### Chapter 23: The Trap and the Revelation
The air was thick with anticipation as Vikram and his high-level comrades prepared for the trap. The false information transmitted by Arjun's modified bugs had done its job; the enemy believed that Vikram's team was injured and vulnerable. Now, they waited for Garuda, the beast master, to take the bait.
Suddenly, the enchanted bugs transmitted a signal. Garuda had taken the bait. Vikram and his team, strategically positioned in a clearing, prepared to execute the next phase of their plan.
"Remember, we're supposed to look injured and vulnerable," Vikram reminded his team. "Stay alert and be ready to strike when the moment comes."
As they made themselves appear injured, they could hear the rustling of the forest as Garuda's beasts surrounded them. The clearing was soon filled with growls and the sound of snapping branches. Vikram's heart pounded in his chest as he saw the formidable sight of the high-level beasts encircling them.
Emerging from the ranks of beasts was a muscular man with a large scar on his chest. His presence was imposing, and his eyes were cold and calculating. This was Garuda, the beast master.
"So, you're the famous Vikram," Garuda sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "I expected more from you. Surrender now, and I might let you live."
Vikram, playing his part, nodded slowly. "We surrender," he said, lowering his head in feigned defeat.
Garuda's eyes narrowed as he watched Vikram and his team. he ordered his beasts to search the area for make sure there are no ambushes. The beasts fanned out, sniffing the air and scanning the trees. After a few tense minutes, they returned, confirming that there were no hidden threats. Garuda's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Tie them up," he ordered.
Once Garuda was satisfied that there was no immediate threat, he began to lower his guard. He walked closer to Vikram, his eyes filled with arrogance. "You thought you could challenge me? Foolish."
That was the moment Vikram had been waiting for. With lightning speed, he broke free of his bindings and lunged at Garuda. Before Garuda could react, Vikram's sword sliced through the air, severing Garuda's head from his body. The beast master's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.
The system notification flashed in Vikram's mind.
**Experience Gained:**
Vikram: 1200 EXP
**Loot Collected:** Garuda's Beast Whistle, Enchanted Beast Armor, Beast Master's Ring, Rare Healing Potion x2
As Vikram and his team caught their breath, they turned to the surrounding beasts, expecting them to scatter. But instead of fleeing, the beasts' eyes, though no longer glowing with the eerie light of Garuda's control, remained fixed on the humans. Then, without warning, they began to attack.
"Something's wrong," Arjun shouted, dodging a massive paw swipe. "Why are they still attacking?"
Raj, fending off a pair of wolves, glanced at Vikram. "Could we have been wrong? Is it possible this wasn't Garuda?"
Vikram shook his head, parrying a blow from a bear-like creature. "No, I got the kill notification. The loot is definitely related to Garuda."
Raj, fending off a massive wolf with his shield, shouted back, "Then why are they still attacking?"
Rathore, using his spear to fend off another attack, shouted over the chaos. "Maybe Garuda wasn't the one actually controlling them. The true fourth leader could be using him as a tool."
Realization dawned on Vikram's face. "That makes sense. We need to retreat and regroup. This battle isn't over."
The fight grew even more intense. Vikram and his team fought valiantly, their movements a blur of precision and power. Arjun used his Code Manipulation ability to disrupt the beasts' coordination, while Elara's healing spells kept the team in fighting shape.
Vikram's sword danced through the air, cutting down one beast after another. Each movement was fluid, each strike lethal. Raj fought with brute strength, his blade cleaving through the thick hides of the beasts. Rathore's spear flashed in the dim light, piercing through the enemies with deadly accuracy. Maya provided support, their abilities keeping the team balanced and effective.
Arjun, his hands glowing with energy, managed to disrupt a group of charging beasts, sending them crashing into each other. "We need to find the real controller! This isn't going to stop until we do!"
Despite their efforts, the sheer number of beasts began to take its toll. The alliance was losing ground, and the beasts seemed to be endlessly pouring in. The air was filled with the sounds of battle – growls, roars, and the clash of steel against claw and fang.
"We need to fall back!" Vikram shouted, rallying his team. "Head to the rendezvous point!"
The team began to retreat, fighting their way through the onslaught. As they moved, the realization that this battle was only a part of a larger conflict settled over them. They needed to find the true fourth leader and stop the beasts once and for all.
As they reached the edge of the clearing, Vikram took one last look at the battleground. They had taken down Garuda, but the fight was far from over. They had uncovered a deeper, more sinister threat, and they needed to regroup and strategize.
High above, on a distant cliff, a man watched the battle unfold. A terrible smile spread across his face as his eyes gleam with a predatory hunger
"Fools," the man whispered, his voice filled with cruel satisfaction. "You have no idea what you're up against."
Slowly, his hands and legs began to transform into beast-like limbs, his body shifting into a monstrous form as he descended toward the battlefield. He leaps from the cliff, the true fourth leader, the real master of beasts, was about to make his presence known.
Vikram and his team locked in a desperate battle for survival, unaware of the greater threat looming above them.