The courtyard of the Palace of Ang had become completely silent.
Hundreds of soldiers surrounded the open training ground.
No one dared to speak.
In the center of the courtyard…
Two warriors faced each other.
Karna stood calmly.
The Solar Spear rested in his hand.
Golden light faintly shimmered along its surface.
Across from him…
Asha of Kalinga held her long sword across her shoulder.
Her eyes were sharp.
Focused.
Excited.
A smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Good."
"You came down yourself."
Karna replied calmly.
"You challenged me."
"It would be rude to ignore a guest."
Some soldiers quietly chuckled.
Asha's smile widened.
"Guest?"
She slowly lowered her sword into a fighting stance.
"Let's see if you can still be polite after this."
Without warning—
She moved.
WHOOSH
Her speed shocked the soldiers watching.
She crossed the distance between them instantly.
Her blade flashed toward Karna's shoulder.
CLANG
Karna blocked the strike easily with the shaft of the Solar Spear.
Sparks flew into the air.
Asha's eyes widened slightly.
"Fast."
But Karna didn't move.
His feet remained rooted to the ground.
Inside his mind—
His newly awakened ability activated.
Solar Battle Instinct.
Time seemed to slow around him.
Every movement…
Every shift of weight…
Every attack angle…
Became clear.
Asha attacked again.
Faster.
More aggressive.
CLANG
CLANG
CLANG
Her sword moved like lightning.
But Karna blocked every strike effortlessly.
The soldiers watching were stunned.
"He's not even moving…"
Above the courtyard walls…
On the branch of a tall tree…
A man sat casually watching the battle.
Dark blue skin.
Yellow garments.
A playful smile.
It was Krishna.
He watched Karna with great interest.
Inside his mind—
"Ah…"
"So the Sun's chosen warrior has begun his journey."
Back in the courtyard—
Asha jumped backward, creating distance.
Her breathing had grown slightly heavier.
She stared at Karna carefully.
"You're not attacking."
Karna replied calmly.
"You came to test me."
"So attack."
Asha laughed.
"Arrogant."
Suddenly—
Her aura changed.
The ground beneath her feet cracked slightly.
She dashed forward again.
But this time—
Her speed doubled.
Her sword descended with tremendous force.
BOOM
The ground shattered where the strike landed.
Dust exploded into the air.
But when the dust cleared—
Karna was gone.
Asha's eyes widened.
A calm voice spoke behind her.
"Too slow."
She spun around instantly.
But Karna's spear was already resting against her throat.
The entire courtyard froze.
The duel…
Was over.
Asha stared at the spear tip for a moment.
Then slowly smiled.
She lowered her sword.
"So the stories were true."
Karna lowered his weapon.
"You fought well."
The soldiers erupted into cheers.
But Asha suddenly dropped to one knee.
The courtyard fell silent again.
She placed her sword on the ground.
"King Karna…"
Her voice became serious.
"I came to test you."
"Now I have my answer."
She looked up at him.
"Allow me to serve you."
The soldiers gasped.
A warrior from Kalinga asking to serve another king…
Was extremely rare.
Karna studied her for a moment.
Then he smiled slightly.
"Stand."
Asha rose.
Karna spoke calmly.
"Ang has many enemies."
His golden eyes shone under the sunlight.
"If you truly wish to fight…"
He extended his hand toward her.
"Fight with us."
Asha grinned.
"Gladly."
High above the courtyard…
Krishna chuckled softly.
Inside his mind—
"Interesting."
"Very interesting."
He stood up from the tree branch.
"Karna…"
A mysterious smile appeared on his face.
"Your path is beginning to shine brighter."
With that—
Krishna disappeared.
Far away…
Hidden in the shadows of the city…
A cloaked figure watched the palace.
His voice was cold.
"So the Sun King grows stronger…"
He turned and vanished into the darkness.