The Surat sun rose over the Arabian Sea, its golden rays glinting off the bustling beachfront where Vora Trading Company's restaurant and medicine shop thrived. In June 1610, Jai Vora stood in the courtyard of his family's modest compound, the salty breeze mingling with the scent of fresh rotis from the kitchen. His team—Amir, Kofi, Ravi, Manoj, Sarita, Maya, Nishil, Dhruv, the eight rescued children including Mira, and the three 17-year-old boys, Arjun, Rahil, and Sanjay—gathered around, their faces a mix of resolve and anticipation. The 2,300 gold coins and looted documents from Arjun Mala's safe weighed heavy in Jai's satchel, a promise of power and peril. The Emperor System, his secret AI-spirit guide, buzzed: "You're a general now, kid. Assign these roles right, and Vora's unstoppable. Screw it up, and the EIC'll eat you alive."
Jai climbed onto a wooden crate, his nine-year-old frame commanding the crowd. "Listen up," he said, his Wisdom weaving authority into his voice. "Mala's dead, his wealth is ours, and we've got a new family—eight kids and three boys who chose freedom. Vora Trading Company's growing, but we need security, structure, and ambition to crush anyone who dares challenge us." His eyes glinted, his hatred for the EIC a smoldering ember. "Here's how we build our empire."
He turned to Nishil and Dhruv, their blades and scars a testament to their skill. "Nishil, Dhruv, you're our steel. Trainthe twenty new guards they are normal workers but they are strong, tough and loyal. Teach my followers, too, and the reciprocating guards from Mala's attack. Nishil, your Teaching's unmatched—make them a force." Nishil nodded, his weathered face resolute. "I've trained killers to survive. I'll forge guards to protect. The children, too—I'll start them on crafts, not blades." Dhruv, scar twitching, grinned. "I'm in, Jai. Vikram Singh trusted you, and so do I. Let's make these guards sharper than my daggers."
Jai's gaze shifted to Maya, her daggers gleaming with her Agility. "Maya, you're my personal guard. You and the boys—Arjun, Rahil, Sanjay—form a shadow unit. Four of you for now, working as laborers in our shops by day, assassins for missions only when we need. I'll add more when we find the right fit." Maya's eyes burned with loyalty, now stronger than her initial 10%. "I owe you everything, Jai—for Mira, for freedom. We'll be your hidden blades." Arjun, broad-shouldered, spoke up. "Laborers? Fine. But missions? We're ready." Rahil, lean and quick, smirked. "Pay's better than Mala's, right?" Sanjay, quiet but fierce, nodded. "We're yours, kid. Just say when." Jai chuckled, his wit sparking. "Better than Mala's chains, Rahil. You'll see."
Next, Jai pointed to Sarita, her calm presence a steady anchor. "Sarita, you're my assistant. Manage Vora's business with me—shops, accounts, deals. Your People Management will keep us sharp." Sarita's eyes widened, then softened. "Me? Jai, that's… I won't let you down. I'll track every coin, every worker." Jai nodded. "Good. Dig deep. That will be our edge."
He turned to Amir, his Bladework a silent vow. "Amir, you're head of security. Oversee all guards, coordinate with Nishil and Dhruv. No one touches Vora's people again." Amir's blade gleamed as he bowed. "Mala's guards fell to us. I'll make sure ours stand taller." Jai grinned. "I know you will. Keep the shadow unit in check, too."
Kofi, his hammer-calloused hands ready, stepped forward. "Kofi, you're in charge of the blacksmith shop," Jai said. "Forge weapons, armor, tools—whatever we need. Your Blacksmithing's our backbone." Kofi's deep laugh rumbled. "I made that bomb, didn't I? I'll craft an arsenal to match. Got any modern tricks up your sleeve, Jai?" Jai's system pinged: "He's fishing, kid. Keep those 2025 secrets tight." Jai winked. "Just keep the forges hot, Kofi."
Then he called his parents, Jai's voice softened. "Amma, you'll run the medicine shop—herbs, potions, healing. No one's better at it.also while in the city vikram sing gave me a scroll, some new medical techniques i will tell you about it soon " Leela's eyes misted, her pride evident. "For you, beta, I'll make it thrive. Those children need care, too." Jai nodded, then turned to Anil. "Papa, the restaurant's yours. Keep Surat fed and talking about Vora." Anil chuckled, hefting the 2,300-coin purse. "With this wealth? We'll serve dishes to rival Mughal feasts. But a loan from Vikram Singh? He's smitten with you, Jai."
Jai's friends, Vikram and Ram, stood eager. "You two," Jai said, "oversee the Vora Grand Hotel's construction. A grand inn, Surat's pride. Once it's built, manage it—make it a legend." "We'll need a lot more workers, supplies. That coin'll help." Jai nodded. "Use it. Make it a fortress of hospitality."
To Shashi and Kali, Jai pointed toward the sea. "You're building a seaside apartment—six floors, three flats each, eighteen total. For our members to buy, a home for Vora's loyal. Start planning." Shashi's eyes sparkled. "Seaside? That's luxury, Jai. We'll make it gleam." Kali nodded. "Six floors? Ambitious. We'll need stone, carpenters—let's talk budget." Jai smirked. "Yes we will plan it properly."
Finally, Jai addressed Ravi, Manoj, and Annu. "You three, help Amma and Papa. Train workers for the restaurant, medicine shop, and hotel. Pay them well—loyalty's worth more than gold." Ravi grinned. "We'll make 'em love Vora like we do." Manoj nudged Annu. "Pay's good, so no betrayals, right?" Annu, nodded. "We'll keep 'em honest, Jai."
Jai took a long breath, his team's eyes on him. "Let's make it happen," he said, his voice a spark igniting their resolve. Mira, clinging to Maya, whispered, "He's like a king." Maya shushed her, but her smile betrayed pride. Nishil, watching, murmured, "I've trained assassins, but you? You train futures." The system buzzed: "Look at you, kid, delegating like a Mughal emperor. "
As the team dispersed to their tasks, Surat's waves crashed, a rhythm to Vora's rise.