The clearing went quiet in a way that felt almost unnatural.
Not the usual quiet of a forest—but the kind where people are holding their breath without realizing it.
Even the birds seemed to stop for a moment.
All eyes were on the two boys standing in front of each other.
No one looked away.
On one side stood Duryodhana.
The prince of Hastinapura.
He carried himself like someone who had never had to doubt his place in the world.
His shoulders were firm, his chin slightly raised.
There was confidence in him—but also eagerness.
He wasn't here just to win.
He wanted to prove something.
On the other side stood Karna.
No royal marks.
No special clothes.
Just a simple boy, standing quietly.
But there was something about the way he stood—steady, grounded—that didn't match his appearance.
He didn't look nervous.
He didn't even look alert in the usual way.
Just… calm.
The wind moved softly through the trees.
A few dry leaves skittered across the ground.
