Chapter 45
The Promise of the Forest
The night of victory slowly turned into a warm and peaceful morning.
Soft golden sunlight began to slip through the tall forest trees, painting everything in gentle shades of honey and rose. The heavy darkness that had once clung to the village like a bad dream was gone. In its place, a light mist glowed softly around the wooden homes and winding paths, sparkling like tiny diamonds floating in the air.
Children ran freely between the trees, their laughter ringing out like happy bells echoing through the forest. Warriors sat in circles, sharing stories with big smiles and proud gestures as they replayed the battle in excited voices.
The sweet smell of roasted forest fruits, fresh herbs, and warm bread drifted through the clearing like a comforting song. Even the birds joined the joy, singing bright songs from the branches as if the whole forest itself was waking up with a happy heart.
The dark shadow of Baka had vanished forever. Now the Nishad village felt alive again—full of color, warmth, and hope.
Suyodhana sat on a beautifully carved wooden seat beside the great central fire. The flames danced softly, their golden light reflecting in his calm eyes like friendly stars glowing in a peaceful night sky. He looked around at all the faces gathered there—men, women, children, and elders—each one glowing with new happiness and quiet pride. The fire crackled gently, sending up little sparks that swirled upward like tiny fireflies joining the celebration.
When Suyodhana spoke, his voice was warm and steady, carrying clearly through the clearing on a soft breeze that seemed to pause just to listen.
"Well," he said with a gentle smile, "you have all offered your loyalty to me."
The happy murmuring voices slowly grew quiet. Everyone turned to listen, their eyes wide and full of wonder. Even the wind seemed to pause among the leaves, and the crackling of the fire softened as if the flames themselves wished to hear his words.
"And because you have given me your loyalty," Suyodhana continued softly, "it is now my promise to protect and care for every one of you."
He stood up slowly, the morning light catching his simple clothes and making them shine softly like royal silk. His gaze moved across the tall trees that surrounded the village like wise old guardians watching over their children.
"This forest is beautiful," he said, his voice filled with kindness. "The trees whisper stories, the rivers sing gentle songs, and the flowers bloom like little pieces of magic scattered across the earth. But it is also full of hidden dangers. Creatures like Baka will not be the last to stir in these mountains."
He paused for a moment, letting his words settle like soft rain on dry earth. Then his eyes brightened with hope.
"That is why I want all of you to come with me to Hastinapur. I will build a special village for you right beside our great city. A safe, bright place where your children can run and play without fear, where your hunters can bring home food with pride, and where your people will stand tall among everyone else."
His voice grew stronger, warm and full of promise, as if the forest itself was nodding along with his words.
"I give you my word—no one in this world will ever look down on you as Nishads again. You will live with your heads held high, with honor in your hearts and joy in your steps. You will be part of our family, protected and respected forever."
A wave of surprised whispers moved through the crowd like a gentle wind brushing through the leaves of the forest canopy. Some faces showed disbelief at first, eyes wide with wonder. Others lit up with shining hope, like the first rays of dawn touching dark water.
Tears of joy sparkled on a few cheeks, shining like morning dew. Children clutched their parents' hands, smiling as if they could already see the new home waiting for them beyond the forest.
Then Chief Hiranyadhanus stepped forward slowly. The old leader's strong shoulders were straight, and his eyes shone with deep gratitude. He bowed low before Suyodhana, his voice steady and full of emotion.
"As you wish, Prince," he said quietly but firmly. "Even if you asked for our lives, we would give them without a second thought. You have brought light back to our homes. We are yours."
Suyodhana smiled gently and placed a kind hand on the chief's shoulder.
"Good," he said warmly. "Then begin preparing your people. I still have one more place to visit before we return. When I come back, you will travel with us to Hastinapur, and we will start building your new home together."
The chief nodded, his face bright with quiet joy.
"It shall be done."
The whole tribe let out a happy cheer that rose joyfully into the sky. The trees rustled louder, as if joining in with their own leafy applause. Fireflies that had hidden during the day suddenly appeared again, dancing in golden clouds above the fire. The moment felt like pure magic, a celebration blessed by the forest itself.
Suyodhana's eyes then moved toward a familiar young figure standing quietly nearby.
Eklavya.
The brave young archer stood with his bow resting across his back, watching everything with thoughtful, steady eyes. His simple clothes were still marked with the dust of battle, but his face glowed with quiet strength and determination.
Suyodhana walked over to him, the soft grass beneath his feet seeming to sparkle faintly in the sunlight with each step.
"Eklavya," he said, his voice warm like sunlight on a cool morning.
The boy straightened at once, surprise and respect mixing in his eyes.
