Little Introduction before we start ?

How about pausing a little before we jump to the main plot? You can skip to the next chapter for the main storyline, but I think it will be best to read my little intro and a small review so that you can better decide whether to scroll down or press the back button.

"Who the hell are you?"

Yes, the above question might pop up in your mind. So, here's my answer. I'm a professional IT guy working in a reputed Indian based MNC, with a very comfortable salary.

I have very good knowledge of Indian history, and I am quite updated in geo politics too. Since childhood, I wanted to join army and defend our borders but some how I ended up becoming a keyboard warrior in a small cubical instead.

But fate took a turn, when I decided to propose my colleague through writing online novel.

"Did it work?"

"Is this novel a joke?"

Well, yes it actually worked and this novel is no joke to me. I am very serious when it comes to writing. While writing chapter 17, something clicked in me. I became more attached to my characters and took it very seriously to continue till end.

"So, How did it work?"

Well, I know her for more than a year and even after getting in same team we only use normal greetings and some little opportune chats during group lunch or official parties. Fortunately, she revealed in one group meeting that she loves reading online novel.

And guess what? I, being a manhwa lover, decided to jump into writing.

But things weren't that easy, she was actually not a novel lover and later revealed me that it was her sister instead who likes to read, she just said that randomly to gain some scores in the official gathering.

Thanks to god, her sister was very interested and praised me a lot which caught her attention. Gradually, she used to hear my story directly from me, first in office cafeteria, then on way to leave her house, then on phone and that's how we came closer.

Including r18 content also helped me in this. I decided to include her suggestions in my plot as how girls would feel in xyz situations? Despite the fact that the plots, dialogues, words are mine but the responses, feelings, aspirations are totally her suggestions. But it wasn't that easy; at first, she denied, but later she reluctantly agreed to my constant requests.

That was a turning point of my perspective as well. As I started to learn how a girl would feel and what expectations she might hold for his partner. Obviously, adult videos does play a big role in knowledge of intimate relationships but when it comes to girls it's more than just crude actions.

Frankly speaking, at first I put the tag r18 tag as it had less restrictions for contract but later I used it to break the ice and it actually worked.

"Why bother speaking so openly?"

Well, now she knows everything and she is currently my girlfriend. ;)

"Then why harem? will r18 be good?"

Yes, you can doubt my character as in our Indian society, we generally believe in single partners especially if they are in love and my case is also not different from that. But while researching r18, I got influenced by Daoist cultivation novels and decided to add it. Also, for a kingdom building it will be a suitable plot to manage alliances through marriages.

Well, I might be influenced by cultivation novels but there is no compromise with my basics. There wont be NTR or incest. Except that I intend to go all out. I assure you that if you belong from the men of culture sect , you wont be disappointed.

If you belong to the group that believes too much openness is not a part of our culture, then I invite you to visit the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, where you might find paintings depicting people engaging in foursomes. so please spare me from that hypocrisy.

And if you, by any chance not 18 years yet, then simply stop reading this. It's not something for underage as with the air of maturity only you can filter out your soul to ascend the peak realm without any corruption. :)

"What about her sister, is she underage?"

No, she's not. I see her as my benefactor, so obviously, I respect her a lot, and we are very good friends. In fact, I'm adding this introduction chapter at her request when I am already on chapter 61. (No comment on this please).

"Since the author is newbie writer, is it worth my time?"(self shameless review and spoiler ahead)

I won't compare myself to other authors, still I can't help but feel proud of my work. I am receiving a lot of praise from my friends as well. Currently, I have already unlocked the criteria for MGS and Premium, which is a very big deal for me as Webnovel has very strict standards, especially for these privileges. Not to mention, there is a helping hand from my readers as well.

