The next day, dawned over Surat, the sea's gentle hum a stark contrast to the storm in Jai Vora's heart. The nine-year-old prodigy woke with sadness for his two fallen guards, their faces haunting his dreams, and a searing thirst for revenge against the Ahmedabad merchant-noble who'd sent assassins to cripple Vora Trading Company. The stolen recipes, spices, and funds were back, but the blood of his men demanded justice. The Emperor System, his secret AI-spirit guide, buzzed in his mind: "You're out for blood, Jai, but this noble's no small fry—cunning, rich, and court-connected. Strike first, but don't slip." Jai's hatred for the East India Company flickered, a distant ember, but the Ahmedabad noble was a closer, sharper blade.
Jai descended to the secret basement near the blacksmith workshop, its iron-reinforced door creaking as he entered. The 15-year-old girl leader, her thin frame bound by rope, sat against the wall, her dark eyes unyielding despite the faint tremor of exhaustion. Her stats—Agility=41, Stealth=30—marked her as a formidable foe, yet her silence was her shield. Jai crouched before her, his Charm steady. "Tell me more about the noble who sent you. Names, plans—anything." She stared through him, lips sealed. Amir, his Bladework a quiet threat, stepped forward, his voice softer than his blade. "I admire your love for your sister. Whether you help or not, that noble's going down. We'll save her with your help—promise." The girl's eyes flickered, a crack in her fortress, but she said nothing.
Jai nodded to Amir, his resolve unshaken. They left the girl under Sarita's watchful Perception and emerged to the bustling construction site, where the restaurant's aromas mingled with the clang of Kofi's forges. Jai gathered his followers, his voice sharp. "We need more strength. Jai scanned through workers spotting peoples with Strength above 9, he called them over Recruiting 20 new guards. Amir, train them with spears and light armor; it'll sharpen their stats." Amir, head of security, saluted, his training at the gurukul fueling his confidence. Kofi, his Blacksmithing skill a furnace of ingenuity, was already forging sleek spearheads and leather vests to boost Agility.
Jai sought Anil under the neem tree, the sea breeze carrying the weight of his plan. "Papa, I need to go to Ahmedabad. Lord Vikram Singh, our ally, deserves to hear about the theft in person. He can help recruit more guards as well." It was a cover—Jai's true aim was to hunt the rival noble, whose ties to Emperor Jahangir made him a viper in Vora's path. Anil's eyes narrowed, his Wisdom sensing more than Jai let on, but the unspoken suspicion of Jai's "Wings of Freedom" link stayed buried. "It's risky, beta," Anil said, voice heavy. "But with Amir and Kofi guarding you, I'll allow it." Jai nodded, naming Ravi and Manoj as additional escorts. Sarita, stepping forward, offered, "I'll come to cook and care for you, Jai." Her skill made her indispensable, and Jai agreed.
At Surat's outskirts, under the shadow of tamarind trees, Vikram and Shashi waited, the bound girl between them. Her wrists were roped, her expression a tangle of defiance and doubt. Jai knelt, his voice low but firm. "Help me identify your sister, and I'll save her. You have my word." The girl's thoughts churned—no trust in Jai, no loyalty to the noble, only a fierce love for her sister anchoring her heart. She said nothing, but her silence softened, a flicker of hope battling fear.
The group—Jai, Amir, Kofi, Ravi, Manoj, Sarita, and the girl—departed, two horses flanking a cart pulled by two more, loaded with supplies. The road to Ahmedabad stretched like a gauntlet, the sea fading behind them. The system pinged: "You're taking the fight to the noble's turf, Jai. Ballsy move. Watch for traps—this guy's got emperor friends." Jai's gaze hardened, his mind mapping the hunt. The girl's sister, the noble's schemes, and Vora's empire hung in the balance.