"Yes, Prince?"
Suyodhana smiled, the kind of smile that made hearts feel lighter.
"Seeing you fight last night filled my heart with pride. You are brave, responsible, and full of power. You protected others without thinking of yourself."
Eklavya blinked, clearly surprised by the kind words. His cheeks warmed with quiet happiness.
"From today onward," Suyodhana continued, "you will stand beside me just as Karna does. You are my friend now—part of our group, part of our family."
The boy froze for a heartbeat. His eyes widened like a child seeing the first rainbow after rain. Then slowly, deeply, he bowed.
"As you wish, Prince," Eklavya said softly, his voice full of wonder and loyalty.
When he straightened again, a bright smile broke across his face, the kind that shines from deep within the heart.
Behind him, Karna crossed his arms and gave a proud grin.
"Well," Karna said lightly, his golden eyes twinkling with amusement, "looks like our group just got a little stronger—and a lot more fun."
Laughter rippled through the gathering like a joyful wave. Dushshala peeked out from behind her brothers, her cheeks pink as she glanced shyly at Eklavya. Bhishma watched with a quiet, fatherly smile, his hand resting comfortably on his spear. The Kaurava brothers clapped Eklavya on the back, welcoming him like a long-lost brother returned home.
The tribe celebrated long into the evening. Food was shared around the fire—sweet fruits dripping with honey, warm flatbreads, and roasted nuts that smelled heavenly. Simple wooden flutes played soft, cheerful melodies that seemed to weave gentle magic through the air, making the leaves sway in rhythm. People danced beneath the shining stars, their feet light and joyful upon the earth. The fire burned brighter than ever, its flames reaching upward like golden hands thanking the sky itself.
For the first time in many long months, the Nishads slept without fear, wrapped in warm blankets of peace and the gentle glow of new hope.
The next morning, the group left the village with light hearts. A new companion now walked beside them—Eklavya. The young archer moved with quiet confidence among the princes, his bow ready at his side, as if he had always belonged among them. The forest path opened welcomingly before them. Flowers seemed to bloom a little brighter along the way, and soft breezes carried the sweet scent of pine and freedom.
Soon they reached the edge of the forest where their waiting carriage stood. The horses snorted softly, their coats shining in the sunlight as if they too sensed the excitement of the journey ahead. Everyone climbed aboard, the wooden wheels creaking cheerfully as they began rolling forward along the smooth road.
Inside the cozy carriage, Bhishma looked toward Suyodhana with thoughtful eyes. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, painting warm golden patterns on the seats.
"Where does our journey take us next, Prince?" he asked gently.
Suyodhana answered calmly, his voice steady.
"We are going to the Hundred Peak Mountain."
For a moment, Bhishma's expression changed. His wise eyes widened just a little. Then understanding dawned like a bright sunrise across his face.
"Ah…"
A slow, knowing smile appeared on his lips.
"I see."
He nodded once, respect and quiet pride shining in his gaze.
"Very well, Prince. As you wish."
The caravan moved forward again. Outside, the mountains slowly rose in the distance like giant stone guardians touching the sky, their towering peaks wrapped in soft white clouds like ancient crowns. The road stretched endlessly ahead, full of promise, mystery, and new adventures waiting to unfold.
Inside the gently rocking carriage, Suyodhana closed his eyes for a quiet moment.
A glowing blue window of light appeared before him, shimmering softly like a doorway made of starlight. Only he could see it, but its gentle warmth filled the air around him like a hidden blessing.
KARMA SYSTEM
Name: Suyodhana
Age: 10
Karma points: 170,000
Titles:
• Karma Devourer
• Bearer of Kaurava Sins
• Friend of the Forest
Allies:
• Karna
• Eklavya
• Nishad Tribe
Artifacts Obtained:
• Demon Core Fragment
Gacha Tickets:
• Divine Tickets ×10
• Mythic Ticket ×1
[Skills]
Purification aura
Karmic absorption
Eye of dharma
Balance of dharma
Karma domain
King's authority
Warrior path: Skilled fighter
Yogic path: Inner balance
Suyodhana nodded thoughtfully, a small smile touching his lips.
"System," he whispered quietly so only he could hear.
A new window appeared, filled with gentle golden light. There were many ancient manuals floating inside it, each one glowing softly like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. He spent some of his coins with a calm heart.
Purchased:
Ancient Warrior Manual
Warm knowledge flowed into his mind like a calm river of wisdom, gentle and bright. It felt like soft sunlight filling every corner of his thoughts. Suyodhana shifted into a peaceful yogic posture right there in the carriage. His breathing slowed, deep and steady like the calm tide of an ocean. His mind grew still and clear. Energy moved through his body like warm sunlight on a spring day, soft yet powerful.
