"Drona, You saw that bow, right? He got what even we couldn't," Bhishma said, standing in front of Dronacharya, equally astounded by the legendary Vijaya Dhanush in Karna's possession.
"I did, Bhishma. I did," Dronacharya responded with a mixture of awe and...jealousy?
"Drona, you can't do anything about it, so just leave it. And if you did anything to Karna, keep in mind that you would be making an enemy out of Gurudev Parshuram, which, in turn, would make me your enemy too. So let's not cross that line," Bhishma warned.
Dronacharya nodded reluctantly. "You're right, Bhishma. It's an extraordinary development, and we should tread carefully. We don't want to invite the wrath of Bhagwan Parshuram."
Kamini and Kali all healed up and returned to their seats among Brinda, Scáthach, Mandodari, Tara, and Lilith who was watching Karna with intense focus. The unfolding duel between Arjuna and Karna had captivated the entire arena, and the women knew that this was a pivotal moment in the competition.
Kamini, her eyes locked onto Karna, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for her husband. She knew the significance of Karna's legendary bow and the training he had received under Bhagwan Parshuram.
Kali, sitting beside Kamini, felt a mix of emotions.
She had witnessed Karna's remarkable journey and knew the challenges he had faced. Seeing him on the grand stage, wielding the Vijaya Dhanush, filled her with a sense of accomplishment and pride in her husband.
Brinda, Scáthach, Mandodari, Tara, and Lilith, who were also part of the group, were equally absorbed in the spectacle. Each of them had a unique connection to the warriors in the competition, and they watched with unwavering support for their respective partners.
The duel between Arjuna and Karna continued, with each archer demonstrating their remarkable marksmanship. The audience was on the edge of their seats, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric.
Arjuna, known for his precision and unparalleled skill, showcased his mastery of the Gandiva bow. His shots were accurate and powerful, striking the targets with precision. The crowd acknowledged his exceptional abilities with resounding applause.
Karna, on the other hand, wielded the legendary Vijaya Dhanush with grace and precision. His shots were equally awe-inspiring, leaving trails of flames in their wake. The audience was in awe of his remarkable archery skills.
The clash of the two legendary bows, Gandiva and Vijaya Dhanush, created a mesmerizing spectacle. Each arrow released by Arjuna and Karna was a testament to their mastery, and the audience couldn't help but be captivated by the display of skill and accuracy.
As Arjuna continued to release precise and powerful shots with the Gandiva, he couldn't ignore the confident smirk on Karna's face. It was evident that Karna was not yet giving his all in the contest, and this realization fueled Arjuna's determination to push himself further.
With a firm resolve, Arjuna decided to unleash his full potential. His eyes blazed with determination as he aimed for a target that was known to be particularly challenging, one that was small, distant, and obscured by various obstacles.
The crowd watched in awe as Arjuna drew the Gandiva bowstring with unparalleled strength. The divine energy coursed through him, and he released the arrow with all his might. The arrow soared through the arena, following a path that seemed impossible to navigate.
As the arrow reached its target, the impact was nothing short of miraculous. It struck the center with pinpoint accuracy, shattering the obstacles in its path, and the target itself transformed into a brilliant display of light.
The audience erupted in thunderous applause, acknowledging Arjuna's exceptional skill and the true power of the Gandiva bow. Arjuna had demonstrated his full potential, leaving no doubt about his prowess as an archer.
"Hmph!"
Karna remained unfazed by Arjuna's impressive display of archery. He knew that the competition was far from over, and he was fully aware of his own capabilities. With a playful glint in his eyes, he prepared to respond to Arjuna's challenge.
As Arjuna turned his attention back to Karna, he saw that Karna was calmly nocking an arrow at his Vijaya Dhanush, his expression unwavering. The audience watched with bated breath, eager to see Karna's response.
Karna released his arrow with precise aim, and it flew through the arena with incredible speed. His arrow struck the same challenging target that Arjuna had just demolished, and the result was nothing short of astonishing.
