The road from Mount Mahendra stretched through dense forests and quiet valleys.
Karna walked calmly along the ancient path.
The Vijaya Dhanush rested across his back, its golden surface reflecting the sunlight.
Each step carried him closer to the great kingdom of Hastinapur.
Inside his mind—
'The world beyond the ashram… feels different.'
Years of training had kept him isolated from the world.
Now he could finally see it.
Merchants traveled with carts.
Villagers walked between towns.
Warriors occasionally passed along the road.
The world was alive.
Karna stopped briefly beside a flowing river.
He knelt and washed his face.
The cold water refreshed him instantly.
The sunlight reflecting on the river reminded him of something.
Inside his mind—
'Guru said the Vijaya Bow amplifies astras.'
He stood up slowly.
Then removed the bow from his back.
The Vijaya Dhanush felt incredibly balanced in his hands.
It was heavier than his old bow.
But the moment Karna gripped it—
The weapon felt almost alive.
Like it recognized him.
Karna placed an arrow on the string.
Golden sunlight gathered faintly around him.
Inside his mind—
'Let's see its power.'
He aimed at a distant rock across the river.
Then released the arrow.
WHOOSH!
The arrow shot forward faster than lightning.
BOOOOM!
A thunder-like shockwave echoed across the valley.
The rock exploded into countless fragments.
Birds scattered into the sky.
Even the ground trembled slightly.
Karna's eyes widened slightly.
Inside his mind—
'Incredible…'
The power of the Vijaya Bow was far beyond ordinary weapons.
Suddenly—
A loud scream echoed from deeper along the road.
"HELP!"
Karna instantly turned toward the sound.
His warrior instincts activated immediately.
Further ahead on the road…
A merchant caravan had stopped.
Several wagons were surrounded by armed bandits.
Men with rough weapons blocked the travelers.
One of the bandits shouted loudly.
"Hand over all your goods!"
"Or we kill everyone!"
The merchants and villagers looked terrified.
A young merchant tried to protest.
"Please… these supplies are for our village—"
The bandit leader punched him to the ground.
"Shut up!"
From the edge of the road…
Karna watched quietly.
Inside his mind—
'Bandits attacking civilians.'
His eyes became cold.
He stepped forward slowly.
The sound of his footsteps caught the bandits' attention.
The leader frowned.
"Who the hell are you?"
Karna calmly removed the Vijaya Bow from his back.
Sunlight reflected brightly off his Kavach and Kundal.
The golden armor made him look almost divine.
The bandits exchanged confused looks.
The leader laughed.
"Just one warrior?"
"You must be stupid."
Karna's expression remained calm.
He placed an arrow on the string.
Inside his mind—
'Let's test this bow properly.'
DING
SKILL ACTIVATED
SUN AURA
Golden light suddenly erupted around Karna's body.
The air around him grew warmer.
His presence became overwhelming.
Even the bandits felt uneasy.
One of them whispered nervously.
"Boss… something feels wrong…"
The leader growled.
"Attack him!"
Several bandits charged forward.
Karna released the arrow.
WHOOSH!
THUNDER!
The arrow struck the ground before them.
BOOM!
The shockwave blasted the attackers backward instantly.
They crashed into the dirt.
The remaining bandits froze.
Fear filled their faces.
Karna drew another arrow slowly.
His voice was calm.
"Leave."
The bandit leader hesitated.
But when he saw Karna's glowing aura and divine bow…
His courage vanished.
"Retreat!"
The bandits quickly ran away into the forest.
Silence returned to the road.
The merchants stared at Karna with shock.
One old traveler stepped forward slowly.
His voice trembled.
"Young warrior… you saved us."
Karna simply nodded.
"Bandits should not prey on the weak."
The travelers looked at his golden armor and shining bow.
One of them whispered quietly.
"He looks like a warrior sent by the sun…"
Soon the merchants continued their journey.
But whispers spread quickly along the road.
Stories began traveling from village to village.
A rumor was born that day.
About a warrior wearing golden armor.
Carrying a divine bow that thundered like the sky.
A warrior people began calling—
The Golden Archer.
Karna continued walking along the road toward Hastinapur.
The sunlight followed him like a blessing.
Inside his mind—
'This is only the beginning.'
Far away…
Vrinda stood at the edge of the forest near the ashram.
She looked down the same road Karna had taken.
Her expression became determined.
Inside her mind—
'I cannot stay here.'
'I will follow him.'
Meanwhile in Hastinapur…
Prince Duryodhana sat in the royal court.
A messenger rushed inside.
"Prince!"
"There are rumors spreading across the roads!"
Duryodhana raised an eyebrow.
"What rumors?"
The messenger replied excitedly.
"About a golden warrior traveling toward Hastinapur!"
Duryodhana slowly smiled.
Inside his mind—
'Karna…'
'You are finally coming.'
High above the world…
The Sun God Surya watched proudly.
His son had taken his first step into the world.