What does it mean to die, or even to live? What does it mean to fight for the gods in this war? What was the purpose of this conflict in the first place?* These questions swirled in my mind as I fired my arrows.
The man launching arrows with precise skill was dark-skinned with white hair, clad in a white outfit adorned with golden armor. He wielded a white bow, sending forth arrows with deadly accuracy. This man was Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers. As a demigod, he fought valiantly in the war between two mighty armies.
Arjuna surveyed the battlefield. "Move! Let's take them down!" he commanded his troops. But as he spoke, a dreadful silence fell over him. His army began to falter, overwhelmed by the barrage of arrows covering the ground. Fear crept into his heart as he glanced at his fallen soldiers and the chaos around him. Desperation drove him to maneuver his chariot, urging his horses to flee the scene.
The once mighty warriors of Arjuna's side were being decimated. The source of this devastation was a man with red hair, fair skin, and a strikingly beautiful face. He rode a golden chariot, a bow in hand, unleashing arrows like explosive bombs. This formidable warrior was none other than Karna, the hero of charity and Arjuna's brother.
Karna's eyes locked onto Arjuna as he tried to escape. With a voice filled with resolve, Karna shouted, "Arjuna, you better stop here. Today, we end this for good."
As the two brothers faced off, the air was thick with tension. Both were aware that this confrontation could decide the fate of many, and perhaps even their own. In this moment, the significance of their actions weighed heavily upon them. The war was not just a battle of armies but a clash of ideologies, destinies, and the wills of the gods themselves. This was the final chapter in a long and tumultuous saga, and neither knew what the next life would hold for them after this pivotal moment.
And this was the day I died.
As the arrows pierced through the air and struck Karna, he felt his life slipping away. The unfairness of it all struck him as well; his defeat had been achieved not through honorable combat but by what modern times would call cheating. He looked at Arjuna, who seemed ashamed of the means he had used to win. Beside him stood Lord Krishna, who had guided Arjuna through the battle. Karna closed his eyes, accepting his fate with a calm resignation. After all, what did it matter in the end?
Arjuna stared at Karna's lifeless body, a sigh escaping his lips. He knew there were more battles ahead, but a part of him wished for a second chance, perhaps in another life, to face Karna again in a fair fight.
As Karna's body lay still, his soul began to ascend. In Indian mythology, it is believed that souls either spend time in Svarg (heaven) or Naraka (hell) before reincarnating, usually without memories of their past lives. As Karna's soul left his body, he experienced a strange sense of passage.
1... 2... 6... 10... 700... 10,000...
Next, Karna opened his eyes, finding himself in an unfamiliar setting. He was in a room decorated with pictures of small animals. He seemed to be lying down, and everything around him felt strange and foreign. As he looked around, he saw two figures—a man and a woman. The man had red hair and blue eyes with fair skin, dressed in clothes that looked peculiar to Karna. The woman, with dark hair and red eyes, was strikingly beautiful but also wore strange garments.
The woman picked Karna up with ease, as if he weighed nothing. It was then that Karna realized the size difference—these people were giants compared to him. He tried to move his arm, but it was small, almost like that of a baby.
"Honey, look, the baby's awake. Are you hungry?" the woman asked, looking at the man, whom Karna assumed was her husband.
The man smiled warmly at Karna. "Yes, he's awake. Hey there, little guy."
One thought dominated Karna's mind: *Was this reincarnation?*
He struggled to comprehend the situation. The memories of his past life, his death at the hands of Arjuna, and the world he once knew all seemed like a distant dream. Now, in this new world, he was reborn as a child, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and strange surroundings. The journey of Karna, once a legendary warrior, had taken an unexpected turn, and a new chapter of his life had just begun.
Fifteen years later...
A young girl made her way down the hallway and approached a room. She looked around ten years old, with black hair like her mother and blue eyes like her father. She quietly opened the door and peeked inside. There, she saw a teenage boy with red hair and red eyes, his fair skin glistening slightly as he exercised. He was moving his body left and right, focused on his routine.
The girl watched for a moment before speaking. "Big Brother Karna, you're up early again."
Karna paused and turned to face his younger sister. "I could say the same to you, Tapti. Why are you up so early, especially on a weekend?"
