The royal city of Panchala was lively.
The festival had drawn people from many nearby kingdoms. Merchants sold colorful goods, musicians played joyful tunes, and children ran around excitedly.
Near the palace garden, a small open arena had been set up.
A group of young nobles gathered there, each holding a bow.
Karna and Krishna stood near the edge of the crowd.
Krishna looked amused.
"It seems there is a children's archery contest."
Karna crossed his arms.
'Archery contest?'
He observed the arena quietly.
Several noble children were trying to shoot arrows at wooden targets placed at different distances.
Some arrows barely hit the target.
Others missed completely.
Karna sighed slightly.
'Their form is terrible.'
Krishna glanced at him and smiled.
"You sound very confident."
Karna smirked faintly.
"Confidence comes from practice."
Just then a loud voice echoed through the arena.
A royal guard stepped forward.
"Young warriors!"
"Anyone who wishes to participate may step forward!"
Many noble children eagerly joined.
Krishna gently nudged Karna.
"You should try."
Karna raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
Krishna's smile turned mischievous.
"Because it will be fun."
Karna sighed.
But he stepped forward anyway.
At that moment someone else entered the arena.
A young boy wearing noble clothes.
His posture was straight.
His eyes were focused and determined.
Behind him stood a tall Brahmin teacher observing quietly.
The boy picked up a bow confidently.
Karna's eyes narrowed slightly.
'That posture… that focus…'
Then realization struck.
'Arjuna.'
The future greatest rival of Karna.
Krishna noticed Karna's reaction.
His eyes sparkled with interest.
The contest began.
The first few participants shot their arrows.
Most of them missed the center.
Some barely hit the target.
Then it was Arjuna's turn.
The young boy took a deep breath.
His movements were smooth and disciplined.
He released the arrow.
WHOOSH!
THUD!
The arrow struck near the center of the target.
The crowd clapped loudly.
The Brahmin teacher behind him nodded proudly.
Karna observed carefully.
'So this is Arjuna at a young age…'
'Impressive for a child.'
But his expression remained calm.
Soon it was Karna's turn.
Some of the nobles looked at him curiously.
One boy frowned.
"Who is he?"
Another whispered.
"He doesn't look like a noble."
Karna ignored them.
He walked toward the shooting line calmly.
Draupadi stood nearby watching everything.
Her curious eyes followed Karna's movements.
'Let's see if you are truly interesting…'
Krishna stood behind them smiling mysteriously.
Karna picked up a bow.
The moment his fingers touched the string—
His body relaxed naturally.
He placed an arrow on the bowstring.
The sunlight above him felt warm.
Almost supportive.
He aimed toward the farthest target.
A distance even greater than Arjuna's target.
Some nobles laughed.
"He will miss."
"Look at that distance."
Karna ignored them.
His eyes focused completely.
The wind slowed.
The world became quiet.
Then—
He released the arrow.
WHOOSH!
The arrow flew like a beam of sunlight.
THUD!
The arrow struck the exact center of the distant target.
For a moment…
The entire arena became silent.
Then gasps filled the air.
"Impossible!"
"That distance…!"
Draupadi's eyes widened.
Krishna chuckled softly.
Arjuna stared at Karna with surprise.
Suddenly the system voice appeared.
DING
NEW SKILL UNLOCKED
SUN STEP
Rank: Rare
Effects:
Increased speed
Light footwork
Enhanced battle movement
Karna smiled slightly.
'Another useful skill.'
Meanwhile the Brahmin teacher observing Arjuna frowned slightly.
His sharp eyes studied Karna carefully.
Then he muttered softly.
"Interesting talent…"
Arjuna walked toward Karna.
His expression was serious.
"Your shot was good."
Karna nodded calmly.
"Yours too."
Arjuna's eyes burned with determination.
"Next time I will win."
Karna smirked slightly.
"I look forward to it."
Krishna watched both of them with great interest.
"Ah… the beginning of a rivalry."
Nearby, Draupadi crossed her arms.
Her eyes remained fixed on Karna.
'A commoner who shoots like a master…'
'Who exactly are you?'
High above the sky…
The Sun shone brightly.
As if proudly watching the rise of its chosen warrior.
And far away…
Fate itself had begun shifting.
Because the rivalry between Karna and Arjuna had just begun.