Chapter 5
Chapter 5: The Zamindar's Counterattack
The victory against Lala's men had breathed new life into Dhankhari village. The villagers, once fearful and submissive, now worked with renewed vigor, their eyes filled with hope. However, Arjun knew this peace was fleeting. The zamindar would not take his humiliation lightly.
As the sun rose over the fields, Arjun stood on the village's highest hill, surveying their progress. The damaged crops were regrowing, and the villagers had fortified their defenses. But his heart was heavy with anticipation—he could feel the storm approaching.
A Letter from the Zamindar
Three days later, a messenger arrived at the village. Dressed in the zamindar's livery, he rode into the square and dismounted with practiced arrogance.
"I bring a message from Raja Bhupendra Singh," he announced, his voice loud enough to gather a crowd.
The villagers, wary but curious, surrounded him. Arjun pushed through the throng and stepped forward, his posture confident.
"What does your master want now?" Arjun asked.
The messenger sneered as he unfurled a scroll. "The zamindar offers you one final chance to submit. Surrender your leader—this boy—and swear loyalty to him. In return, he will spare the village from destruction."
The crowd murmured anxiously. Radha stepped forward, her face pale with worry. "Arjun, maybe we should—"
"No, Ma," Arjun interrupted, his voice firm. He turned to the messenger. "Tell your master that Dhankhari belongs to its people. We will not bow to tyranny."
The messenger's eyes narrowed. "So be it. The zamindar's army will arrive in three days. Pray that you've made peace with your gods."
With that, he mounted his horse and rode away.
Preparing for War
The news spread through the village like wildfire. Fear and doubt began to creep back into the hearts of the villagers.
"What can we do against an army?" one man muttered.
"They'll destroy everything," another said.
Arjun climbed onto the platform near the banyan tree, raising his hand to silence the crowd.
"Yes, the zamindar has an army," he said, his voice calm but powerful. "But we have something stronger—our unity, our resolve, and our knowledge. Together, we've already achieved what seemed impossible. We can do it again."
His words rekindled a spark of hope, and the villagers began to rally.
Strengthening the Defenses
Arjun used the next three days to prepare the village for the impending attack. His system proved invaluable, offering insights and strategies to maximize their limited resources.
New Objectives Unlocked:
Strengthen village defenses.
Train villagers for combat.
Rewards:
+50 Karma Points
Unlock advanced combat skills
1. Reinforcing the Village
Arjun focused on fortifying the village's borders. Using the surrounding terrain to their advantage, they dug deeper trenches and lined them with sharpened bamboo stakes. Thorny bushes were planted along key pathways to slow enemy advances.
He also devised a signal system using smoke and drums, ensuring swift communication during the battle.
2. Training the Villagers
With Manoj leading the effort, the villagers trained relentlessly. Though they were farmers, Arjun taught them how to wield staves, slings, and farming tools as weapons.
"Remember," Arjun told them, "we're not trying to overpower them. Our goal is to outsmart them and protect our people."
A Secret Weapon
On the second night, Arjun's system revealed a new feature:
New Skill Unlocked: Engineering (Basic)
Allows the creation of simple mechanical devices and traps.
Using this skill, Arjun designed a series of crude catapults made from wood and rope. These devices, placed strategically around the village, would hurl stones and burning oil at the enemy.
"These won't win the battle outright," Arjun explained to the villagers. "But they'll give us an edge."
The Zamindar's Army Arrives
On the third day, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, the ground began to tremble. The sound of marching feet and the clinking of metal filled the air. The zamindar's army, nearly fifty men strong, approached the village with torches in hand.
At their head rode Bhupendra Singh, his face twisted with anger. Beside him was Lala, his whip coiled at his side.
The villagers, armed and ready, stood behind their defenses. Despite their fear, they held their ground, emboldened by Arjun's presence.
Bhupendra halted his men at the edge of the village and called out. "This is your last chance! Surrender the boy, and I'll spare the rest of you!"
Arjun stepped forward, his voice carrying across the field. "We will never surrender. This is our home, and we will defend it!"
Bhupendra scowled. "So be it. Burn it all!"
The Battle of Dhankhari
The zamindar's forces charged, their torches lighting up the night. Arjun signaled with a raised hand, and the villagers sprang into action.
Phase 1: The Traps
As the enemy advanced, they fell into the trenches and onto the sharpened stakes. Screams echoed as chaos erupted in their ranks.
Phase 2: The Catapults
From the village center, the crude catapults launched rocks and flaming projectiles, forcing the attackers to scatter.
Phase 3: Close Combat
When the enemy reached the village, the villagers fought fiercely. Armed with staves and sickles, they held their ground, using Arjun's strategies to outmaneuver their opponents.
A Turning Point
In the heat of battle, Arjun faced Lala. The enforcer, his face twisted with rage, cracked his whip menacingly.
"You should've stayed in your place, boy!" Lala snarled.
Arjun's system activated, enhancing his reflexes and agility.
Skill Activated: Combat Instincts (Intermediate)
Lala lunged, but Arjun dodged effortlessly, countering with a well-placed strike from his staff. The fight was brief but intense, ending with Lala sprawled on the ground, clutching his ribs.
As Lala was dragged away by his men, Bhupendra realized the battle was lost. With a furious glare at Arjun, he signaled a retreat.
"This isn't over," the zamindar growled as he rode away.
Aftermath
The villagers erupted in cheers, their victory against overwhelming odds a testament to their determination.
Radha embraced Arjun tightly, tears streaming down her face. "You did it, beta. You saved us."
Arjun, though exhausted, managed a smile. "This is just the beginning, Ma. We've won the battle, but the war is far from over."
As the villagers began repairing the damage, Arjun's system displayed a new notification.
Objective Complete:
Strengthen village defenses.
Train villagers for combat.
Rewards Earned:
+50 Karma Points
Combat Instincts (Intermediate → Advanced)
Engineering (Basic → Intermediate)
Under the starry sky, Arjun gazed at the horizon, his resolve stronger than ever. The zamindar might return with greater force, but so would their will to fight.
"This village will not just survive—it will thrive," he vowed silently.