Chapter 13
Chapter 13: Whispers of War
The morning after the battle, Kaligarh basked in an uneasy calm. The victory against the zamindar's forces had brought hope to the villagers, but Arjun knew it was only a matter of time before another storm descended.
As he walked along the battered walls of the outpost, the system displayed a new notification.
System Alert:
Objective Complete: Defend Kaligarh.
Bonus Objective Achieved: Disable Siege Engines.
Rewards: Experience Points, Skill Points, and New Blueprint Unlocked: Advanced Fortifications.
The blueprint displayed a detailed plan for upgrading Kaligarh's defenses, including reinforced gates, hidden traps, and improved watchtowers.
"This will help," Arjun muttered, but his thoughts were interrupted by Ravi's voice.
"Arjun! We've found something you need to see," Ravi called, gesturing toward the forest.
The Prisoner
In a clearing near the outpost, a group of villagers stood around a bound and bloodied man. His armor marked him as one of the zamindar's soldiers, but the insignia on his chestplate was different—more ornate.
"This one didn't retreat with the others," Ravi explained. "He surrendered, but only after we cornered him."
Arjun stepped closer. The man's face was defiant, but his eyes betrayed fear.
"Who are you?" Arjun asked, his voice firm.
"I am Rajveer, a lieutenant in the zamindar's army," the man replied. "You think you've won, but this is far from over. Reinforcements are already on their way."
Arjun's system activated Lie Detection Mode, highlighting inconsistencies in Rajveer's statements.
"He's lying," the system confirmed.
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something. Tell me the truth, or I'll leave you to the villagers' mercy."
Rajveer hesitated before speaking. "Alright! I'll tell you. The zamindar isn't acting alone. He's allied with someone—someone powerful. They call him 'The Envoy.' He's not human… at least, not entirely."
A chill ran through the crowd. Kesar stepped forward, her voice sharp. "What do you mean, 'not human'?"
Rajveer swallowed hard. "The Envoy commands forces beyond your comprehension. I've seen him summon creatures—Asuras, he called them. Demons. If you think you can stand against him, you're fools."
Arjun's system chimed again.
New Threat Identified:
The Envoy: An unknown entity allied with the zamindar.
Warning: High-level opponent.
"Take him to the outpost," Arjun ordered. "We'll deal with him later."
A Growing Resistance
Back at Kaligarh, Arjun called a council meeting. Ravi, Kesar, Ishaan, and several village leaders gathered around a large table in the commander's quarters.
"We've bought ourselves time, but Rajveer's warning changes everything," Arjun began. "If the zamindar is allied with someone who can summon Asuras, we're dealing with more than a rebellion. This is a war."
The room fell silent until one of the elders spoke. "What can we do? We're just farmers and traders. How can we fight against such forces?"
"We adapt," Arjun replied. "Kaligarh is strong, but it's not enough. We need allies—other villages, towns, anyone who's suffered under the zamindar's tyranny."
Kesar nodded. "If we unite the region, we can build an army. But it won't be easy. Many fear the zamindar too much to stand against him."
Arjun's system displayed a new objective.
System Objective:
Unite the Region: Recruit allies to the rebellion.
Sub-Objective: Convince key villages to join the cause.
"I'll go," Arjun said. "Kesar and Ishaan, you'll come with me. Ravi, you'll stay here and oversee the upgrades to Kaligarh's defenses. If the zamindar retaliates, you must hold the line."
Ravi saluted. "Understood."
A Mysterious Visitor
Later that night, as Arjun prepared for the journey, a shadow moved outside his quarters. He turned, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword, but the figure stepped into the light.
It was an old man, his robes tattered but his eyes sharp and knowing.
"Who are you?" Arjun asked.
"I am simply a traveler," the man replied, his voice calm. "But I've heard of your deeds, young one. They say you've defied a zamindar and defended this village with courage and skill."
Arjun's system scanned the man, but it returned no results—an unusual anomaly.
"What do you want?" Arjun pressed.
"To warn you," the old man said. "You stand on the edge of a great battle, but your true enemy lies beyond the zamindar. The Asuras have taken notice of your rebellion, and they will not stand idle."
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "How do you know this?"
The old man smiled faintly. "I know because I've seen it before. The balance between Asuras and Devas is fragile, and your actions have begun to tip the scales. Be cautious, Arjun Dhankhar. The choices you make will shape the future of this land."
Before Arjun could ask more, the old man turned and disappeared into the night, leaving behind more questions than answers.
The Journey Begins
At dawn, Arjun, Kesar, and Ishaan set out from Kaligarh, their destination a nearby village called Bhainswal. It was known for its skilled blacksmiths and brave warriors—potential allies in the fight against the zamindar.
As they traveled, Arjun's system displayed a new notification.
System Update:
Journey Objective: Recruit Bhainswal to the Rebellion.
Potential Rewards: Increased Manpower, Access to Advanced Weaponry.
The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Arjun was determined. The rebellion was growing, and with every step, he moved closer to his ultimate goal: making India the strongest nation in the world.
To Be Continued...