DING
Warrior Path → Elite Warrior
Yogic Path → Chakra opening
He opened his eyes again, feeling stronger and more balanced than before. The air around him seemed to shimmer with quiet power.
Then he noticed the glowing tickets waiting like shiny gifts. They floated softly inside the system window like tiny stars trapped inside a crystal sky, shimmering with quiet promise.
"System," he asked curiously, his voice soft with wonder, "what are these divine and mythic tickets?"
The answer appeared instantly in soft, friendly words that glowed gently like moonlight written across calm water.
Gacha System Explanation
Tickets are divided into five rarity tiers:
1. Normal
2. Rare
3. Epic
4. Divine
5. Mythic
Normal spins can bring any reward by chance. But fixed tickets guarantee rewards within their own special level. Divine tickets bring divine-level items full of great power, treasures touched by ancient magic. Mythic tickets bring mythic-level artifacts, the rarest and strongest of all, relics born from forgotten legends and the work of celestial craftsmen.
Suyodhana smiled wider, excitement lighting his eyes like sparks in a bright fire.
"Good," he said with quiet anticipation.
"Let's spin."
Golden light suddenly filled the system window like a brilliant sunrise bursting inside the carriage. The soft glow spread through the small space, painting the wooden walls with warm shades of gold and amber. The ten divine spins began turning in a beautiful swirling dance of light and symbols, like miniature galaxies spinning in the palm of the universe.
One by one, wonderful items appeared in soft flashes of color and shimmering magic:
• Desert Eagle
• Spirit Armor Fragment
• Flame Ring
• Wind Step Technique
• Celestial Arrow Set
• Frost Dagger
• Sunlight Shield
• Beast Taming Scroll
• Spirit Recovery Potion ×5
• Lightning Spear Technique
Each reward materialized with a gentle sparkle, floating briefly before settling neatly into the system inventory like treasured relics returning home.
Suyodhana raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement.
"A weapon from another world… interesting."
He tilted his head slightly as he studied the strange name of the Desert Eagle, imagining how such an unusual artifact might fit into his growing arsenal.
He could already picture the many stories and adventures these treasures might help him create in the days ahead.
Then the final window appeared.
It glowed with a deeper, richer light—one that felt ancient and mysterious, like something drawn from the oldest legends whispered beneath the stars.
MYTHIC SPIN
The wheel began turning slowly.
Unlike the divine spins, this one moved with a quiet dignity, almost like time itself flowing through forgotten ages. Symbols of ancient power and glowing constellations rotated across its surface, sparkling with stardust and divine energy.
The wheel slowed…
The light dimmed slightly…
Then it stopped.
DING
Mythic Item Obtained
Kavacha of the Eternal Guardian
Description:
A legendary armor forged in forgotten ages by celestial smiths. The armor binds with the wearer's life force and protects against both physical and spiritual attacks.
Abilities:
• Automatic barrier against fatal strikes
• Rapid regeneration boost
• Aura of Command that strengthens allies nearby
Rank: Mythic
For a moment, the system window shone brighter than before. A faint image of the armor appeared—radiant plates of celestial metal that shimmered like polished moonlight, engraved with ancient runes that pulsed softly with divine energy.
Suyodhana leaned back in his seat, a satisfied and happy smile spreading slowly across his face.
He could almost feel the quiet strength of the armor resting within the system, waiting patiently until the day it would protect him and those he cared for.
His journey was growing more wonderful and exciting with every step he took.
Outside the carriage, the mountains grew larger and closer with every passing moment. Their towering peaks rose proudly toward the sky, touching the soft drifting clouds like ancient giants standing watch over the world. Wisps of silver mist curled around their slopes, giving the distant valleys a dreamlike beauty.
Bhishma glanced out the window and spoke calmly, his voice thoughtful and steady.
"We are only one day away from the Hundred Peak Valley."
Suyodhana turned his head and looked outside as well.
The distant mountains stood tall and majestic, wrapped in mist and mystery. Their countless peaks shimmered faintly beneath the afternoon sun, like a kingdom of stone crowned with clouds.
Something important waited for them there.
New friends.
New challenges.
And perhaps secrets older than the mountains themselves.
The road ahead had only just begun, but with loyal hearts beside him and magic resting quietly in his hands, Suyodhana felt ready for whatever wonders lay beyond the next bend in the path.
The wind carried the scent of distant snow and hidden valleys as the carriage rolled forward.
Somewhere ahead, the Hundred Peak Mountain waited silently.
And destiny was already preparing the next chapter of his story.
To be continued…