The next few days passed quietly, and in that time, Arjun became more than just a guest — he became one of us.
Every morning we would sit together in the living room, sunlight pouring through the windows, maps and notebooks spread across the table. Arjun usually sat near the corner, focused but relaxed, his calm nature making it easy for all of us to talk freely.
He told us about the places he had seen during his years away — mysterious ruins, hidden caves, and old towns where people still whispered about "The Lost Door." His stories were strange but fascinating. Chakshu always listened wide-eyed, while Palash kept asking questions like he was solving a puzzle.
Soon, laughter became a daily thing again. The tension that had filled the house slowly faded.
One evening, as the sun dipped behind the trees, I looked around the room and smiled."Feels like we've known each other forever," I said.
Arjun chuckled softly. "Guess some bonds form faster when you face strange things together."
Chakshu nodded. "Yeah, we already saw more weird stuff in a week than most people see in their whole life."
Palash leaned forward. "Alright, so let's focus. The treasure event is in a few days, right? We should plan what to do first."
I nodded, pulling out the small town map we had drawn. "Here's the thing — we don't know where the first clue will appear. But if the Mayor is involved, maybe the event will start near the old fountain or the forest entrance."
"That makes sense," Arjun said. "The forest might be the key. Many old legends talk about hidden paths and sealed doors around that area."
Chakshu looked a little nervous. "You mean the same forest where people said you disappeared seven years ago?"
Arjun didn't answer right away. He simply looked at the floor and said softly, "Yes. The same one."
The room went quiet for a moment. Then I spoke, "If that's where the clue begins, then that's where we'll go. Together."
Arjun looked up and smiled faintly. "Together," he repeated.
We continued planning for hours — who would carry what, how we'd mark our path, and how to signal each other if we got lost. By the end of it, our table was covered in notes, drawings, and half-finished cups of tea.
When the clock struck midnight, Chakshu stretched and yawned. "Alright, I think that's enough planning for one night. Let's get some rest."
Arjun nodded and stood up. "Good idea. Tomorrow, we'll go out and prepare our supplies."
As everyone went to their rooms, I stayed back for a while, staring at the dull glow of Arjun's key pin resting on the table. It still looked lifeless… but for a moment, I thought I saw a faint flicker of light inside it.
The sound of birds woke me up before sunrise. A soft orange light poured through the window curtains, painting my room in warm colors. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, realizing what day it was.
The day of the treasure hunt.
I quickly got out of bed and opened the window. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint smell of wet grass. The streets outside were already busier than usual — people talking, shops opening early, and groups of participants gathering near the town square.
"Morning already, huh?" Chakshu said from the doorway, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah," I replied with a small smile. "Today's the day."
Soon, Palash and Arjun joined us in the kitchen. The table was covered with maps, notebooks, and a few pieces of bread and jam that Chakshu had thrown together for breakfast.
"Everything ready?" I asked.
Palash nodded. "Bags packed, compass checked, water bottles filled."
Arjun adjusted his black coat and looked at us calmly. "Remember," he said, "we stay together no matter what. The treasure event might look simple, but things like this… they often hide more than they show."
We all nodded. Despite his calm voice, his words carried a strange weight.
As we stepped outside, the town square was already crowded. Banners with golden letters read:
"Annual Town Treasure Hunt — Hosted by Mayor Rowan."
Stalls surrounded the square, with people registering, laughing, and discussing their plans. Some wore hiking boots, others had notebooks and cameras ready. It felt more like a festival than a competition.
"Looks like the whole town joined in," Chakshu said, grinning.
We walked toward the registration table, where the Mayor himself stood, greeting people with a warm smile. He was an older man, tall, wearing a grey coat and a silver badge on his chest. His eyes looked kind, yet sharp — like he knew more than he said.
"Ah, Magic, Chakshu, Palash… and Arjun?" the Mayor said when he saw us.
Arjun froze for a second, surprised that the Mayor remembered him.
"You're back after all these years," the Mayor continued, "I'm glad to see you safe."
Arjun bowed his head slightly. "It's good to be back, sir."
The Mayor gave a small nod. "Well, I hope you all enjoy the hunt. But remember — this event isn't just about treasure. It's about courage, trust, and discovery."
He handed us a rolled-up parchment sealed with a red wax mark. "Here's your first clue. The hunt begins at the stroke of eight."
We thanked him and moved to a quieter corner. The crowd's excitement grew louder by the minute as more teams gathered.
"Alright," I said, unrolling the parchment carefully. The paper smelled old, and the writing was in elegant black ink.
It read:
"Beneath the watchful eyes of stone and time,Lies the first sign, hidden by rhyme.Seek where the water once used to flow,And the past's whisper will start to show."
Chakshu scratched his head. "Watchful eyes? Water that used to flow? What does that even mean?"
Palash thought for a moment. "Maybe… the old fountain near the forest path? It dried up years ago."
I nodded slowly. "That must be it. The old fountain has those carved stone faces — the 'watchful eyes'."
Arjun smiled faintly. "Exactly. That's our first stop."
