Chapter 1 E "Questions and Answers"

"After learning this, Shivam fell silent. He was relieved that he hadn't rushed into asking questions, realizing he had only three opportunities.

The other two questions he raised were significant to him because his family's safety came before his own.

Shivam paused for a moment, then spoke, 'I am done with my questions; you can continue.'

He was certain that, as this was just the beginning, there would be more opportunities in the future to ask and gain answers from the Dark Web.

Therefore, he chose not to push further, knowing that he might lose his chances to ask in the future.

'The more haste you make, the more damage you will cause to yourself,' Shivam recalled his grandfather's words, keeping them firmly in mind as he refrained from further questioning."

Red Band's response indicated his readiness to provide Shivam with answers to his questions.

As Shivam awaited the response to his first question, Red Band directed his attention to a writing board that appeared to his left. On the board, Shivam's question was displayed in written form, awaiting the forthcoming answer.

—

Will my failure to finish my task have any consequences for my family?

—

Red Band's response began to take form on the writing board as he simultaneously verbalized the message for Shivam's understanding.

"Both 'yes' and 'no,'" he began, emphasizing the conditional nature of his answer.

"It primarily depends on you."

Red Band stressed the importance of Shivam's discretion in handling information about the Dark Web to ensure his family's safety.

"I warn you: if you make any inquiries outside or if you say a single word to anyone about what you have seen or gained from the Dark Web, there will be the most dire consequences for you and your family! And the people around you," Red Band stated.

"If you inform family members about the dangers or rewards of the Dark Web, or if they learn about them through other channels that are connected to you, they could be in danger."

He cautioned Shivam about the potential risks associated with disclosing information about their dealings with the Dark Web.

"But they would be completely safe if you did not mention anything about the Dark Web to anyone at all."

Red Band offered a clear directive: Shivam's family would remain out of harm's way if he refrained from sharing any details about his involvement with the Dark Web.

Shivam's mind raced with frustration and regret as he grappled with the grim reality of his situation.

The thought of the potential danger looming over his family weighed heavily on his conscience, filling him with a sense of helplessness and despair.

In his desperation, Shivam considered seeking assistance from the government, believing that official channels might offer a way out of the predicament.

However, he quickly realized the inherent dilemma: divulging information about the Dark Web could inadvertently jeopardize his family's safety, a risk he simply couldn't afford to take.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Shivam felt a wave of hopelessness wash over him.

The very solution he sought seemed to be out of reach, leaving him trapped in a labyrinth of uncertainty and fear.

Red Band continued with your second question, which is

Will I be assigned any unlawful tasks?

Red Band's response was concise and clear:

"Both 'yes' and 'no.'

This also depends on your actions.

If you take the dark road, you will have those tasks as your companion, but if you don't, there won't be any tasks that would be illegal.

So choose your way as per your lawful understanding."

Shivam was relieved but also concerned that he would need to follow only the right path from now on.

If he did something wrong, that might trigger a task that would lead to future problems.

As the darkness starts, it is mild, but the deeper you go, the darker it becomes, he thought to himself while nodding to the screen.

The Red Band continued I will accompany you if you have any task-related questions you can ask me by opening this app, "Dot."

After opening the app "Dot," I would serve as your assistant, assisting you in guiding the task.

You would gain all the details of your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks in this app on your smartphone.

Shivam listened attentively to Red Band's explanation, feeling a mixture of determination and apprehension bubbling within him.

"So, if I understand correctly," he began, "each day's task is crucial, and failure to complete even one could have dire consequences.

But if I manage to fulfill each task, there are rewards waiting for me, with something special at the end of the 42-day cycle."

"Exactly," Red Band confirmed, his voice coming through the smartphone screen.

"Your commitment to completing each task is paramount, as it will determine both your survival and the rewards you receive along the way."

Shivam nodded, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.

"I'm ready to take on this responsibility," he declared, his voice filled with determination.

"I'll do whatever it takes to see this through to the end."

Red Band's digital avatar on the screen seemed to nod in approval.

"Good to hear, Shivam. Remember, I'll be here to guide you every step of the way.

Now, let's begin your journey."

Your daily task is

Mix any of the five herb ingredients given in the list and apply them to the affected area of the scalp.

Then start the chanting of the mantra given below.

॥ Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat

It is recommended to recite the entire mantra 108 times, five times a day.

You can start at any time, but you need to complete these instructions and chant before the next day.

Shivam understood and panicked, checking the time on the clock as he felt the ticking of his task, which needed to be completed immediately.

Clock: 1:39 PM...

