Chapter 3: The Child of the Sun and Destiny's Awakening
Deep in the heart of a vast forest — a place untouched by man — the air shimmered with divine light.
The sun poured down its golden brilliance, birds sang melodies of creation, and trees swayed gently as if dancing to the rhythm of the heavens. Even the earth itself seemed softer, blessed by the touch of unseen gods.
High above, celestial beings gathered — invisible to mortal eyes, yet radiant enough to make the heavens tremble. They had come to witness a miracle, to glimpse the birth of one destined to alter the flow of fate itself.
And amidst that divine spectacle stood a woman, her beauty enough to steal the breath of the world. Her body was adorned with gold and pearls, her attire that of a royal — a white silk sari pure as moonlight. Yet tears streamed freely down her delicate face.
She was Princess Kunti, daughter of King Kunti-Bhoj.And in her trembling arms rested her newborn son — a divine child glowing faintly in the sunlight.
His tiny body emitted a sacred aura, his golden armor and earrings shimmering as if forged from the sun's own fire.Even as he slept, one could sense the calm dignity of a celestial being.
Kunti's lips quivered. "My firstborn… forgive your helpless mother, but I cannot accept you."
Her voice cracked as her tears fell onto the baby's armor. She knelt, pressing him close to her heart before whispering for her maid.
"Alpana, bring a basket… and a few flowers."
The loyal maid hesitated. "Princess… do you really wish to do this?"
Kunti turned her tear-streaked face toward her, her tone trembling but resolute. "If I don't, both my life and my father's honor will be destroyed. This is the only way."
Her words were firm, but her hands trembled as she looked back at the sleeping child. "It is a mother's duty to protect her family… and a son's duty to sacrifice for his mother. You'll understand one day."
Alpana silently bowed and left to prepare what was asked, her heart heavy. When she returned, her hands held the small basket decorated with flowers.
"It's ready, Princess," she whispered, almost pleading.
"Good," Kunti said softly. "Now take it to the riverbank."
Alpana's eyes filled with dread. She knew what was coming, but she dared not stop her. The two women walked toward the rushing river, its waves reflecting the blazing sun.
"Take this as a token of your mother's love," Kunti whispered, placing the child gently inside the basket. "May the gods watch over you, my little one."
Alpana stepped forward, voice shaking."Princess, please reconsider! We could leave him with a childless couple, or at an ashram. Someone will take care of him. We don't have to risk his life like this!"
Kunti stopped, her back still turned. "You don't understand, Alpana. If anyone traces him back to me, my father's honor will be ruined. I cannot allow that."
Her tone turned cold, royal — but her eyes shimmered with guilt."And about sin… Did not Goddess Ganga drown her own children? At least I give my son a chance to live."
Her words silenced Alpana completely.
When they reached the bank, Kunti looked at the basket one last time. The baby stirred — his eyelids fluttered open, revealing deep, dark eyes filled with both innocence and wisdom.
The corners of his lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"Huh… I wake up just in time for the abandonment scene. Guess I missed the crying part,"thought the newborn silently, his mind far older than his body.
It was Karna — reborn, conscious, and aware.
Seeing the smile, Kunti's heart shattered. Her trembling hands clutched her chest."Forgive me, my son. Please forgive your powerless mother…"
For a moment, her maternal love wavered against her fear. But then, with a deep breath, she tore off her bangles and necklaces, placing them gently in the basket beside him.
"Lord Surya," she whispered, "protect our son."
Closing her eyes, she released the basket into the river.
The current caught it immediately, carrying the sleeping infant away.Kunti fell to her knees, watching until the basket became a golden speck on the horizon.
"Sob… My firstborn is gone, Alpana. He's really gone…"She broke down, collapsing into her maid's arms. No words could soothe her grief.
Even as she justified her decision, the pain did not fade.
Drifting upon the river's gentle waves, the basket swayed softly. Karna lay inside, his divine armor gleaming in the sun.
"Abandoned twice by my mother… I thought I'd be numb to it by now,"he murmured within his mind, feeling the ache in his tiny chest."So this… is what Mahadev meant by karma and causality."
Sleep soon claimed him once again — and then it came.
[Ding!]
A golden interface appeared before his eyes.
[Destiny System Activated]
Welcome, Chosen of Fate — Karna, Child of Surya.Detected karmic bond between divine birth and mortal destiny.Initialization complete.
Main Functions Unlocked:
Status Window — View divine body, fate threads, and growth.
Destiny Roulette — Spin to gain random blessings or treasures.
Destiny Shop — Exchange Destiny Points (DP) for divine items.
Destiny Advice — Receive guidance on choices and karmic paths.
Fate Rewrite(Locked — Unlocks at Maharathi Rank) — Alter fragments of destiny itself.
[STATUS WINDOW OPENED]
[KARNA – STATUS]
[Name:] Karna
[Title:] Suryaputra (Hidden), Child of Destiny
[Current Rank:] Infant Stage (Divine Vessel – Unranked)
[Destiny Points:] 0 DP
[Destiny System Functions:]Status Window, Destiny Roulette, Destiny Shop, Destiny Advice, Fate Rewrite (Unlockable at Maharathi Rank)
[Sole Weapon:] Kavach and Kundal (Bound Divine Artifact)
[Skills:]
Basic Speech Understanding (Lv 1)
Mental Resilience (Lv 1)
Observation (Lv 1)
[Techniques:]
None (Locked – Require Training or Destiny Unlock)
[Special Skills:]
Sun God's Blessing (Passive Lv 1) — Blessed by Surya, grants divine vitality and light protection.
Fate Breaker (Dormant) — Hidden potential to defy destiny's chains.
[Astra:] None (Locked)
[Inventory:]
Golden Armor (Bound)
Solar Earrings (Bound)
Divine Basket (Temporary Protection: Active)
Karna smiled faintly as the panel faded away.
"So the system finally loaded… Looks like destiny's giving me another shot at life."
The baby closed his eyes once more, drifting peacefully as sunlight bathed his tiny golden form. The river carried him toward a fate that even the gods could not predict.