Although I started it with some ulterior motives, I got deeply immersed as I continued writing it. I dreamed of creating a kingdom-building web novel where the MC, with his modern knowledge, could bring about modern reforms to society, modernize the military, culture, and economy, and make a new history through conquest, improving his status as he grows from weak to strong through various challenges and ultimately becomes too OP at the end

Also, I am including an overpowered villain. For those who love the dark path, they can enjoy this too as the villain will start its journey parallel to the main character, becoming strong to weak. There will be a mighty clash between the two. In fact, I haven't decided the final fate yet, as I intend to bend it based on my fans' interactions at the end.

My novel is little slow paced as I chose the slice of life theme, but bear with me for chapter 11. I am sure, you will like it. I myself became a manhwa lover after reaching 10th chapter of solo levelling and I hope you are getting what I meant to point.

"But what about writing style?"(honest review)

Well I am a newbie writer and knowing English and writing novel is totally different. I admit I made mistakes but thanks to my readers feedbacks I am readjusting it.

If you are already my reader, then don't worry. The content has not changed, only the wordings has been readjusted and simplified. I will notify you later in the latest chapter in case I find any bugs.

Initially, my chapters might look too short, as at that time I had no idea but eventually I started making it long and my average word count is almost 1.8k for now.

In fact to keep matters right, I am going to keep 80-90 chapters free. So that you can determine if it's really worth it.

Thanks for reading this. Let's begin the story then..

comment 2 comment

Vote

SEND GIFT

Chapter 1: Echoes of Destiny

*** India, Mumbai city , 14 February, 2024 ***

The bustling streets of Mumbai were alive with the usual chaos as vendors calling out their wares, honking rickshaws weaving through traffic, and the chatter of pedestrians filling the air.

Arjun walked through the crowd, his steps unhurried, lost in thought.A faint smile played on his lips as he reached the bus stand and took a seat at the front. Others stood waiting alongside him, but he paid them no mind, absorbed in his own world.

Reason?

The small, leather-bound diary he had secretly taken from Riya's bag.

He had spent the entire night reading it, his heart racing with every page. What started as a guilty impulse had turned into a revelation—she liked him. Among the subtle mentions of other admirers, his name stood out. He was her first priority.

The thrill of knowing her feelings had kept him awake, his mind spinning with possibilities. Now, morning had arrived, leaving him both elated and exhausted. Excitement had turned into a restless night, and though his body felt drained, his heart carried a quiet warmth. Riya was waiting for a first step, and he had to make it.

He found himself rehearsing the moment over and over. How should he ask her out without sounding too eager or too casual? It had to be genuine, something that would mark the beginning of something real.

His thoughts drifted to their first encounter in lift—the day she had arrived for her interview.

She was absolutely stunning.

Her flawless, fair skin glowing under the soft elevator lights, her long, silky hair cascading down her back in gentle waves. The elegant blue saree she wore had accentuated her curves, draping gracefully over her slender waist, making it impossible for him to look away.

She had been nervous, fidgeting with her pen, and he had reassured her, offering a few words of encouragement. That simple act had set the course of their friendship, and before he knew it, he had been drawn to her completely.

His moment of reflection was abruptly interrupted by a voice, rich with warmth and wisdom.

"Alakh Niranjan (spiritual greeting ). You seem happy, child, but I sense hesitation in your heart. Is something troubling you?"

Arjun turned to find an elderly monk clad in saffron robes, a thick garland of rudraksha beads around his neck, and a large tilak across his forehead. Behind him stood a group of younger monks, seemingly his disciples, observing the scene in silence.

He blinked, taken aback. "Are you talking to me, Sadhu Maharaj (respected monk)?" he asked, perplexed. At 28, he hardly considered himself a child, yet the monk spoke to him as if he were one.

The sadhu chuckled. "Of course, child. Since I am looking at you, who else would I be speaking to?"

Arjun exhaled, glancing behind him as if to double-check, then sighed. "There's a girl I like.. I'm thinking of proposing to her."

The younger monks exchanged quick glances at his words before returning their attention to the road, waiting for the bus.

The sadhu smiled knowingly. "You seem capable. It's rare to find people who still practice martial arts these days. I don't think she will reject you. Don't dwell too much on the outcome.. just go for it."