Shivam said he could start it immediately since he wanted to do it quickly and get it over with.

He rushed, with his smartphone, from his room to the kitchen.

He knew where all the herbs were kept, as he had ordered them online previously for his hair treatment, as suggested by his Ayurvedic doctor.

In the kitchen, his mom was there with two maids, who were carrying the food vessel to the dining hall.

When she saw him, she said, "The food is ready.

My child should come and have the meal.

I have made a sweet dish for everyone."

Shivam stopped and didn't want to disrespect his mother's craft, as he knew if he did, he would suffer from his mom's wrath.

Even though he was a man now, his mother was still superior and would do as she pleased. He loved his mom, even if she scolded him.

And he didn't want to miss this meal, especially since it was Friday, when his mom cooked for everyone as a way to show her love and care for the family.

On other days, his aunt Pushpa would cook, as his mom had her own business to handle and couldn't always find the time to prepare such elaborate meals.

He couldn't eat now but could eat in the evening once his task was completed.

Shivam replied, "Sorry, Mom.

I had kadha to clean my stomach after drinking it.

So I'm good; I wouldn't be able to join you now.

But I'll eat with you all in the evening at lunchtime. So don't wait for me, okay?"

Mom stopped where she was, then turned to look at Shivam, glared at him, and sighed.

She understood his concern for his hair, which is why he was taking medicine to clean his stomach.

"When you feel better, come and eat the food," she said softly.

Shivam saw the pain in her eyes.

She wanted to get angry at him but refrained from doing so.

After Mom left the kitchen, Shivam swiftly opened the kitchen cabinet.

He found all five herbs, which he could use as per the task.

He crushed those herbs in the grinder, then mixed the paste in a bowl.

He hurried back to his room, locked the door, and stood in front of the wall mirror, ready to apply the paste to his scalp.

After applying the paste to the affected area of his scalp, he proceeded to the second part of the task: chanting the mantra.

He retrieved a piece of paper and wrote down the powerful hair mantra on his smartphone.

॥ Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat

He asked the Red Band assistant, who was kept on standby on his smartphone, if he could start the mantra.

"All these things have been done.

The herb paste is on my scalp.

Now, can I start the mantra?" Shivam inquired.

Red Band replied affirmatively but cautioned him that once he started the mantra, he could not say anything else until the task was completed.

If his mother knocks on the door, he must continue chanting the mantra without interruption or face the consequences.

Shivam felt conflicted.

He couldn't keep the door closed for long, and if his mother came, he couldn't neglect her.

She would definitely ask questions, which he wouldn't be able to answer.

After pondering for a moment, Shivam devised a solution.

Since his room was on the ground floor, he often used a door lock on the outside and entered through the window to avoid attending functions or college gatherings.

He swiftly grabbed the lock and key, opened the window, and entered his locked room.

But before sitting on the bed, he remembered the Red Band's warning about chanting the mantra on the bed. He settled on the jute mat on the ground instead.

He once again confirmed if all the steps were right to start the mantra chanting.

Red Band replied with a simple "Yes, you can start."

Shivam smiled in relief and assumed a meditation position, bringing his hands together in a namaste gesture.

With a focused mind, he began chanting the mantra in a soft voice, ensuring that the sound remained confined within the walls of his room.

He proceeded slowly, careful not to mispronounce any of the verses, knowing that his Red Band assistant was there to guide him.

As he repeated the mantra, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, despite the urgency of his task.

"Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat," he chanted repeatedly, each repetition bringing him closer to completing his task.

.....

Half an hour passed in no time.

Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat

Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat

One hour passed.

He continued to chant the mantra without pause.

Two hours passed.

As the hours ticked by, Shivam persisted in his chanting without pause. Fatigue began to set in, his body growing weary from the prolonged exertion.

Yet, despite the physical strain and mental fatigue, he pressed on, driven by the urgency of his task and the knowledge that he had no other choice.

"Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat," he repeated tirelessly, each iteration blending into the next as he sought to maintain his focus and concentration.

The words became a mantra of their own, a rhythmic chant that filled the room with a sense of purpose and determination.

Time seemed to blur as Shivam continued his relentless repetition, the minutes and hours melting away into a seamless continuum.

Yet, even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him, he remained steadfast in his resolve, his determination unwavering.

"Om Aim Vaakdeviyai Cha Vidhmahe Kaamrajaya Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat..."

Five hours passed.

Shivam completed a verse of the mantra, and he was about to continue when suddenly, the familiar voice of his smartphone's assistant interrupted, shattering the silence of the room.

Hearing this voice wasn't just a matter of importance; it also brought him a sense of joy and relief, knowing that he had successfully completed the task.

