It had been four days since the brutal incident involving Era, Rohan, Yom, and Parle. Now lying in a hospital ward with bandaged wounds, the three boys were slowly recovering—but not in peace.

"I want revenge," Rohan growled, clenching his fists. "Not just on that kid, but also on Taniya."

"But how?" Yom asked, wincing as he sat up.

"I'm calling my brother," Rohan said with fire in his eyes. "He's the leader of a major gang in this city—Kola Gang."

Parle blinked. "You're seriously calling your gangster brother over a high school fight?"

"Yes. He may ignore many things, but he won't ignore someone who messed with his little brother."

Scene: IOP High School – Third Floor, 11th Grade Classroom

The next day, the school was alive with the usual hum of activity. Era sat by the third-floor window, resting his chin on his hand as the teacher lectured on botany.

"Today’s topic," the teacher began, "is about how plants grow in size and whether they can be considered immortal unless cut down."

As the class took notes, gossip was quietly spreading through whispers.

"Hey, do you know why Era’s been absent for the last few days?" Rita asked Lakhan.

"No idea," Lakhan replied, turning to Raman.

"Raman, any clue why Era was absent?"

"Not a clue. Let me ask Pinky."

"Pinky, do you know?"

"Nope, but I’ll check with Yupi."

"Yupi?"

"Why would I know? I barely talk to him."

"Should I ask Rita then?"

"Ritaaaaaa—"

Rita, realizing the question she originally started had come full circle, stood up in frustration.

"Are you kidding me?! I asked the question, and now it's coming back to me?!"

The teacher raised his head sharply.

"Rita! What’s going on? What question are you shouting about?"

"U-uh, nothing sir!"

"Then please remain silent."

Era glanced sideways, blinking.
“What’s wrong with her?” he wondered.

Scene: School Entrance

Suddenly, chaos erupted. A younger student from Class 10 came running into the building, panting heavily, his voice trembling with panic.

"Help! Somebody help me!"

His name tag read Gian, and behind him… six motorcycles and two black cars roared into the school premises.

From the bikes, rough-looking men dismounted—each vehicle had multiple passengers. One of them walked to the lead car and respectfully opened the door.

From inside stepped a tall, well-dressed man with a dangerous aura. His name was Hija, and he was no ordinary gangster—he was the leader of the infamous Kola Gang.

"So… this is IOP School," Hija said, scanning the surroundings.

"Yes, big bro. This is where that kid beat me and my friends," Rohan confirmed.

"Hmm. What's your name?" Hija asked Gian.

"G-Gian..."

"Oh, I wasn’t talking to you. I meant the student who beat up my little brother."

"I-I don’t know...!"

With a cold smile, Hija swiftly kicked Gian in the leg, shattering it with a crunch. Gian screamed in agony, collapsing on the ground.

From the third-floor window, Era watched everything. His eyes narrowed.

"They really brought gangsters into school…"

Without hesitation, Era stood on the edge of the window.

"ERA!" Rita shouted. "What are you doing?! That’s the third floor!"

"Have you lost your mind?!" Lakhan added.

"No, I’ve always been crazy," Era replied with a smirk. "Born that way."

"Then at least use the stairs!" Yumi screamed.

"Too late."

With that, Era jumped.

Everyone gasped—but he landed safely.

“It hurts a little,” he thought, “but not much. I recover fast. Sixteen years of training comes in handy.”

He calmly began walking toward the gang, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Looks like another student wants to be a hero," Hija laughed. "Come on, I’ll go easy on you."

"Bhai!" Rohan called. "That’s him! That’s the guy who beat us!"

Hija raised an eyebrow.

"So you’re the one who injured my little brother and his friends."

"Yeah," Era said calmly.

"Why?" Hija asked. "Give me one good reason and maybe I’ll spare you."

"Because they harassed my sister."

Hija turned to Rohan, surprised.

"You really did that?"

"Yeah..."

"Idiot! At least kiss her or something! You didn’t even get anything out of it!"

"I... forgot."

"Tch. Fine, take it later."

Era narrowed his eyes.

"That’s your idea of justice?"

Hija grinned.

"Honestly, your reason sucks. Got a better one?"

[To be continued…]