The clock near the town hall rang — ding… ding… ding… ding… — eight times. The crowd erupted with cheers as the treasure hunt officially began.
"Let's move!" Chakshu said, already running ahead.
We followed him through the crowd, the morning sun lighting our path. The streets buzzed with life, but as we got closer to the edge of town, things grew quieter.
The forest entrance waited ahead, dark and still.
Arjun looked at the trees, his expression unreadable. "It begins where it once ended," he murmured.
We stepped past the old stone gate, the sound of the town fading behind us. The air grew cooler, the light dimmer, and the faint sound of crunching leaves echoed under our feet.
The treasure hunt had begun…But deep down, I felt it was more than a game.
Something ancient had just awakened.
As we walked through the edge of the forest, the soft crunch of leaves under our feet was suddenly broken by a sharp, terrified scream.
A man's voice shouted, "Help! Someone, please!"
Then a woman's cry echoed right after, panicked and loud.
"Did you hear that?" Chakshu whispered, his face pale.
"Yeah," I said, my heart pounding. "Someone's in trouble."
Without thinking, we ran toward the sounds. The trees grew thicker, shadows stretching across the path as the screams grew louder.
We came upon a small clearing, and what we saw made my stomach turn.
A group of six people, all wearing dark hooded jackets, were surrounding a man and a woman. The man was on the ground, struggling to shield himself, while the woman tried to push them back. Their faces were desperate, filled with fear.
One of the attackers had a small, rolled-up parchment in his hand — obviously a clue from the treasure hunt.
"Give it to us!" one of the men shouted, slamming his fist into the man's shoulder. "We want the clue, now!"
The man tried to shield himself with his arms. "Please… take whatever you want, but don't hurt her!"
I felt anger rise in my chest. "We can't just watch this," I said, grabbing a thick branch from the ground.
Chakshu picked up a stone, Palash a sturdy stick, and even Arjun stepped forward, his calm expression hardening. The key-shaped pin at his chest glimmered faintly, as if sensing danger.
"Stop!" Arjun shouted, his voice carrying through the clearing. "Leave them alone!"
The six attackers turned toward us, surprise flashing in their eyes. "Who are you?" one of them barked.
"We're not afraid of you," Arjun said firmly. "Walk away before someone gets hurt."
The man holding the clue hesitated, and in that moment, the woman grabbed the parchment back and ran toward us.
Chakshu swung the stone in his hand, aiming to scare the attackers. "Get lost!" he yelled.
Two of the six stepped back, clearly unsure now. The remaining four advanced slowly, but Arjun didn't move. He raised his hand slightly, and for a brief moment, the air felt heavy, almost electric, like some unseen force pressed against the attackers.
A shiver ran through me. I realized then that Arjun wasn't just brave — he had power, the kind you could feel even without seeing it.
The four attackers stopped suddenly, exchanged nervous glances, and finally, muttering curses under their breath, they ran into the forest, disappearing into the shadows.
The clearing went quiet again. The man and woman were trembling, holding each other, while we stood nearby, breathing heavily.
"Are you okay?" I asked them.
They nodded shakily. "Thank you… thank you so much," the woman said. "They… they just wanted the clue. They've been chasing everyone in the hunt."
Arjun handed the key pin a small adjustment, his eyes scanning the area. "This isn't the first group like them, and it won't be the last. Be careful with every clue from now on."
Palash looked at us, wide-eyed. "So… it's not just a game?"
I shook my head slowly. "No. This is bigger than a treasure hunt. Much bigger."
The man handed us their clue, still shaking. "Please… take it. It's too dangerous for us now."
I took it carefully. "Don't worry. We'll keep it safe."
Arjun glanced at the parchment, then at us. "Good. But remember, the hunt is no longer about fun. It's about survival too."
The forest felt darker now, the wind rustling the trees like it was whispering warnings.
And somewhere deep in my chest, I felt the first true hint of fear — because this was just the beginning.
"Arjun…" I said, lowering my voice. "That… heavy feeling just now — the one that made them stop… Was that caused by you, or by the key?"
Arjun looked at me carefully, his expression serious. "Both, in a way," he said. He picked up the key-shaped pin from his chest and held it in his hand. "This pin is not just a key. It reacts to energy—especially when danger is near. It can amplify the natural energy of the person who holds it."
I frowned. "So… it's like it listens to you?"
"Yes," he said, nodding. "It feels the intent of the person carrying it. When someone with bad intentions approaches, it makes the area feel… heavier. Almost like pressure on the chest or a wave of resistance."
Palash rubbed his forehead. "So that was you controlling it?"
Arjun shook his head. "Not exactly controlling. I didn't consciously do anything. The pin sensed the threat, and my presence allowed it to react stronger. Think of it as a partnership — the key responds to me, and I respond to it."
Chakshu's eyes were wide. "So… it saved them?"
Arjun gave a small nod. "Yes. But it's not magic that works like in stories. It's energy, very old energy. The pin can protect, warn, or guide… but it cannot fight alone. And it has limits. If too many people with bad intentions surround it, it can't handle them all."
