The forests near Vrindavan gave way to rugged cliffs and sacred hills as Aryan and Karna ventured farther from the village. Their destination: the legendary hermitage of Parshuram ji, the immortal avatar of Vishnu known for his wrath against injustice and his unparalleled mastery of warfare.
The air around the mountain peak was crisp and carried the ancient weight of tapasya, of discipline so severe that even the wind dared whisper.
Karna, now growing into a strong young lad, looked slightly nervous but his grip on his bow was firm. Aryan, on the other hand, was calm. There was a reason for it.
As they walked along a moss-covered path, Aryan whispered, "Do you feel it? The air here isn't ordinary. This place remembers history."
Karna nodded. "This is where warriors are made or broken."
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from behind the trees. "And some warriors are remembered even before they are born."
Both turned, startled. Emerging from the shadows was a man cloaked in saffron, his beard flowing like the rivers, eyes sharp and timeless.
Parshuram.
He studied the two boys. His gaze paused on Aryan, then shifted to Karna. He raised an eyebrow.
"So the lion cub's master returns." Parshuram smirked.
Aryan smiled and bowed. "Pranam, Parshuram ji."
"You have grown well, child," Parshuram said, folding his arms. "Do you still remember Simba?"
Aryan nodded. "Simba is in the forest, training by himself. He protects the weaker animals."
Parshuram's eyes lit up. "Good. He was born of Narasimha Bhagwan. Not everyone could handle such a creature. You did. That day I knew you were not ordinary."
Karna stepped forward and bowed. "Maharaj, you had once given me your word... to take me as your student."
Parshuram regarded him for a moment. "Yes. The son of a charioteer, but with the courage of a king. You've proven yourself in silence. I remember."
Then, he turned back to Aryan. "And you... you never asked me for anything. But you come today, with the boy I already promised. Why?"
Aryan folded his hands. "Because I want to learn. Not for power, not for fame. For justice. For dharma. For my people."
Parshuram looked into his eyes, unmoving.
"You're different. The fire in your spirit isn't anger. It's resolve. I felt it the day you took Simba from my hands. Tell me, Aryan, why should I teach you both?"
Aryan bowed his head. "Because we are one. Karna and I. If you separate us, we will still find a way to stand together. But if you teach us together, the world will have no place for injustice."
Parshuram chuckled. "You speak like a king. Or a god. I wonder which."
Suddenly, a massive roar echoed from the mountain. From the other side, a golden-maned lion emerged, walking with grace and strength. It was Simba.
Karna stepped back instinctively, but Aryan walked forward and placed his palm on Simba's head.
"He's grown," Aryan whispered.
Simba nuzzled him affectionately and let out a low, approving growl.
Parshuram's voice was thunder now. "Simba accepts you. That is no small thing. It confirms what I suspected. You, Aryan, are born for more than revenge or power. You are born for purpose."
Parshuram raised his axe, which gleamed with celestial light.
"Then listen well. From tomorrow, your training begins. You will learn to wield every weapon, endure every pain, master every art of war. But more than that... you will learn responsibility."
He looked at Karna. "You, who have suffered from judgment."
He turned to Aryan. "And you, who have lived more than one life."
Then, Parshuram pointed to a giant boulder. "Lift it. Both of you. Together. Only then will you earn your first lesson."
Karna and Aryan approached. Their hands met the stone. Muscles tensed. Sweat poured. But their eyes stayed locked on the goal.
With a scream of effort, the stone moved—slowly, then steadily, then it rolled to the side.
Parshuram clapped once.
"Well done. You've taken your first step."
And thus began the era of learning. Under Parshuram's blazing eyes, the two boys trained from dawn to dusk, their minds sharpened, their hearts molded.
But more than that, a silent promise passed between them.
They were no longer just boys. They were brothers. Sons of fate. Warriors in making.
And the forest knew: a storm was coming.
The world would soon witness the rise of two warriors trained by the very wrath of Vishnu himself.
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SYSTEM NOTIFICATION – ARYAN
> Legendary Mentor Bond Established: Parshuram Training Initiated: God-Tier Weaponry | Battle Strategy | Survival Bond Strengthened: Karna (Shared Path) Simba Affinity Level Increased: Recognized as Leader
Destiny had just taken a powerful turn.
And this was only the beginning.