Chapter 16: Bonds of Brotherhood
Time flowed gently in the land of Hastinapur. Ten years had passed since Karna was born. His golden-brown skin shimmered in the sun like polished bronze, and his eyes were calm yet sharp, always observing, always thinking. He was a boy who hardly spoke unless needed, but when he did, everyone listened. Even at this young age, Karna radiated an unexplainable presence—quiet, powerful, and composed.
By now, Karna had lived peacefully within the royal grounds for many years, accepted not only by the queen Gandhari but also deeply respected by King Dhritarashtra. While the others didn't know his origins, Karna had earned his place through actions, not birth.
When Duryodhana was born, Karna had been five years old. From the time the young prince turned three, he followed Karna like a little brother follows his hero. Whether in the gardens, in training grounds, or sitting beneath the neem trees listening to stories, Duryodhana would always be near him.
"Sodhara!" Duryodhana called out happily as he ran with his short legs, trying to keep up. "Wait for me!"
Karna paused and looked back, smiling softly. "Come, Duryodhana. I won't leave you behind."
To Duryodhana, the word Sodhara—meaning "brother"—was not just a title. It was a promise. He never used it for his blood brothers. Only Karna.
And Karna… he never corrected him.
---
Dushala, the little princess of Hastinapur, had also grown fond of Karna over the years. At only four years old, she often peeked at Karna from behind her mother's robes or the pillars of the marble halls. When Karna smiled at her, she would blush and look away quickly, but her eyes always returned to him.
She, too, had begun to call him Sodhara, mimicking her older brother.
One day, while Karna was sitting under the tree reading from a scroll, Dushala came over and offered him some sweetened dates wrapped in a leaf.
"Sodhara," she said shyly, her cheeks pink, "you didn't eat anything since morning."
Karna accepted it with a kind smile. "Thank you, Dushala."
Her heart fluttered when he said her name.
---
Over the past seven years, Karna's power had grown silently but steadily. Although no one outside the royal family truly understood the depth of his potential, the truth was, Karna was unlike any child in Bharat. Through his heaven-sent system and his unmatched perception, he had developed seven unique light-based techniques, one each year, each more refined than the last.
They weren't just flashy attacks—they were tools of discipline, protection, and control. He created them through meditation, training under the moon, and sometimes by simply observing the way sunlight fell on the palace walls.
Karna's Seven Light-Based Techniques:
1. Radiant Lance – A concentrated beam of golden light formed into a spear. Fast and sharp, it pierces magical defenses and stuns the target with divine energy.
2. Solar Veil – A shimmering barrier of warm light that surrounds the user, reflecting minor spells and softening physical blows. It can also heal shallow wounds.
3. Sunstep Mirage – Allows Karna to move swiftly across short distances, leaving behind fading afterimages of light. It's confusing to enemies and useful in battle or retreat.
4. Lightforge Arrows – Karna forms arrows of light from his hands. These arrows can be shaped into different types—explosive, piercing, or binding depending on his will.
5. Luminous Grasp – Hands of pure light that can hold, block, or even trap enemies mid-air. They are not easily broken and feel warm rather than harmful.
6. Halo Crown Form – When Karna activates this ability, a radiant halo forms behind his head, and his body is wrapped in golden light. It increases his speed and perception for a limited time, and weak attacks pass through him as if he were air.
7. Solar Nova Pulse – His most powerful technique. A wide-area burst of golden light that pushes back everything in a large radius. It doesn't burn or destroy—it overwhelms with divine energy, forcing all darkness or evil intent to retreat. Useful in large battles or to end a fight decisively.
These techniques had not been shown to the world. Karna kept them hidden, practicing under the stars, speaking only to the system and to the night. He knew the world wasn't ready—not yet.
---
One late afternoon, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Karna and Duryodhana were sparring with wooden swords in the training yard. Dhritarashtra and Gandhari sat together in the pavilion, watching with interest.
Duryodhana rushed at Karna with great effort, his small frame burning with excitement.
"I'll beat you today, Sodhara!" he shouted with determination.
Karna deflected the strike calmly. "Your grip is better. But don't forget your stance."
Duryodhana corrected it and tried again. Karna smiled.
"You'll be stronger than me someday," Karna said truthfully.
Duryodhana's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Karna nodded. "If you keep working hard."
Nearby, Dushala clapped her hands and laughed when her brother landed a single tap on Karna's arm. "Sodhara! You lost a point!"
"I did," Karna admitted with a grin.
---
Later that evening, Dushala helped Gandhari set the table for dinner. As they worked, Dushala whispered, "Mother… I like Sodhara."
Gandhari raised her eyebrows with a knowing smile. "Of course, child. Everyone likes him."
Dushala shook her head. "No. I like like him."
Gandhari smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead. "We'll see what fate decides."
---
That night, Karna stood in the palace courtyard under the full moon, practicing alone.
With calm breath and a raised hand, he formed glowing symbols in the air. Light gathered around him like fireflies, and the garden was bathed in soft gold. He formed the shape of his Solar Nova Pulse and released it gently, watching as the light rippled outward like waves on a pond.
From the balcony above, Dhritarashtra watched him.
"That child…" he murmured. "He's special."
Gandhari joined him, wrapping her shawl tighter. "He's more than that. He may be our greatest light."
---
In the garden, Karna stood silently, listening to the wind and the faint voices of the children still laughing in the distance.
"I will protect them," he said to himself.
"My Sodhara. My family. No matter what comes, I will protect them all."
The moonlight danced in his eyes, and the stars above shone just a little brighter.