The next morning, when Princess Ratri regains consciousness, she once again tries to escape. This time, she successfully manages to get out of the palace.
But after going some distance, the soldiers of the demon Bahubali spot her. The leader of the group orders the others,
"Catch her! Don't let her escape."
"Yes, sir!"
Seeing all the soldiers chasing her, the princess starts running as fast as she can. Without stopping even once, she keeps running, and within a short time, she manages to leave them far behind.
However, the place where she finally stops is actually the Bahubali competition arena—surrounded by tall walls on all sides.
Princess Ratri has no idea what this place is.
After resting there for a while, when she becomes confident that the soldiers are no longer coming, she tries to leave. But as soon as she reaches the gate, it suddenly shuts.
Shocked, she starts shouting,
"Open it!
We are trapped inside!
Open it!"
She keeps banging on the gate for a long time, but it doesn't open. Eventually, exhausted from shouting and struggling, she sits near the gate to rest.
After some time, she falls asleep.
Suddenly, she is awakened by the loud sound of drums.
When she looks up, she sees thousands of demons gathered all around.
Looking at her, they begin whispering among themselves:
"What is this? A girl!?"
"Are girls also participating in the Bahubali competition this time?"
"Well, what do we care? We came to enjoy the competition—whether it's among men or women."
"But this time, it's going to be really entertaining!"
"Absolutely!"
Just then, an announcement is made:
"All demons, be alert! Demon King Nalish has arrived to witness the competition!"
Everyone is instructed to take their seats and prepare for the competition.
Demon King Nalish commands,
"Let the competition begin."
Upon his order, the gates open, and five powerful Bahubali demons enter the arena.
But seeing a woman among them, the demons burst into loud laughter.
Nalish, confused, asks his servant to find out the reason.
The servant returns and says,
"My lord, there is a woman in the competition arena. That is why everyone is laughing."
"A woman!?
Interesting… today will be entertaining," Nalish says with a smile.
The bell rings, and the competition begins.
All participants choose their weapons. But Princess Ratri, unaware of what's happening, does not pick any weapon.
Seeing this, the demons are surprised.
"It seems she knows the result and has come here to die."
"Yes, you're right."
Slowly, the Bahubali demons begin approaching her.
One of them grabs her hand and drags her to the center, behaving indecently with her.
To defend herself, she pushes him hard on his chest.
The moment she does, the demon is thrown far away and crashes into the wall.
The entire arena suddenly falls silent.
Seeing this, the other demons move toward her. This time, she picks up the fallen demon's sword and begins fighting back.
The spectators are stunned.
"What is happening!? How is a woman fighting such powerful warriors!?"
"We have never seen anything like this!"
"You are right, my lord."
Nalish asks his guru demon,
"What do you think? Can she defeat them all?"
The guru replies,
"The way she is fighting… it is possible that she will become today's Bahubali."
One by one, all the powerful demons start getting defeated.
Fighting for her survival, Princess Ratri defeats them all and beheads them.
Her entire body is drenched in blood.
Exhausted, she collapses to the ground and loses consciousness.
After some time, Demon King Nalish declares her the winner and orders his servants to bring her to the palace.
She is taken there and treated.
Nalish asks the physician,
"What happened? Is she alright?"
"Yes, my lord. She is fine, just weak.
It seems she hasn't eaten or drunk anything for many days."
"What!?
Even after that… such bravery!"
Soon, Princess Ratri regains consciousness. Seeing Nalish in front of her, she becomes frightened.
Nalish says calmly,
"You do not need to fear us.
I am King Nalish.
You have participated in and won the annual Bahubali competition. From now on, you are part of our demon army."
Then he asks,
"Who are you? What is your name?"
She replies softly,
"My lord… I do not remember my name. But that demon called me 'Saanjh'."
Nalish looks confused.
Then Princess Ratri narrates everything that happened to her.