Chapter 4: Sweet Deals and Loyal Dreams

The Surat afternoon, shimmered with the heat of a relentless sun, its rays glinting off the Tapti River like scattered coins. The city pulsed with its usual symphony: hawkers’ cries weaving through the clatter of oxcarts, the rhythmic tap of looms in weavers’ alleys, and the faint tang of salt and spice drifting from the docks. Jai Vora, eight years old, navigated the bustling streets with the confidence of a seasoned trader, his kurta slightly damp from the day’s exertions. His stats glowed in his mind, a beacon of his reborn purpose as Vihaan Roy, the modern mogul whose dying wish fueled this second chance:

Power=3

Stamina=3

Endurance=10

Health=10

Wisdom=100

Agility=3

Perception=10

Luck=10

Charm=7

The Emperor System, its AI-spirit voice brimming with cheeky enthusiasm, pinged in his head. “our Britisher-busting quest, will work out just fine, Jai! Task check: Recruit 10 followers with a stat above 12 and loyalty above 60%. Progress: 6/10, thanks to Kofi and Amir. Suggestion: Keep sniffing out talent—your Ability Detector’s hotter than chili. Don’t let those EIC goons outpace us.”

Jai smirked,“Relax, system. I will make the best team, don’t worry, Let’s find some gems today.” Yesterday, he’d freed Kofi (Power=25, Blacksmithing=14, Loyalty=60) and Amir (Power=24, Bladework=16, Loyalty=60), setting them on paths to train at a forge and gurukul. The Hector’s sails still loomed at the docks, a reminder of his ultimate task: sabotage the East India Company (EIC) within 40 years. But first, he needed more followers to complete the system’s first quest.

Jai’s morning at the spice stall had been productive—correcting Anil’s ledgers with his Wisdom=100, earning a proud nod and five saved coppers. Now, free for the afternoon, he roamed Surat’s market lanes, Ability Detector - Level 1 scanning like a hawk. A potter (Endurance=13, Loyalty=50 to his guild) shaped clay with steady hands, but his ties were too tight to poach. A young courier (Agility=14, Loyalty=70 to a noble) darted through the crowd, untouchable. “System,” Jai muttered, pausing at a crossroad, “this is like hunting rare dimond in a glass pile. Everyone’s locked down.”

“Keep at it, Jai. Talent’s like a hidden pearl—takes grit to pry it loose.”

Near the heart of the market, a street food stall caught Jai’s eye, its iron griddle sizzling with jalebis, their syrupy spirals glinting like gold. A girl, 16, moved deftly behind the counter, her sari’s edge draped over her face, revealing only sharp, attentive eyes. She served a customer with quiet grace, her movements efficient despite the chaos of hungry passersby. Jai activated his detector, and her stats flared:

Power=4

Stamina=6

Endurance=5

Health=7

Wisdom=18

Agility=3

Perception=9

Luck=6

People Management=21

Loyalty=0

Jai’s jaw dropped. People Management=21? Wisdom=18? She’s a leadership prodigy! “System, jackpot. She could run our shop’s books and rally a crowd like nobody’s business.”

“Goldmine, but probe carefully. That sari’s hiding more than her face—likely a story.”

Jai approached, coins jingling for a jalebi. “One, please. Extra crispy.” The girl, Sarita, handed him the sweet, her voice soft but firm. “Two annas.” Jai munched, Charm=7 easing his probe. “You’re quick—stall’s busy, but you’re running it like a Royall court. Learned from someone special?”

Sarita’s eyes flickered, guarded. “My father. He managed a merchant’s trade—until bandits took him on a caravan route. Now I work here, feeding my sick mother and four younger siblings.” Her sari slipped slightly, revealing a weary but determined face. “We manage.”

Jai’s heart twinged, Vihaan Roy’s memories of loss echoing faintly. “Tough gig, but you’re a natural. My family runs a spice shop—Vora’s, big in the market. Need someone sharp to handle books, maybe organize our crew. Better pay than this stall, plus a bed in our servant quarters with our female servant, Meera. Interested?”

Sarita hesitated, eyes scanning Jai’s earnest face. “Why me? I’m just a server.”

Jai grinned, leaning in. “Because you’re not just anything. You’ve got a manager’s spark—my instincts don't lie. Join us, and you’ll shine.” Sarita’s lips twitched, a rare smile. “Fine. I’ll try—for my family.” Loyalty=20. The system chimed: “Solid start, Jai. Progress: 6/10. Her loyalty’s low, but time and trust will boost it.”

Jai handed her directions to the Vora home. “Start tomorrow. Bring your spark.” Sarita nodded, pulling her sari tighter, already calculating her family’s future.

That evening, Jai gathered his friends at their usual haunt—a banyan tree by the river, its sprawling roots a playground for their schemes. Vikram (Agility=13, Loyalty=80) was already on board, his lanky frame perched on a branch. The other three—Ram, Sashi, and Kali—sons of small merchants, lounged nearby, tossing pebbles into the water. Their stats were modest but qualifying:

Ram (14):

Power=6

Stamina=5

Wisdom=12

Loyalty=65

Sashi (14):

Endurance=8

Agility=9

Wisdom=13

Loyalty=70

Kali (15):

Perception=12

Stamina=8

Wisdom=8

Loyalty=60

Jai climbed the tree, his Charm radiating like a lantern. “Guys, listen up. I’m not just playing merchant—I’m aiming to be the biggest in the kingdom. Maybe the empire. Those Britishers on the Hector? They’re trouble, and I need a crew to outsmart them. Vikram’s in. You three—Ram, Sashi, Kali—I need you. Help me build Vora’s into a legend. You’ll get a cut, respect, and a front-row seat to history. Deal?”

Ram grinned, tossing a pebble. “You’re crazy, Jai, but I’m in.” Sashi nodded. “Biggest merchant? Count me.” Kali laughed. “Can’t let you have all the fun.” Loyalty steady at 65, 70, 60. The system buzzed: “Quest progress: 9/10! One more, and you’re golden. Boost Sarita’s loyalty next—she’s your key to shop dominance.”

Jai fist-bumped them, his heart soaring. One more, and the first quest’s done. Then, Britishers, it’s game over. The Hector’s shadow lingered at the docks, but under the banyan’s shade, Jai felt unstoppable.

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