Chapter 32:The Hero in the Shadows

Subham had settled into his new life at Vidur's mansion, diligently training and honing his skills. It had been a few months since Rose's return, and the camaraderie among Vidur's disciples had grown stronger. However, Subham knew that the real test of his abilities lay outside the safe confines of their sanctuary.

One day, while watching the news in the common room, Subham saw a report that caught his attention. A bank robbery was underway in Durgapur, his hometown. The robbers had taken hostages, and the situation was escalating quickly. Subham's heart raced as he watched the live footage. He knew he couldn't stand by and do nothing.

Without a second thought, Subham grabbed a black mask from his training gear and slipped it over his face. The mask concealed his identity completely, leaving only his eyes visible. He quickly made his way out of the mansion, using his newly acquired agility and speed to travel swiftly.

Reaching the bank, Subham observed the scene from a distance. The police had surrounded the building, but they seemed hesitant to make a move, fearing for the hostages' lives. Subham knew he had to act quickly and silently.

Using the shadows to his advantage, he found a way into the bank through a back entrance. Inside, he moved with precision and stealth, avoiding detection by the robbers. His senses were heightened, every sound and movement amplified in his mind.

As he navigated the corridors, he encountered his first target. A lone robber patrolled the hallway, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Subham moved swiftly, his movements almost a blur. He approached the robber from behind, covering his mouth to prevent any sound and swiftly slit his throat with a dagger, ensuring a silent kill.

One by one, Subham eliminated the robbers with lethal efficiency. He used his training to his advantage, blending martial arts with the deadly techniques he had learned from Vidur. Each kill was swift and precise, minimizing any chance of alerting the others.

Finally, he reached the main hall where the leader of the robbers held a gun to a terrified hostage's head. The man's eyes were wild with desperation, and he shouted threats at the police outside. Subham knew he had to act carefully; any sudden move could result in the hostage's death.

He stepped forward, revealing himself to the robber. "Let the hostage go," Subham commanded, his voice calm and steady.

The robber laughed, pressing the gun harder against the hostage's temple. "Take one more step, and I'll blow his brains out!"

Subham's mind raced. He needed a way to neutralize the threat without endangering the hostage. Then he remembered the technique he had recently mastered—Spiritual Pressure. It was a skill he had developed after achieving basic mastery of the Soul Refinement art. By focusing his qi, he could project an intense aura that could paralyze his enemies with fear.

Taking a deep breath, Subham summoned his Spiritual Pressure. The air around him grew dense and oppressive, a palpable force that seemed to crush the will of those nearby. The robber's eyes widened in terror, his body frozen in place as if held by an invisible hand.

Seeing his chance, Subham moved with lightning speed. In one fluid motion, he beheaded the robber with a single, precise strike. The hostage fell to the floor, unharmed but shaken.

As the last of the robbers fell, Subham felt a light headache building. He clutched his temple briefly, the strain of using Spiritual Pressure leaving a minor but manageable ache. The hostages stared at him in awe and fear, unsure of who this masked savior was. Subham nodded to them, silently assuring them that they were safe. He quickly made his way out of the bank, disappearing into the shadows before the authorities could arrive.

Back at the mansion, Subham collapsed on his bed, the light headache still lingering. He knew that using Spiritual Pressure came at a cost, but it was a price he was willing to pay to protect the innocent. As he drifted into a restless sleep, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The world was full of dangers, and he was determined to face them head-on, even if it meant hiding his true identity and bearing the burden of his newfound powers alone.

The next morning, Subham woke up to find Sam excitedly watching the news. "Hey, check this out!" Sam called, gesturing to the TV. Subham rubbed his eyes and looked at the screen.

The news anchor was reporting on the bank robbery. "Last night, a masked vigilante saved the day at a bank in Durgapur. Witnesses describe him as incredibly skilled and moving with the precision of a trained fighter. Police are baffled by his identity, but the city is hailing him as a hero."

Subham felt a mix of emotions—pride, relief, and a hint of anxiety. He knew that his actions had saved lives, but the attention could also bring unwanted scrutiny. "Looks like you're famous now," Sam said with a grin. "But don't worry, your secret's safe with us."

Subham nodded, grateful for his friends' support. He knew that the path ahead was uncertain, but with the skills and knowledge he was gaining, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges came his way.