"Greetings, Father. You called for me?"
"Yes. Come, Ratri."
"Our Vijayvahini army was almost destroyed while conquering Ambar Lok. But Guru Rambh and I have created a new army—one far more powerful than before."
"That is why I have called you here. Come with me."
"Yes, Father."
King Takshak led Princess Ratri to a vast field, where the newly formed Vijayvahini army stood in disciplined rows.
"Look, Ratri—your companions for the mission."
"Now go, and bring me the Neelmani of Naumar and Kusumdhwaj."
"Yes, Father."
Saying this, King Takshak left with Guru Rambh.
Princess Ratri set out with the Vijayvahini army to attack Kusumdhwaj.
Meanwhile, King Drishtdum of Kusumdhwaj had also prepared his army. As soon as Ratri arrived, a fierce battle broke out between the two sides. Gradually, soldiers from both armies began to fall.
At that moment, one of the soldiers informed King Drishtdum that Sage Martanya had arrived to meet him.
Hearing this, the King went to meet the sage.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," said Sage Martanya.
"Forgive me for disturbing you in the midst of war, but what I have to say is important."
"What is it, Sage?"
"The one you are fighting… you cannot defeat her. Therefore, you should stop this war immediately."
(Angrily) "What are you saying, Sage!? Do you expect me to surrender at my enemy's feet out of fear of defeat?!"
"No, Your Majesty. But when the outcome is already known, showing bravery becomes foolishness. And the one you are fighting—you can never defeat her."
"What do you mean?"
"It means this, Your Majesty—through my divine vision, I have seen that Princess Ratri is no ordinary warrior. She is the blessing of Dhrutdev. You already understand what that implies."
"The blessing of Dhrutdev…"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Hearing this, King Drishtdum grew suspicious.
"Then… is she my child?"
"I do not know that, Your Majesty. But I do know this—this war will bring you no benefit."
"Sometimes, to achieve victory, one must retreat from the battlefield. I urge you—leave this war now and wait for the right moment. Your people's safety is more important, especially when the outcome is already known."
"Decide quickly, Your Majesty. You do not have much time."
"…Perhaps you are right. Retreating is in the best interest of my people."
With that, the King loudly blew his conch, signaling a retreat.
Upon receiving the signal, the entire army suddenly withdrew and disappeared from the battlefield.
Ratri looked around in surprise.
"Strange… where did they all go?"
"Father had created so many illusions about King Drishtdum—that he was powerful and great. And yet… he fled in the middle of the battle."
"Well, good for us."
"Soldiers, move toward Kusumdhwaj and take control!"
"Yes, Princess!"
When the soldiers entered Kusumdhwaj, they found it completely empty—not even a single living creature remained.
It felt like a dream to Ratri. But her goal was the Neelmani—and she obtained it very easily.
With the Neelmani, she returned to Takshak Lok and reported everything to King Takshak.
"Father, I thought conquering Kusumdhwaj would be difficult. But King Drishtdum fled in the middle of the battle."
King Takshak laughed.
"I always knew he was a coward—but I never imagined he would be such a great one. But my child, I am very pleased with you today. You have completed our most important task."
"Now, you do not need to bring any more Neelmani."
"But Father… we still have to obtain the Neelmani of Naumar."
"No, child. You need not worry about that. Even a small portion of our army is enough to defeat Naumar."
"Go now, and rest in your chamber."
"Yes, Father."
Ratri returned to her chamber and began to rest.
When Prince Susim learned that Kusumdhwaj had fallen, he became extremely angry with himself.
In his frustration, he took Ratri's sword and went to the training ground, where he began practicing intensely.
Meanwhile, when Ratri looked for her sword, a maid informed her that Purva had taken it and was practicing in the training area.
Ratri went there—and was amazed and pleased to see Susim practicing swordsmanship like a skilled warrior.
"What is this, Purva? Such excellent swordsmanship! Where did you learn it?"
"You should have been in my army. Why were you doing maid's work in the palace?"
Seeing the Princess, Susim stopped and bowed.
"Greetings, Princess. Forgive me—I took your sword without permission."
Ratri stepped closer, speaking gently.
"Purva, you don't need to apologize. I know you are troubled right now. What happened yesterday was no ordinary event—it cannot be forgotten so easily."
"So instead, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness."
"No, Princess. Why are you apologizing? It wasn't your fault."
"Then that means you are not upset with me… and you have no problem becoming my friend?"
"Yes, Princess."