Tapti shrugged, stepping into the room. "I couldn't sleep. I heard you moving around and got curious." She looked around the room, noting the simplicity of Karna's space, adorned only with a few essential items and a bookshelf filled with books. "Besides, you always wake up early to train. Why do you do it every day?"
Karna smiled at his sister's curiosity. "Old habits die hard, I suppose," he replied, stretching his arms. "It's important to stay disciplined and prepared, no matter what. You never know what life might throw at you."
Tapti nodded, though she didn't fully understand. "Well, can I watch you train today? Maybe I can learn something."
Karna chuckled softly. "Sure, but only if you promise to keep quiet and not get in the way."
As Tapti sat down on the floor, watching her brother with admiration and curiosity, Karna continued his exercises. Though his life in this new world was peaceful, his memories of his past life and the battles he fought were always in the back of his mind. He wondered what the future held and if his path would ever lead him to confront the mysteries of this world, such as the gates and hunters he had heard whispers about. But for now, he focused on the present, cherishing the simple moments with his family, especially his beloved sister, Tapti.
Karna continued his exercises, each movement precise and controlled. Tapti sat quietly, observing her brother with a mixture of awe and curiosity. Despite his age, Karna moved with the grace and skill of a seasoned warrior, a reflection of the training he retained from his past life. As he finished his routine, he wiped the sweat from his brow and took a deep breath.
"You're really strong, Big Brother," Tapti remarked, her voice filled with admiration.
Karna smiled warmly at her. "Strength comes from practice and dedication. But it's not just about physical strength; it's also about being strong in mind and heart."
Tapti tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Karna walked over to a small table and picked up a water bottle, taking a sip before answering. "Being strong means being able to face challenges, not just in battles but in life. It means being kind and standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult."
Tapti nodded thoughtfully. "Like when you helped that boy at school who was being bullied?"
Karna nodded. "Exactly. Strength isn't just about fighting. It's about protecting others and making the world a better place, even in small ways."
The siblings' conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching the room. Their mother, a graceful woman with black hair and red eyes, entered with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, you two," she greeted. "Tapti, you know you're not supposed to disturb your brother during his training."
Tapti looked down sheepishly. "Sorry, Mom. I was just curious."
Their mother smiled and patted Tapti's head. "It's alright, sweetie. Just remember to be respectful. Karna, your father and I were thinking of going to the market today. Would you like to join us?"
Karna considered the offer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and knew it was a good opportunity to blend in with the modern world. "Sure, I'd love to come."
As the family prepared for their outing, Karna couldn't help but reflect on his current life. He had spent the last fifteen years adapting to this new world, blending in as a normal teenager while retaining the knowledge and skills from his previous existence. He had been reborn into a loving family, with parents who cared for him and a sister who adored him. Yet, deep down, he knew he was different. The memories of his past life as a great warrior and the hero of charity weighed heavily on him.
The family made their way to the bustling market, filled with the vibrant sights and sounds of the modern world. Karna observed the people around him, marveling at the technological advancements and cultural changes. Despite the differences, he found comfort in the familiarity of human nature—the kindness, curiosity, and diversity of the people around him.
As they strolled through the market, Karna's keen senses picked up snippets of conversations. He overheard discussions about "gates" and "hunters," terms that piqued his interest. He had heard these words before but had never fully understood their significance. They seemed to be a major part of this world's reality, much like the gods and divine weapons of his past life.
Karna decided to inquire further. "Mom, Dad, what do people mean when they talk about 'gates' and 'hunters'?"
His parents exchanged a glance, a mix of concern and curiosity in their eyes. His father, a man with red hair and blue eyes, spoke first. "Gates are portals that connect our world to other dimensions. They started appearing around the world about a decade ago. Inside these gates are monsters and treasures, and hunters are individuals who enter them to combat the monsters and retrieve the treasures."
Karna listened intently. "So, hunters are like modern-day warriors?"
His mother nodded. "In a way, yes. Hunters have special abilities that help them navigate the dangers within the gates. It's a dangerous profession, but many do it for the thrill, the treasure, or the chance to protect others."
Karna's mind raced with possibilities. The existence of gates and hunters fascinated him. It was a parallel to the epic battles and divine interventions of his previous life. He felt a strange pull toward this world of gates, a sense that his destiny might be intertwined with it.
