Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Hampi, Vijayanagara Empire.

Preparations were underway in the huge camp settled on the outskirts of the capital city. There was going to be a huge battle soon. The tension in the air was palpable. Even veteran soldiers were tensed up by the atmosphere before the battle. Dark clouds loomed over the sky, indicating a wicked omen.

The soldiers were clad in top-quality armor and weapons. The first prince's wealth was on full display, considering the quality of war equipment and supplies. Despite the lack of cannons. His army was well equipped for a major war.

Despite all this effort, death loomed above his head. Bhairava wasn't an easy opponent. He had to plan his way to win this life-or-death battle for him. The throne of Vijayanagara was on the line.

But Chandra had the support. His existing army was bolstered with even more numbers due to the arrival of new troops from all over the Empire who joined his army. He was given new commanders and advisors.

Chandra had a new assistant to convey some information also. The man's name was Nakul. He knew of his name from the independent merchant group that had refused to join his faction. But with that person helping him. Nakul was finally a part of his faction and army.

Nakul was a very efficient worker. He gave out detailed battleplans and strategic locations in the surrounding areas and also found out the approximate composition of Bhairava's army.

It was astounding news, as the scouts that were sent to spy on Bhairava were just killed or lost contact. Bhairava anticipated it, despite these restrictions. Nakul managed to uncover the information.

A soldier interrupted the thoughts of Chandra.

"Your Highness. The preparations are done. We also received information that the Yamaduts have departed to stop the Nayakas."

"Hooo. So no more interferences from others."

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"But there is prince Harsha!!"

Chandra scoffs.

"Everyone is holding him in high regard. He is nothing but a fool, thinking he can win against either of us."

"But Your highn-"

"Silence. He doesn't know anything about leading an army. He might be gifted in martial arts, but it won't help in war."

Meanwhile, a few kilometers from Hampi. The sun had set after a long day. The army of Bhairava had settled down. Scouts and guards were on high alert as they were very close to the capital. Tomorrow, the battle would commence.

The battle that would shape the landscape of the Empire for years to come. Bhairava was focused on his practice. He was desperately trying to reel himself from falling into an emotional state from the recent assassination of his mother.

He had to rest before the battle tomorrow, but his mind kept having negative thoughts, which made him workout at night.

Vikrama Rama looked at the prince swinging his wooden sword in the small arena. He felt a tinge of pity for the prince. Even though he was forced to help the prince. He could feel the emotions of the prince in such a crucial period of his life.

He approached the prince.

"Your Highness. You have to rest for tomorrow."

Bhairava stopped his training and looked at Vikrama. He was sweating a lot from the intense workout.

"I know." His voice trailed off. He threw his sword in frustration.

Vikrama looked at him and patted his shoulder. He knew that he was the prince. But it came naturally to him. He felt like he should console the prince. Bhairava didn't react or say anything to Vikrama.

Bhairava finally spoke.

"You are right. I will take rest. Thank you, Vikrama." He looked at the night sky and added.

"There is a note in my tent under the pouch filled with coins. Take it. That's contains the location of your daughter. Take it and run if you feel like we will lose the battle. Don't hesitate this time."

Bhairava left the training area.

His numb heart starts racing at the prospect of meeting his daughter.

Vikrama, however, felt like he had to run away and find his daughter right now. But his mind said that the prince needed his support the most.

'I barely know the prince. Why am I feeling like this?' He thought.

He had made many battleplans for the prince. The final battle was crucial; he studied and came up with new strategies to implement on the battlefield.

He sighed heavily.

'I did everything! But..'

His instinct was screaming that he missed something huge. Something that could compromise the whole battle. But he couldn't pinpoint it. So he decided to judge for himself and leave if the battlefield was grim.

A few hundred kilometers to the east from the capital. Harsha's army was making its way to Capital. Harsha knew that he would be close to capital after the battle would start.

But he doubts the chance of a surprise entrance. Since it was clear that there was a mastermind behind this. The mastermind knew of Nayaka's support for Harsha.

So there was a big chance of both factions knowing about his existence as a threat. There would be measures in place.

Although it was a hassle to navigate through this mess. He still had the confidence to win. Battles weren't something new to him after all. He has served as a commander many times when he was deployed as a star commander for Tier 1 superhumans in his past life.

War strategy was a major part of the information that his brain was trained for. Ranging from tactical analysis of past wars and battles to modern warfare.

It was still his first battle in this era. A large-scale battle like this requires coordination. It was where individual prowess didn't matter.

Nonetheless, Harsha was excited for the battle. He could finally stretch his body after a long time.

The regional leader, Tarun, entered the tent where Harsha was resting, thinking of different plans for the battle.

"Your Highness. We have a message from the third prince."

Harsha got up from his bed.

"At this time?"

"The messenger said it had some important information."

"Give it to me."

Harsha took the letter and broke the seal to read.

"The mastermind behind the civil war?"