The Final Strike
The rebellion had begun as whispers, small acts of defiance in the shadows of Ping Shui City. But now, it was a storm ready to break.
Lord Wu had overplayed his hand—his brutal crackdown on the people had backfired. Instead of crushing resistance, he had fueled it. Fear was no longer enough to keep the city in check.
David Haipoli knew this was the moment they had been waiting for.
Their next move would decide everything.
---
The Plan
In the dimly lit hideout beneath the city, David, Jiang, Lily, and their closest allies gathered around a map of Ping Shui.
David pointed to the fortified estate in the city center.
"Tonight, we take down Lord Wu. His mansion is his last stronghold—he's retreated there, doubling his guards, expecting us to attack head-on."
Jiang smirked. "So, we don't attack head-on."
David nodded. "Exactly. He's expecting a siege, but we'll make sure he never sees us coming."
Lily crossed her arms. "What's the plan?"
David traced his finger across the map. "We divide into three teams:
Jiang and his men will create a diversion at the eastern gate, drawing Wu's forces out.
Lily and I will infiltrate from the western wall, using the tunnels beneath the old market.
Once inside, we cut off his escape and end this."
The room was silent for a moment. Then, Jiang let out a low whistle. "That's bold."
"It has to be," David said. "If we fail, Wu will retaliate harder than ever before. We finish this tonight."
The rebels exchanged looks, then nodded in agreement.
The battle for Ping Shui had begun.
---
The First Flames
As night fell, the first part of the plan was set into motion.
Jiang led a group of rebels to the eastern gate, where they set fire to a supply depot and launched hit-and-run attacks against the enforcers.
Lord Wu's men rushed out of the mansion to respond.
Just as expected.
With the majority of Wu's forces distracted, David and Lily moved toward the western wall, where a forgotten tunnel beneath the market square led directly into the lower levels of the estate.
David crouched at the tunnel's entrance, listening to the distant shouts and clashing steel. Jiang was keeping them busy.
"Ready?" he asked.
Lily nodded. "Let's move."
Together, they disappeared into the darkness.
---
Inside the Lion's Den
The tunnel was damp, the air thick with the scent of mold and decay. It had likely been abandoned for years, a forgotten relic of the city's past.
But it was unguarded, which was all that mattered.
After crawling through the narrow passage for several minutes, they emerged within the estate's wine cellar.
David pressed his ear to the door leading to the main hall. Heavy boots stomped above them—guards were still inside, but far fewer than before.
"We move quietly," David whispered. "No unnecessary fights."
Lily smirked. "You mean no fun."
They slipped through the hallways like shadows, avoiding the patrols until they reached the grand staircase leading to Wu's chambers.
David signaled for Lily to stay low. He counted four guards stationed at the door.
This part required precision.
He moved first—a silent step, a quick slash of his dagger, and the first guard collapsed before he could make a sound.
Lily struck next, slamming the hilt of her knife into another's temple, knocking him unconscious.
The last two barely had time to react before David took one down with a swift kick, and Lily finished the other with a well-placed strike.
The path was clear.
David gripped the door handle. This was it.
He pushed the doors open.
---
The Fall of a Tyrant
Lord Wu stood in the center of his grand chamber, dressed in ceremonial armor, a blade resting on his hip.
But he was alone.
His eyes locked onto David, and for the first time, there was fear in them.
"You," Wu hissed. "I should have known."
David stepped forward, his dagger glinting in the dim candlelight. "Your rule is over, Wu. The people won't bow to you anymore."
Wu let out a bitter laugh. "You think killing me will change anything? The empire will send another to take my place. You're just a rebel playing at war."
David's expression was cold. "Then I'll make sure they remember why you fell."
Wu drew his sword, charging with a roar.
David sidestepped, parrying the strike with a sharp twist of his wrist. The two clashed, steel against steel, their movements a blur in the firelit chamber.
But Wu was not a trained warrior. He was a ruler used to commanding from the shadows. His strength was in power, not in battle.
David saw the opening.
He ducked beneath a wild swing, twisted behind Wu—and drove his dagger deep into his back.
Wu gasped, stumbling forward. He tried to turn, but his body failed him.
He collapsed to his knees, blood pooling beneath him.
David knelt beside him, gripping the dying man's collar.
"You ruled through fear," David murmured. "But fear can be broken. And now? You're nothing."
Wu choked out one last breath—and fell silent.
It was over.
---
The Dawn of a New Era
By the time David and Lily emerged from the mansion, the rebels had already seized control of the estate. The remaining enforcers had either surrendered or fled.
The people of Ping Shui began gathering outside, whispers turning into cheers as the news spread—
Lord Wu was dead.
David stood atop the mansion steps, his voice cutting through the night.
"This city no longer belongs to tyrants!" he declared. "The people will decide their own future!"
The crowd erupted in victory.
Jiang clapped a hand on David's shoulder. "You did it, noble boy. Ping Shui is yours."
David exhaled slowly. He had won.
But this was just the beginning.
To reclaim his name. To take back everything that had been stolen.
The road ahead was long—but tonight, he had taken the first true step.