Arjun's eyes widened in surprise. The observation was uncannily accurate. Indeed, he practiced Muay Thai, trained by his adoptive father, a martial arts master who ran a dojo for a living. Many mistook him for a fitness enthusiast because of his toned physique, but for the sadhu to discern his skills so easily spoke of deep knowledge.

Respect for the elder swelled in Arjun's heart. "How do you know I practice martial arts?" he asked curiously.

The sadhu chuckled. "How did you know I am a sadhu?"

Arjun let out an embarrassed cough, acknowledging his defeat. "So, is it true you can read people's lives just by looking at them?"

The sadhu smiled but then, after a moment's pause, added, "To know more, pay me a hundred rupees. Nothing in life is free, child."

Arjun burst into laughter. He couldn't believe he was getting swayed by a conman skilled in face reading. Yet, curiosity tugged at him. Smirking, he pulled out two hundred rupees. "Tell me something more about myself, and I'll double the amount."

The sadhu nodded, meeting Arjun's gaze. After a brief silence, he spoke.

"You lost your biological parents at an early age and were adopted by your mother's friend, who raised you as his own.

You are honest but prefer to go your own way, unbound by rules. You thrive on risk and constantly seek adventure.

You studied engineering but, unable to secure a job, became a teacher instead—and you're doing well at it.

Your hobby is also typical; instead of pursuing pleasure, you prefer researching technology, especially those related to evolution over time.

And the girl you're thinking about is your colleague, three years younger than you."

The sadhu then stretched out his palm. "Do you believe me now?"

Arjun blinked, stunned. The accuracy left him speechless. True, he had shared much of his life on social media, but the monk hadn't checked anything in front of him. Still, before he could react, the sadhu extended his hand expectantly. Sighing, Arjun handed over the money.

After a moment's hesitation, he pulled out a five-hundred-rupee note, tossing it in the air with a grin. "I want to know my future. Will she say yes?"

The sadhu stroked his long, white beard thoughtfully. "To read your future, I must see your palm. The face reflects the past, but the hands hold the future."

Initially, Arjun didn't believe in fortune-telling, but something about the sadhu intrigued him. After a brief hesitation, he stretched out his palm.

The sadhu took it gently, examining the lines with deep concentration. A frown creased his brow, his expression shifting from calm to serious. Arjun's amusement began to fade as he noticed the younger monks began glance at each other after looking at his hand as well, their faces darkening.

Growing uneasy, he saw his bus approaching in the distance. "Hurry up," he urged. "If the bus arrives before you answer, I won't pay."

The sadhu remained silent for a moment longer, then finally spoke, his voice softer. "No need for payment, child. Just take this blessing—it will smoothen your future path."

He reached into his pouch and pulled out a pendant, a small idol of Lord Rudra in his fierce Tandava form, and placed it in Arjun's palm.

One of the disciples gasped. "Guruji (master), that pendant—!"

The sadhu silenced him with a sharp look.

Arjun hesitated but found himself unable to refuse. A true sadhu never gave without reason, and the pendant looked valuable. A little extra blessing couldn't hurt. Slipping it into his pocket, he hurried onto his bus, lost in thought as he made his way to work.

As he disappeared into the crowd, one of the younger monks turned to the sadhu. "Guruji, why did you give him the Kaal Bhairav pendant? It was so precious."

The sadhu gazed ahead, his voice calm. " What is destined to be lost will be lost. What is meant to come will come. Do not fret over what has already been done."

Another disciple, who had also glimpsed Arjun's palm, murmured uneasily, "But Guruji… that man is fated to die soon. Why bother?"

The sadhu closed his eyes for a moment, then spoke with quiet resolve. "The universe must maintain balance. I have simply given it a slight push."

The disciples exchanged glances but said no more. Their master's ways were mysterious, but never without purpose. Soon, their own bus arrived, and they, too, went on their way, lost in thought.