Morning sunlight spread across the forest near Parshuram's ashram.
Golden rays reflected on the flowing river.
Karna stood near the water after finishing his early training.
His body was tired, but his mind was calm.
Inside his mind—
'The Solar Astra…'
'I still need better control over it.'
Even though he had unlocked it, Karna knew divine weapons required perfect mastery.
Behind him, soft footsteps approached.
Karna didn't turn immediately.
He had already sensed the presence.
A familiar one.
He spoke calmly.
"You are back."
The girl froze for a moment.
Then she stepped out from behind the trees.
It was the same girl from yesterday.
Vrinda.
She looked slightly embarrassed.
"You noticed me again…"
Karna turned and looked at her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The morning breeze gently moved her hair.
Karna finally asked,
"Why are you here?"
Vrinda hesitated before answering.
"I come to the forest to collect herbs."
She pointed toward a small basket she carried.
"My father is a healer in the nearby village."
Karna nodded slowly.
That explanation made sense.
But something still felt unusual.
Inside his mind—
'Her presence feels calm… almost like a sage.'
Vrinda looked at the bow in Karna's hand.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Are you a warrior?"
Karna gave a small smile.
"Something like that."
She tilted her head curiously.
"Something like that?"
Karna didn't answer directly.
Instead he asked,
"What about you?"
"Why come alone into such a dangerous forest?"
Vrinda shrugged lightly.
"I'm used to it."
Then she looked at him carefully.
"Besides…"
She smiled slightly.
"You are here."
For a moment Karna was surprised.
Inside his mind—
'That was unexpectedly bold.'
But he didn't dislike it.
Suddenly a loud voice echoed across the forest.
"KARNA!"
Parshuram.
The powerful voice carried across the trees like thunder.
Vrinda jumped slightly.
"That voice…"
Karna sighed.
"My teacher."
Her eyes widened.
"Teacher?"
"Wait… you mean…"
Her face turned pale.
"Parshuram?"
Karna nodded calmly.
Vrinda immediately stepped back nervously.
"I should go!"
She grabbed her basket quickly.
"I don't want to disturb such a great sage!"
Karna chuckled slightly.
"He's not as terrifying as people think."
Right at that moment—
Another voice appeared behind them.
Cold.
Powerful.
"Are you sure about that?"
Both of them turned instantly.
Parshuram stood there.
His sharp eyes examined the scene.
Vrinda looked like she might faint.
Parshuram looked at Karna.
Then at the girl.
Then back at Karna.
A small smirk appeared on his face.
"Interesting."
Vrinda immediately bowed nervously.
"F-forgive me, revered sage!"
"I was just collecting herbs!"
Parshuram waved his hand casually.
"Relax."
His gaze returned to Karna.
"But Karna…"
"Your training is not finished."
Karna nodded respectfully.
"Understood, Guru."
Parshuram then turned and began walking back toward the training ground.
But before leaving, he spoke again.
"And girl…"
Vrinda froze.
"If you wish to collect herbs…"
He glanced at Karna.
"Stay away from the training field."
Then he continued walking.
Once he disappeared into the trees, Vrinda finally relaxed.
She sighed in relief.
"Your teacher is terrifying…"
Karna laughed quietly.
"You get used to it."
Vrinda looked at him again.
Her expression became curious.
"You train under Parshuram…"
"That means you must be a very important warrior."
Karna shook his head slightly.
"Not yet."
Then he picked up his bow.
"But one day…"
His eyes reflected the sunlight.
"I will become the greatest."
Vrinda stared at him silently.
Something about his confidence felt real.
Not arrogant.
Just certain.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Then I'll watch you become that."
At that moment—
The familiar voice appeared again.
DING
NEW QUEST AVAILABLE
EXTREME COMBAT TRAINING
Objective:
Survive Parshuram's combat training
Reward:
• Solar Arrow Rain
• +15 Strength
• +10 Agility
Karna's eyes shone with excitement.
Inside his mind—
'Now the real training begins.'
High above the clouds…
Krishna watched the scene quietly.
His gentle smile returned.
Inside his mind—
'The wheel of destiny continues to move.'
'Karna… your story will shake the entire world.'
And far away in Hastinapur…
Another young warrior practiced archery relentlessly.
Arjuna.
Completely unaware…
That a rival greater than he imagined was already rising.