Chapter 6 : Vindictus's 2nd Move

The twenty Dragoics marched toward a small state in Bharatvarsh, their intent clear—conquest. Their numbers were small, but their reputation was enough to shake even the mightiest of armies. In contrast, the kingdom they were about to invade had a thousand soldiers and a meager supply of weapons and arsenals. Yet, when the king of that land heard the name Vindictus, he did not hesitate.

Instead of preparing for battle, the king removed his crown, abandoned all thoughts of resistance, and surrendered without a fight. He personally rode out to welcome Vindictus and his twenty warriors, hoping to prevent war and the inevitable destruction that would follow if they chose to resist. In his trembling voice, he tried to warn his people, explaining the terror of standing against Vindictus.

The entire royal court agreed—surrender was the only choice. They had all heard the stories of the Dragoics, tales soaked in blood and terror. These were no ordinary conquerors; they were the Lords of Destruction. Wherever they won, they massacred without mercy. And worse, if even a single Dragoic were to fall in battle, the entire continent of Europe would march upon Bharatvarsh, unleashing an unstoppable cycle of war and devastation.

The Rise of the Dragoics

Four months passed, and all of Bharatvarsh had come to know what had happened. A state had fallen without a single battle, taken over by a mere twenty warriors. But the shock did not end there—within just one month, the Dragoics had transformed the captured land into a thriving and advanced state. More astonishingly, in that short span, they had raised a massive army of 10,000 men.

Meanwhile, far away, Satoshi continued his search for his master, all while preparing for the legendary Olywars—a grand competition that brought together the world's greatest swordsmen. On the other hand, in his own kingdom, Rajveer began to sense a growing unrest among his people.

Vindictus had abolished taxes in his newly conquered state, and now the citizens of Rajveer's kingdom were demanding the same. However, Rajveer had long-term plans—he wanted to develop the kingdom sustainably, not just make temporary changes to please the people. Being a kind ruler, he always thought of his people and the future. Yet, despite his wisdom, discontent was brewing.

Adding to this, Rajveer spent a great deal of time with his only son, who had lost his mother at a young age. While some saw this as an act of love and responsibility, others whispered behind his back—they believed he was neglecting the affairs of the kingdom. They resented that he refused to reclaim lost lands even though he now possessed one of the most powerful armies in Bharatvarsh.

The Dark Clouds Gather

Months later, inside Rajveer's grand assembly hall, a terrifying report arrived.

"Vindictus has captured another major state. This time, he slaughtered an entire army of 5,000 soldiers—brutally."

Silence fell upon the hall. Ministers and generals exchanged nervous glances.

But that was not the worst part. One state had merged willingly with Vindictus, seduced by his promises of gold. Another had surrendered without resistance. The unstoppable force of the Dragoics was advancing closer to Rajveer's lands.

Rajveer, seated on his ornate throne, broke the silence.

"I am not afraid of Vindictus. Our army is strong enough to defend our state. However, my true concern is the Olywars. The world's greatest swordsmen will gather there, which presents both an opportunity and a threat. It could bring wealth and recognition to our kingdom, but if anything goes wrong, it could spell disaster for our entire nation. The real question is—who will represent our state? Only one warrior can enter from each kingdom."

The Prime Minister, an aged man with years of experience, stepped forward and spoke with conviction.

"Who else but you, Maharaj?"

Rajveer shook his head. "I am a king. My role is to be on the committee—to ensure the security of the entire nation. As long as the greatest kingdom of Bharatvarsh, the Sayuktyay State, stands, we are not in immediate danger. My son will represent our state in the Olywars."

Gasps filled the hall. Some were shocked. Others were skeptical.

The prince was a decent swordsman, but he was nowhere near Rajveer's level. The decision was unexpected. Yet, Rajveer's eyes held a determined resolve. Whatever he was planning, it was clear—something big was going to happen in the next Olywars.

The Gathering Storm

Meanwhile, in a dark, imposing hall, Vindictus sat upon his throne. His expression remained unchanged—cold, emotionless, dangerous. The room was silent, but his mere presence radiated an aura of impending destruction.

Finally, he spoke, his voice calm yet filled with an eerie finality.

"We are now ready."

His warriors, standing like shadows in the flickering torchlight, nodded.

Something terrible was coming.

What is Vindictus planning? And why?

The answers lie ahead in the next chapter.