The training grounds of Hastinapur blazed under the midday sun. The marble arena echoed with the clash of steel, the roar of warriors, and the silent judgment of the elders watching from the high stands.
Today wasn't just any day—it was the Day of the Royal Trials, when the princes of Hastinapur would test their strength, skill, and spirit.
But this time, there was an unexpected contender among them.
Aryan of Vrindavan.
---
A Gathering of Legends
The arena was filled with the sons of destiny.
Duryodhan, confident and brimming with pride.
Karna, calm and unreadable, the sun glinting off his armor.
Yudhishthir, poised like a mountain.
Bheem, fire in his blood and fists.
Arjun, eyes like a hawk, bow resting on his back like an extension of his soul.
The twins Nakul and Sahadeva, silent and sharp.
And in the center—Kripacharya, the Royal Guru.
> "Today," he announced, "we test not only your weapons, but your will. One by one, each of you will face a trial. And the one who endures all three trials—Combat, Wisdom, and Dharma—shall be named Champion of the Season."
Whispers filled the crowd. No one expected an outsider to compete.
But Vidura stepped forward, holding a scroll.
"The council has granted an exception. Aryan, blessed by sages and recognized by the Temple of Dharma, may participate."
The nobles protested, but Krishna, sitting quietly in the stands, raised a single hand.
"Let dharma decide."
---
Trial One: Combat
Pairs were drawn. Aryan was matched with…
Karna.
The arena went still.
Even Drona and Bhishma leaned forward.
Both warriors stepped in. No animosity. Only respect.
The duel began.
Steel met steel in a dance of precision and power. Karna's strikes were fast, punishing, relentless. Aryan flowed with them like water—his system pulsing guidance into his limbs.
> System Boost Activated: Combat Synchronization (Lv 1)
Temporary stat boost +10%
New Passive Skill Progress: Reactive Flow – 27%
Blades locked.
"You're better than I expected," Karna muttered.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Aryan replied.
Suddenly, Aryan rolled and used Karna's own force against him—flipping the prince hard onto the sand.
Gasps echoed.
Kripacharya raised his hand. "Match complete."
---
Trial Two: Wisdom
The next chamber was candle-lit. Scrolls surrounded the contestants.
A question was asked:
> "You are a king. Two villages come to you. One is rich but selfish. One is poor but honest. You can save only one in a flood. Which do you choose?"
The princes debated, offered strategic logic, political survival answers.
Aryan stood last.
"I save the honest village."
Kripacharya frowned. "But they offer no economic return."
Aryan replied, "Wealth returns. Character doesn't. If I let the honest die, I kill hope."
Kripacharya's lips twitched.
> System Notification:
Wisdom Test Passed
Karma +15
Dharma Affinity Strengthened
Krishna smiled quietly in the crowd.
---
Trial Three: The Test of Dharma
Each contestant entered the Chamber of Illusion—an ancient relic sealed by the sages. No spectators. Only self.
Inside, Aryan found himself… back in Kalyug.
Riot. Fire. Screaming.
The same scene from his death.
The woman was being attacked again.
Only this time, he had a choice. Run and live. Or fight and die again.
The System pulsed.
> Choice Node Detected: Stand or Flee
Aryan didn't hesitate.
He stepped forward. Raised his fists. Just like before.
The illusion shattered.
A voice echoed: "You have not forgotten."
A hand touched his shoulder—Parvati ji's presence.
> Dharma Test Passed.
Divine Resonance Stabilized.
Bond with Parvati ji: +1
---
End of Trials
As the sun set, Kripacharya stepped into the arena once more.
"All have shown excellence. But today… a new flame has risen."
He turned to Aryan.
"You are not of royal blood. Yet, you carry the burden of kings. You are this year's Dharma Yodha—the Champion of Trials."
The crowd stood in stunned silence.
Except Krishna.
He clapped once.
Then twice.
And soon… everyone followed.
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To be continued in Chapter 13: "Duryodhan's Wrath"