Karna felt an itching sensation on his back which started spreading all over his back. He immediately removed his upper clothes and saw a celestial mark forming on his back. The mark of a lion's head glowed with a golden hue, indicating the connection between Karna and Shaurya's celestial powers.
"Lion's Sin of Pride!!!"
[Pfffff!!! HAHAHAHA!!! Karna, You should have seen your face and this is not 'that' Lion's Sin of Pride mark but a symbol of Shaurya's divine connection to you. You can activate it with just a thought of yours.]
Karna smiled at Artemis's playful remark and then focused his thoughts on the newly acquired celestial mark. As he did, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body, and the lion's head mark on his back began to glow even brighter.
[This celestial mark will enhance your combat abilities and grant you limited access to Shaurya's divine powers. It signifies the deepening of your bond with Shaurya and the cosmic energies you both share.]
Karna nodded, feeling the power of the mark flowing within him. "Thank you, Artemis, for the information."
Meanwhile in the Gurukul of Guru Dronacharya—Student of Bhagwan Parshuram—was standing in a room looking at the target filled with arrows which were at the center of every target.
"Who could it be? This room has no windows and at night no one can see what is in front of them let alone practise archery and keep hitting at the centre of every target."
Guru Dronacharya was puzzled by the remarkable archery skills displayed by an anonymous student who consistently hit the center of every target in a room without windows. Determined to uncover the identity of this skilled archer, Guru Dronacharya decided to set up a plan.
The next day, Guru Dronacharya called all his students, including the Pandavas, for a special archery competition.
He announced that the winner of the competition would receive a rare and powerful celestial weapon as a reward. This announcement piqued the interest of all the students, and they eagerly participated in the contest.
The target was a bird sitting on a tree in the distant forest. The students were asked to shoot their arrows at the bird while aiming from their current location at the Gurukul. As the competition began, each student took their turn, but none could hit the target accurately from such a great distance.
While the last batch of students was targeting their arrows, Guru Dronacharya asked a question, "Tell me what you see?"
The students looked puzzled, not understanding the relevance of the question. One of them answered, "Guruji, we see a bird sitting on a tree in the forest."
Guru Dronacharya nodded and smiled. He turned to the others whose answers were almost the same. But one answer managed to transform his (Guru Dronacharya) smile into a full-fledged grin.
The student who managed to impress Guru Dronacharya with a unique answer was Arjuna, the third Pandava. Arjuna said, "Guruji, I see the eye of the bird."
Guru Dronacharya was delighted with Arjuna's response, knowing that he was the one who consistently hit the center of every target in the room without windows. He revealed Arjuna's identity as the anonymous archer, much to the surprise of the other students.
Arjuna had developed such extraordinary archery skills under Guru Dronacharya's guidance that he could identify the target's weakest point—the eye of the bird—and hit it accurately from a great distance.
Guru Dronacharya was proud of Arjuna's achievement and acknowledged his prowess in archery. He rewarded Arjuna with the rare and powerful celestial weapon, The Parvatastra.
The Parvatastra was a formidable celestial weapon that could summon the power of the mountains. When invoked with the proper mantras, it could cause massive upheavals, create earthquakes, and unleash devastating avalanches. The weapon drew its strength from the might and stability of the mountains, making it a potent force in battle.
Arjuna thanked Guru Dronacharya for the valuable gift and expressed his gratitude for the knowledge and training he had received. He vowed to use the Parvatastra responsibly and only in the service of Dharma.
The Pandavas and their fellow students admired Arjuna's skill and were in awe of the celestial weapon bestowed upon him. They understood the significance of identifying the target's weak point and the level of precision required to achieve such mastery in archery.
On that occasion, Bhima, another one of the Pandavas, took the opportunity to showcase his strength and appetite. He challenged his fellow students to a food-eating competition.
Bhima's appetite was legendary, and he could consume large quantities of food in a short amount of time.
The competition was set up with various dishes and delicacies prepared by the Gurukul cooks. The other students accepted the challenge, but they were aware of Bhima's eating prowess.
As the competition began, Bhima voraciously devoured the food, much to the amazement and amusement of everyone present.
Plate after plate, he continued to eat without showing any signs of slowing down. The other students tried their best to keep up, but it was evident that Bhima was in a league of his own.
As the competition reached its final moments, Bhima consumed an astonishing amount of food, and the other students had to admit defeat. The sight of Bhima's satisfied and content expression brought laughter and admiration from all.
