Kapitel 6: Chapter No.6 Stakes are Greater Now!

[Aditya's POV]

"Very well," King Drupada repeated, his voice booming through the hall, "If it is a challenge you seek, then so be it! Let the best archer win, and let this competition unfold in front of the entire court. Aditya, you have already demonstrated your skill, but now you will face a true test. Prepare yourself."

Sigh!

Just great~

Just as I thought that Lord Krishna stood up from beside King Drupada and walked in the front with a gentle gaze casting a glance between Arjuna and me, his serene smile unwavering, the hall grew silent once more, the weight of his presence palpable.

"Maharaj Drupada, Don't you think it's a bit unfair to our dear Aditya, who has already proven his worth beyond doubt?" Lord Krishna's voice, though gentle, carried a gravity that silenced the murmurs. "He has claimed victory, not just with skill, but with the grace of 'destiny' on his side. A second test may insult the Gods themselves."

The crowd held their breath, captivated by Krishna's words. He always had a way of turning even the most volatile situation into one of contemplation, where every word weighed more than the previous. His gaze lingered on King Drupada, waiting for his response, and for a moment, even the Pandavas seemed uncertain.

But Yudhishthira, ever composed, stepped forward once again, his tone soft but unyielding. "Vasudeva Krishna, you speak of destiny, but is it not true that destiny too can be challenged? That fate itself bends to the will of those strong enough to claim it?"

Krishna's serene smile only widened. "Indeed, Bhrata (Brother)Yudhishthira. Destiny can be challenged, but one must be prepared for the consequences of such boldness. Sometimes, it is the challenger who is tested more than the one they seek to contest."

I couldn't help but smirk at Krishna's words, feeling the weight of his subtle encouragement behind them. The message was clear—this was my moment, and I had to seize it without faltering, no matter who stood before me.

"Yes, Maharaj Drupada. Isn't this arrangement a bit unfair to me as I have something to lose if I were to be defeated while I gain nothing even if I win, And before anyone says that I win Princess Draupadi's hand in marriage don't forget I really won the contest for that so I already have that right," I interjected, stepping forward to face the king, my voice calm but firm.

The crowd's murmurs intensified as I continued, "If you wish for this contest to continue, there must be something of equal value at stake for me. A test should be fair, not merely an opportunity for another to steal what has already been earned."

King Drupada hesitated, clearly conflicted by the situation. On one hand, the Pandavas had a reputation that couldn't be easily dismissed, and yet, I had already proved myself in front of the entire court. His eyes shifted between me, the Pandavas, and Lord Krishna, who remained calm, watching the events unfold like a celestial observer.

"COWARD!!!" Bhima shouted as he barged forward, fists clenched, his face contorted in anger. His voice thundered through the hall, reverberating off the high ceilings, sending shockwaves through the already tense atmosphere. "You are nothing but a coward if you refuse this challenge! A man who hides behind technicalities to shield himself from true competition is no man at all!"

The crowd gasped, and the murmurs turned into a low, anxious buzz. The weight of Bhima's words pressed down heavily on everyone present. His raw, unfiltered aggression was palpable, and the tension between us crackled like lightning in a storm.

"Hahahaha! Cowar—"

Before Bhima could finish, the entire royal palace-no the whole world felt as if they were burning alive without any resistance.

The sun in the sky blazing with hot flames ready to consume everything in its wake.

An overwhelming force pressed down upon the hall, suffocating everyone present with its sheer intensity. I could hear the gasps and muffled cries of the crowd as they struggled to breathe, their faces pale with terror. Even Bhima, who had moments before been roaring with bravado, now faltered, his bravado shrinking as he stood frozen in place.

His eyes unfocused as in front eyes it felt like the whole world had become barren land with rivers of blood and mountains of corpses littered everywhere as far as eyes could see, his ears filled with screams of his loved ones, his brother's head stacked to the spears with despair and horror on their faces.

It was a vision of devastation, an overwhelming nightmare that seemed to shatter Bhima's resolve completely. His body trembled, and sweat poured down his face as he struggled to comprehend the terror before him.

The weight of the pressure was almost unbearable for everyone in the hall. All eyes turned to me, though they dared not meet my gaze. The once cocky smiles of the Pandavas faltered, and even King Drupada, who had been grappling with the decision moments earlier, looked visibly shaken. The atmosphere crackled with fear and uncertainty.

But what felt like an eternity was just a moment as Lord Krishna placed his hand on my shoulder which calmed my anger and I almost tapped into the deepest of Apollo's template.

Gasp~

Vomit~

Huff~

More than half of the court had lost consciousness while the remaining ones were gasping for air and some were vomiting in the place they stood but they only felt overwhelming pressure, not the mirage, only Bhima was the one who bore the most pressure and saw the mirage, he was on his knees shaking and trembling time to time still caught in the grip of the horrific vision I had inadvertently thrust upon him.

T-That was not me, I can't do that. My assimilation with Apollo's Template is just 50%, Those powers are yet to be unlocked. H-How? It happened due to... 'that' word he used to call me.

I am so confused right now, I need answers.

Forget it, I will find out after I leave this situation unscratched first.

As if felt my worries, Lord Krishna waved his hand softly, and the oppressive atmosphere began to lift. A gentle warmth spread through the hall, washing over everyone and easing the terror that had gripped them. The visions that had haunted Bhima began to fade, replaced by a glimmer of clarity as he struggled to stand.

