Bab 5: Chapter No.5 I Am Really Handsome!
[Aditya's POV]
(A few minutes before taking the shot.)
I looked at the floating bow trembling like a puppy seeking attention from its master. It yearned to come into my hands as if it sensed me, responding to my mere presence.
It might be because I have Apollo's template, which can also be called his essence, his divinity of Archery even though not fully assimilated with the template.
A small smile made its way to my lips. If every bow in the world would react like this, I would be unstoppable.
But there was no time for smugness.
As I was distracted, the impatient bow made itself comfortable in my outstretched hand, still trembling slightly as if rubbing itself onto my palm, urging me to unleash its true potential.
I drew in a deep breath, allowing the warmth of the bow to seep into my being. Its energy intertwined with my own, and I could feel the memories of great archers coursing through it, echoing their wisdom, their failures, and their triumphs. The bow was not just a weapon; it was a vessel of legacy, waiting for the right hands to mold its story anew.
I shifted my gaze to the shimmering pond below, where the reflection of the golden fish shimmered like a beacon of hope. But I saw something else too—Me. After reincarnation except for those memories, this is the first time I have seen myself. And damn I look so handsome hehe~
Unruly golden hair cascaded over my shoulders, and my blood-red eyes glinted with determination. The golden bracers and shoulder guards that adorned my arms felt both empowering and foreign, remnants of a lineage I was just beginning to grasp. The flowing silk cape behind me added an air of grandeur to the moment, a striking image for the crowd that filled the hall.
Wait a time, my appearance resembles Gilgamesh from 'that particular' anime. I can imagine myself saying 'You filthy mongrels!' with disdain as I stare down at the sea of faces, adorned in various expressions of disbelief and admiration.
A chuckle escaped my lips as I shook the thought away. This was no time for humour; I needed to focus.
With the bow firmly in my grip and the arrow nocked, I returned my attention to the pond. The golden fish's reflection shimmered enticingly, a reminder of what was at stake. I couldn't afford to miss this shot. My heart raced, but I took a moment to breathe, centring myself amidst the rising tension in the hall.
'Should I mutter some quotes to look cool like some protagonists? It might boost my confidence,' I thought, recalling the countless tales I'd heard about legendary archers.
"A good archer is known not by his arrows but his aim."
Nah, it's too cliche for my health. Instead, this is good—
"Just like the stars," I murmured recalling Apollo's words in the memories I got from the template of Apollo. "It's about knowing where to aim, not just seeing the target."
As if they heard my words, the crowd held their breath in anticipation, eyes wide with expectation. I could feel their energy surging through the air, mingling with my own as I steadied my resolve.
Drawing back the string of the bow, I concentrated on the rippling surface of the pond. The golden fish danced beneath, its movements erratic yet mesmerizing, reminding me of the chaos of life itself. But chaos could be harnessed—shaped into precision with the right intent.
I closed my eyes and focused on the rhythm of my heartbeat, the pulse echoing in my ears, matching the tempo of the moment. I could feel the bow's power coursing through me, urging me to unleash its potential. It was as if the essence of Apollo himself had coalesced into this singular moment, whispering guidance in my mind.
Then, with a sudden release of energy, I opened my eyes, the world snapping into sharp focus. The golden fish darted this way and that, an embodiment of unpredictability, yet I found my center amidst the chaos. Released the arrow and let it fly.
BOOOM!
Twang!
With a thunderous twang, the arrow shot forth, a streak of golden light slicing through the air. It felt as if time stood still, the crowd's gasps mingling with the whisper of the wind as they watched the projectile dance through the sunlight. I barely blinked my focus entirely on the target.
The arrow sailed effortlessly, moving with a grace that belied its deadly purpose. At that moment, I was no longer just Aditya; I was a conduit for Apollo's will, the very essence of archery personified. The world faded away, leaving only the arrow and the golden fish's eye.
The arrow sliced through the air with a purpose, its trajectory unwavering as it honed in on the glistening prize beneath the surface. I could almost hear the collective breath of the crowd held tightly in their throats, each heart beating in sync with mine, an unspoken connection forged in this fleeting moment of anticipation.
Time felt elastic, stretching out as I remained locked in focus, an observer of my own actions. My senses heightened; I could feel the gentle breeze against my skin, smell the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden, and hear the distant rustling of leaves. All of it faded into the background, eclipsed by the singularity of the arrow's flight.
As the arrow neared the pond, I sensed a shift in the air—a sudden tension as if the world had paused just to witness this moment. And then, with a splash that sent droplets sparkling like diamonds into the air, the arrow struck true.
The golden fish leapt into the sky, caught mid-flip, its scales shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.