The target shattered into a spectacular display of radiant light, mirroring the outcome of Arjuna's shot. Karna's Vijaya Dhanush had proven to be every bit as formidable as the Gandiva, and the crowd erupted in applause and amazement.
The duel between Arjuna and Karna continued, with each archer showcasing their incredible marksmanship. The audience was treated to a remarkable display of archery, as the two legendary bows created an enchanting contest of skill and precision.
Kamini, Kali, Brinda, Scáthach, Mandodari, Tara, and Lilith watched with unwavering support for their respective partners. Each of them understood the significance of this duel and the rivalry between Arjuna and Karna. Their hearts swelled with pride as they witnessed their loved ones shine on the grand stage.
The duel reached its climax as Arjuna and Karna released a final set of arrows. The arrows soared through the arena, seeking their respective targets with unerring accuracy. The crowd held its collective breath, eager to see the outcome of this epic battle of archery.
Arjuna's arrow hit its target with precision, creating a brilliant burst of light that illuminated the arena. The audience erupted in applause, acknowledging his incredible marksmanship. It was a stunning display of the Gandiva's power.
Karna's arrow, propelled by the Vijaya Dhanush, struck its target with equal accuracy. The target transformed into a dazzling display of flames, mirroring the awe-inspiring result of his archery. The crowd was captivated by Karna's extraordinary skills.
"That's it! You are cheating! It's all because of that bow you are nothing without 'Vijaya Dhanush'." Arjuna said with frustration, unable to contain his growing resentment. The intensity of the rivalry between Arjuna and Karna had reached a boiling point, and Arjuna's accusation echoed through the arena.
Karna, however, remained composed, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Arjuna, it's not the bow that makes the archer; it's the archer who makes the bow legendary. You too have the Gandiva, a divine gift, and you're an exceptional archer. This duel is about our skills, not just our weapons."
"E-Even then...Give me that bow, I will use that for the next shot. Do you dare?"
A smile made its way up to Karna's mouth as nodded to Arjuna's 'request'.
"Here,"
Karna handed the Vijaya Dhanush to Arjuna, the atmosphere in the arena becoming even more charged with anticipation. As Arjuna received the legendary bow, the audience watched in awe, fully aware of the significance of this moment. But—
BOOM!
The moment Karna's hand left Vijaya Dhanush it made its way down on the ground with Arjuna who was trying his best to lift it but found it impossibly heavy. The Gandiva bow, a divine gift, had been the source of his strength and power, but the Vijaya Dhanush proved to be a different beast altogether. It was as if the bow was resisting Arjuna, refusing to yield its full potential to anyone but its rightful owner.
The arena fell into a hushed silence as Arjuna struggled to lift the Vijaya Dhanush. It was clear that the bow's divine power was intimately tied to Karna, and it resisted any attempt by others to wield it. The legendary bow seemed to have a will of its own, recognizing Karna as its true owner.
Karna looked at Arjuna with a mixture of sympathy and amusement. "It seems the Vijaya Dhanush is not inclined to cooperate with anyone other than me, Arjuna. I did warn you that it's not just the bow that matters but the archer as well."
Arjuna's frustration and embarrassment were palpable as he realized the truth of Karna's words. The audience, too, watched in astonishment, understanding the unique bond between Karna and the Vijaya Dhanush.
"Try mine,"
Arjuna wants Karna to face the embarrassment that he faced. Offered Gandiva to him.
Karna just smiled at Arjuna as his hand touched Gandiva, Everyone expected Karna's state to be the same as Arjuna's when he attempted to lift the Vijaya Dhanush.
But to everyone's surprise, Karna effortlessly lifted the Gandiva bow and held it with ease. There was no resistance, no hesitation. It was as if the Gandiva recognized Karna as a worthy wielder.
[Ding! Does the host want to make a soul pact with 'Gandiva Dhanush'?]
[Yes/No]
A system prompt appeared in front of Karna's eye which only he could see...
Karna's eyes glittered with determination as he accepted the prompt with a mental "Yes." In that instant, a powerful connection formed between Karna and the divine bow, the Gandiva Dhanush.
