Chapter 1
Stones of Boys
Chapter 1: The Search Begins
The hot afternoon sun beat down on the empty highway as a black SUV sped through the winding mountain roads.
Inside, a young man gripped the steering wheel tightly. His eyes constantly scanned the forests, rocky cliffs, and old abandoned ruins beside the road.
His name was Ashwin.
On the passenger seat lay an old leather journal filled with maps, mysterious symbols, and photographs of ancient stones. A compass beside it spun wildly as if something powerful was nearby.
Ashwin whispered to himself,
“It has to be here... The First Stone can’t stay hidden forever.”
His phone suddenly vibrated.
Unknown Number
Ashwin ignored it.
He drove deeper into the mountains.
As rain clouds slowly gathered overhead, the camera focused on his determined face.
Then...
FLASHBACK
Three Months Earlier...
6:00 AM
Beep... Beep... Beep...
Ashwin’s alarm clock rang loudly.
He lazily reached over and switched it off.
“Another ordinary day...”
He stretched, made his bed, brushed his teeth, and got dressed.
His small apartment wasn’t luxurious, but it was clean and comfortable.
After getting ready, he walked to his favorite roadside café.
The owner smiled.
“Good morning, Ashwin! The usual?”
Ashwin smiled back.
“Of course.”
Within minutes, a delicious breakfast worth $10 was served—crispy toast, eggs, fresh juice, and hot coffee.
After finishing his meal, he paid the bill.
“See you tomorrow!”
He walked to work with headphones on, listening to adventure podcasts.
Ashwin worked as an adventurer and explorer, traveling whenever opportunities arose to investigate forgotten places, ancient ruins, and strange mysteries. Between expeditions, he took regular jobs to support himself.
His monthly income was around $2,000, enough to pay his rent and save for future adventures.
That day was ordinary.
He completed his work, chatted with his coworkers, and returned home just before sunset.
After eating dinner, he looked at a world map hanging on his wall.
Several locations had been marked with red circles.
He stared at them for a long moment.
“One day... I’ll visit every one of these places.”
Smiling to himself, Ashwin switched off the lights.
Within minutes, he was asleep.
He had no idea that by the next morning, his normal life would change forever.
Present Day
Ashwin’s SUV stopped beside an ancient stone archway hidden in the mountains.
He stepped out, carrying his backpack and the mysterious journal.
The compass needle suddenly pointed straight toward the dark forest.
Then...
A bright blue light flashed deep among the trees.
Ashwin’s eyes widened.
“I finally found it...”
He ran into the forest without hesitation.
Far away, hidden behind the trees, a mysterious hooded figure watched him.
The stranger smiled.
“So... the search has finally begun.”
To Be Continued...
