Chapter 33: Arrival in Lucknow
The sun had barely risen when Arjun and his group approached the outskirts of Lucknow. The battle from the previous night still lingered in their bodies—bruises, cuts, and exhaustion dragging at every step. But there was no time to rest.
Lucknow was one of the most important cities under British control. Its streets were crawling with soldiers, spies, and informants. If they weren't careful, they would be captured before they could even set foot inside the city.
Arjun's mind was still replaying his fight with Jivraj. The assassin had been faster and stronger than any human, and his words still echoed in Arjun's mind:
"The Asuras won't stop watching you."
What did they truly want from him?
He shook the thoughts away. Right now, survival was the priority.
A City on Edge
As they neared the city gates, Arjun studied his surroundings.
The entrance was heavily guarded. British soldiers, armed with rifles, stood watch, scanning every person who passed through. The local people moved cautiously, avoiding eye contact, afraid of drawing attention.
"We can't walk through the main gate," Ramesh whispered. "They're checking everyone."
Arjun nodded. "We need another way in."
Ramesh turned to one of the rebels, a young woman named Meera. "Did you find the contact?"
Meera nodded. "Yes. The underground resistance has an entrance through the river. It's risky, but it's our best option."
Arjun adjusted his cloak. "Then we take the river."
The group moved quietly along the outskirts, avoiding main roads. The smell of spices and sweat filled the air, and distant sounds of the city drifted towards them—merchants calling out prices, the occasional crack of a British officer's whip.
As they neared the river, a voice called out.
"You're late."
A man stepped from the shadows. He was tall, with sharp eyes and a scar running across his jaw. His clothes were simple, but his posture and presence suggested experience.
Meera stepped forward. "Arjun, this is Jai Pratap, one of the leaders of the Lucknow resistance."
Jai studied Arjun, his eyes sharp. "So you're the reincarnated warrior everyone's talking about."
Arjun met his gaze. "I don't know what you've heard, but I'm just here to fight for our people."
Jai smirked. "We'll see about that. Follow me."
The Underground Hideout
Jai led them down a narrow alley until they reached an old, abandoned temple. Inside, a hidden passage led downward into a series of underground tunnels.
The tunnels were dark and damp, the air thick with the scent of earth and burning oil lamps. Dozens of rebels moved through the tunnels, preparing weapons, studying maps, and whispering in hushed voices.
Jai gestured around. "Welcome to the heart of the resistance in Lucknow."
Arjun took in the scene. These weren't just villagers with swords—these were trained fighters, spies, and strategists. This wasn't just a rebellion.
This was war.
A woman in her late thirties approached, her expression serious. She had piercing eyes and a commanding presence.
"This is Amrita Bai," Jai introduced. "She leads our intelligence network."
Amrita crossed her arms. "We've heard rumors about you. A man with strange powers, defeating enemies beyond normal humans."
Arjun shrugged. "I'm just trying to survive."
She didn't look convinced. "Survivors don't defeat trained assassins like the Naga Clan."
Jai raised an eyebrow. "You fought the Naga Clan?"
Arjun nodded. "Their commander, Jivraj. He claimed to be working for the Asuras."
A tense silence filled the room.
Then Amrita spoke, her voice grim. "If the Naga Clan is involved, things are worse than we thought."
Arjun frowned. "You know about them?"
Jai sighed. "They are not just assassins. The Naga Clan has existed for centuries. Some say they are descendants of an ancient Asura king. They serve no country, no king—only their own hidden purpose."
Arjun's fists clenched. "And now they want me dead."
Amrita studied him. "That means one of two things. Either you're a threat to their masters… or they see potential in you."
The thought made Arjun uneasy.
Planning the Next Move
Jai unrolled a map of Lucknow, marking British outposts, supply routes, and key targets.
"The British are planning a major weapons transfer in three days," he explained. "If we intercept it, we can turn the tide of this war."
Arjun studied the map. "What's the risk?"
Jai smirked. "High. But you don't seem like someone afraid of risks."
Arjun nodded. "Then let's make it happen."
Amrita, however, was still watching him. "Be careful, Arjun. The Asuras don't send assassins unless they have a bigger plan. You may be walking into something far more dangerous than you realize."
Arjun met her gaze. "Then I'll be ready."
But deep inside, he knew—something dark was coming.