The divine architect carried nothing in his hands at first. He looked at Karna for a long moment, eyes sharp and knowing.
"My dear grandson, a weapon is the primary tool for a warrior. Originally, I made you another weapon but on Mahadeva's blessings and instructions, I made you a weapon that is not just suitable for you but also will help you in establishing dharma on the earth.
He raised one hand.
A golden chest appeared in the air. Vishwakarma opened it slowly. Inside lay a weapon. It was a long, double-edged broadsword. The blade shimmered like captured sunlight, hilt wrapped in black leather etched with some writings of a mantra. A single red ruby sat in the pommel, glowing faintly as if alive.
Karna stared at it.
He felt it immediately, the same pull he had sensed for years when visiting his grandfather's armory. The calling was stronger now.
Vishwakarma lifted the sword and placed it in Karna's hands.
"It is named Suryatej — Radiance of the Sun. Forged with rays from your father, tempered with fire from Mahadeva's own third eye, balanced by my own craft. It will never dull. It will never break. It can cut through anything. The flames generated by this sword can destroy even the gods. There is no shield that it can't cut. There is nothing it cannot destroy. And Mahadeva hopes that you use this sword only to establish dharma and not for selfish purposes. This is the responsibility he was giving to you."
Karna wrapped his fingers around the hilt.
The sword felt light, as if made for his hand alone. A faint warmth spread up his arm, mingling with the new vision in his eyes. He bowed low to Vishwakarma.
"Thank you, Grandfather. I will honor it."
The celebration continued quietly with food shared, stories told, and laughter soft and brief. But as evening fell, the mood shifted. Everyone knew what came next.
Karna found Goddess Sangya alone in her chamber later that night.
She sat near the window, looking at the stars. The cloak she had given him lay folded on her lap. She had been smoothing it absently.
He stepped inside. "Mother…"
She looked up.
Tears stood in her eyes again, but she smiled. "Come here, my son."
Karna knelt before her.
He took her hands. "I leave soon. I wanted to say… everything I said the other night still holds. You are my mother. No truth can change that."
Goddess Sangya touched his face. "I know. But hearing it again… it helps. I was so afraid you would feel like you didn't belong here anymore."
Karna shook his head. "This is my home. No matter where I go, this will always remain my home, and you will always remain my mother."
An emotional Goddess Sangya pulled him close, resting her cheek against his hair. "Take care of yourself. Eat and sleep properly. Just because you will become Lord Parashurama's disciple and you will serve him doesn't mean you should forget about yourself."
Karna hugged her tighter. "Don't worry, Mother. I will be alright. I know that you and Father will always look after me."
They sat like that until the lamps burned low.
*
The morning of departure arrived too soon.
The sky above Suryaloka had never looked so golden, so bright, and yet so heavy.
Servants moved quietly through the palace corridors, carrying small bundles and trays of food for the journey. No loud farewells. No grand processions. Just the soft sound of footsteps and the occasional murmur of voices trying not to break.
Karna stood in the main hall, dressed in simple white cloth with everything else stored in the bag that was hanging from his shoulder.
Lord Surya stood before him first.
He placed both hands on Karna's shoulders, looking at him steadily.
"Twelve years is a long time, my son. Lord Parashurama is strict. He will test your body, your mind, your dharma. Always remember that strength without righteousness is just destruction. Even if you are the son of the mighty Surya, don't forget to remain humble at all times and treat others equally. Your master, Lord Parashurama, is your god. Don't question his orders. Trust in his words and do what you were asked to do."
Karna bowed his head. "I will, Father. Thank you for everything you have given me."
Surya pulled him into a brief, firm embrace, the kind only a father can give. "Come back stronger, son. And when you do, we will formally turn you into an immortal, a true deva like us. Just like your brothers and sisters, you will serve this realm as a protector."
Chhaya stood a little apart, arms folded.
She looked at Karna for a long moment, then stepped forward. "You're not my blood, but you've been part of this house. Don't bring shame to it."
Karna smiled faintly. "I won't, Aunt Chhaya. Thank you for watching over me."
Lord Yama and Urmila came next. Yama placed a hand on Karna's head. "Walk the path of dharma, little brother. No matter what you face."
Urmila added softly, "We'll be praying for your success."
Then Chitrasena stepped forward.
He placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, eyes warm but serious. "You have my daughter's heart, boy. Don't forget that. And don't let the mountains make you forget."
Karna nodded. "I won't, Father-in-law. I promise."
Roshini stood beside her father, eyes shining with unshed tears.
She stepped closer when everyone else moved back. She took both of Karna's hands in hers.
"Twelve years," she whispered. "It feels like forever. But I'll wait. Every day. I'll play the veena you taught me. I'll keep the garden alive. Just… come back to me."
Karna looked into her eyes. "I will. I promise."
Roshini's lip trembled.
She leaned forward and rested her forehead against his for a moment. Then she stepped back, biting her lip to hold back tears, after remembering that it is not appropriate to show any more affection in front of many eyes.
Goddess Sangya had been standing the whole time.
When everyone else had spoken, she walked forward slowly. Her hands shook as she reached up and adjusted the cloak on his shoulders, even though it was already perfect.
She looked at him for a long time, memorizing every line of his face.
"My son…"
Her voice cracked. "I always knew this day would come. But knowing doesn't make it easier. Those mountains… they are cold, unlike here, where everything is warm. The mountains are also lonely. But you will not be alone. You carry my love with you. You carry my prayers. Every morning, I will stand on this balcony and send clouds to shade you. Every night I will look at the stars and ask them to watch over you, my son."
She pulled him into her arms.
Karna wrapped his arms around her tightly. He felt her tears wet his shoulder. He closed his eyes and whispered, "You take care of yourself, Mother."
Goddess Sangya pulled back just enough to cup his face and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "Go with my blessing. And remember what you promised me, you are Sangyaputra. Always."
Soon, a general of Lord Surya's army escorted him to the seven-horse chariot.
Climbing on it, Karna looked at everyone one last time — his father's proud gaze, his mother's tear-streaked face, Roshini's trembling smile, the quiet support of the others.
He folded his hands to them all.
Then he turned, and the seven horses let out a neigh in unison and flew away before turning into a blinding flash of light and disappearing from everyone's sight.