Guru Dronacharya praised Bhima's incredible eating capacity and good-naturedly joked about arranging another competition with a bottomless pit.
Everyone applauded Bhima's feat, recognizing his unique talent and appreciating the camaraderie among the Pandavas and their fellow students.
As the days passed, Arjuna continued to train diligently under Guru Dronacharya's guidance. He honed his skills further and explored the depths of his celestial weapon's abilities. Alongside his brothers, the Pandavas, Arjuna devoted himself to learning the art of combat, diplomacy, and governance.
As their training continued, Guru Dronacharya organized various contests and challenges to test the Pandavas' skills and character. Each brother faced unique trials that showcased their individual strengths and qualities.
Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, demonstrated his unwavering integrity and sense of justice. In a test of ethical decision-making, he was presented with a complex moral dilemma.
Yudhishthira's wise and compassionate choice earned him Guru Dronacharya's praise and further deepened his understanding of dharma.
Bhima's immense physical strength and courage were put to the test when he encountered a fierce wild animal that had strayed into the Gurukul premises.
With his sheer might and bravery, Bhima subdued the creature without causing it undue harm, showcasing his ability to protect and preserve life.
Nakula and Sahadeva, the youngest Pandavas, revealed their exceptional talents as skilled horsemen and healers.
They demonstrated their proficiency in nurturing and understanding animals, highlighting their connection with nature and their commitment to caring for all living beings.
Arjuna's dedication to archery mastering its various aspects under Guru Dronacharya's watchful eye.
Throughout their time at the Gurukul, the Pandavas not only polished their combat skills but also imbibed qualities of leadership, camaraderie, and diplomacy.
Guru Dronacharya instilled in them the importance of unity and righteousness, guiding them on the path of virtuous rule.
One day Guru Dronacharya organised a strength and endurance test for every student at the Gurukul.
The test involved lifting and carrying heavy weights over a long distance while navigating through a challenging obstacle course. It was designed to assess the student's physical strength, stamina, and determination.
As the students gathered at the starting point of the course, Guru Dronacharya explained the rules and objectives of the test. He emphasized that this trial was not just about showcasing physical prowess but also about mental resilience and the ability to strategize under pressure.
The first to step forward was Bhima, known for his unmatched strength. With a confident grin, Bhima hoisted the heavyweights onto his shoulders and set off on the course. His powerful strides and unwavering determination allowed him to navigate through the obstacles with relative ease.
The other students watched in awe as Bhima completed the course well ahead of them, earning himself a round of applause.
Next came Arjuna, who approached the challenge with a focused demeanour. He analyzed the obstacles ahead and carefully planned his approach.
Arjuna's agility and precision allowed him to manoeuvre through tight spaces and overcame barriers efficiently. His calculated moves and swift progress impressed both his fellow students and Guru Dronacharya.
Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva followed suit, each bringing their unique strengths to the test. Yudhishthira exhibited remarkable endurance, maintaining a steady pace throughout the course.
Nakula's affinity for animals and nature aided him in finding alternative routes and conserving energy. Sahadeva's keen intellect helped him identify the most efficient paths and adapt his strategy as needed.
But there was one student who stood out from the rest. Duryodhana bulldozed every single obstacle that came his way. His determination and sheer force of will allowed him to power through challenges that seemed insurmountable.
While Duryodhana's approach lacked finesse and strategy, his unyielding resolve earned him the respect of some, even as it raised concerns about his single-minded pursuit of victory.
This was not the case here Duryodhana was just taking advantage of his Vajra body.
Guru Dronacharya observed each student's performance keenly, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and approaches.
As the test concluded, he addressed the students, praising their efforts and highlighting the importance of combining physical prowess with mental acuity.
"You have all shown commendable dedication and determination in completing this test," Guru Dronacharya began. "Strength alone is not enough; it must be guided by strategy and a clear mind. Arjuna, your thoughtful approach to overcoming obstacles reflects your understanding of this balance. Bhima, your raw power is truly extraordinary and awe-inspiring. Yudhishthira, your unwavering determination and commitment are commendable. Nakula and Sahadeva, your ability to adapt and find innovative solutions is a testament to your resourcefulness."
Turning his attention to Duryodhana, Guru Dronacharya offered his insights. "Duryodhana, your strength and resilience are undeniable. However, remember that the path to greatness encompasses both physical prowess and wisdom. Channel your determination into a well-rounded approach, and you will find even greater success."