Rulers Rule

Chapter 5 : Ishan A Weird Boy

Aarav and the unknown boy were standing on the street. The boy asked, "Did you also apply for admission?" Aarav nodded and said, "Yes, I applied too, and I also have an exam tomorrow."

Hearing this, the boy became very happy and said, "So that means you're going to the school's official store? If you don't mind, can I come along with you?"

Aarav said, "Sure, why not."

The boy extended his hand and introduced himself, "My name is Ishaan." Aarav also extended his hand, and the two shook hands. Aarav said, "I'm Aarav. Nice to meet you."

Ishaan smiled back and replied, "Nice to meet you too, Aarav."

[On the Streets]

They were both walking toward the store while Aarav was checking the map on his phone. They were still 30 minutes away from their destination. Ishaan started a conversation, "So, where are you from?" Aarav replied, "I'm from (place), my brother and I took the train together." Ishaan said, "I also came by train, I boarded from (place). You know, I barely caught the train at the last second."

Hearing this, Aarav was shocked, and something clicked in his memory. He remembered when he was walking back to his room from the washroom, a boy with a lot of luggage had bumped into him, and they almost collided.

Aarav said, "So that was you?" Ishaan, "Huh?"

Then Aarav explained the whole incident to him.

Ishaan said, "Sorry about that, I suddenly rushed in front of you on the train, but if I hadn't hurried, I would've missed it."

Aarav said, "But you should've been more careful, right?"

Ishaan made a sad face and said, "I'll be more careful next time."

Aarav said, "What's there to be sad about in this?"

Ishaan then asked, "Why do you want to get admitted to the power school?" Aarav replied, "Why do I want to get admitted?" Ishaan said, "Wait, wait, let me guess—money, fame, respect, or maybe to become a tyrant?" Aarav responded, "None of that, actually. I made a promise to someone. I'll become a strong warrior and reach the top."

Ishaan asked, "Is that your only reason?"

Aarav remembered Dev's angry face and said, "Challenge accepted."

Aarav then added, "There's one more reason, but it's not that important. Anyway, you..."

Ishaan interrupted, "Money."

Aarav shouted, "At least let me finish my sentence!"

Ishaan wrapped his arm around Aarav's shoulder and showed him a vision, "With money, you can buy anything—delicious food, a comfortable life, and endless fun."

Aarav said, "Is that even a real reason?"

Ishaan took his arm off Aarav's shoulder and, striking a pose, said, "Yeah, man, it is. You're still a kid, so you won't understand the power of money."

Aarav replied, "I'm 16, and you don't look that old either!"

Ishaan burst out laughing. Aarav thought," But he's a good guy."

Ishaan suddenly stopped, noticing something. He said, "That's the famous sweets shop! Hey, let's grab something to eat."

Ishaan walked ahead, and Aarav said, "Aren't we supposed to get school supplies?"

Ishaan shouted from a distance, "We've got plenty of time!"

[In a Dark Alley]

In a van, a group of gang members was changing into their uniforms, pretending to be the sword transport team. Two guards noticed a man standing in front of the van, and the boss went to meet him. The man had a mask on. One gang member asked, "Hey, who is that guy?"