Bab 7: Chapter No.7 Kindhura Vs Gandiva

[Aditya's POV]

The open field outside the palace was expansive, a perfect stage for the contest to unfold. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground, and the air buzzed with excitement. Nobles, warriors, and curious townsfolk filled the stands, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they settled in to witness the showdown between two archers.

As I stood eighty meters apart facing Arjuna who was empty-handed, I could feel the weight of their gazes on me. Arjuna, with his confident posture and the aura of a seasoned warrior, stood poised, ready to demonstrate his prowess. The crowd was electric with anticipation, every breath held in unison, waiting for the first move.

"Summon your Gandhiva Dhanush, Arjuna. And crush this arrogant fool!" Bhima's voice boomed from the sidelines, his earlier anger seemingly transformed into a fierce loyalty to his brother. The crowd responded with a mix of cheers and jeers, fueling the tension between us. I couldn't help but smirk, feeling the energy surging within me.

As if summoned by Bhima's words, Arjuna reached behind him, and the legendary Gandiva Dhanush materialized in his hands, its polished wood glinting in the sunlight. The bow looked powerful, almost alive, and I could feel it... calling out to me. Just like Kindhura Dhanush the bow in Arjuna's hand started to tremble but he fastened his grip stopping the bow from escaping into my grasp.

I had seen glimpses of the Gandiva in stories, but witnessing it in person was something entirely different. The craftsmanship, the intricate carvings along its length, and the sheer presence of it sent a thrill coursing through my veins. Arjuna drew it back, the bowstring taut, and I could almost sense the power emanating from it. This was not just any bow—The Creator Brahma Dev himself made this bow, blessed with immense power and precision.

It is believed to have the strength of one hundred thousand bows and the bow consisted of 108 celestial string. Gandiva was indestructible and was worshipped by the celestials and the Gandharvas.

While walking from the palace to here, I asked for permission to use Kindhura Dhanush from King Drupada who readily agreed to it.

"Let us begin," Arjuna called out, his voice steady and commanding, cutting through the anticipation. He pulled the empty bowstring with all his might a blue energy arrow nocked itself to the string, shimmering like a beacon of power. The air around us seemed to shift, charged with the energy of the moment.

With a swift motion, he released the arrow, and it flew through the air like a streak of lightning, I saw the arrow coming toward me with a slight smile as I pulled the bowstring a golden arrow materialized, shimmering with ethereal light as I pulled the string of Kindhura Dhanush back to my ear, feeling the power surge through me. The energy coursing through my veins felt different this time—charged, almost alive. I could sense Apollo's influence mingling with my own will, empowering my aim.

In that heartbeat, time seemed to stretch. I released the arrow, watching it fly toward Arjuna's projectile with a calm focus.

Thwack!

The two arrows collided mid-air, exploding in a burst of radiant light that lit up the field. The crowd gasped in unison, their eyes wide with astonishment as the shockwave rippled outward, momentarily blinding them. The sound of the impact echoed through the space, drawing gasps and murmurs from the spectators.

Both arrows veered off course but flew harmlessly into the sky, vanishing into the expanse above. The ground beneath me trembled slightly from the force of our prana, but I stood firm, adrenaline coursing through me as I prepared for the next round.

Arjuna, momentarily stunned by my retaliation, quickly regained his composure. His brows furrowed in concentration, and I could see the determination burning in his eyes. He had underestimated me, and I could sense his resolve to prove himself now only strengthened.

With a flick of his wrist, Arjuna conjured another arrow, this one imbued with a fierce blue light that crackled with energy. "Don't think you're the only one who can unleash power, Aditya!" He declared, his voice booming with authority.

He drew back the string once more, and this time, the arrow transformed into a swirling vortex of wind and water that danced around him like a living entity. The energy radiated from him, illuminating the field with a bright blue hue, capturing everyone's attention. It was a sight to behold—the embodiment of Arjuna's skill and the might of the Gandiva Dhanush.

With a fierce shout, he released the arrow. It tore through the air, creating a powerful gust that whipped my hair back and sent a chill racing down my spine. I instinctively braced myself, tapping into Apollo's template once more, channelling the power that surged within me.

The arrow approached rapidly, its spiral energy threatening to engulf everything in its path. But I refused to back down. I raised my Kindhura Dhanush, feeling the energy thrumming in the air, and nocked another arrow—a golden one infused with divine light, brimming with my resolve.

I released the arrow just as Arjuna's struck.

Thwack!

The two arrows collided, creating a shockwave that knocked the spectators back, causing a collective gasp. A blinding light enveloped the arena, painting the sky with colors of gold and blue. I could feel the pressure of the impact pushing against my chest, but I stood my ground, refusing to waver.

As the dust settled, I could see Arjuna standing firm, his brows knitted in concentration. The remnants of our arrows crackled in the air, each dissipating into a shower of sparks and light. The crowd was silent, completely captivated by the unfolding spectacle.

"Impressive," Arjuna said, a newfound respect shining in his eyes. "You're stronger than I thought. But don't think this is over yet!" He readied his bow once more, determination etched into his features.

I smiled, the thrill of the challenge igniting my competitive spirit. "I wouldn't dream of it, Arjuna. Let's see what you've got!"

