Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The First Offensive

With the support of Dhankhari, Chandpur, Sukhiabad, and Rangoli, Arjun's rebellion was no longer a whisper but a growing roar. The zamindar had been forced to take notice, and his men had begun to crack down harder on neighboring villages. Arjun knew it was time to strike back.

"We can't wait for him to attack us," Arjun said during a council meeting in Rangoli. "If we're going to win, we need to go on the offensive and hit one of his key outposts."

Ravi, the seasoned fighter who had become Arjun's military advisor, nodded in agreement. "The zamindar's soldiers rely on the outpost in Kaligarh for supplies and reinforcements. Take that outpost, and we cut off one of his arms."

"But it's heavily guarded," Kesar pointed out. "Do we have the numbers to take it?"

"We don't need numbers," Arjun said, his system displaying a tactical map of the outpost. "We need strategy."

The Plan

Using his system's Mission Planner, Arjun devised a three-phase assault:

Distraction: A small team would draw the outpost's soldiers away by attacking their supply caravans.

Sabotage: Sukhiabad's hunters would disable the outpost's defenses, including their watchtowers and alarm systems.

Infiltration and Assault: The main force would breach the outpost while its defenses were compromised.

System Objective Unlocked:

Capture the Kaligarh Outpost

Reward: Strategic Access to Supplies

Arjun divided his forces into teams:

Raghav would lead the distraction team.

Ishaan, the hunter from Sukhiabad, would oversee the sabotage.

Arjun, Kesar, and Ravi would lead the main assault.

Phase One: The Distraction

Raghav's team ambushed a supply caravan traveling toward Kaligarh. They attacked quickly, destroying the wagons and scattering the guards. A few escaped, retreating to the outpost to sound the alarm.

As expected, the commander of Kaligarh sent out a patrol to deal with the attackers. With a significant portion of the outpost's forces gone, the defenses were left vulnerable.

Phase Two: Sabotage

Under the cover of darkness, Ishaan's hunters crept toward the outpost. Their knowledge of the terrain and expertise in stealth allowed them to neutralize the guards on the watchtowers without raising the alarm.

They cut the ropes of the outpost's alarm bell, sabotaged its main gate mechanism, and set traps around the perimeter. By the time they were done, Kaligarh was a fortress in name only.

Phase Three: The Assault

As dawn broke, Arjun's team moved into position. With the outpost weakened and its patrols thinned, the remaining guards were caught off guard by the sudden attack.

Arjun's system activated, providing real-time tactical guidance.

Combat Mode Activated:

Enemy Count: 30

Recommended Actions: Divide and Conquer

"Stick to the plan!" Arjun shouted as they stormed the outpost.

Kesar led a group to secure the armory, cutting off the guards' access to weapons.

Ravi and his team engaged the guards head-on, using their superior tactics to overwhelm them.

Arjun, relying on his enhanced combat skills, targeted the commander.

The fight was intense, with arrows flying and swords clashing. Arjun faced the commander, a towering man known for his ruthlessness.

"You're the rebel leader," the commander sneered. "You think you can challenge the zamindar?"

Arjun didn't respond. His system highlighted the commander's weak points, and he struck with precision, disarming him and forcing him to surrender.

With the commander down and the guards either captured or retreating, the outpost was theirs.

Victory at Kaligarh

As the dust settled, Arjun stood in the center of the outpost, surveying their hard-won victory.

"This is a turning point," Ravi said, clapping him on the shoulder. "The zamindar will feel this loss."

The villagers cheered, their morale bolstered by the success. The armory was stocked with weapons and supplies, enough to strengthen their growing forces.

System Update:

Objective Complete: Capture the Kaligarh Outpost

Reward: Tactical Advantage and Access to Armory

The Zamindar's Response

Back at the zamindar's palace, Bhupendra Singh received the news of Kaligarh's fall. His face twisted in fury as his advisor detailed the rebellion's growing strength.

"Send word to our allies," the zamindar growled. "I want every village that supports this rebellion taught a lesson. And find this Arjun. I want him stopped."

The Next Step

In the days following the victory, Arjun and his team began fortifying Kaligarh, turning it into a base for their operations. Messages were sent to neighboring villages, inviting them to join the rebellion.

As Arjun looked out over the bustling camp, his system presented him with a new objective.

New Objective Unlocked:

Defend Kaligarh from the Zamindar's Counterattack

Kesar joined him on the ramparts, her expression serious. "This was a big win, Arjun, but it's only a matter of time before the zamindar strikes back."

"I know," Arjun said, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "But we're ready. Let him come."

To Be Continued…