The arena was still buzzing with excitement.
People continued whispering about the incredible shot they had just witnessed.
A child hitting the exact center of the farthest target was something rarely seen.
Karna calmly stepped away from the shooting line.
He had no interest in attention.
But attention had already found him.
Arjuna was still staring at him.
His eyes burned with determination.
The young prince walked closer.
"Your shot was impressive."
Karna nodded slightly.
"Yours too."
Arjuna crossed his arms.
"But next time, I will be the one hitting the center."
Karna smiled faintly.
"Then train harder."
Arjuna's eyes flashed with excitement rather than anger.
"I will."
Behind him, Krishna quietly chuckled.
"This rivalry will be interesting."
Meanwhile, a pair of sharp eyes had been observing everything from the crowd.
A tall Brahmin with a long beard and serious expression.
Dronacharya.
The legendary master of weapons.
He had come to Panchala for royal matters.
But something unexpected caught his attention today.
A boy with perfect archery instincts.
Drona watched Karna carefully.
The way he held the bow.
The way he released the arrow.
The way his body aligned naturally with the shot.
These were not things ordinary children could do.
Drona muttered softly.
"Such natural talent…"
"Who is that boy?"
Near the arena entrance, Draupadi walked toward Karna.
Her steps were confident and graceful.
Karna noticed her approaching.
Krishna noticed too.
And his smile grew wider.
Draupadi stopped a few steps away.
Her sharp eyes studied Karna.
"Your shot earlier…"
She paused for a moment.
"It was very good."
Karna looked at her calmly.
"Thank you."
Draupadi crossed her arms.
"But you are not a noble."
Karna raised an eyebrow.
"Does skill require noble blood?"
Draupadi blinked slightly.
Clearly not expecting that answer.
Krishna covered his mouth while laughing quietly.
Draupadi frowned slightly.
But then something surprising happened.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"You are interesting."
She turned around.
"Perhaps we will meet again, Karna."
Then she walked away.
Karna watched her leave.
Inside his mind—
'So this is the future queen of Panchala.'
'Even as a child she already has that proud personality.'
Krishna leaned closer to him.
"Careful."
Karna looked at him.
"Why?"
Krishna smirked.
"Princesses can be dangerous."
Karna chuckled softly.
"So can warriors."
Suddenly the familiar system sound appeared.
DING
NEW QUEST AVAILABLE
Quest: Path of the Warrior
Objective:
Train your archery skills daily and defeat 10 skilled opponents in contests
Reward:
Solar Arrow Rain
+15 Agility
+10 Strength
Karna's eyes lit up slightly.
'Solar Arrow Rain?'
The system description appeared.
SOLAR ARROW RAIN
Rank: Epic
Effect:
Release multiple arrows rapidly
Solar energy enhances arrow speed and power
Overwhelms opponents
Karna smiled faintly.
'That will be useful in real battles later.'
Meanwhile, Arjuna stood nearby watching Karna carefully.
His young mind was already forming a goal.
'I must become stronger.'
'Stronger than him.'
Behind Arjuna, Dronacharya finally stepped forward.
His deep voice echoed calmly.
"Young boy."
Karna turned.
Their eyes met.
Drona's gaze was sharp like a blade.
"What is your name?"
Karna answered calmly.
"Karna."
Drona studied him silently for a few seconds.
Then he spoke again.
"Who taught you archery?"
Karna paused slightly.
Then he answered honestly.
"No one."
The crowd murmured in disbelief.
Drona narrowed his eyes.
"Self-taught?"
Karna nodded.
"Yes."
Drona looked thoughtful.
A rare talent like this could become a great warrior.
But there was something strange about the boy.
Something powerful.
Krishna watched the entire conversation with great interest.
Inside his mind—
'Karna… you are even more fascinating than I expected.'
The sun slowly moved across the sky.
The festival continued.
But several people left that arena with new thoughts in their minds.
Arjuna had found a rival.
Draupadi had found curiosity.
Drona had found a mysterious talent.
And Krishna…
Had found a puzzle.
Karna walked away from the arena calmly.
But inside his mind—
A confident thought appeared.
'This is only the beginning.'
'Soon I will surpass them all.'
High above in the sky…
The Sun shone brilliantly.
Watching proudly.
Because the Sun's Chosen Warrior had begun changing fate itself.