With that, the battle commenced in earnest. Arjuna loosed a flurry of arrows, each one imbued with intent to win, each arrow soaring through the air like a comet streaking across the night sky. I could feel the tension in the air, thick enough to cut, as I braced myself to respond.

The first arrow came whistling toward me, a bolt of blue light weaving through the air with deadly precision. I instinctively nocked another golden arrow and released it, the two projectiles colliding mid-flight in a flash of light that illuminated the entire field. The shockwave rippled outward, sending a shudder through the ground beneath me and causing the crowd to erupt into cheers.

"Brace yourself, Aditya, Now I am gonna use Astras. Try not to get yourself killed!" Arjuna shouted, a fierce grin breaking across his face as he prepared for a more powerful strike.

The atmosphere shifted, and I felt an exhilarating thrill race down my spine. I knew the use of Astras—mystical arrows imbued with divine energy—was a game-changer, but I also felt ready for the challenge.

Arjuna raised his bow higher, calling forth his energy with a focused intensity. "I summon the Parvatastra!"

The air crackled with energy as Arjuna invoked the Parvatastra, a powerful arrow said to contain the might of the mountains themselves. The blue light emanating from his bow intensified, transforming into a massive arrow that shimmered with the essence of earth and sky, its presence commanding respect and awe.

I narrowed my eyes, assessing the weight of his move. This was no ordinary shot; it was an arrow capable of altering the very landscape, a testament to Arjuna's mastery.

The ground beneath me trembled slightly, resonating with the energy that surged around us. I could feel the crowd's anticipation escalate, their breaths collectively held as they witnessed the unfolding spectacle.

Drawing in a deep breath, I focused on the power of Kindhura Dhanush, allowing its energy to flow through me. I would not back down.

"Golden Arrows of the Shining Meteor!"

The words escaped my lips like a fervent prayer, calling upon the essence of the divine power I had come to wield. I felt the warm glow of Apollo's influence envelop me, amplifying my intent. The golden light materialized, coalescing into a dazzling arrow that shimmered with celestial energy.

As I drew back the bowstring of Kindhura Dhanush, I could feel the air around me vibrate with heightened energy. The arrow, infused with the light of the sun and the essence of a shooting star, felt almost sentient, resonating with the determination I poured into it. My heart raced, pounding in sync with the gathering storm of magic swirling between us.

I aimed at Arjuna, focusing intently on his arrow—this was more than just a contest; it was a clash of wills, a testament to our training, our heritage, and our resolve. I could see the Parvatastra—immense, shimmering with the power of the mountains—hurtling toward me. I could hear the crowd's collective gasp as they sensed the impending collision.

With a fierce shout, I released the arrow.

Thwack!

The two arrows met in mid-air with an explosive force that sent shockwaves rippling across the field. The impact illuminated the sky with a blinding flash of light, as golden and blue energies intertwined, creating a dazzling display that captivated the audience. The ground shook beneath our feet, and I felt the tremors travel through my body, grounding me even as my senses heightened.

But just before contact, the golden arrow multiplied itself utterly destroying the divine mountain mirage. and struck the hand holding Gandhiva Dhanush before he could even react.

Arjuna's eyes widened in shock as the force of the golden arrow broke through his defences, shattering the illusion of the Parvatastra like glass fragments dissolving in the wind. He stumbled backwards, the Gandhiva Dhanush slipping from his grasp as the golden arrow struck his hand, not enough to cause serious injury, but enough to disarm him.

But Gandhiva Dhanush didn't fall on the ground instead it started trembling again and this time no one to stop it, It flew—no darted across the sky like a comet, drawn irresistibly toward me. I barely had time to react before the legendary Gandhiva Dhanush halted before me, vibrating in mid-air as though it recognized something within me. The crowd gasped, and even Arjuna's eyes widened in disbelief.

The bow, still glowing with residual energy, hovered inches from my chest, its aura radiating warmth and immense power. It felt as though the weapon itself was examining me, weighing my worth. There was a pull, a magnetic force drawing me to it, but I hesitated.

This was Arjuna's weapon, a symbol of his mastery, his heritage. To take it now would be a declaration of superiority, a claim over his legacy. I could see the conflict in Arjuna's eyes, pride and shock warring as he watched the bow—his bow—respond to me in a way that it never had to anyone else.

The crowd was silent, their earlier cheers and excitement now replaced by an intense, almost reverent quiet. All eyes were on us, waiting to see how this unfolding drama would resolve.

For a moment, time seemed to freeze. I glanced at Arjuna, searching his face for a clue as to how he felt. His expression was unreadable, his jaw tight, but there was something in his eyes—a glimmer of resignation, perhaps even acceptance.

"Aditya," he began, his voice low but clear, "it seems... that Gandhiva has chosen you. I...lost!"

Getting the confirmation, I held out my hand for Gandhiva Dhanush. The moment I grasped the bow, a surge of power coursed through me, as if the weapon was imbuing me with its essence. The craftsmanship was extraordinary; I felt its energy resonating with my own, and in a heartbeat, the bow started to envelop itself in a golden glow marking me as its master erasing any residual authority of Arjuna over the weapon. It was a strange and exhilarating feeling, one that came with immense happiness.

I Won!

[Ding...]

...

[To Be Continue]

***

(Arjuna is yet to become as powerful as he was in the war. At most, he is at the level of AtiRathi. And he was caught off-guard and was overwhelmed by the sudden increasing in the arrows.)

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