A silent breeze drifted through the grand halls of **Manav's palace**, carrying the scent of old books and burning incense. Inside a dimly lit chamber, **Manav** sat in his chair, his fingers interlocked, eyes closed. He wasn't sleeping—he was thinking. Thinking about the one thing that had eluded him for over a century.
The **Book of Prophecy.**
The book that had recorded the past, dictated the present, and predicted the future. Every word in it had come true, and if it still existed somewhere in the vast universe, then it held the key to **everything.**
A soft **knock** on the door. Without waiting for an answer, **Ryan Jim** stepped inside. In one hand, he held a bottle of **wine**, and in the other, a glass. His sharp eyes scanned Manav, who hadn't moved an inch.
**"Sir Manav, are you still thinking about the book?"** Ryan Jim asked, pouring himself a drink. His tone wasn't mocking, but there was a hint of **concern.**
Manav finally opened his eyes, staring into the **void.** His expression remained as unreadable as ever. **"Yes."**
Ryan Jim sighed and took a sip of his wine before setting the glass down on a nearby table. **"Sir, I think you need to stop searching. You've been searching for that book since 150 years ago. Even before I was born."**
Manav leaned back in his chair, his expression **unchanging.** **"That book is unlike anything else, Ryan. It is not just a legend. It is a prophecy. Whatever was written in it has come true. And the future... was also written in it."**
Ryan Jim swirled his wine in his glass, staring at it thoughtfully. **"So you believe the book contains the full beginning and end of everything?"**
**"I don't believe, Ryan. I know."**
For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, Ryan Jim chuckled, shaking his head. **"You're telling me a book that's been missing for centuries holds the fate of everything? Sir, if that were true, don't you think it would've surfaced by now?"**
Manav didn't answer immediately. He tapped his fingers against the wooden armrest of his chair. **"It is hidden because it must be. If the wrong hands find it..."**
Ryan Jim exhaled sharply. **"And whose hands would be the right ones?"**
Manav **closed his eyes again.** **"Mine."**
Before Ryan Jim could respond, the **TV screen on the wall flickered on.** A news broadcast appeared, showing the bustling cityscape of **Dusthaven, Mars.**
**"Breaking news—Today marks exactly **501 years** since the legendary warrior known as **Hood** arrived and saved our planet from the devastating **Shades Invasion.** Citizens across Dusthaven have gathered to celebrate the historic event."**
President Rashmi**, leader of Dusthaven. She stood on a high podium, speaking to the gathered crowd. Her **butler** stood behind her, listening attentively.
**"Hood is the greatest mystery of Mars,"** Rashmi said, adjusting her glasses. **"501 years ago, he arrived from the shadows and saved us from the Shades. I was not even born at that time, but the scriptures and cave paintings have proved it."**
The screen showed **ancient cave drawings** of a tall figure in a **hooded cloak**, standing amidst monstrous creatures. The people worshiped him like a deity.
Ryan Jim glanced at Manav, curiosity flashing in his eyes. **"Sir, you and Ma'am Priya were alive back then, weren't you?"**
Manav's **expression darkened slightly.**
**Priya.** His sister. His only remaining family. She had been **16 years old** when Hood arrived. He had been **10.**
**"You and Ma'am Priya are the only ones who have survived from that time until now. All others have died, but you two remain immortal."**
Manav still said **nothing.**
Ryan Jim leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter now. **"Sir... did you see Hood's face back then?"**
Manav's fingers twitched slightly. His mind flickered with **fragments of a memory.** A battlefield drenched in blood. A **towering figure** in a hood. The **Shades screaming** in agony as they were erased from existence.
But he did not answer.
Ryan Jim sighed. **"Guess that means no."**
Two young figures moved swiftly through the ruins of an **abandoned library.**
The first was a **black-haired boy** with sharp blue eyes, wearing a dark brown trench coat. His name was **Zayn.**
The second was a **short-haired girl** with piercing green eyes, wearing a white battle suit with a golden emblem. Her name was **Aria.**
They had both heard stories about this **library.** A place filled with ancient knowledge—perhaps even books that could change the course of history.
But what they found was something else entirely.
At the very center of the **dusty ruins**, sitting on an old wooden chair, was a figure in a **dark hooded cloak.** His face was obscured by the shadows, but his **presence** was overwhelming.
Zayn immediately took a defensive stance, but Aria's breath hitched.
**"You're... Hood, aren't you?"** she whispered. **"My grandmother told stories about you."**
Zayn's eyes widened. **Hood?** The **legendary warrior** from 501 years ago? But that was impossible!
The figure in the cloak remained **silent.** Then, in a deep, **calm voice,** he spoke.
**"Welcome."**
Zayn and Aria's hearts pounded.