As the day went on, Karna continued to absorb the sights and sounds of the market, but his mind kept drifting back to the gates. He wondered if his past life as a warrior had prepared him for this new era of challenges. Could he become a hunter? Would he find a new purpose in this world by exploring these mysterious portals?
That evening, after returning home, Karna sat in his room, deep in thought. He felt a growing restlessness, a desire to test his abilities and see if he could make a difference in this world. The idea of becoming a hunter intrigued him. It was a chance to use his skills and knowledge, to explore new realms, and perhaps even discover more about himself and his place in this world.
Determined, Karna made a decision. He would learn more about the gates and hunters. He would seek out training and information, and if possible, he would become a hunter himself. It was time to step out of the shadow of his past life and embrace the challenges and opportunities of this new era.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Karna set out on a journey of self-discovery. He would honor the legacy of his past life while carving out his own path in this modern world. As he looked out at the night sky, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The world was full of mysteries and adventures, and he was ready to face them head-on.
After returning home, Karna sat down at his desk and opened his laptop. He had many questions about the world he found himself in, and he needed answers. As he began to type, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. It was a sensation he'd felt since his rebirth—a lingering presence, perhaps from his divine father, the Sun God Surya. The connection was still there, faint yet undeniable, reinforcing the notion that this was not another world but a continuation of his own. The presence of the Mahabharata as a historical record rather than an epic tale confirmed it. Everything that had happened, from the smallest skirmish to the climactic battles, was documented in precise detail.
Karna entered "Gates" into the search bar and hit enter. He clicked on a few articles and began reading. "Let's see... ten years ago, these things called gates started appearing all over the world. No one knew for sure what they were or how they came to be," he read aloud to himself. The information was as mysterious as the phenomenon itself. The gates were portals to other worlds, each teeming with monsters and treasures.
Karna's eyes narrowed as he continued to read. "With the appearance of the gates, humans began to gain powers, becoming superhuman. These powers seemed to be a response to the threats posed by the monsters within the gates. To combat these creatures, an organization of individuals known as 'Hunters' was established."
The text detailed the hierarchy among Hunters, categorized into different ranks based on their abilities and achievements: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum. Platinum Hunters were the rarest and most powerful, while Bronze Hunters were the most common and least powerful.
Karna leaned back in his chair, absorbing the information. The existence of Hunters reminded him of the warriors and heroes of his past, those who stood against adversity and fought for their beliefs. Yet, the modern context was entirely different. It was a world where power was not just a matter of divine favor or lineage but something that could be acquired and honed through effort and experience.
His mind raced with possibilities. If he retained his abilities and combat skills from his past life, could he become a Hunter? The thought of facing these new, unknown challenges excited him. It was a chance to protect others, to use his powers for good, and perhaps, to discover more about the nature of these gates and why they appeared.
Karna looked back at the screen, scrolling through more information. He came across stories of famous Hunters, their exploits, and the dangers they faced inside the gates. He read about the different types of monsters, the various worlds accessible through the gates, and the treasures that could be found. The idea of exploring these unknown realms fascinated him. It was a new kind of adventure, one that promised both danger and discovery.
As he delved deeper into the research, a thought struck him. If this world was a continuation of his own, did that mean other figures from history or mythology could also exist in this time, perhaps as Hunters or in other roles? The possibility intrigued him. He wondered if he might encounter anyone from his past life, whether as friend or foe.
Karna closed the laptop and leaned back, lost in thought. His decision was clear. He would become a Hunter. It was a way to reconnect with the world, to find his place in this new era, and to understand the strange phenomena that had come to define it. But more than that, it was an opportunity to test his skills and prove himself once again, not just as the hero of charity but as a protector in this modern age.
With newfound determination, Karna resolved to learn everything he could about the gates and Hunters. He would seek out training, join the ranks of the Hunters, and perhaps, discover why he was reborn in this world with all his memories intact. As he prepared for bed, he felt a sense of purpose he hadn't felt since his days as a warrior in the Mahabharata. The future was uncertain, but Karna was ready to face it, armed with his knowledge, skills, and the unwavering spirit of a hero.
To be continued
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