I looked down at the pin again. Its dull silver surface seemed ordinary, but now I could almost feel a faint hum from it, like it had a heartbeat of its own.
"So, we need to be careful," I said slowly. "The treasure hunt… it's not just a game. Someone could really get hurt if we're not careful."
Arjun nodded. "Exactly. And these people chasing clues… they aren't the only danger. The moment the keys start reacting, other things from the Lost Door might sense it too."
A chill ran down my spine. "Other things?"
He looked at me, his calm face serious. "Yes. Things that were sealed away long ago. Things that can't be explained easily… things that can move through shadows."
I swallowed hard, glancing at the forest around us. The air felt cooler now, the trees taller, the shadows longer. I realized then that the treasure hunt had already stopped being just a fun event.
It had become… something else entirely.
Suddenly, the quiet forest was broken by a clash of metal — swords swinging against each other, sharp and loud. Each strike rang through the trees like thunder.
Then… a scream. A horrific, painful scream that made my blood run cold. It wasn't just fear — it was agony, the kind that makes you want to cover your ears and look away.
"Did you hear that?!" Chakshu shouted, his voice trembling.
"Yes," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "We have to go. Someone's in serious trouble!"
We ran toward the sound, weaving between the thick trees. The leaves under our feet crunched loudly, but we barely noticed. The scream had stopped, replaced by an eerie silence that made the forest feel alive — as if it were holding its breath.
Finally, we reached a small clearing. What we saw made us all freeze.
A man lay on the ground, completely still. Blood had pooled beneath him. His arms… they were cut off, as if someone had deliberately taken them. His hands had been clutching something, but it was gone now.
Chakshu gagged slightly. "Oh… God…"
Palash whispered, "He… he was holding a clue, wasn't he?"
Arjun knelt beside the body, his face calm but his eyes sharp. He examined the man carefully. "Yes," he said quietly. "He must have been holding the next clue. That's why they… did this."
I looked around nervously. "Who would do something like this? The other teams are just participants… right?"
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "No. These aren't ordinary participants. Someone is using this event to hide their real goal — the keys. And they're willing to kill to get them."
Chakshu swallowed hard. "So… it's not a game anymore. This is… war?"
Arjun didn't answer immediately. He simply stood up, scanning the surrounding forest. "If we want to survive, we need to stay together. We can't trust anyone else here. Every clue, every step… could be a trap."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. The forest, which had felt calm just moments ago, now seemed alive with watching shadows. Every tree looked like it was hiding someone, every sound amplified in the still air.
Palash bent down, picking up the clue the man had been holding before his hands were severed. "We need to move fast. Whoever did this… they're still out here."
I nodded, holding my breath. "Arjun, the pin… can it help us again?"
He glanced at it, then back at us. "It can warn us. It can protect us. But it can't fight for us. This is on all of us now."
The forest felt darker, heavier, and more dangerous than ever. I realized then that the treasure hunt was no longer about winning. It was about surviving long enough to uncover the truth.
And deep down, I knew… the worst was yet to come.
Chakshu's face was pale as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Arjun… you mentioned there are seven keys, right? And this pin is one of them. That means… the others are out there, and these people…" He gestured toward the bloody clearing. "…they're hunting for the other six keys."
Palash froze, staring at the ground. His voice trembled slightly as he said, "What if… what if they find them before we do?"
I felt a chill run down my spine. "Then… it's not just about winning the treasure hunt anymore. They could… use them for something dangerous. Something we can't even imagine."
Arjun's expression grew serious. He knelt, picking up the key-shaped pin and holding it carefully in his palm. "Exactly. That's why we have to be extremely careful. These keys are ancient. They are powerful. Whoever controls all seven… can open the Lost Door. And once it opens, there's no turning back."
Chakshu swallowed hard. "The Lost Door… that's what you were talking about before. The one connected to… other worlds?"
Arjun nodded. "Yes. And the moment one key is disturbed, the others become easier to find. The energy starts moving, seeking its pair. That's why some of these people will stop at nothing. They already killed someone for a clue today."
Palash's hands shook slightly as he held the bloody parchment. "So… if they find the rest of the keys… it could be… catastrophic?"
Arjun's eyes darkened. "Yes. That's why we can't just follow the clues like everyone else. We have to anticipate, protect, and react before they do."
The forest around us felt heavier, the wind rustling the leaves in warning. I glanced at the key pin in Arjun's hand, now glowing faintly again, as if it sensed the danger nearby.
I took a deep breath. "Then there's no choice. We have to stick together and make sure we find the keys first. We can't let them fall into the wrong hands."
Chakshu nodded, determination replacing the fear in his eyes. "We've survived this far. We can do it."
Palash looked at us both, trying to steady himself. "We need a plan. A real plan. Every step from now on… has to be careful. One mistake, and…" His voice faltered, but we all understood the unspoken threat.
Arjun stood tall, holding the pin tightly. "Then let's move. The first clue is still out there, and time is not on our side."
The forest seemed to lean in closer as we stepped forward. Every sound — a snapping twig, a rustling leaf — made us jump. But we had no choice.
The hunt for the remaining keys had officially begun.