The audience watched in awe as Karna's aura seemed to merge with the bow, and an extraordinary energy enveloped him. It was a testament to the unique bond between Karna and the Gandiva, one that transcended the physical and the divine.
Karna, now wielding the Gandiva Dhanush, turned to face Arjuna with a confident and knowing smile. The rivalry between the two archers had taken an unexpected turn, and the arena was filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder.
Arjuna, on the other hand, was left in awe and disbelief. He had offered the Gandiva to Karna as a test, expecting a similar outcome to his own experience with the Vijaya Dhanush. However, the Gandiva accepted Karna as its rightful owner without hesitation, leaving Arjuna to contemplate the true nature of these divine bows.
"Y-YOU!!!! GIVE MY BOW BACK YOU THIEF!!!"
Arjuna's outburst filled the arena, and the tension between the two legendary archers reached its peak. The audience was stunned by the turn of events, as they watched the confrontation between Arjuna and Karna, each claiming ownership of the other's bow.
Karna, holding the Gandiva Dhanush with ease and confidence, spoke calmly to Arjuna, "Arjuna, I didn't take your bow. The Gandiva recognized me as its rightful wielder. It seems these divine bows have their own will and choose their archers."
Arjuna's frustration and anger were palpable as he realized that the Gandiva had willingly accepted Karna. He reached for the Vijaya Dhanush, trying once again to lift it, but it remained firmly on the ground, unyielding to his efforts.
"It is your mistake Arjuna~"
Krishna, with his calm and composed demeanor, approached Arjuna and Karna as the tension in the arena continued to mount. He recognized the gravity of the situation and understood the significance of the divine bows in their rivalry.
"Karna is the most desirable master to any and all weapons, If given a chance they would try their best to form a soul pact with him. In this situation, you, Arjuna gave it that chance to Gandiva and Karna just accepted that pact."
Krishna's explanation sheds light on the unique bond between Karna and weapons, emphasizing Karna's status as the most desirable master of any weapon. It was clear that Karna's ability to form a soul pact with the Gandiva Dhanush was a testament to his exceptional prowess and the recognition of the divine bow.
As Karna unsummoned the Vijaya Dhanush and the tension began to subside, the audience was left in awe of the events that had transpired. The rivalry between Arjuna and Karna had taken an unexpected turn, and it was evident that their destinies were intricately linked to the divine bows they wielded.
"You can announce the winner now,"
The announcer, after a moment of pause to allow the audience to absorb the astounding turn of events, finally spoke into the silence that had befallen the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in this unprecedented turn of events, it is clear that the divine bows have chosen their rightful masters. The winner of this epic archery competition is Karna, the warrior who now wields the Gandiva Dhanush with unparalleled skill and the Vijaya Dhanush as well, as an exhibition of his exceptional abilities."
The crowd erupted in a mix of astonishment, applause, and cheers. The rivalry between Arjuna and Karna had taken a remarkable twist, and Karna had emerged as the unexpected victor of this legendary archery contest.
As Karna held the dual divine bows with grace and power, his victory was a testament to his exceptional archery skills and the unique bond he shared with his weapons.
The arena roared with applause and admiration as Karna's victory in the archery competition was confirmed. It was a momentous event that left the audience in awe of his exceptional archery skills and his unique connection to the divine bows.
Eklavya, Karna's student, had shown great promise and had come a long way in his training. His journey in the competition had been remarkable, and he had earned his place in the finals against his own guru. Despite his loss, Eklavya displayed immense respect and admiration for Karna's prowess.
Karna, holding both the Gandiva Dhanush and the Vijaya Dhanush, looked at Eklavya with a proud and supportive smile. He knew that his student had a bright future in archery, and this experience would only further his growth.
The other women in the audience, including Kamini, Kali, Brinda, Scáthach, Mandodari, Tara, and Lilith, watched with a sense of pride and satisfaction. Karna's victory was a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to honing his skills.