Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Shadows of Conspiracy

The scent of blood and smoke lingered in the air as Arjun stood amidst the fallen assassins. His breathing was heavy, his muscles still tense from the battle. His fingers curled tightly around the hilt of a dagger he had snatched from one of the attackers. He had faced many dangers since his reincarnation, but this was the first time someone had sent professional killers after him.

Rudra stood beside him, wiping the blade of his own dagger on his sleeve, his sharp eyes scanning the chamber for any remaining threats. His stance was still wary, his instincts telling him they might not be alone.

"These men were professionals," Rudra muttered, kicking one of the bodies over with his foot. "They weren't just mercenaries or bandits. This kind of discipline, their coordination… Someone trained them well."

Arjun remained silent, his mind replaying the brief but intense battle. Every move the assassins made was calculated. Every strike aimed for a vital point. If he had been even a fraction slower, he might not be standing here.

His system notifications flickered in his mind, but he pushed them aside for now. He had something more pressing to deal with.

The Assassins' Mark

Arjun knelt beside one of the fallen assassins and removed his mask. The man was young, probably in his mid-twenties, his face sharp and hardened by years of battle. But what caught Arjun's attention was the tattoo on his neck—a coiled serpent with its fangs bared.

Rudra inhaled sharply. "The Mark of the Nagas."

Arjun glanced at him. "Who are they?"

"They're an ancient order of assassins," Rudra explained. "Not many know of their existence, but I've heard whispers. They don't take contracts lightly. If they've been sent after you, then someone powerful must want you dead."

Arjun's jaw tightened. He had expected resistance on his path, but to be targeted by a secretive group of killers this early meant his enemies were already watching him closely.

"We need to find out who sent them," he said.

Rudra nodded and began searching the bodies for any clues. Arjun did the same, turning out pockets, checking for insignias or hidden documents. After a few minutes, he found what he was looking for.

A sealed letter, tucked inside the robes of the leader. The wax seal bore a three-headed lion insignia.

Arjun studied it carefully. "This symbol… I've seen it before."

Rudra's face darkened. "I have too. It belongs to a faction within the British administration—one that operates in the shadows."

Arjun's grip tightened on the letter. If the British were behind this attack, it meant they already saw him as a threat.

Breaking the seal, he unfolded the letter and read the message inside.

The Assassins' Orders

"The target is to be eliminated immediately. Failure is not an option. Deliver his head as proof. Payment will be doubled if the Orb is recovered."

—Signed, Lord Hastings."

A cold fury burned in Arjun's chest. Lord Hastings. He recognized the name. A high-ranking British official known for his ruthless suppression of Indian uprisings. If Hastings had taken an interest in him, it meant that his plans—his vision for India's future—had already begun to shake the foundations of British rule.

Rudra read the letter over his shoulder and cursed. "This just got a lot more dangerous."

Arjun exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm. "Danger was always part of the path. But this confirms something important."

"What?" Rudra asked.

"That we're on the right track."

Gathering Allies

"We can't fight this war alone," Arjun continued, his mind already working through the next steps. "If the British see me as a threat, then I need to become an even greater one. We need allies."

Rudra smirked. "You're finally starting to think like a general."

Arjun ignored the remark. "Who do we know that can help?"

Rudra rubbed his chin. "There's a group forming in Bengal—rebels who want to drive the British out. They're small, but they've been growing in strength. If we can prove ourselves to them, they might be willing to work with us."

Arjun considered it. A rebellion in Bengal made sense. The British East India Company had long exploited the region's wealth, forcing people into poverty while draining resources. If there was a resistance growing, it could be a valuable asset.

"Where can we find them?"

"There's a man named Surya Sen," Rudra said. "He's one of their leaders. If anyone can help us, it's him."

Arjun nodded. "Then we leave at dawn."

A Sleepless Night

Despite the exhaustion settling into his bones, Arjun found it difficult to sleep that night. He sat outside, staring at the stars, his mind replaying everything that had happened.

The system window appeared again, and this time, he acknowledged it.

[System Notification]

Battle Completed

EXP Gained: 2500

Skill Progress: Combat Instincts (Lv.3 → 45%)

New Sub-Quest Unlocked: "Unraveling the Conspiracy"

A sub-quest? Arjun opened the details.

Sub-Quest: Unraveling the Conspiracy

Objective: Discover the true forces backing Lord Hastings.

Progress: 0%

Reward: Unknown

Arjun's eyes narrowed. The true forces backing Hastings? That meant there was someone even more powerful pulling the strings.

A chill ran down his spine.

The British were powerful, but they weren't the only ones who might have an interest in stopping him.

Asura. Devta. Gods.

He hadn't encountered them yet in this life, but he knew they existed. The system had hinted at it before. If the British were interfering in India's fate, could supernatural entities be involved as well?

His grip tightened. Whatever forces were at play, he would not allow them to control India's destiny.

For now, his focus was on Bengal. If the rebels were strong enough, they could be the first step in his plan.

But in the back of his mind, he knew—this was only the beginning of something far greater.

At Dawn: The Journey Begins

The first rays of sunlight painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson as Arjun and Rudra prepared to leave.

Rudra tightened the straps on his bag. "It's a long journey to Bengal. Are you sure you're ready?"

Arjun sheathed his sword, his eyes burning with determination.

"I've never been more ready."

With that, the two set out, leaving behind the bloodstained training chamber. They were heading toward Bengal, toward the rebels, and toward the next phase of Arjun's journey.

What awaited them there, neither could say. But one thing was certain—this war was only just beginning.