The morning sun cast a golden hue over the quiet streets as Era walked toward school in his uniform, his school bag slung over his shoulder. The day had just begun, but his mind was already troubled.

The scene shifts to the IOP School, then zooms into the 11th-grade classroom, where students are chatting in their usual groups. Rita was talking with her friends, while Raman and his group shared jokes nearby. Everyone seemed engaged in their own little worlds—until Era stepped in.

Era entered the classroom, walked straight to his desk, dropped his bag, and then approached Rita, a firm expression on his face.

Era: “Rita.”

Rita (turning around): “Oh hey, Era! What’s up?”

Era: “Why did you tell my aunt I got into a fight yesterday? That the police took me away?”

Rita: “Um... Era, listen to me first—”

Era (cutting her off): “You’re done for, Rita! Today you’re not getting away from me!”

Rita (nervous): “Era, please! Listen to me!”

As Era took slow steps forward, Rita backed away slowly. Then suddenly, he lunged toward her, and she quickly darted around the teacher’s desk to stay out of his reach.

Era: “Where do you think you're going?! I’m not going anywhere either!”

Rita: “Era, we’re classmates! Don’t do this to me! At least hear me out!”

Era: “Then speak! What do you have to say?”

Rita: “Umm... Aaa... Hmm...”

Era: “Nothing, huh? Just what I thought.”

By now, the entire class was watching them, their eyes following the two as they ran around desks like a game of tag—but with much more tension.

Raman: “What the heck is going on?”

Pinky: “If I knew, I’d definitely tell you!”

Yupi: “I had no idea those two were so close!”

Raman: “Huh?!”

Rita came back around to hide behind the teacher’s desk again. Era stood in front of it, blocking her escape.

Era: “Oh, and when did you exchange numbers with my aunt? How did you even get her number?!”

Rita: “That was... five years ago!”

Era (shocked): “So everything I’ve done at school—you’ve been reporting it to her all this time?!”

Rita (guiltily): “Oops...”

Era (furious): “Now you’re definitely not getting away!”

Just then, the class teacher entered.

Teacher: “Everyone, sit down! And what are you two doing, Rita and Era?!”

Rita (relieved): “Saved!”

Teacher: “Go take your seats. Now.”

Era (grumbling): “Yes sir...”

The students returned to their seats, and the class quieted.

Teacher: “Before we start today’s lesson, I want to inform you that your Hindi teacher has resigned.”

Random student: “Why, sir?”

Teacher: “Her husband was transferred out of the city, so she had to leave. A new teacher will take over starting today.”

Student: “Okay, sir.”

A few whispers spread through the room.

Lakhan (teasing): “Hey Rita, why were you and Era playing tag in front of the whole class?”

Rita: “Tag?! No way! He was trying to catch me—to beat me up!”

Lakhan (confused): “Why?”

Rita: “Well... That’s a long story. Never mind!”

Later, during the 4th period – Hindi class

The new Hindi teacher walked in.

Students (in unison): “Gooood morning ma’am!”

Palak (cheerfully): “Good morning, good morning!”

Pinky (whispering): “So she’s the new teacher...”

Palak: “I’m your new Hindi teacher. I believe you already know why the previous one left?”

Students: “Yes ma’am.”

Palak: “Good. Let’s begin with introductions. I’ll start: my name is Palak, and now each of you will tell me your name and what you want to become in the future.”

Lakhan: “My name is Lakhan. I want to become a police officer so I can catch Night Walker—and their leader, Nightmare!”

Era (slightly tense): “...”

Palak: “Interesting goal! But that’s going to be tough.”

Lakhan (laughing): “I know, ma’am!”

Raman: “My name is Raman. I want to become an editor. That’s all.”

Palak: “That’s a great choice too. Next.”

Pinky: “My name is Pinky, and I want to become a fashion designer!”

A few other students gave their introductions until it was Rita’s turn.

Rita: “My name is Rita. I have two goals. The first one is... a bit difficult. But I believe it’s possible—I want to become Era’s friend again.”

Class (shocked): “What?!”

Rita: “The second one... I want to become a pilot.”

Palak (smiling): “That’s nice, though I didn’t understand the first one too well.”

More students gave their goals, and then it was Yupi’s turn.

Yupi: “My name is Yupi. I also want to take down Nightmare. That’s why I’ll join the army—it's the biggest goal of my life.”

Finally, it was Era’s turn.

Era: “My name is Era. I’ve never shared my thoughts with anyone before, but after hearing everyone here... I want to say something too.

When I was very young, I gave myself a mission—to protect the world, no matter what happens.”

Palak and the students stared at him.

Era: “And I’m already working toward that mission. But I don’t believe Night Walker or their leader Nightmare are truly evil.”

Yupi (angrily): “Oh really? And how would you know?!”

Era: “I don’t. But unlike you guys, I use my brain.”

Lakhan (offended): “Are you saying we don’t have brains?!”

Era: “No. I said you don’t use them.”

Palak: “Then tell me, how can you say Night Walkers are good?”

Era: “It’s simple. Notice the changes.

Five years ago, many people used to sleep on roads at night. Animals too. They’d often be hit by vehicles and die. Crimes like theft, robbery, and murder were common.

But ever since Night Walker appeared, such incidents have significantly decreased. Has anyone even noticed that?”

Rita (quietly): “Hmm... you’re right. I never realized it before. But now that you mention it—it makes sense. Still, the police are hunting them down, and even have orders to shoot them on sight.”

Era: “I know. But all I’ll say is... I stand with Night Walkers. Anyone who stands against them—stands against me.”

Raman (challenging): “Oh? So you're saying the entire country is wrong—and you’re right?!”

Era (calmly): “Yes.”

Raman: “Then we’ll see. I’m going to join the police. My goal now is to eliminate Nightmare. Let’s see how you stop me.”

Era (confidently): “Challenge accepted.”

[Chapter 13: End]