Chapter 28: The British Strike Back
The night was dark, the moon hidden behind thick clouds. The rebel camp was alive with murmured conversations and the sound of clashing weapons as soldiers trained in the dim torchlight. Arjun stood near the entrance, his mind focused on the next phase of his plan. He had secured an alliance with Surya Sen and the Bengal rebels, but he knew this was just the beginning.
The British had already sent assassins after him. Now that he had openly joined the rebellion, their response would be even more brutal.
And he was right.
A Spy Among Them
Inside the war room, Arjun and Surya were discussing strategy. A map of Bengal lay spread on the wooden table, marked with red ink at key British outposts.
"We need to hit their supply lines," Surya said. "If we disrupt their food and ammunition transport, we can weaken their hold over the region."
Arjun nodded, his mind analyzing the best approach. "Agreed. But before that, we need to identify their informants."
Surya's expression hardened. "You think there's a traitor in our midst?"
Arjun activated his system, letting his Energy Perception scan the room. The rebels present were loyal, but his instincts told him that someone—somewhere—was leaking information to the British.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. A rebel scout rushed in, breathing heavily. "Commander! A British patrol is heading straight for us!"
Surya and Arjun exchanged looks.
"How many?" Surya asked.
"At least fifty soldiers," the scout replied. "Heavily armed. And…" he hesitated. "They knew exactly where to find us."
The room fell silent.
Arjun's eyes darkened. The British shouldn't have been able to locate us so soon. This confirms it.
"There's a spy," he murmured.
Surya clenched his fist. "We'll deal with them later. Right now, we need to defend the camp."
Arjun turned to the scout. "How much time do we have?"
"Less than an hour."
Preparing for Battle
Arjun moved quickly, rallying the rebels. Though they were outnumbered, they had the advantage of terrain and surprise.
"Set up ambush points," he instructed. "Use the trees and shadows to your advantage."
Men and women rushed to follow his orders. Archers took position in the treetops, while foot soldiers lined the path with hidden traps—sharp bamboo spikes buried in the ground.
Arjun turned to Rudra. "Find the traitor. If we don't stop them, this will keep happening."
Rudra nodded, disappearing into the shadows.
Arjun gripped his sword tightly. His first real battle as a rebel was about to begin.
The Battle Begins
The British soldiers arrived right on time, their red uniforms standing out against the darkness. Their commander, Captain Edward Grayson, rode at the front, a cold smirk on his face.
"Come out, rebels!" he called, his voice carrying through the jungle. "Surrender, and we may spare your lives."
Silence.
Grayson scowled. "Fine. Burn it all down."
The soldiers moved forward, torches in hand. But just as they stepped into the jungle—
THWANG!
An arrow flew from the darkness, striking the first soldier in the throat. He collapsed without a sound.
The ambush had begun.
Arjun led the charge, leaping from the trees, his sword flashing as he cut through the nearest enemy. The rebels followed, emerging from the shadows like ghosts, striking fast and hard.
The British, caught off guard, struggled to respond. Their muskets were slow to reload, while the rebels used speed and agility to overwhelm them.
But Captain Grayson was no fool. "Regroup!" he barked. "Form ranks!"
The soldiers quickly adapted, forming a defensive line, their bayonets gleaming in the torchlight.
Arjun gritted his teeth. He had studied history—he knew British soldiers were trained to fight in formation. He needed to break their line before they could counterattack.
His system buzzed.
[System Notification]
New Combat Technique Unlocked: Phantom Step (Lv.1)
Effect: A sudden burst of speed that confuses the enemy for 2 seconds.
A smirk formed on Arjun's lips. Perfect.
With a deep breath, he activated the skill.
In an instant, his body blurred, moving faster than the human eye could track. He weaved through the soldiers, dodging their bayonets and striking at their weak points.
Within seconds, three British soldiers fell, their formations collapsing in chaos.
Surya took advantage of the moment, leading a fierce counterattack.
The battlefield became a storm of clashing steel and desperate shouts.
The Spy Revealed
Amidst the battle, Rudra emerged from the shadows, dragging a struggling man with him.
Arjun's eyes widened. "Who is it?"
Rudra threw the traitor to the ground. It was one of the rebels—a low-ranking scout named Rajat.
Arjun's rage boiled over. He grabbed Rajat by the collar. "You sold us out."
The man trembled. "I—I had no choice! The British promised—"
Arjun didn't let him finish. He knocked him out with a single punch.
"There's no place for traitors," Surya said coldly.
Arjun nodded. "After the battle, we'll deal with him."
Victory and a New Threat
The battle raged on for another hour, but in the end, the rebels emerged victorious. The remaining British soldiers fled into the night, leaving their dead behind.
Arjun stood in the blood-soaked clearing, his sword dripping red. He had won his first battle against the British, but he knew this was only the beginning.
From the distance, a pair of unseen eyes watched the battlefield with interest.
A whisper carried through the wind.
"So… the reincarnated one has begun his war."