Chapter 9

Chapter 9: The Gateway to Power

With Sukhiabad's hunters now part of the rebellion, Arjun's next target was Rangoli, a small but strategic village situated along the zamindar's primary trade route. Controlling Rangoli would give the rebellion access to critical resources and disrupt the zamindar's economic dominance.

However, Rangoli was a divided village. While its people had suffered under Bhupendra Singh's taxes, many relied on the trade route for their livelihoods. Winning their trust would be a delicate task.

"We'll need to tread carefully," Arjun said as his team prepared to leave Sukhiabad. "Rangoli isn't just a village; it's a lifeline for the zamindar. He won't give it up easily."

Arrival in Rangoli

The journey to Rangoli took two days, the road bustling with traders and travelers. Unlike the isolated Sukhiabad, Rangoli was alive with activity. Its markets were filled with goods—grains, textiles, and spices—many stamped with the zamindar's seal.

"Looks prosperous," Raghav muttered. "But I bet it's built on the villagers' backs."

As they entered the village square, a group of armed men approached. Their leader, a stout man with a thick mustache, blocked their path.

"Outsiders, eh? What's your business here?"

"I'm Arjun Dhankhar," Arjun replied calmly. "We're here to speak with your village elders."

The man narrowed his eyes. "Arjun Dhankhar? The one defying the zamindar? You've got guts showing your face here."

Arjun stood firm. "We're not here to cause trouble. We want to help Rangoli break free from the zamindar's grip."

The man snorted. "You're either brave or stupid. Follow me. The elders will decide what to do with you."

A Divided Council

The elders of Rangoli met in a large hall at the center of the village. Arjun explained his vision for the rebellion—freedom from the zamindar's tyranny and a united front of villages strong enough to defend themselves.

Some of the elders listened intently, but others were skeptical.

One elder, a frail woman named Savitri, spoke first. "You speak of freedom, but what will happen to our trade? The zamindar's men protect this route. If we defy him, they'll cut us off."

Another elder, a burly man named Hariram, slammed his fist on the table. "Protect us? The zamindar's men are nothing but thieves! They take what they want and leave us with scraps. This boy is right—we need to fight!"

The debate grew heated, with the council split down the middle.

A Hidden Enemy

As Arjun listened to the arguments, his system alerted him to something unusual.

Insight Mode Activated:

Suspicious Activity Detected: A man in the market appears to be spying on your group.

Recommended Action: Investigate discreetly.

Arjun leaned toward Kesar and whispered, "Someone's watching us. Stay here and keep an eye on the council. I'll handle this."

He slipped out of the hall, following the system's directions to a busy market stall. There, a man pretended to browse goods, his gaze darting toward the hall.

Insight Analysis:

Identity: Zamindar's spy.

Threat Level: Moderate.

Objective: Report back on rebellion activities.

Arjun approached the man casually, pretending to inspect a basket of fruit.

"You've been watching us," Arjun said quietly.

The spy froze, his hand hovering over a knife hidden in his cloak.

"Don't," Arjun warned. "If you try anything, you won't leave this village alive."

The spy's eyes narrowed. "You're making a mistake, boy. The zamindar knows everything. He'll crush you and your little rebellion."

Arjun smiled. "Not if we crush him first."

With a swift move, he disarmed the spy and knocked him unconscious.

A Warning and a Choice

Returning to the council hall, Arjun presented the spy to the elders. "This man works for the zamindar. He was spying on us while we spoke."

The revelation caused an uproar. Hariram stood, pointing at the spy. "This is proof! The zamindar doesn't care about us—he only wants to control us!"

But Savitri remained cautious. "If we support your rebellion, the zamindar will retaliate. Many will suffer. Can you promise to protect us?"

Arjun's system chimed with a new option.

New Skill Available:

Speechcraft (Advanced): Persuade groups with logic and charisma.

Arjun activated the skill, his voice resonating with confidence.

"I won't lie to you," he said. "This won't be easy, and there will be risks. But if we stand together, we can defeat the zamindar and build a future where no village lives in fear. I've already united Dhankhari, Chandpur, and Sukhiabad. With Rangoli's strength, we'll be unstoppable."

The elders murmured among themselves. Finally, Savitri spoke. "You've given us much to think about. We will vote tonight and give you our answer in the morning."

The Zamindar Strikes Back

That night, as the council deliberated, a group of mercenaries attacked Rangoli. The spy had escaped earlier, and it seemed he had alerted the zamindar.

The villagers were caught off guard, their homes set ablaze as mercenaries stormed the streets.

Arjun and his team sprang into action.

Raghav led a group of villagers in defending the market square, using barricades to block the mercenaries' advance.

Kesar and Manoj guided families to safety, helping them escape the burning buildings.

Arjun, using his system's Mission Planner, identified the mercenaries' leader and devised a plan to take him down.

Arjun confronted the leader, a hulking man wielding a mace. The fight was brutal, but with his enhanced combat skills and quick thinking, Arjun managed to disarm him and force the remaining mercenaries to flee.

Unity Through Fire

By dawn, the fires were extinguished, and the villagers began to rebuild. Despite the devastation, the attack had brought Rangoli together. The elders, moved by Arjun's courage and the villagers' resilience, made their decision.

Savitri approached Arjun, her expression resolute. "We've seen enough. Rangoli will stand with you. Together, we'll fight for our freedom."

A cheer rose from the villagers as Arjun's system displayed a new notification.

Objective Complete: Convince Village Elders to Join the Rebellion

Reward: Advanced Leadership Skill

New Ally: Rangoli Villagers and Resources

Arjun turned to his team, determination in his eyes. "Three villages united. The zamindar knows we're coming, and he's scared. But this is just the beginning."

To Be Continued…