# CHAPTER 16:- THE BOSS OF PEACE
The silhouette moved slowly into the hall, his presence radiating an aura that felt… different. Heavy. Commanding.
Kavya stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as her eyes followed him. There was something about the way he walked—calm yet dangerous, as if every step was designed to own the space around him.
He came closer, and the dim light from the holographic map spilled over his figure, revealing his face at last.
A man—around 27 years old—stood before them, his pitch-black eyes as sharp and unreadable as obsidian. His dark crimson hair, parted neatly in the middle, carried a style that felt both timeless and faintly old-fashioned, like someone out of place yet completely in control.
He wore a black coat over a crisp white shirt and a black tie, similar to the others—but his coat was longer, its edges brushing his knees, and the fabric wasn't pure black. It carried a faint shade of brown, giving it a worn, battle-tested look.
On his back, the white bird logo of PEACE stood bold against the dark fabric, a silent emblem of rebellion. A pair of "X"-shaped earrings glinted faintly under the hall lights, adding an edge to his sharp presence.
Beside him padded a small tiger, its sleek orange-and-black fur rippling under the lights. It walked like a predator, silent and watchful, but looking at the man, Kavya couldn't shake the feeling that he needed no protection at all.
As he moved forward, his presence seemed to grow heavier, pulling everyone's attention toward him like gravity.
Kavya's gaze sharpened, catching a small detail.
There—hooked neatly around his right ear—was the same slim, black communicator she wore, the one used to connect with people in this world.
Her breath hitched.
He… has one too?
As Kavya turned her face slightly, every PEACE member suddenly rose to their feet, standing straight as if an unspoken command had swept through the room. Their silence spoke volumes—the man who had just entered wasn't just anyone.
He walked with deliberate steps, the tiger shadowing him. Without looking at anyone, he moved between the two sofas and sat down on the front seat. The other members remained standing, lined up along the left and right sofas, their posture firm and respectful, awaiting his word.
He raised his hand slightly—a calm, soft gesture.
Everyone sat down instantly, the room settling into a quiet tension.
Then, his dark gaze shifted toward Kavya. For a brief moment, his stern expression softened, and a small, effortless smile curved his lips.
Kavya felt her cheeks heat up—an involuntary blush she couldn't hide.
Hanza, standing beside her, broke the silence with a proud smile.
"Kavya, he is our boss—Mr. Karma. He's the strongest among us all, and he's so coo—"
"Hanza."
Karma's voice cut through the air like a blade—calm but carrying absolute authority.
"That's enough."
The room fell silent again. Hanza immediately straightened, his playful tone gone.
Karma's pitch-black eyes locked on Kavya. There was no hostility—just a presence so deep it made her heart skip a beat.
"First," Karma said, his calm voice filling the hall, "I think you're confused… about why Hexa is here, right?"
Kavya, still trying to piece everything together, slowly nodded. Her eyes shifted toward Hexa, curiosity and disbelief tangled in her expression.
Karma leaned back on the sofa, crossing one leg over the other with effortless authority. His gaze moved to Hexa.
"Hexa," he said, his tone steady but commanding, "will you tell her what really happened?"
Hexa's lips pressed into a thin line as she met his eyes. With a small nod, she replied quietly but firmly,
"Yes, boss."
Hexa, sitting on the right side, began.
"Actually, when the boss found out that you were here with Loca and Rox—and since I'm the one closest to Rox—he anticipated that the government wouldn't stay quiet. He knew they would atta—"
"Achoo!"
A Peace member sitting beside Hexa sneezed loudly, rubbing his nose.
Hexa shot him a glare but continued.
"As I was saying, the boss knew they would attack soon and that Rox would eventually come to me after that attack… which he did. And since Loca is a general officer in the government, I couldn't risk revealing my identity. That's why I didn't tell anyone."
Kavya's eyes widened.
"Wait… Loca is a general officer in the government? Does that mean… he's the one who told them about me?"
Karma's calm voice broke the tension.
"Maybe. We're not sure yet."
Hexa continued, "I'm sorry for not telling you the truth earlier, but this was all part of our plan. We were going to explain everything to you after you came here—"
"Achoo!"
The same person sneezed again, breaking her words in half.
Hexa whipped her head toward him, her face twisting in irritation.
"Rancho, I swear I'll block your nose with my hands if you sneeze one more time while I'm talking!"
Rancho—barely holding back a grin—was a young Peace member, around 20 years old, with short blonde hair falling over his forehead and striking yellow-green eyes. Like the rest, he wore the signature black coat with the white bird emblem on the back—PEACE.
Rancho raised his brows.
"You're scarier than any witch, you know that?"
Hexa's nostrils flared.
"Do you want me to kick your ass?"
Karma's calm but firm voice cut between them.
"Leave this for later. For now, let's talk with our guest."
Both Hexa and Rancho fell silent immediately.
Kavya hesitantly raised her hand.
"Uh… can I say something?"
Karma nodded.
"Yeah, of course. Go on."
Kavya's gaze stayed locked on him.
"As I've been watching you, you… don't feel like you're from here. And you're wearing that communication device, just like me."
A faint smile appeared on Karma's lips.
"Ahh, I'm impressed you noticed that."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with something unspoken.
"Actually, you're correct… I'm not from here."