Sumit was stunned by the words that had just left Commander Viranth's mouth.
He had expected boldness—but not this.
The plan was dangerous… yet brilliant. Using the commander himself as bait could draw out the enemy's Soul Stage leader. But if Viranth were to be captured or killed, the morale of his troops would collapse. Despair would set in like a disease, and the fortress would fall without resistance.
Sumit narrowed his eyes. He wanted to commend the plan—but instead, he spoke cautiously.
"The strategy has merit, but we must weigh its risks," Sumit said. "Your life, and that of your men, will hang in the balance. And if we move the wrong piece, we may expose this castle. There could be enemies lurking in the shadows."
"I'm prepared to take that risk," Viranth replied, eyes unwavering.
Sumit frowned. "No. It's too reckless. I know… your son fell in battle only days ago. But don't let grief cloud your judgment. One emotional decision could doom everyone."
Viranth offered a calm smile. "As a father, I'm devastated. But as a commander… I must act in the best interest of the army and our king. Please, consider this—our best option at the moment. The castle has no treasures, no sacred relics—only food stores. We've been preparing for an all-out war. Let me lead us into it."
Sumit studied him, his expression unreadable. Viranth's resolve was unwavering. His decisions weren't driven by vengeance—but by duty. The kind of duty only a true soldier understands.
With a sigh, Sumit nodded. "Alright. I'll go along with the plan. But their commander is no fool. He'll know something's off if you appear on the battlefield out of nowhere, showing weakness."
Viranth smirked. "He will suspect, yes. But don't forget—pride is a blinding thing. And they're more desperate than we are. His arrogance will force his hand."
Sumit chuckled. "You truly are a great commander, Viranth. Once you step into the Soul Stage, you'll make a fine Chief. Let's move fast. The window of opportunity is narrow. But… there's one more thing."
He paused, voice grim.
"I sensed a group of Transcendents hiding in the forest. They've occupied key positions, likely waiting for you to leave the protection of the castle. It'll be a challenge to get past them unnoticed. Frankly… killing them might be easier than slipping by. If you'd like, I'll eliminate them for you."
Viranth shook his head. "No. That'll alert the enemy. It has to be me who takes them down—quietly."
Sumit's brow furrowed. "That's a tall order. There are many lying in wait, just beyond the Lakshman Rekha."
"I know," Viranth said. "I'll take them out—and draw their commander toward the river northeast of here. I need you there, Sumit. That's where we end this."
Sumit stared at Viranth like he was insane. But after a few moments of silent thought, he gave a reluctant nod.
"Fine. I'll be there."
Viranth turned and called to the defending captain, "I'm heading out in secret. Maintain order in my absence."
The captain saluted. "Yes, Commander!"
Sumit gave one last nod and vanished into the shadows.
Viranth now stood alone atop the fortress wall. He took a deep breath, then jumped over the edge and landed silently in the brush below.
The battlefield was alive with clashing steel and roaring spells in the distance. As he ran fifty meters from the protection of the Lakshman Rekha, a sharp whistle cut through the air—a soul-infused arrow streaked toward his head.
He ducked, barely dodging it—only to find a spear-wielding enemy lunging at him from the underbrush.
Viranth leaped high into the air, activating his water-based soul armor. Liquid shimmered around him like a cloak of flowing energy.
He didn't have much time.
Soul power was draining fast—and maintaining this state required immense focus.
Then, he did something unexpected.
He raised both hands in surrender and walked forward slowly.
One of the enemies shouted, "He's surrendering! Viki, get the special cuffs!"
From a branch above, a young woman dropped down—ready to seal his chakras.
But Viranth's water armor surged. Water gathered at his hands, forming a spinning vortex.
"Stop him!" their captain shouted—a Transcendent warrior who realized too late what was happening.
Dozens of enemies charged, but Viranth stood firm.
Then came the arrow—shot by their captain, empowered by Soul Force. It struck true, piercing his Third-Grade armor and digging into his shoulder. Pain shot through him, but it wasn't lethal.
Gritting his teeth, Viranth jumped high and hurled the spinning whirlpool toward the ground.
The water struck and spread like a ripple across the area—touching many of the attackers, though causing no immediate harm.
They stared, confused.
Then came the thunder.
Sparks crackled across Viranth's body. His hands surged with lightning. In a split-second, bolts erupted from his palms, arcing across the soaked terrain.
CRACK!
Electricity danced across bodies, searing flesh and dropping enemies to the ground.
One by one, they fell—charred and incapacitated.
Viranth exhaled, panting. These weren't seasoned warriors—they lacked experience. His unorthodox tactic had worked.
But it wouldn't work again.
Only a surprise like this could land with such impact.
He took off again, summoning a fresh water barrier as he ran full speed toward the northeast river—the battleground where the real fight would begin.