Listen as I tell you who Ratrangasan is.
He alone is worthy of ruling the vast and flourishing city of Amaravati.
Several years ago, the king of Amaravati was Shatrungan.
He had two sons—Parantakan and Ratrangasan.
During their time, Rudra Senan also lived in the kingdom.
In one sense, Rudra Senan had no rightful claim to the throne.
Why? Because Rudra Senan's father was none other than Shatrungan's elder brother.
When Rudra Senan's father died of an illness, Shatrungan appointed his younger son Ratrangasan as heir.
At that time, I was not in the kingdom, and my younger brother was to rule in my absence.
Shatrungan told Rudra Senan, "You must act as guardian until my son comes of age."
Rudra Senan accepted this promise and has protected the throne ever since.
Ratrangasan, even as a child, was mischievous and incredibly brave.
Despite warnings, he insisted on heading north.
We told him not to go, but he didn't listen.
He went north and never returned.
Many years passed.
Why was the north so dangerous?
Because it was the land of the Kaalans—beings who dwell in a hellish realm.
That realm is bound to this magical city by seven spirits—souls, to be precise.
These are the spirits of seven royal families who once ruled Amaravati.
Even after death, their souls protect this city.
If anyone tries to steal the sacred relics of this land, death will befall them at the hands of these spirits.
The kings who once ruled Amaravati still protect it in spirit.
After their deaths, their remains were buried in the northern direction.
The tombs of these seven kings are still preserved there.
Those who live near these spirits worship them as gods and perform many magical rituals.
These Kaalans possess immense mystical powers, but only a true warrior can harness them.
Otherwise, the sword becomes just another ordinary blade.
Ratrangasan went to face the Kaalans and disappeared.
Years later, Shatrungan's health began to fail.
He decided that Parantakan should be crowned king.
On the day of the coronation, many warriors gathered.
Suddenly, a bloodied man arrived at the palace gates.
When asked who he was, he smiled and stepped forward.
He wiped blood from his face and said, "I am Ratrangasan."
Shatrungan, Rudra Senan, and Parantakan were shocked.
"Why are you so angry?" they asked.
"Where have you been all these years?"
Ratrangasan replied, "I am still alive. I have an equal right to this throne.
Test both of us and choose the rightful king."
Rudra Senan agreed.
He said, "Both have equal rights. Let their strength and wisdom decide."
A trial was held to test their bravery and intellect.
Ratrangasan won.
But he said, "I do not want the throne now.
As long as my father lives, he is the true king.
I will not wear the crown. I will serve and protect the kingdom."
He left.
That night, Parantakan was furious.
He had waited years for the throne.
His desire turned into hatred.
He thought, "Why did this happen now, when I was so close?"
The next day, Shatrungan gave Ratrangasan a powerful sword called Irulmuni.
Seeing this, Parantakan was enraged.
He wondered why everything was given to Ratrangasan in a single day.
But Irulmuni was no ordinary sword.
It held dark powers that only a true warrior could unlock.
In the hands of anyone else, it was just a blade.
Parantakan's desire for the throne turned into treachery.
He poisoned Shatrungan's food.
Shatrungan died.
The news reached Rudra Senan and Ratrangasan.
They took Shatrungan's body north to bury him among the ancient kings.
As they traveled, magical instruments played.
Through this music, the Kaalans learned that a new soul was joining them.
They did nothing to stop it.
After the funeral, Rudra Senan told Ratrangasan,
"You must now claim your rightful place.
Begin your duties."
At that moment, Parantakan sent his warriors to kill Ratrangasan.
He even manipulated a woman to lure him into a trap.
The warriors attacked.
Ratrangasan drew Irulmuni.
Blood flowed like rivers.
Thousands of soldiers fell.
Parantakan watched in horror.
Ratrangasan stood amidst the bloodshed.
Parantakan trembled in fear.