The golden explosion had faded.
Only silence remained.
No sound. No movement.
Just endless desert… scorched and shining under the faint orange glow of dawn.
The Sahara had turned into a glassy wasteland — the sand melted into smooth crystal. Heat shimmered through the air like a dying breath.
And in the center of that destruction… stood Arjun.
His golden aura had long vanished. His body trembled, covered in deep cuts and burns. His breathing was heavy, ragged. Sweat and blood mixed together as he slowly looked around the battlefield.
Not a single Celestial remained.
No skeletons. No bats. No darkness.
Just… silence.
Arjun closed his eyes, letting out a faint, exhausted chuckle.
"…It's finally over."
He smiled faintly, then dropped to one knee, his energy fading completely.
In the distance, the barrier that had trapped his teammates started to flicker.
Blue lines of energy cracked across its surface like glass.
Inside, Alex's eyes widened. "The barrier… it's breaking!"
Reyansh's eyes widened. "That means—Arjun did it!"
They all looked at one another.
With a loud crack, the entire blue cage disintegrated into fragments of light that scattered into the air and vanished.
Everyone fell silent for a moment, stunned.
Then, in unison—
"ARJUN!!!"
They all rushed down the glassy dunes toward him.
Kavya sprinted ahead, her heart pounding. Reyansh and Rohan followed close behind, while Alex and Valam stayed just behind them, watching the glowing horizon in awe.
As they reached him, Arjun looked up, still smiling despite his injuries.
"Hey… you guys finally free?"
Kavya almost shouted, "You idiot! Look at you! You're bleeding everywhere!"
Arjun tilted his head with a weak grin. "Yeah, I know. I tried my best not to die this time."
Reyansh grabbed his shoulder, laughing breathlessly. "Not to die? Bro, that attack—what was that? It was like the sun itself fell down!"
Arjun blinked slowly. "That one?" He scratched his head. "Uh… honestly, I just made it up on the spot. First time trying it."
Everyone froze.
Valam's face went blank. "Wait. You… created that attack right there? With no idea if it would even work?"
Arjun nodded casually. "Yup."
Valam blinked. "Wait… you experimented in the middle of a world-ending battle?"
Alex put a hand on his face. "Unbelievable."
Rohan burst out laughing. "That's classic Arjun! Do first, think later."
Reyansh burst out laughing. "That's my bro! Full risk, zero plan!"
Kavya groaned, rubbing her forehead. "You're all idiots."
She sighed, placing her hand on her hip. "One day, that's going to kill you."
Arjun smiled faintly. "Probably. But not today."
He stumbled, knees wobbling.
Kavya and Reyansh immediately caught him on each side, supporting his weight.
"Easy, hero," Kavya whispered. "You've done enough."
Arjun gave a tired smile. "Thanks…"
Alex stepped forward, hands on his hips. "Honestly, I'm impressed. No offense, You're something else, Arjun. Three Celestial Generals… gone in one strike."
Arjun smirked. "Guess this time I was lucky or blessed."
Hours passed. The desert wind finally began to move again.
Teams from every country started gathering near their jets. The international forces exchanged glances — silent respect filling their eyes.
Valam Drotin turned toward Arjun's group. "You've earned the world's respect today."
Alex smiled. "If we ever fight again, I'm staying on your side."
Arjun waved. "Try not to get trapped next time."
Alex laughed. "No promises."
Each team boarded their jets and departed, one by one — USA, Japan, Russia, China, Australia.
Until only one group remained, standing before a small transport ship painted with the Indian flag.
Kavya looked back at the now-peaceful desert.
"Feels strange… leaving this place after all that chaos."
Arjun smiled faintly. "Peace always feels strange after war."
New Delhi – Two Days Later
The MAGNET Headquarters was bustling with news cameras and cheers.
Arjun and his team entered the main hall, wearing clean uniforms — though Arjun still had bandages wrapped around his arm and neck.
Waiting for them at the end of the corridor was Riyaan — the man who had sent them into the Sahara in the first place.
He stood with arms crossed, grinning broadly.
"Well, well… Look who survived," he said, half-teasing. "I saw the reports. A single explosion that erased three Celestial Generals. I wasn't sure whether to give you a medal or what."
Arjun rubbed the back of his neck, smiling awkwardly. "I'll take the medal. I've already got enough lectures from Kavya."
Kavya crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You deserve both."
Riyaan chuckled. "Fair. But… I'll let the jet theft slide this time."
Reyansh grinned. "Wait, seriously? You're forgiving Arjun?"
Riyaan raised an eyebrow. "No, I'm not forgiving you. I'm just impressed. You destroyed half a desert, and somehow saved humanity. That's quite a resume."
He clapped Arjun on the shoulder.
"You've earned this."
He handed Arjun an official case — filled with reward money, documents, and a silver medal engraved with the SWASTIK symbol.
Arjun blinked. "For me?"
Riyaan smiled. "For the man who turned the Sahara into a monument of light."
Reyansh whistled. "Bro! You're officially famous!"
Rohan elbowed him. "Yeah, as long as he doesn't steal another jet."
Kavya rolled her eyes. "Don't give him ideas."
Everyone laughed.
Later — Hospital Room
Arjun sat on a hospital bed, glaring at the IV drip beside him.
"I told you I don't need rest. I'm fine."
Kavya stood with hands on her hips. "Fine? You nearly burned your body from inside out. You're staying here until the doctor says otherwise."
Reyansh leaned on the doorframe, smirking. "Yeah, listen to your girlfriend."
Both Arjun and Kavya turned to glare at him in sync.
He raised his hands quickly. "Okay, okay! Just kidding!"
Rohan chuckled. "Looks like our mighty hero's scared of someone after all."
Arjun groaned. "Can you guys just let me rest in peace?"
Kavya smiled faintly. "Exactly my point. Rest."
The room fell quiet for a while.
Outside, the sun was setting — warm, golden light filling the room.
Reyansh leaned closer to the window, staring at the skyline of New Delhi. "You think it's really over?"
Arjun looked at him, his expression calm but serious. "No… not yet. This was just the beginning."
Kavya turned toward him. "Then what's next?"
Arjun smiled faintly, closing his eyes. "We prepare. Because next time… who knew what we are going to face."
Silence filled the room.
The soft beeping of the heart monitor echoed quietly.
Arjun slowly lay back, eyes heavy, whispering the words like a vow.
"Whatever comes next… I'll be ready."
The camera panned out — from the peaceful hospital room to the night sky of New Delhi, where a single golden spark shimmered faintly among the stars.
To Be Continued…