the heart of mumbai

Chapter 8: The Heart of Mumbai

Arjun stood in his small room, the air filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. He had been thinking about this trip ever since he and the Shadow Wraith completed their hunt. Today was the day he would venture into the heart of Mumbai, the bustling center of opportunity and danger, to sell the cores he had collected from the mana beasts.

He opened the Void Space, summoning the wraith from its resting place. The dark figure emerged with a swirl of shadows, settling beside him. "Alright, Shadow, we're heading out. Remember, we need to keep a low profile. Not everyone is friendly to summoners, especially in the city."

The wraith nodded, its form flickering slightly in response. Arjun could feel the bond they had formed growing stronger with each passing day. He knew he could rely on the wraith for support, but today, he needed to stay focused on his goal.

After a quick breakfast, Arjun donned a simple hoodie and jeans, trying to blend in with the crowd. With the cores securely tucked into his backpack, he set off towards the International Awaken Control Organization (IACO) building, which loomed like a giant monolith over the city.

As he navigated through the streets of Mumbai, Arjun marveled at the chaotic energy of the city. The honking of rickshaws, the shouts of street vendors, and the vibrant colors of storefronts created a sensory overload. It was a stark contrast to the serene, shadowy world of the forest he had just left behind.

After a lengthy journey, he finally arrived at the IACO headquarters—a towering glass structure that sparkled in the sunlight. The entrance was adorned with large banners showcasing the latest achievements of various awakeners, their faces beaming down at him like superheroes. Arjun felt a mix of awe and intimidation as he stepped through the revolving doors.

Inside, the lobby was bustling with individuals of all ages, some waiting in line, while others engaged in animated discussions about recent awakenings and battles. Arjun made his way to the designated area for selling mana cores, a small booth marked with a bright sign that read "Mana Core Exchange."

He approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with glasses greeted him. "Welcome to the Mana Core Exchange. What can I help you with today?" Her tone was professional, but her eyes held a hint of curiosity.

"I'd like to sell these mana cores," Arjun replied, pulling out the pouch containing the ten glowing orbs. "I've got ten of them."

The woman examined the cores closely, her expression shifting from neutrality to intrigue. "These are in excellent condition. You've done well. Let's see… for ten cores, I can offer you five lakhs."

Arjun's eyes widened in disbelief. "Five lakhs? Just for these?"

"Indeed," she replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. "The market for low-class equipment and spells is booming. These cores will sell quickly."

"Deal!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his excitement. It was a substantial amount of money for someone from the slums. He could help his mother with her expenses and maybe even save a little for future training.

The woman proceeded to complete the transaction, counting out the crisp banknotes and handing them over to Arjun. "Here you go. Make sure to come back if you find more cores in your hunts. We always need supplies."

"Thank you!" Arjun said, a wide grin on his face as he stuffed the money into his backpack. He couldn't believe he had just earned five lakhs in a matter of minutes. This was just the beginning; he could see the potential of becoming a successful summoner.

As he exited the IACO building, he felt a sense of empowerment wash over him. The world of awakeners was vast and filled with opportunities. With the money he just earned, he could invest in better equipment, training, and perhaps even explore the options available through the Summoner's Gacha System.

"Now, let's head back home," he said to the wraith, who floated beside him, seemingly reflecting his joy. "We have some planning to do."

On the way back, Arjun's mind raced with possibilities. He needed to train harder, gather more mana cores, and perhaps even think about summoning more powerful creatures. The thought of using the Golden Shard weighed heavily on him. He wanted to make the right decision, to summon something that could truly change the course of his journey.

As they reached the slums, he felt a mix of nostalgia and determination. This place, despite its struggles, was home. He knew that every step he took towards becoming a powerful summoner was also a step towards lifting himself and his community out of poverty.

Once inside, Arjun took a moment to reflect. He opened the Void Space, allowing the wraith to rest and regenerate. "Alright, Shadow, we've made a significant step today. But it's only the beginning."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Arjun sat down at his makeshift desk, the money from the exchange laid out before him. He began to strategize his next moves—what equipment he needed, how to improve his physical strength, and when to finally use that Golden Shard.

The world of awakeners was waiting for him, and he was determined to carve his name into its history. The thrill of the hunt, the excitement of summoning, and the promise of power fueled his ambition. This was just the start of his adventure in the magical realm of Mumbai, and Arjun was ready to take it by storm.