[Maibadh Village – Next Morning]
Crows cawed as Kamal walked through the uneven lanes of Maibadh. His mind wasn't on school today. It was on the system's words echoing in his mind:
[Phase 2 Objective Unlocked: Form Your First Circle of Command]
Recruit at least three dependable individuals into defined roles.
Roles Available: Strategist, Runner, Enforcer
Reward: Command Interface + Loyalty Link
Kamal exhaled slowly.
"This is where power begins."
[Maibadh Government High School – Bike Shed Area]
Surya leaned against a rusted bicycle rack, chewing on a guava.
"You've been quiet since yesterday's fight," he said.
Kamal tossed him a small notepad. "You're smart, Surya. I want you to help me organize things. Keep track of who's loyal, who's dangerous."
Surya blinked. "What is this, a gang?"
"No. A foundation."
Surya studied his friend's eyes. There was something different about Kamal—less reckless, more calculating.
[Surya Assigned: Role – Strategist | Loyalty Link Initialized]
Intelligence: Above Average
Loyalty: 65% (Growing)
"Alright," Surya said. "I'm in."
Kamal smirked. "Good. I need one more thing today."
[Midday – Near the Local Temple Street]
Kamal stood outside the tea stall owned by Keshav, Surya's father. The aroma of ginger chai filled the air. Nearby, two older students from the higher secondary batch were harassing a vendor.
"Give us two plates. We'll pay next week," one of them said with a smirk.
"Sir, please… you haven't paid for last week either," pleaded the vendor, Rafiq, an elderly Muslim man who sold samosas.
The taller student, Bhaskar, shoved the cart slightly. "Shut up, old man."
Kamal stepped forward.
"I'll pay."
Bhaskar looked at him, confused. "Who asked you?"
Kamal pulled out ₹20 and handed it to Rafiq. "You did. Just now. By being loud and useless in public."
Bhaskar frowned. "You think you're something special?"
"No. But I'm someone who hates parasites."
The tension thickened. Surya appeared beside him.
Bhaskar wasn't stupid. He sneered and walked off. "You'll regret interfering."
[System Notice: Bhaskar – Potential Threat: Medium]
Monitoring Activated
Rafiq folded his hands. "Allah bless you, beta. These boys trouble me daily."
Kamal nodded. "I'll handle them. From now on, bring your cart outside our school gate. You'll be protected."
Rafiq looked unsure. "It's not safe—"
"You'll be fine. You're under our circle now."
[Rafiq Registered: Local Supporter – Passive Income Node Unlocked]
[Evening – Behind School Compound Wall]
Ravi ran up to Kamal, panting. "Ajay's friends are spreading rumors… saying you're starting a gang. Some teachers are listening."
[System Alert: Reputation Pressure Detected]
Recommend acquiring school staff favor or public counter-story.
Kamal thought for a moment, then turned to Ravi. "How's your handwriting?"
"Very neat, anna," Ravi said proudly.
"Then you'll help me write question paper notes and assignment copies. Sell them to the seniors at ₹5 per page."
Ravi's eyes widened. "You're serious?"
"Completely. You'll earn money and respect. And no one will think we're goondas if we're helping with studies."
[Ravi Assigned: Role – Runner | Loyalty Link Strengthened]
Passive Earnings Feature Enabled (Academic Services)
[Late Evening – Rooftop, Kamal's House]
Kamal sat with Surya and Ravi, a large notebook open in front of them.
Three names stood at the top:
Surya (Strategist)
Ravi (Runner)
Rafiq (Supporter Node)
Below it, Kamal had circled three more:
Bhaskar (Threat – Monitor)
Ajay (Rival – Watch)
Mahesh (Future Target)
[System Interface Update Unlocked: Command Console – Tier 1]
Role Slots: 3/5
Passive Income: ₹10/day (Projected)
Loyalty Web: 3 Active Links
Kamal smiled, the wind brushing his hair.
"₹10 a day won't change my life… but it's proof," he thought. "Proof that power can grow from the streets. And it will."
In his past life, he was just another hothead.
In this life, he was building something invisible.
Something inevitable.