Chapter 31: Kamar-Taj
Year: 1982
Location: Nepal
Tashi POV
Autumn had just settled in—the harsh grip of winter had loosened, and the trees were beginning to sprout fresh leaves. Farmers in the nearby villages were busy planting their crops, preparing the land for the coming seasons. (A/N: Since the original season wasn't fixed, autumn feels right here—full of new beginnings and subtle energy.)
It had been three years since Tashi received the secret signal from the leader. Since then, faction leader Illias had been tirelessly organizing efforts to locate Kamar-Taj. But it wasn't only Illias—every faction leader was fully invested, employing different methods and tactics to uncover the elusive location.
On the surface, the world seemed peaceful, but beneath it all, Timeless Phantom was a boiling cauldron of tension and competition. Faction leaders were engaged in a silent war, each striving for the chance to prove their loyalty and usefulness to the leader.
Yet deep within, Tashi felt a quiet certainty that his faction would emerge victorious. It wasn't arrogance speaking but the undeniable nature of the mission itself.
If this had been any ordinary task, hope might have been scarce, but this was an intelligence operation—an area where his faction excelled. After all, there was a reason they were entrusted with the intelligence department, and Tashi believed this would give them the edge they needed.
All departments within Timeless Phantom had their unique ways of gathering information, but why was Tashi's faction specifically called the Intelligence Department? The answer was simple: raw strength in information gathering. Their methods, speed, and accuracy were unmatched. Every member was rigorously trained in the art of intelligence collection.
Even the least talented in his faction could rival the elite intelligence operatives of other departments. Any information the Intelligence Department of Timeless Phantom couldn't find was practically impossible for others to uncover—unless all other departments combined forces, which was unlikely due to internal rivalry.
Though all served under Pluto, each faction still pursued its own selfish ambitions. If all departments truly worked together, Kamar-Taj would have likely been found long ago.
"Greetings, 7th Master. We've found references to teachings of strange arts," said one of Tashi's subordinates—an 8th-class member—breaking him out of his thoughts.
Within Timeless Phantom, ranks were called by their evolutionary status, with "Master" added as a mark of respect—except for pseudo apostles, apostles, and 9th-rank members. Apostles and pseudo apostles were considered above rank and addressed by their titles, while 9th-class members, being the lowest, were called disciples.
Disciples were further divided into stages: newly injected individuals were training disciples; those who had assimilated at least half of the 9th-class blood were called disciples; and those fully assimilated were peak disciples, awaiting merit accumulation to become 8th rank.
When a higher-ranked individual—say, a 1st-class blood ranker—encountered a 2nd or 3rd-class, they would address them by rank followed by "disciple." Among equals, they addressed each other as "fellow disciples," maintaining respectful camaraderie.
"Take me there to verify," tashi replied calmly to the 8th-rank disciple who had interrupted his thoughts. Though the interruption was unwelcome, years of training and the influence of Pluto blood had made him a master of emotional control. In fact, every member of Timeless Phantom had mastered this skill—because no matter the situation, calmness was essential for making sound decisions.
Well, almost every faction valued calmness. He knew the Operations and Field Department were exceptions—brutes who often acted recklessly. The rest of the factions held a certain prejudice against them, but in truth, they weren't stupid. They were just venting their emotions and were refreshingly straightforward—a rare trait in an organization like Timeless Phantom.
"We have arrived, 7th Master," said the 8th-rank disciple, Aziza.
Looking around, he realized the place was a simple village. Common folk walked the streets, merchants called out to customers, and stalls lined the roadside. It was lively and bustling—far from what he expected.
What kind of place was he expecting? A dilapidated shrine? A grandiose, solemn monastery? A secluded mountain retreat shrouded in spiritual mysticism? The name Kamar-Taj had conjured images of mystery and ancient power.
After several hours of quiet observation, his patience was finally rewarded.
He overheard a hushed conversation between two men seated in the far corner of the tavern. They spoke in guarded tones, but with his enhanced hearing, their words came through clearly.
"…They've been asking around too much. If the outside world finds out, our cover might be blown," one of them whispered.
"The ones searching for Kamar-Taj… they're too close now. We need to pull back or report to the elders," the other replied, glancing around nervously.
At that moment, Tashi's heart surged—not from surprise, but satisfaction. This was it. Proof that Kamar-Taj was real and that others knew of it. They had made contact, even if indirect.
A quiet grin tugged at the corner of his lips. It felt like receiving a gift from the heavens—or more precisely, from the Leader himself. The joy he felt was similar to what one might feel after earning the right to receive a 6th-class blood serum—rare, powerful, and transformative.
In that moment, Tashi didn't just feel successful; he felt *blessed*—as if Pluto's will had aligned perfectly with his path.
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A/N: I would have already request for a contract but I wanted the novel to reach at least chapter 40-50 given enough time for you decide if it is worth it
Don't forget to give me power stone, comment and I know it too early but please try to make a review i really need it