The days that followed did not carry the weight of battle.
But they were heavier.
Because this time—
There was no enemy to react to.
No pressure to survive.
No urgency forcing growth.
Only discipline.
Only repetition.
Only choice.
And that—
Was harder.
The training ground remained the same.
Open.
Silent.
Unforgiving.
Dust settled slowly with every movement, rising and falling like a quiet witness to their progress. Each grain seemed to linger longer now, as if measuring the effort expended, as if taking note of every imperfection in the motions. The air carried no tension, yet something within it felt sharper than before, like an unspoken challenge that demanded attention.
Because now—
They were not reacting anymore.
They were building.
Karna stood in the center.
Barefoot.
Eyes open.
But unfocused.
Not because he was distracted—
But because he had chosen not to see.
The flow was there.
Everywhere.
Calling to him.
Offering clarity.
