The forest around Parshuram's ashram was calm again after the brief sparring match.
The royal soldiers had stepped back, giving space to the two young warriors now sitting beneath a large banyan tree.
Karna sat calmly, his bow resting beside him.
Across from him sat Duryodhana, still holding the training mace casually.
The prince looked extremely pleased.
"Karna, you truly surprised me."
Karna smiled faintly.
"You are strong as well, Prince."
Duryodhana waved his hand.
"Call me Duryodhana."
"Friends should not use titles."
Karna nodded slightly.
"Then you should call me Karna."
Duryodhana laughed.
"Good!"
For a moment they sat quietly.
The air between them felt comfortable.
Like two warriors who had known each other for years.
Inside Karna's mind—
'This man…'
'He truly values strength more than birth.'
In the future he knew well—
Duryodhana would stand beside him even when the entire world insulted him.
Duryodhana suddenly leaned forward with curiosity.
"Tell me something honestly."
Karna looked at him.
"What is it?"
Duryodhana's eyes shone with excitement.
"Why are you hiding in this forest?"
"A warrior like you should be in the royal arena."
Karna chuckled slightly.
"I am still learning."
Duryodhana shook his head.
"No."
"You are already stronger than most warriors in Hastinapur."
He paused for a moment.
Then spoke seriously.
"Come with me."
Karna raised an eyebrow.
"Where?"
Duryodhana smiled confidently.
"Hastinapur."
The name echoed quietly through the forest.
Karna looked toward the sky.
Inside his mind—
'The place where destiny truly begins.'
But he did not answer immediately.
Nearby, hidden behind the trees…
Vrinda listened carefully.
Her heart tightened slightly.
Inside her mind—
'He is leaving…?'
Back under the banyan tree—
Duryodhana continued speaking.
"In Hastinapur, warriors are recognized."
"Strength is rewarded."
He looked directly into Karna's eyes.
"And a warrior like you deserves the highest respect."
Karna remained silent.
Because he knew something Duryodhana did not.
In the future—
Karna would be humiliated in that same kingdom.
Because of his birth.
Inside his mind—
'But this time… things may be different.'
Because now he had the System.
And knowledge of the future.
Suddenly—
DING
The familiar system notification appeared.
NEW MAIN QUEST
ENTER THE WORLD STAGE
Objective:
Travel to Hastinapur and participate in the Royal Martial Exhibition
Rewards:
• Divine Archery Mastery – Level 1
• +30 Strength
• +30 Agility
• New Astra Unlock
Karna's eyes shone slightly.
Inside his mind—
'The system also wants me to go.'
Duryodhana noticed the small change in his expression.
He smiled.
"So?"
"Will you come?"
Karna slowly stood up.
Sunlight reflected off his Kavach and Kundal.
His voice was calm but firm.
"One day… I will come to Hastinapur."
Duryodhana's grin widened.
"Good!"
He stood up as well.
"When that day comes, I will personally welcome you."
From a distance, Parshuram watched the two young men.
His sharp eyes understood everything.
Inside his mind—
'So the wheel of fate begins turning.'
Later that evening…
The royal soldiers prepared to leave.
Duryodhana mounted his horse.
Before leaving, he looked back toward Karna.
"Karna!"
Karna looked up.
Duryodhana raised his fist confidently.
"Do not take too long."
"Hastinapur is waiting for you."
Karna nodded calmly.
"We will meet again."
The horses began moving.
Soon the royal group disappeared down the forest path.
Behind the trees…
Vrinda finally stepped out slowly.
Her expression looked conflicted.
She walked toward Karna quietly.
"So… you are leaving one day."
Karna looked at her.
"Eventually."
Vrinda lowered her eyes slightly.
Then she forced a small smile.
"Then you must become the greatest warrior."
Karna looked toward the setting sun.
Inside his mind—
'That is already my goal.'
High above the world…
The Sun God Surya watched proudly.
Because his son was slowly stepping toward his destiny.
And somewhere far away…
Krishna's mysterious smile deepened.
Inside his mind—
'The stage is being prepared.'