The massive stone walls of the Kakatiya capital rose before them, glowing gold in the late evening light. Towering gates flanked by armed sentries opened at Rudhra Devi's command, and the convoy rode in, greeted by the hum of a bustling city.
Akg's eyes roamed over the sprawling streets, the market stalls, the banners snapping in the wind. Above it all, at the heart of the city, stood the great palace — a fortress of white stone and ornate towers, the seat of power for the entire dynasty.
As they dismounted in the palace courtyard, Rudhra Devi stepped close to him.
"Akg," she said in a low voice, "you've proven yourself in the forest. I want you to stay in the capital — as my personal guard."
Her soldiers glanced at each other in surprise.
Before Akg could reply, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward. His armor was dark with gold trim, his face sharp and stern. A long scar cut across his left cheek — a mark of countless battles.
"Prince, please reconsider," the man said firmly. "Not just anyone becomes your personal guard."
Rudhra Devi turned to him with a cool gaze. "I have decided, Chalukya Veerabhadra."
The commander's jaw tightened. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly.
"Very well, Prince… but I have one condition."
His eyes locked onto Akg. "I want to test him — to see if he is truly capable."
Akg just gave a small nod. "Fine by me."
The duel was set in the open courtyard. Soldiers, servants, and palace officials gathered quickly, whispering among themselves. Chalukya Veerabhadra was not only the commander of the Kakatiya army — he was known as one of the strongest warriors in the dynasty.
The commander drew his long sword, the steel gleaming. "Don't hold back, stranger," he warned.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Akg replied, adjusting his grip on the palace guard's practice blade they'd handed him.
The clash began with a roar of steel. Veerabhadra came in hard and fast, his strikes heavy enough to split shields. Akg met each blow with fluid precision, turning aside the attacks with effortless parries.
Gasps rose from the onlookers as Akg shifted from defense to offense — his footwork tight, his blade moving in swift, unpredictable arcs. Veerabhadra tried to counter, but Akg slipped inside his guard, the flat of his blade tapping the commander's neck before the man even realized he'd been beaten.
Silence fell over the courtyard.
Veerabhadra froze, then slowly stepped back, lowering his sword. His expression was unreadable… but there was respect in his eyes.
"You… are worthy," he admitted at last.
> Ding!
Main Quest Progress: +8% — Rudhra Devi's trust has greatly increased.
Rudhra Devi's gaze lingered on Akg, her eyes sharper, but her lips carrying the faintest smile. "Then it's settled. From this moment, you are my personal guard."
The murmur of shocked voices filled the air. The stranger who had arrived only hours ago had just bested the empire's commander — and now stood at the Prince's side.