"Congratulations, Shivam.

You have completed your task successfully," the voice said, its tone oddly devoid of its usual neutrality.

"Congratulations, Dark Dweller!

You finished today's daily task and earned a reward."

A mysterious red box materialized on his screen, adorned with a strange symbol.

Shivam scrutinized his phone as the box caught his attention.

He pondered whether the contents of this box, the fruit of his six hours of meditation, would be anything ordinary—a mere digital trinket, perhaps, or even a prank to startle him.

The thought crossed his mind, laced with sarcasm.

Anticipating a physical delivery, Shivam's hopes were dashed when he realized the reward would remain digital.

Disappointment and frustration welled up inside him, a sense of being deceived gnawing at his heart.

He said in a disappointed tone,

"Is this the reward for a task?

An intangible box?

A digital box?"

"This is not your typical digital box; don't look down on it," Red replied cryptically, a sly grin playing on his lips.

"Simply open it, and you'll see what you've received according to the luck of your soul.

Luck is influenced by your past deeds and your present actions.

But beware; if your luck is less than favorable, you may not like what you find inside."

Red's words dripped with sarcasm, as if he too was eagerly anticipating Shivam's reaction to his reward.

Shivam remained silent, his expectations low, as he clicked to open the mysterious red box on his smartphone screen.

Inside the box, he found a dark red stone, resembling a red emerald, displayed on the smartphone screen.

To obtain the item, click on the button in the center of the panel's end corner.

As Shivam laid eyes on the stone, confusion washed over him.

What purpose could this digital item serve?

It appeared akin to the red emeralds he had encountered in countless RPG games, but its significance in the real world remained a mystery.

Unbeknownst to him, the stone held more than just its physical appearance. It was a question—a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Yet Shivam couldn't shake the uncertainty lingering in his mind.

What benefits could this digital item possibly offer him in the real world?

The query loomed large in his thoughts, urging him to seek answers.

But before taking the next step, Shivam paused, pondering whether to inquire further about the enigmatic Red Band.

As Red Band laid eyes on the reward earned by Shivam, a gasp escaped his lips, his eyes widening in shock.

In an instant, he understood the true significance of the unique item bestowed upon Shivam.

It wasn't just any ordinary reward; it held within it an unparalleled power, capable of bestowing tremendous strength upon its wielder in every aspect—physical, mental, and spiritual.

The item's rarity and potency made it a coveted treasure, sought after by many across the realms. Its acquisition on Earth was considered near impossible, yet here it was, presented to Shivam through the whims of fate and fortune.

With a mixture of awe and apprehension, Red Band realized the gravity of the situation.

The possession of such a powerful artifact would undoubtedly alter the course of Shivam's journey in ways he couldn't yet comprehend.

As Red Band contemplated the mysterious item bestowed upon Shivam, a shadow of concern crossed his features.

He knew all too well that even the most coveted rewards carried with them a dark undercurrent, and this item was no exception.

"Red Band warned Shivam not to underestimate anything obtained from the Dark Web, cautioning him about unforeseen consequences."

"This isn't just any ordinary stone," Red Band explained, his voice laced with caution.

"Click on the screen to obtain it, and you will uncover its true nature and all its details."

With a sense of trepidation tingling in the air, Shivam hesitated for a moment before summoning the courage to tap the screen, unveiling the secrets hidden within the enigmatic red stone.

As Shivam tapped the screen, eager to uncover the secrets of the mysterious red stone, a sudden jolt of electricity shot through his finger, causing him to recoil in surprise.

A sharp pain surged through his hand, leaving behind a tiny droplet of blood as evidence of the unexpected shock.

Confused and startled, Shivam examined his finger, searching for the source of the prick.

To his bewilderment, there was nothing on the screen that could have caused such a sensation.

But then, in a mesmerizing display, a holographic image materialized in his hand, depicting the intricate details of the enigmatic red stone.

As Shivam gazed at the hologram, text appeared beside it, providing a comprehensive overview of the stone's properties and abilities.

-Author-

Your support meant more than just words on a screen; it is lifeline for a writer, a beacon of hope in the vast sea of uncertainty.

With every comment, every word of encouragement, they fueled the writer's passion and determination to continue crafting their tale.

So, dear readers, heed the author's call, for your support holds the power to shape not only the story but also the writer's future." Please support!

**

"Author's Note: Sometimes, you'll see brackets like () or {} in the text. These are used to help explain tricky words or situations in the story. For example, if there's something important about Shivam or another character that needs clarification, you'll find it explained in these brackets."

**