Chapter 22: A New Threat and a New Strategy
The alliance camp was buzzing with activity as the leaders and their teams regrouped after the hard-fought victory over Malakar. But there was no time to rest. Their next target was Garuda, the fourth leader and a formidable beast master who controlled over a hundred high-level beasts. The challenge ahead was daunting, and they knew it would take all their cunning and strength to bring him down.
Vikram gathered his key allies in the command tent to discuss their strategy. The room was filled with the soft glow of magical lamps, and the air was thick with anticipation and tension.
"Garuda is unlike any enemy we've faced so far," Vikram began, his expression serious. "His ability to control beasts makes him incredibly dangerous. We need to find a way to neutralize his control and take down his beasts without suffering heavy losses."
Arjun nodded, his mind racing with ideas. "I've been using the enchanted bugs to gather information, but we've hit a snag. The connection with the bugs scouting Garuda's location has been cut. It seems the enemy has figured out our trick."
Vikram's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Arjun took a deep breath. "When I was conducting surveillance, I noticed some of our bugs behaving strangely. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were the same bugs we lost connection with. The enemy is using our own bugs to spy on us."
A murmur of concern rippled through the room. Rathore, standing beside Vikram, frowned. "If they know about our bugs, we've lost our advantage."
Elara stepped forward, her face determined. "We need to turn this to our advantage. If we erase the memory of the enemy's bugs and implant false information, we can mislead them and set a trap."
Vikram's eyes lit up with approval. "That's a brilliant idea. Arjun, can you do it?"
Arjun nodded, already formulating a plan. "Yes, I can modify the bugs' memories and implant false information. We'll make it look like our top leaders, including you, Vikram, are leaving the camp because you're injured. The enemy will think we're weakened and vulnerable."
Vikram smiled, a fierce determination in his eyes. "Perfect. Let's get to work. We'll prepare the trap and make sure we're ready for whatever Garuda throws at us."
The leaders dispersed, each with their tasks to complete. Arjun immediately got to work on the bugs, using his Code Manipulation ability to erase their memories and implant the false information. He programmed the bugs to transmit the fake data back to Garuda's forces, ensuring they believed the ruse.
As the night fell, the camp was a flurry of activity. Warriors sharpened their weapons, mages prepared their spells, and scouts monitored the perimeter. Vikram and the other high-level leaders prepared to leave the camp, knowing their departure was part of the elaborate trap.
Arjun watched as Vikram and the others mounted their horses, ready to set out. "Remember, we need to make this look convincing," Arjun said. "The enemy needs to believe we're truly leaving."
Arjun saluted as Vikram and the others rode out of the camp, their figures disappearing into the darkness. He turned to Elara, who stood beside him, her eyes filled with concern.
"We'll make sure this plan works," Arjun said, his voice filled with determination. "We've come too far to fail now."
Elara nodded, her resolve matching his. "Let's set the trap and prepare for Garuda's attack. We need to be ready for anything."
The camp buzzed with anticipation as the false information was transmitted, and the trap was set. The alliance forces prepared for the impending battle, their spirits bolstered by the knowledge that they had turned the enemy's own tactics against them.
Vikram and his high-level comrades riding into the night, their departure a crucial part of the plan to deceive Garuda. The alliance stands ready, united in their determination to bring down the beast master and his fearsome horde. The stage is set for a decisive battle, and the fate of the survivors hangs in the balance.