"Calm yourselves," Krishna's voice resonated like a soothing melody, each word imbued with a calming energy. "The storm has passed. This is not a moment of fear, but a moment of revelation."

The audience, still shaken, slowly regained their composure. Bhima, though still trembling, looked up at me, his gaze filled with uncertainty and grudging respect. There was a flicker of acknowledgement—a recognition of my strength, however unsettling it might have been.

"You want me to stack something of equal, right?" Arjuna stepped forward with a calm but firm demeanour. "Then let us make it a fair wager. If you emerge victorious, you will not only keep Draupadi's hand but also gain my Gandiva Dhanush as this is the only thing of value to me. But if you lose, you will surrender your right to Princess Draupadi and agree to apologize to Bhrata(Brother) Bhima and everyone else in this court on your knees."

The weight of Arjuna's words hung heavy in the air, the atmosphere thickening with the gravity of his challenge. The court, still recovering from the chaos of moments prior, held its breath in anticipation. It was a wager that set the stage for an epic showdown—one that could either elevate me to legendary status or plunge me into disgrace.

A murmur rippled through the assembled nobles and warriors, their faces a blend of intrigue and apprehension. The Gandiva Dhanush, a bow of legendary renown, was no small prize. Arjuna's skill with it was legendary; possessing such a weapon would undoubtedly enhance my prowess as an archer. Yet the stakes were equally steep—surrendering my claim to Draupadi and facing public humiliation if I failed.

My gaze fell on Princess Draupadi's worry-filled eyes looking at me, As she saw I was looking she lowered her head slightly, a silent plea wrapped in the turmoil of the moment. I could sense the weight of expectation on her shoulders, and I felt a surge of determination wash over me. I had to prove myself, not just for my sake, but for hers as well.

But Arjuna made a mistake, He thought I was just a good archer nothing for him to fear or worry about.

But who could tell him that I have the template of Apollo who was the god of archery himself? The power coursing through me felt more potent than anything I had ever experienced, a spark of divine energy that surged in my veins.

"I accept your wager, Arjuna," I declared, my voice steady and resolute. "But let me add one more condition: should I emerge victorious, not only will I keep Draupadi's hand and gain your Gandiva Dhanush, but I will also ask for your friendship and alliance. But I will not apologize because the fault is not mine; it's your brother who seeks to demean me. If anything, I think he owes me an apology for his earlier outburst."

The hall erupted in murmurs at my bold words. Some were shocked, while others were intrigued by my audacity. I could feel the tension shift slightly, the air thick with anticipation as I locked eyes with Arjuna, challenging him to respond.

Arjuna's expression shifted from confidence to a subtle mix of surprise and contemplation. He appeared to be weighing his options, his brow furrowing as he processed my conditions. Bhima, still visibly shaken, shot a glance at his brother, urging him to consider his next move carefully.

"Very well, Aditya," Arjuna finally spoke, his voice steady, though I could see the flicker of concern in his eyes. "If this is the path you choose, then I shall accept your conditions. But know this—I will fight with every ounce of strength I possess. You may have proven your skill, but I am the master of the bow. Do not underestimate me."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied with a grin, my confidence swelling. This was it—my chance to not only claim my prize but to forge alliances with the protagonist of this world.

Hehe~ I win from all sides, I gain not only Princess Draupadi's hand in marriage but the legendary Gandiva Dhanush too, and the task rewards of 5 Fate points from the system.

But there might be a chance of achieving a milestone too—Forging an alliance and befriending the protagonist.

Hahahahaha~

Cough! Cough!

"As you accept my demands, you can choose what type of contest to propose, Arjuna. It can be a target contest, a test of precision and skill, or even a battle between us, utilizing our respective bows." I felt the thrill of the challenge surge within me, eager to embrace this moment.

Arjuna nodded, a hint of admiration crossing his face despite the underlying tension. "I propose a—"

"He chose the battle, no rules even Astras are allowed!" As Bhima's voice echoed through the hall, a chill ran through the crowd. The atmosphere shifted, tension crackling in the air like electricity. A battle with no rules? It was a dangerous proposition that could lead to chaos. Yet, deep down, I felt a thrill at the challenge, a flicker of anticipation igniting my spirit.

"Very well," Arjuna replied, his expression a mixture of determination and wariness. "A battle it is. But let us make it clear: I will not hold back, and neither should you. I respect your skills, but I am the best archer in the whole lands of Aryavarta right now."

My heart raced, the excitement pulsing through my veins. I could feel Apollo's essence stirring within me, ready to awaken as I embraced the challenge ahead.

"Agreed," I responded, my voice steady, masking the whirlwind of emotions beneath. "Let's see whose skills are truly superior."

King Drupada, regaining his composure, raised his hand to quiet the crowd. "Then it is decided! The contest will be a battle of archery between Aditya and Arjuna. The entire court shall witness this challenge. Prepare yourselves, and may the best archer prevail!"

As the court began to buzz with anticipation, I caught a glimpse of Princess Draupadi's expression. She looked concerned, her brow furrowed as she watched me. I offered her a reassuring smile, hoping to quell her fears. This was not just for me—it was for her too.

Arjuna and I stepped away from the court, moving towards an open area outside the palace, where we would have ample space to showcase our skills. The spectators gathered around, murmuring excitedly, the energy of the crowd feeding into the anticipation of the impending battle.