The palace of Ang remained lively even after the arrival of Prince Duryodhana.
News of the alliance between Ang and Hastinapur had already begun spreading across the capital.
Merchants whispered about it in crowded markets.
Soldiers spoke of it proudly inside the barracks.
And nobles… discussed it with cautious concern behind closed doors.
A powerful prince had come personally to meet their king.
That alone carried great meaning.
Inside the royal training grounds, the soldiers of Ang gathered in formation.
Nearly two hundred warriors stood in organized rows beneath the bright morning sun.
Their armor gleamed faintly.
Their expressions were serious.
At the front of the formation stood Karna.
Beside him stood Duryodhana, observing everything with visible interest.
He looked across the warriors carefully.
"So this is the army you're building."
Karna nodded slightly.
"The beginning of one."
Duryodhana crossed his arms.
"They look disciplined."
Then his eyes shifted toward the training yard.
Two warriors were sparring under the watchful gaze of Asha of Kalinga.
Their blades moved quickly.
Steel rang sharply.
Duryodhana smirked slightly.
"That woman trains them?"
Karna followed his gaze.
"Yes."
Asha suddenly stepped forward and disarmed one of the soldiers with a swift motion.
The man blinked in shock.
Asha tossed his sword back to him.
"If you lose your weapon that easily," she said calmly, "you shouldn't carry one."
The nearby soldiers straightened immediately.
Duryodhana chuckled quietly.
"I like her already."
A moment later, Karna stepped forward toward the assembled warriors.
The courtyard fell silent instantly.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Karna's voice carried across the training grounds.
"For years, the army of Ang was neglected."
Several soldiers lowered their heads slightly.
"But that ends now."
He looked across the formation.
"A kingdom survives through the strength of those who defend it."
The warriors listened carefully.
Karna continued.
"But strength alone is not enough."
His gaze sharpened.
"Discipline."
"Loyalty."
"And unity."
His hand lifted slightly toward the soldiers.
"Those who stand here today will form the foundation of a new force."
Murmurs spread quietly among the soldiers.
Karna's voice grew stronger.
"The Solar Guard."
The name echoed across the courtyard.
Duryodhana watched with growing interest.
Karna pointed toward Asha.
"She will lead their training."
Asha raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing.
Then Karna turned toward another figure standing nearby.
"Vrinda."
She stepped forward calmly.
Her movements were quiet but confident.
Karna continued.
"She will oversee strategy and reconnaissance."
Several soldiers looked surprised.
But none questioned the decision.
Those who had fought in the valley knew exactly how capable she was.
Finally, Karna raised his hand toward the soldiers.
"Those who stand with the Solar Guard will not simply defend Ang."
His golden eyes shone beneath the sunlight.
"They will become warriors feared across Aryavarta."
The soldiers straightened proudly.
A powerful energy filled the courtyard.
Duryodhana leaned slightly toward Karna.
"You're building something dangerous."
Karna answered calmly.
"That is the intention."
Later that afternoon, inside the palace war chamber, several maps covered a large stone table.
Karna, Duryodhana, Asha, and Vrinda stood around it.
Duryodhana pointed toward the eastern territories.
"These smaller kingdoms worry me."
His finger moved across the map.
"Some of them supported the nobles who destroyed Vaidarbha."
Vrinda's eyes darkened slightly.
"They're still active."
Asha spoke next.
"And if they believe Ang is becoming stronger, they'll move quickly."
Duryodhana nodded.
"Exactly."
He leaned against the table.
"That's why alliances matter."
His gaze moved toward Karna.
"Enemies prefer attacking kingdoms that stand alone."
Before Karna could answer—
A sudden knock echoed against the chamber doors.
A palace guard rushed inside.
He bowed quickly.
"Your Majesty."
Karna looked toward him.
"What is it?"
The guard hesitated slightly.
"We captured someone near the outer palace wall."
Asha frowned.
"Another assassin?"
The soldier shook his head.
"No."
He continued carefully.
"A spy."
Silence filled the room.
Duryodhana's eyes sharpened immediately.
"From which kingdom?"
The guard swallowed.
"He refuses to say."
Asha cracked her knuckles slightly.
"I can make him talk."
Vrinda raised a hand.
"Wait."
Her gaze turned toward Karna.
"Spies don't travel alone."
Karna nodded slowly.
"Bring him here."
Minutes later, two soldiers dragged a bound man into the chamber.
His clothing was simple.
But his eyes were sharp.
Even while kneeling, he did not look afraid.
Duryodhana stepped forward first.
"Well."
His voice carried faint amusement.
"You chose a very dangerous palace to sneak into."
The spy remained silent.
Asha stepped closer.
Her voice was cold.
"You should answer while you still have teeth."
Still nothing.
Vrinda studied the man carefully.
Then she noticed something.
A small symbol stitched into the inner lining of his sleeve.
Her eyes narrowed.
She stepped closer and pulled the fabric slightly.
There it was.
A mark she recognized instantly.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"This symbol…"
Everyone turned toward her.
Karna spoke quietly.
"You recognize it."
Vrinda nodded slowly.
Her expression had grown darker than ever.
"Yes."
She looked directly at the spy.
"This man doesn't serve a kingdom."
A tense silence filled the chamber.
Vrinda's voice carried quiet certainty.
"He serves the same people who destroyed Vaidarbha."
The spy's calm expression finally cracked.
Only slightly.
But it was enough.
Karna's eyes hardened.
The war that had destroyed one kingdom…
Had now reached Ang.