Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Envoy's Warning

The alliance with Bhainswal gave Arjun and his companions renewed momentum, but with it came new challenges. After days of coordinating supplies and integrating the new recruits into their growing force, Arjun finally had a moment to rest. However, his system had other plans.

System Alert:

Unusual Activity Detected Near Kaligarh.

Priority: High.

Arjun frowned as he read the notification. The system provided a map, highlighting a location just outside Kaligarh. It pulsed with a faint red glow, signaling danger.

"We need to check this out," Arjun said to Kesar and Ishaan.

"Do you think it's another attack?" Kesar asked, already reaching for her spear.

"I don't know, but we can't ignore it," Arjun replied.

Return to Kaligarh

The journey back to Kaligarh was swift, with the trio pushing their horses to the limit. By nightfall, they arrived at the outskirts of the village. A strange energy hung in the air, and the villagers whispered of a mysterious figure seen near the forest.

The village elder met them at the entrance. "A man appeared this morning. He's waiting for you in the temple. Said he had a message."

"What kind of message?" Ishaan asked.

The elder shook his head. "He didn't say. But there's something… unsettling about him."

Arjun exchanged a look with Kesar and Ishaan. They knew better than to let their guard down.

The Envoy Appears

The temple was dimly lit, its flickering torches casting shadows on the walls. In the center stood a man dressed in dark robes, his face obscured by a hood. He exuded an aura of power that made the air feel heavy.

"Arjun Dhankhar," the man said, his voice calm yet commanding. "I've been waiting for you."

"Who are you?" Arjun asked, stepping forward cautiously.

The man pulled back his hood, revealing a face marked with intricate symbols that glowed faintly in the dark. "I am an envoy of the Asuras, sent to deliver a message."

Arjun's system flared with warnings.

System Alert:

Threat Level: High.

Entity Classification: Asura Envoy.

"What do you want?" Arjun demanded, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his sword.

The envoy smiled faintly. "Your rebellion has caught the attention of powers far greater than you can comprehend. The Asuras do not interfere lightly, but your actions threaten to disrupt the balance we've maintained for centuries."

"Balance?" Kesar interjected. "What balance? Oppression and suffering aren't balance."

The envoy's gaze shifted to her, his eyes cold. "You see only a fragment of the whole. The zamindar you fight is a pawn in a much larger game. Step back, and you might live to see another day."

Arjun's system offered tactical advice, urging him to remain calm and gather information.

The Warning

"You think we'll back down because of a few threats?" Arjun said, his voice steady.

The envoy chuckled. "This is not a threat, boy. It is a warning. The Asuras have no desire to crush you—yet. But if you continue, you will attract the attention of others far less forgiving than me."

"And what happens if we don't stop?" Ishaan asked.

The envoy's expression darkened. "Then you will face the wrath of the gods themselves. And trust me, they are far less inclined toward mercy."

Arjun felt a surge of anger but forced himself to stay composed. "If the gods care so much, why haven't they helped us? Why do they let tyranny reign unchecked?"

The envoy's eyes narrowed. "The gods have their reasons. They watch, they wait, and they act when the time is right. But mortals like you always seek to upset the order. Beware, Arjun Dhankhar. You are walking a path that may lead to your ruin."

The Envoy Departs

Without another word, the envoy turned and walked toward the temple entrance. The air around him shimmered, and in an instant, he vanished into the night.

The silence that followed was heavy. Kesar broke it first. "We can't let them scare us. If anything, this proves we're on the right track."

Arjun nodded, though his mind raced with questions. Who were these Asuras? Why did they care about his rebellion? And what role did the gods play in all of this?

System Update:

New Quest Unlocked: Investigate the Asuras and the Divine Balance.

Hint: Seek knowledge in ancient texts and forgotten temples.

A New Resolve

The next morning, Arjun gathered the villagers and his growing army. He recounted the encounter with the envoy, careful to inspire determination rather than fear.

"They think they can intimidate us," Arjun said, his voice firm. "But we won't stop. This fight is bigger than Kaligarh, bigger than Bhainswal. It's about creating a future where no one lives in fear. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way—gods, Asuras, or anything else."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their resolve strengthened.

As Arjun looked out over his people, he knew the road ahead would be perilous. But he also knew he wasn't alone.