Chapter 27: The Rebel Stronghold
The sun had barely risen when Arjun and Rudra set out on their journey to Bengal. The land stretched before them, a vast and untamed expanse of villages, rivers, and forests. Arjun rode on horseback, his mind filled with the weight of recent events. The assassination attempt, the mysterious faction backing Lord Hastings, and now the prospect of joining forces with the Bengal rebels—it was clear that his enemies would stop at nothing to crush him.
But Arjun had no intention of being crushed.
The Journey to Bengal
The road was long, winding through dusty trails and dense jungles. Every village they passed bore the scars of British rule—tax collectors squeezing farmers for every grain of wheat, soldiers standing guard in markets as if they owned the land.
Arjun's heart burned with anger. He had spent his past life as a mere spectator of history. Now, he had the chance to change it.
Rudra, sensing his frustration, spoke. "Revolution doesn't happen in a day, Arjun. You need patience."
Arjun exhaled sharply. "And how many more days should I wait while people suffer?"
Rudra chuckled. "You sound like a king already."
Arjun gave him a sharp look. "I don't want to be a king."
"No, but you want power. And in this world, power and leadership go hand in hand."
Arjun didn't argue. He knew Rudra was right. To protect this land, he needed more than just strength—he needed strategy, alliances, and unwavering will.
The journey continued. Days turned into a week as they moved cautiously through British-patrolled territories. Finally, they reached their destination.
The Rebel Hideout
Deep in the Sundarbans, where mangrove forests stretched for miles, hidden from prying eyes, lay the rebel stronghold. It wasn't a grand fortress—just a network of underground tunnels and wooden barracks camouflaged beneath the thick canopy.
Two guards stopped them at the entrance, their muskets raised. "Who goes there?"
Rudra stepped forward. "Tell Surya Sen that Rudra and a friend seek an audience."
The guards hesitated, exchanging wary glances. Then, after a tense moment, one of them disappeared into the hideout.
Minutes later, he returned. "Follow me."
They were led through a narrow underground tunnel, dimly lit by oil lamps. The air was damp, but the deeper they went, the louder the sounds of life became—men and women training, discussing battle plans, forging weapons.
Finally, they entered a makeshift war room, where a man with fierce eyes and a commanding presence sat behind a wooden table.
Surya Sen.
A Meeting with the Revolutionary
Surya Sen studied Arjun, his gaze sharp. "You're younger than I expected."
Arjun met his eyes without flinching. "And you're building an army bigger than I expected."
The rebel leader smirked. "We are preparing for war. Why are you here?"
Arjun placed the sealed letter from Lord Hastings on the table. "The British sent assassins after me. That means they already see me as a threat. I want to make that fear a reality."
Surya opened the letter, his expression darkening as he read it. He looked up. "So, you are the one who has them worried."
Arjun nodded. "But I can't fight this battle alone. You want freedom. I want strength. Our goals align."
Silence filled the room. The other rebels present whispered among themselves. Finally, Surya leaned forward. "Tell me, Arjun. Why should we trust you?"
Arjun didn't hesitate. "Because I don't just want to fight the British. I want to destroy their hold over India—completely."
A murmur ran through the room. Surya's eyes narrowed, studying Arjun carefully. "You speak boldly. But words mean little in war."
Arjun placed his hand on the table, his system activating silently.
[System Notification]
Skill Activated: Presence of a Leader (Lv.2).
A strange pressure filled the room—an invisible force that made the rebels instinctively focus on Arjun. Even Surya seemed momentarily affected, his expression shifting.
Arjun continued, his voice unwavering.
"You have an army, but do you have someone who can turn battles in your favor? Someone who can predict the enemy's moves before they make them? Someone who can learn and master any skill necessary for war?"
Surya leaned back, intrigued. "And you claim to be that person?"
"I don't claim it. I prove it."
Surya smiled faintly. "Then prove it."
A Trial of Strength
Surya stood and gestured for Arjun to follow. He led them outside, where a large training ground was filled with rebels practicing swordplay, archery, and hand-to-hand combat.
The moment Surya appeared, everyone stopped.
"This is Arjun," Surya announced. "He wishes to fight alongside us. But we do not accept men without testing them."
He turned to Arjun. "If you want to stand with us, you must defeat three of my best men."
Arjun smirked. "Just three?"
A ripple of laughter ran through the crowd, but Surya's expression remained serious. "Don't be arrogant. They are trained warriors, not street fighters."
"I prefer a challenge," Arjun replied.
Surya nodded and called forth three fighters—each looking strong and experienced.
Arjun stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. His system buzzed with anticipation.
[System Notification]
New Trial Unlocked: "Prove Your Strength"
Objective: Defeat 3 Rebel Warriors in Combat.
Reward: Trust of the Rebel Army.
The first opponent charged. A swordsman, fast and skilled. But Arjun's reflexes had been honed by the system. He dodged, countered, and within ten moves, disarmed the man.
The second was a grappler, attempting to overpower him with brute strength. But Arjun had already analyzed his movements before the fight even began. A well-placed strike to the ribs followed by a precise trip sent the man sprawling.
The third was the real challenge—a martial artist, agile and unpredictable. Arjun had to adjust, using every bit of energy perception and combat instinct he had. The battle was longer, but after two minutes, Arjun landed a final, decisive blow.
The rebels erupted into cheers.
Surya stepped forward, smiling for the first time. "You're not just talk after all."
He extended his hand.
"Welcome to the revolution."
Arjun grasped it firmly. This was it—his first major alliance.
But in the shadows, unknown to him, British spies had already taken notice.