[Training Grounds, Royal Palace]
After some days, two figures stood in the middle of the ground facing each other, with four girls standing at the edge as spectators of the fight unfolding before them.
The figures were, of course, Karna and Scáthach, with Kamini, Brinda, Kali, and Draupadi watching the match.
"Why are we fighting? Again," Karna asked with a bemused smile, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.
Scáthach's response was a playful grin. "To test each other's strength, of course. What better way to understand your abilities and forge a connection?"
Her spear, Gae Bolg, was held firmly in Scáthach's hand, and her blood-red eyes glinted excitedly. "Besides, I'm curious to see how strong my new master is."
Karna chuckled, a spark of competitiveness igniting in his eyes. "Very well then, let's have a friendly match. Just remember, use only spearman-ship while I will use swordsmanship—nothing else. This ground can't hold our full power. Okay?"
Scáthach's playful grin persisted as she assumed a battle stance, her Gae Bolg poised for action. "Very well, my master. Let's see if you can keep up."
The air around them seemed to crackle with anticipation as the two warriors prepared to clash. The onlooking women watched with keen interest, their excitement evident.
As the signal was given, Scáthach lunged forward with incredible speed, her spear thrusting toward Karna with precision. Karna's response was equally swift as he drew his sword, Kusanagi, from its sheath.
His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his mastery of swordsmanship. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, the sound of metal against metal ringing through the training grounds.
Clang
Spark
Clang
Scáthach's strikes were swift and calculated, her spear weaving intricate patterns in the air as she aimed for Karna's defences. Karna met her attacks with a combination of agility and finesse, his sword dancing in perfect harmony to parry and counter her every move.
Their battle was a spectacle of skill and strength, a dance of blades that captivated the onlookers. Kamini, Brinda, Kali, and Draupadi watched in awe as the two warriors demonstrated their prowess in combat.
Despite the intensity of their clash, there was an underlying camaraderie that shone through, a mutual respect and understanding that transcended their roles as combatants.
As the battle continued, Karna and Scáthach seemed to enter a state of focused concentration, each reading the other's movements and responding with swift precision. The training grounds became a canvas for their duel, a dynamic display of technique and strategy.
Kamini's excitement was evident in her expression as she turned to the others. "They're incredible! I can't even see their movements; they're like blurs of speed and skill."
Brinda nodded in agreement. "Their mastery over their respective weapons is truly awe-inspiring. It's like they're dancing on the edge of danger."
Draupadi's gaze remained fixed on the battle, her tone filled with respect. "Both Karna and Scáthach have their unique styles, but there's a harmony in their clash. It's a testament to their experience and skill."
Kali's eyes sparkled with admiration. "And the way they complement each other's attacks and defences is remarkable. But Karna has the upper hand because of his strength—even after holding back so much, he is still breaking Scáthach's attack pattern and pushing her on the defensive."
The battle between Karna and Scáthach continued to unfold with intensity. Their movements were a symphony of martial prowess, a dance that showcased their mastery over their respective weapons.
Karna's swordplay was characterized by fluidity and precision, while Scáthach's spearman-ship displayed calculated aggression and strategic finesse.
As the clash reached a crescendo, Karna executed a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed at testing Scáthach's defences. Scáthach responded with swift parries, her spear intercepting each blow with calculated accuracy. However, a faint smile graced Karna's lips, a glint of determination in his golden eyes.
With a sudden burst of speed, Karna shifted his stance and delivered a powerful horizontal slash, aiming to break through Scáthach's guard. Scáthach's eyes widened in recognition of the impending threat, but before she could fully react, Karna's blade connected with her spear, the impact sending vibrations along the length of Gae Bolg.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the clash of weapons reached its peak. Karna's strength and skill had managed to breach Scáthach's defences, and a hint of astonishment flickered in her blood-red eyes. But as the impact resonated, Scáthach's lips curled into a grin, and a surge of energy coursed through her.
With a powerful twist of her wrist, Scáthach channelled her energy into Gae Bolg, causing the weapon to emit a brilliant aura. The very air seemed to tremble as her spear emanated a pulsating energy, and with a fierce battle cry, Scáthach unleashed a devastating counterattack.
Karna's eyes widened as he felt the intensity of Scáthach's strike. He swiftly used the 'Eternal Four Season Sword Technique' to the bare minimum.
"Second Form, Eternal Autumn Gale"
Karna's swift movement created a blade of wind that intercepted Scáthach's empowered strike, and the resulting collision sent shockwaves rippling through the training grounds. The force of their clash created a brief maelstrom of energy, causing the surrounding vegetation to sway and the ground to tremble.
Amidst the storm of power, Karna's voice rang out with fake anger, "Oi Oi Oi, I told you to use only spearman-ship, didn't I?"
