm.
Elsewhere – Classified Military Command Channel
A secured command room bathed in pale blue light. Giant screens displayed data streams and prototype schematics from the Astra Protocol Facility. The same senior officer, now in formal military attire, stood by the comms unit, arms behind his back.
He pressed a button.
"Sir, the prototype is ready. All preliminary checks are green. We're just waiting on the soldiers' readiness."
A voice answered from the other side — calm, composed, authoritative. The President of India.
"Good. Begin the training protocols. But remember… not a single cadet's life is to be risked. Not even by accident."
The officer straightened.
"Understood, sir. We will ensure full containment. Nothing touches them unless we allow it."
"I'm trusting you, Commander."
"Jai Hind, sir."
He cut the call. The room fell silent again, save for the humming of machines.
And somewhere, behind those reinforced doors of the Astra Protocol Facility… something pulsed — alive, waiting, watching.
[End of Chapter 27]