The first day of training under Parashurama was unlike anything Karna had ever experienced. The ashram, nestled in the heart of the dense forest, was a place of austere simplicity. The air was thick with the scent of ancient herbs, and the ground, worn smooth by the feet of countless disciples, seemed to pulse with the energy of warriors long past.
Karna, though still young, felt his determination burn hotter than ever. He had come here for one reason: to master the arts of warfare and strategy, to become the greatest archer the world had ever known. But the teachings of Parashurama, the legendary master, would not be easy.
As Karna entered the ashram's grounds, Parashurama was already seated under the shade of an enormous banyan tree, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The disciples stood at attention, their gazes fixed on their guru.
"You are not the first to seek my guidance," Parashurama's deep voice echoed through the clearing. "Nor will you be the last. But remember this, each one of you will be tested. Only those who prove their worth through sweat, blood, and sacrifice will walk the path to mastery. Failure is not an option."
Karna approached, his heart steady but his mind racing. He knew that this would be the crucible that defined his future. And the lessons began immediately.
---
The first test was physical—a trial of endurance. Karna, alongside other students, was asked to run ten miles barefoot through the forest. The task was grueling. The harsh terrain was merciless, the thorny bushes tearing at their flesh, but Parashurama said nothing. He watched as the disciples stumbled, struggled, and pushed forward through sheer will.
Karna's body screamed in pain, but his mind remained calm. The teachings of CORE—though rooted in technology—were proving valuable here too. He knew the importance of energy management and pacing. With every step, he reminded himself that the goal was not merely to finish the race, but to understand the limits of the body and how to transcend them.
As he crossed the finish line, panting but unbroken, Karna looked around. Several disciples had collapsed, unable to complete the task. Some even had bloodied feet. But Parashurama's piercing gaze was on Karna. The guru's eyes glinted with respect—a fleeting acknowledgment of his discipline.
---
Days passed, each one more taxing than the last. Every morning, they awoke before dawn, the sounds of the forest stirring them from restless sleep. The discipline Parashurama instilled was brutal, but effective. Karna trained not just with the bow, but also with sword, spear, and even barehanded combat. Each weapon demanded its own mastery, but it was the bow and arrow where Karna felt most at home.
The teacher's methods were relentless. For weeks, Karna shot arrows into a variety of targets: large targets placed at increasing distances, small ones set at extreme heights, and even moving ones that tested his ability to track and fire in the blink of an eye. There were no breaks—no reprieves. In between these challenges, Parashurama would offer lessons in strategy, explaining how the art of warfare could be won not just on the battlefield, but also in the mind.
---
One evening, Karna stayed behind after everyone else had gone to rest. His body ached from the day's trials, but his mind remained sharp. He needed to improve—he couldn't afford to be anything less than exceptional.
He picked up his bow and drew an arrow. With intense concentration, he let the arrow fly.
Thwack.
It struck the target dead center. Karna smiled, but the satisfaction was fleeting. He drew another arrow and tried again—this time, faster than before. Thwack. Again, perfect aim.
"Impressive."
Karna froze at the sound of Parashurama's voice, soft but commanding. The teacher had been watching from the shadows.
"You have the natural skill, Karna. That much is obvious. But let me tell you something that all too many fail to learn." Parashurama stepped forward, his eyes glowing with the weight of experience. "Talent alone is not enough. Precision and control are what separate a good warrior from a great one. Mastery doesn't come from mere repetition; it comes from restraint, the ability to leave no room for error."
Karna nodded, absorbing every word.
"Tomorrow, we test your focus," Parashurama continued. "Prepare yourself."
---
The next day, Karna was asked to shoot from a moving chariot—an entirely new challenge. The chariot would race through the forest with its horses galloping at full speed. Karna had to fire at targets placed strategically along the path.
The test seemed insurmountable at first glance. But Karna's determination was unwavering. As the chariot raced forward, he pulled back the string, focusing on the path ahead, watching for the moment of perfect alignment.
Thwack.
He shot the first arrow true, hitting a target set to the side. Then again, with impeccable timing, he nailed a second and third target. The force of the moving chariot combined with his deep focus allowed him to rise above the ordinary level of skill required. Parashurama, from his own chariot, observed with a gleam in his eye.
By the time the chariot came to a stop, Karna had hit every target. The disciples, who had watched from a distance, were stunned.
"You have excelled," Parashurama said, his voice softer than usual, but still carrying the weight of his approval. "But know this, Karna—the greatest warriors are not only those with strength. They are those who understand the limits of their power and can work within them."
Karna bowed his head in gratitude, but inwardly, he was a man already thinking ahead, his mind already running the scenarios where his new skills would give him an advantage.
To be continued...