Scáthach's laughter mingled with the echoes of their clash, her eyes dancing with a mixture of exhilaration and amusement. "My apologies, my master. It seems I got carried away. But don't think you can outwit me so easily."
With renewed determination, Scáthach focused her energy, her spear crackling with elemental power. Karna readied himself, his golden eyes narrowing as he anticipated her next move. The two warriors stood on opposite ends of the training grounds, a charged atmosphere enveloping them.
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, and Draupadi had already made more room for them as the battle intensified. Their excitement was palpable, and they exchanged glances, sharing their observations and predictions about the ongoing fight.
Karna's lips curved into a confident smile as he addressed Scáthach. "Very well then, let's continue. But this time, let's see if you can keep up with my swordsmanship."
Scáthach's response was a playful wink. "Challenge accepted, my master."
With their banter, the two warriors once again launched themselves into the fray. Their clash resumed with even greater intensity, each strike and parry a testament to their skill and determination. The air crackled with energy as their weapons met, their movements blurring as they engaged in a dance of combat.
As the battle raged on, Kamini couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for both Karna and Scáthach. Their dedication to their craft and their unwavering spirit resonated deeply with her. She turned to the others with a grin. "Isn't this amazing? Their determination is incredible."
Brinda nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Their passion for combat and their desire to improve are truly inspiring. It's like they're pushing each other to new heights."
Draupadi's gaze was fixed on the warriors, her expression one of respect. "It's not just about their strength; it's about their connection. They understand each other's drive and push each other to excel."
Kali's eyes sparkled with excitement. "And look at the way their battle transcends words. They communicate through their movements, each strike telling a story of their skill and determination."
As the battle between Karna and Scáthach continued to unfold, their connection became even more evident. Each clash of their weapons was a testament to their shared passion for combat and their mutual respect for each other's abilities.
The training grounds reverberated with the echoes of their strikes, a symphony of martial prowess that left the onlookers in awe.
With a final burst of energy, Karna executed a swift series of strikes that left Scáthach momentarily off balance. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a powerful blow that disarmed her, causing Gae Bolg to clatter to the ground.
The battle concluded with Karna's victory, his sword poised at Scáthach's throat in a symbolic gesture of triumph. Scáthach's laughter rang out, her blood-red eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well done, my master. You've proven your prowess in swordsmanship."
Karna's grin was accompanied by a nod of approval. "And you've shown me the strength of your spearman-ship. It was a formidable battle."
As Karna lowered his sword and extended his hand to help Scáthach up, "Carry me, master~" Scáthach's mischievous request hung in the air, accompanied by a playful grin that seemed to challenge Karna's resolve.
Karna's cheeks tinged with a faint blush at her teasing tone, but he maintained his composed demeanour. "I believe you can stand on your own, Scáthach."
"Pretty please master~" Scáthach pleaded with puppy eyes.
Karna's composure wavered slightly, his golden eyes narrowing as he realized Scáthach's intention. The women at the edge of the training ground exchanged glances, their amusement evident in their expressions. Kamini couldn't help but tease the situation further. "Looks like Scáthach is trying to test Karna's limits."
Brinda's playful grin mirrored Kamini's sentiment. "Oh absolutely. Let's see how he handles this one."
Draupadi's voice held a hint of laughter. "Scáthach's teasing might just be too much for Karna's legendary patience."
Kali's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I can't wait to see his reaction."
As Karna stared at Scáthach, her playful grin and pleading expression seemed to tug at his resolve. With a barely noticeable sigh, he finally relented, his lips curling into a resigned smile. "Fine, Scáthach. If it will make you happy."
Scáthach's victory was evident in her triumphant grin as she waited for Karna to pick her up princess carry style. Karna's expression was a mixture of mild exasperation and amusement as he gently lifted her, her laughter echoing in the training grounds.
Kamini, Brinda, Kali, and Draupadi burst into laughter at the playful scene unfolding before them. Kamini playfully nudged Brinda. "Looks like Scáthach knows how to get her way."
Brinda's laughter was warm and infectious. "Definitely. Karna might be an indomitable warrior, but even he can't escape Scáthach's charm."
Just then a soldier came running towards them, his expression urgent. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Sorry for the interruption but we have an urgent matter!"
Karna gently set Scáthach down, and both of them turned their attention to the soldier. "What's the matter?" Karna inquired, his tone serious.
The soldier caught his breath before speaking. "It's Mahamahim Bhishma. He wants to meet you and he looked very angry. He already attacked twenty of our soldiers for stopping him at the gate. And he said if you didn't meet him as soon as possible then he will start attacking again."
Karna's expression turned to concern. "Is there anyone injured?"
The soldier nodded. "Yes, some of our soldiers sustained injuries during his attack at the gate. It seems he's quite determined to see you, Your Majesty."
Anger flashed in Karna's eyes at the news of his soldiers being injured.
[DING...]