There it is—A golden fish lay there with an arrow embedded deep within its eye socket, and it looks like it pierced through the other eye too. Because the fish had its eyes by the side of its head thus after piercing through the first eye with the force behind the arrow its speed didn't diminish travelling further through the fish's skull and emerging from the other side, a testament to my aim.
Gasps erupted from the crowd, a mixture of awe and disbelief painted across their faces. The golden fish hung in the air for a heartbeat longer before splashing back into the pond, sending ripples cascading outward, as if the water itself celebrated my feat.
"By the gods!" one of the warriors exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "He did it!"
I lowered the bow, the reverberations of triumph thrumming through me. The Kindhura bow hummed gently in my hands, as if acknowledging my victory. The crowd's reaction surged, a mix of admiration and newfound respect swirling around me.
King Drupada rose from his seat, a proud smile breaking across his face. "You Aditya—No my son-in-law have proved yourself worthy of my daughter, Draupadi. Say the words you wish to utter, and I shall bless your union!"
The proclamation sent ripples of surprise through the crowd of Warriors, Kings, and Monarchs. Draupadi's eyes sparkled with pride as she regarded me with respect and... affection? Did I see that right?
But before I could think further—
"We Object! Maharaj Drupada!"
A loud shout interrupted the moment, slicing through the air like a dagger.
I turned to face the source of the disruption, my heart still racing from the adrenaline of my shot. A group of five men clad in the robes of Brahmins stepped forward, their expressions grave. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable; the tension that had just begun to dissipate came rushing back, thick and suffocating.
"Who dares to interrupt this momentous occasion?" King Drupada demanded, his voice thunderous, filled with the authority of a king who wouldn't tolerate disrespect in his court.
Great, I was wondering where they are. As this task can't be so easy... Pandavas finally show up!
"We are..." They started shedding their guise of Brahmins.
Hey! What's with this act of shamelessness?
A mix of confusion and curiosity swept through the crowd as the supposed Brahmins revealed their true identities. The air grew heavier with tension, as their true forms became clear—warriors clad in armour, their expressions fierce and resolute.
"Panduputras, you all are... alive?" King Drupada asked in disbelief as he stepped forward, eyes narrowing as he took in the sight before him.
The leader of the group, Yudhishthira, stepped up, his expression resolute. "Maharaj Drupada, we come with a purpose. We have heard of the challenge for the hand of Princess Draupadi in marriage, My younger brother and the greatest archer in the whole Aryavarta—Arjuna would like to participate in the competition for her hand."
The declaration hung in the air, reverberating through the grand hall like a clap of thunder. All eyes turned towards Yudhishthira and his brothers, a mix of intrigue and tension weaving through the crowd. The murmurings of disbelief faded as the weight of the moment settled upon them.
King Drupada's brow furrowed, his gaze unwavering as he considered the unexpected turn of events. "You dare come here uninvited, Panduputras?" His voice was steady but laced with a hint of incredulity. "This is a matter of honour! I have already granted my daughter's hand to this young man for his valour today."
"That Maharaj Drupada it can be like this, let me brother challenge this young 'boy' and we all can see 'who' is more worthy of the hand of Draupadi!" Yudhishthira's voice rang out, a mixture of challenge and conviction echoing in the grand hall. His gaze was steady, unyielding, like a mountain confronting the storm.
"And why should I follow your whims? when this moment is already sealed with the proof of Aditya's skill?" King Drupada's voice rose, firm and authoritative, as he shot a glare at Yudhishthira. "Your words may be brave, but this young man has already proven his worth!"
"Because Princess Draupadi deserves the best and I think my brother is the best choice," Bhima who was just behind Yudhishthira stepped forward, his imposing frame cutting a striking figure among the assembled nobles and warriors. His presence alone commanded attention, and the air thickened with anticipation.
"And the best must be tested against the best, Maharaj," he added, a subtle challenge hanging in his tone.
The crowd buzzed with murmurs, the tension escalating as everyone awaited King Drupada's response. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me. The intensity of the situation began to settle like a heavy cloak over my shoulders. This was not just about my skill anymore; it was about pride, honour, and the unpredictable whims of fate.
King Drupada's gaze flickered between Arjuna and me, a storm of thoughts evident in his eyes. I could almost hear the gears of his mind turning as he weighed the implications of this challenge. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice steady but layered with an unmistakable authority.
"Very well..."
Lord Krishna looked at all this with an amusing and encouraging smile, leaning forward from his seat to watch the unfolding drama with keen interest. His presence added an air of mystique to the gathering, as if he understood the deeper currents swirling beneath the surface of this seemingly mundane competition for Draupadi's hand.
"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~
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..
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[To Be Continue]
***
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