Chapter 5: The March of the Bandit ArmyThe news hit Maitraya like a lightning strike—another bandit army was approaching. This time, it was not a scattered group of thieves, but a full-fledged force, organized and led by a powerful commander. The villagers were filled with dread, knowing that these new attackers were seeking revenge for their previous defeat.Panic spread like wildfire. Many of the villagers wanted to flee and take refuge deep in the forest. Others, with tears of desperation, prepared to defend their homes. An emergency council was held at the village square, the elders discussing what could be done.Dhruv, Shyama, Bhadra, and Rudra stood together at the front of the gathering, their faces a mix of determination and unease. Despite the tension among them after the massacre at the bandit camp, they all knew that protecting their village was the priority. They had to fight."The bandits won't stop until they make us pay for their humiliation," one of the elders said, his voice filled with fear. "We must stand and protect our home.""We will protect Maitraya," Dhruv said firmly. His voice carried across the square, filled with a confidence that made the villagers look at him with hope. "We can't let them take what is ours. We'll fight, together."Rudra stood by, his eyes narrowing slightly. He didn't say anything, but his presence was enough to convey that he was ready for the fight. He relished the opportunity to showcase his strength again, but his motivation had nothing to do with protecting Maitraya or its people. For Rudra, this was just another chance to prove himself superior, to remind everyone of the power he wielded. If anything, he felt contempt for the villagers—they were weak, and weakness deserved no sympathy.The preparations began almost immediately. The villagers worked together, moving with a mixture of fear and determination. Makeshift barricades were erected at the village's edge, and trenches were dug to slow down the advancing bandits. Dhruv moved among them, offering words of encouragement, helping to calm their fears. He helped men carry supplies, assisted in reinforcing the barricades, and reassured the elderly."Stay strong," Dhruv said to an older man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We will protect you. Trust in us."To Dhruv, this was more than just a battle—it was a responsibility. He felt the weight of his father's expectations, the need to prove that he could protect those who depended on him. He wanted the villagers to feel safe, to believe that they could overcome anything together.Shyama and Bhadra worked side by side, organizing the able-bodied men to guard strategic positions. Shyama's sharp mind and quick thinking allowed her to position the villagers in such a way that they could maximize their limited resources. Bhadra, with his towering frame and natural strength, took charge of setting up defensive structures, his deep voice carrying over the chaos.Rudra, on the other hand, stood alone at the edge of the village, staring at the horizon where the bandits would soon appear. His eyes burned with anticipation, his body tense, ready to unleash his strength. He felt no connection to the people around him. To him, they were just spectators, weak and pitiful. The only thing that mattered was showing that he was not like them—that he was beyond them.The sky turned a dull grey as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The sound of drums echoed in the distance, a steady rhythm that grew louder as the bandit army approached. The villagers held their breath, the fear palpable as they saw the figures emerging from the forest.The bandit army was larger than anyone had expected—dozens of men, armed and armored, their faces twisted with hatred. At their head stood the commander, a hulking figure clad in dark armor, a sneer on his face.He stepped forward, his voice booming. "Villagers of Maitraya, hear me! Surrender now, and perhaps we'll let you live. Resist, and you will all perish!"There was a murmur among the villagers, fear and uncertainty spreading. Dhruv stepped forward, his voice calm but unwavering. "We will not surrender. We will defend our home, no matter what."The bandit commander laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "So be it, boy. Attack!"With a roar, the bandits charged, their weapons gleaming in the fading light. The villagers braced themselves, their hearts pounding as the wave of attackers descended upon them.The clash was immediate and brutal. The bandits slammed into the makeshift barricades, hacking away at the defenses as the villagers fought back with everything they had. Screams filled the air, metal clashed with metal, and the acrid smell of blood and sweat permeated the battlefield.Dhruv stood at the front, wielding a wooden sword he had chosen specifically because he did not wish to kill. He blocked a sword strike, then twisted, using the momentum to knock a bandit off his feet. He fought with determination, his movements fluid, but the sheer number of attackers began to wear him down. He could feel the vibrations of every clash running through his bones, but he refused to let his grip falter. He swung his sword with renewed vigor, taking down another bandit who tried to approach from behind.A bandit with a scarred face lunged at Dhruv with a curved blade, but Dhruv managed to sidestep just in time, his sword coming down hard on the man's wrist, disarming him. He then swept the man's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. Dhruv was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his face, but he refused to relent. He couldn't afford to stop—not while the villagers were counting on him.Bhadra fought with a massive iron mace, his strength making it look almost weightless. The mace smashed through enemy defenses, breaking shields and bones alike. His deep voice roared commands to those around him, trying to keep the villagers organized amidst the chaos. He struck down one bandit, then another, but for every one he defeated, two more seemed to take their place. Blood splattered across his face, but he grinned fiercely, the thrill of the fight energizing him.Shyama fought with twin blades, her movements quick and agile, her blades flashing as she struck with precision. She moved with agility, her strikes focused and deliberate. The twin blades in her hands moved like extensions of her body, striking with enough force to incapacitate her enemies. She ducked under a swinging axe, then moved to help Bhadra, her eyes sharp as she assessed the battlefield. She knew they were outnumbered, and it was only a matter of time before they would be overwhelmed. Her heart pounded, but she refused to let fear slow her. She saw an opening and took it, her blades striking down a bandit that had cornered one of the villagers. She moved with precision, always one step ahead of her enemies.Rudra wielded a long, heavy iron staff. He fought with an intensity that was unmatched, the staff whirling around him with lethal speed. His eyes were filled with a fierce determination—not to protect, but to dominate. He moved through the battlefield like a storm, leaving chaos in his wake. His strikes were precise, deadly, and without mercy. He fought as if he was above them all, as if their lives meant nothing more than insects to be crushed underfoot.Despite their best efforts, the villagers were losing ground. The bandits pushed closer and closer to the heart of the village, their numbers overwhelming the defenders. Dhruv looked around, his heart sinking as he saw his friends struggling. He fought on, but it was clear they were outmatched.The bandits were relentless, their attack unyielding. The villagers' defenses were crumbling, their spirits breaking under the sheer weight of the assault. Dhruv felt a sense of helplessness wash over him as he blocked another attack, his arms growing heavy.He looked over to see Shyama, her face set in determination, but she was surrounded. Bhadra was holding his ground, but he was being pushed back, his strength no longer enough. And Rudra—Rudra was still fighting, his strikes fierce, but there was a wildness to his movements, a desperation that hinted at his exhaustion. Yet, there was also something terrifying about the way Rudra fought—like he didn't care who stood in his way, bandit or villager alike.As Dhruv fought on, he felt a surge of panic. They were about to be overrun, and there was nothing more they could do.And then suddenly everything changed....