The sun slowly rose over the Kingdom of Ang.
Golden light spread across the palace walls.
The courtyard that had witnessed the duel yesterday was now filled with soldiers again.
Training had already begun.
At the center of the training grounds…
Asha of Kalinga stood before a group of soldiers.
Her sword moved like lightning as she demonstrated combat techniques.
"Again!"
She shouted.
The soldiers repeated the movement.
Clumsy.
Slow.
But determined.
Asha sighed slightly.
"Your king may be strong…"
"But this army still needs a miracle."
Behind her—
A calm voice replied.
"Miracles can be trained."
Asha turned around.
Karna stood a few steps away.
The Vijaya Dhanush rested across his back.
Golden sunlight reflected from his Kavach and Kundal.
The soldiers immediately straightened.
"Your Majesty!"
Karna nodded.
Then he looked across the field.
His Solar King's Aura quietly spread outward.
The soldiers felt it immediately.
Their fatigue faded.
Their focus sharpened.
Asha watched carefully.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Inside her mind—
'This king… strengthens everyone around him.'
Karna turned to her.
"How are they?"
Asha crossed her arms.
"They're weak."
The soldiers looked slightly embarrassed.
Then she continued.
"But…"
She smirked.
"They listen."
Karna nodded.
"Then they will grow."
Meanwhile…
Inside the palace gardens.
Vrinda walked slowly along a quiet stone path.
Her mind was restless.
The conversation with Karna yesterday kept repeating in her thoughts.
'He believed me so easily…'
She stopped near a large tree.
Suddenly—
A soft voice spoke from behind her.
"Your thoughts are heavy, Princess."
Vrinda turned instantly.
Her eyes widened.
Standing behind her was a man wearing yellow robes.
Dark blue skin.
Calm smile.
Eyes filled with wisdom.
It was Krishna.
Vrinda instinctively stepped back.
"Who are you?"
Krishna chuckled softly.
"Just a traveler passing through Ang."
Vrinda frowned.
"Travelers do not appear inside royal gardens."
Krishna nodded slightly.
"True."
Then his eyes looked toward the training grounds in the distance.
Where Karna stood.
"But sometimes…"
His smile deepened.
"Interesting people attract visitors."
Before Vrinda could question him again—
Another voice echoed behind them.
"You should not wander freely inside a king's palace."
Both turned.
Karna stood a few steps away.
His golden eyes carefully studied the mysterious visitor.
For a brief moment—
The air between them became completely still.
Krishna smiled warmly.
"Ah…"
"King of Ang."
Karna stepped forward slowly.
"And you are?"
Krishna placed his hands behind his back.
"A friend."
Karna did not smile.
"Friends usually introduce themselves."
Krishna laughed softly.
Then he spoke calmly.
"My name is Krishna."
Vrinda's eyes widened in shock.
Even Karna's expression changed slightly.
Krishna.
Prince of Dwarka.
The most mysterious strategist in Aryavarta.
Krishna studied Karna carefully.
Inside his mind—
'His aura truly carries Surya's blessing.'
Karna spoke calmly.
"Why are you here?"
Krishna answered immediately.
"Curiosity."
He looked toward the rising sun.
"A warrior born with the Sun's armor…"
His eyes returned to Karna.
"…does not appear in the world every day."
Karna remained silent.
Krishna stepped closer.
"Tell me something, Karna."
His voice became quieter.
More serious.
"What kind of king do you wish to become?"
Vrinda watched the two men carefully.
She could feel something strange.
This wasn't just a conversation.
It felt like two powerful forces measuring each other.
Karna answered calmly.
"A king who protects his people."
Krishna smiled slightly.
"A noble answer."
Then he asked another question.
"And if protecting them requires war?"
Karna's eyes sharpened.
"Then I will fight."
Krishna nodded slowly.
"Even if that war consumes the entire world?"
The wind suddenly blew through the garden.
For a moment—
No one spoke.
Finally Karna replied.
"If the world burns…"
His golden eyes shone brightly.
"Then I will stand in the fire."
Krishna stared at him.
Silent.
Thoughtful.
Then he laughed softly.
"Good."
He turned and began walking toward the palace exit.
Before leaving—
He spoke one final sentence.
"Our paths will cross many times, Karna."
He looked back briefly.
"And each time…"
His mysterious smile returned.
"The world will move closer to its destiny."
With that—
Krishna disappeared beyond the palace gates.
Vrinda looked at Karna.
"That man…"
Karna nodded slightly.
"Yes."
His gaze turned toward the horizon.
Where the sun continued to rise.
But somewhere far away…
Hidden in darkness…
A new enemy had begun moving.
And the storm surrounding the Sun King of Ang had only just begun.