The massive stone walls of Hastinapur stood tall against the horizon.
They were larger than anything Vrinda had ever seen.
Dozens of guards patrolled the gate.
Merchants, soldiers, nobles, and travelers constantly moved in and out of the great capital.
The city truly looked like the heart of Aryavarta.
Vrinda stared at the city with wide eyes.
"This place is enormous…"
Karna walked calmly toward the gate.
Inside his mind—
'So this is Hastinapur… the center of destiny.'
The guards at the gate immediately noticed him.
How could they not?
The golden armor, the divine earrings, and the magnificent Vijaya Dhanush on his back made him impossible to ignore.
One guard stepped forward.
"State your name and purpose."
Karna looked directly at him.
His voice was calm but firm.
"My name is Karna."
"I came to witness the royal martial tournament."
The guard examined him carefully.
Then he nodded.
"Very well. Enter."
The gates opened.
Karna stepped inside the capital.
The city was alive with energy.
Huge marketplaces stretched across the streets.
Colorful banners hung from buildings.
Soldiers marched through the roads.
And everywhere—
People talked excitedly about one thing.
The Royal Martial Tournament.
Vrinda looked around in amazement.
"I've never seen so many people in one place."
Karna observed the city silently.
Inside his mind—
'This kingdom truly holds power.'
As they walked deeper into the city…
They soon heard loud cheering.
Vrinda pointed ahead.
"What's happening there?"
In the distance stood a massive structure.
A huge open stadium made of stone.
The Royal Arena of Hastinapur.
Hundreds of citizens filled the stands.
Warriors practiced inside the arena.
Royal soldiers maintained order.
Vrinda grabbed Karna's arm excitedly.
"Let's go see!"
They walked closer.
And just as they entered the arena gates—
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd.
Inside the arena…
A young warrior stood proudly with a bow.
His arrows struck every target perfectly.
Each shot faster than the last.
The crowd shouted loudly.
"Prince Arjuna!"
"The greatest archer!"
Vrinda whispered,
"That's Arjuna?"
Karna watched silently.
Inside his mind—
'So this is my destined rival.'
Arjuna fired another arrow.
WHOOSH!
The arrow split another arrow mid-air.
The crowd erupted again.
"Incredible!"
"No one can match Prince Arjuna!"
Vrinda looked at Karna curiously.
"He's very good."
Karna nodded calmly.
"Yes."
But inside his mind—
'His technique is precise… but predictable.'
Suddenly—
DING
The system activated again.
RIVAL DETECTED
Name: Arjuna
Title: Pandava Prince
Specialization: Archery
Threat Level: High
SYSTEM MISSION
Defeat Arjuna in archery and become the greatest archer of the era.
Reward:
• Divine Archery Skill Upgrade
• Solar Astra Evolution
Karna smiled slightly.
Inside his mind—
'Interesting.'
Meanwhile…
In the royal viewing balcony above the arena…
Two figures watched the scene.
One of them was tall and powerful.
Prince Duryodhana.
Beside him stood his uncle Shakuni.
Duryodhana watched Arjuna carefully.
But suddenly—
His eyes shifted toward the arena entrance.
Where Karna stood.
Golden armor shining under the sunlight.
Duryodhana's eyes narrowed.
Inside his mind—
'Who is that warrior…?'
Shakuni followed his gaze.
His expression became curious.
"Interesting…"
Back at the arena entrance…
Vrinda noticed something.
"Everyone is praising Arjuna."
Karna's eyes remained fixed on the arena.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Inside his mind—
'Not for long.'
The sun shone brightly above the arena.
And very soon—
The entire kingdom would witness the rise of a warrior who shone brighter than the sun itself.