Six years had passed since Bahubali and Karna transformed Magadha into a beacon of dharma, their reforms reshaping the kingdom into a land of prosperity and justice. The vision born on Kailash under Mahadev and Mata Parvati's guidance now stood realized. Magadha boasted five major educational institutions, each tailored to serve distinct societal needs: the first provided basic education to all, ensuring literacy for every child; the second taught trades like carpentry, blacksmithing, and weaving, empowering artisans; the third focused on vital pursuits such as medicine, architecture, and engineering, producing healers and builders; the fourth trained warriors in military strategy and combat, under Karna's rigorous oversight; and the fifth nurtured scholars in astrology, administration, and Vedic studies, fostering wise governance. Orphanages and homes for the needy dotted the kingdom, offering shelter and care to the destitute. Bahubali had dispatched soldiers to patrol the highways, curbing the banditry that once plagued travelers, restoring safety to the realm.
To strengthen Magadha's economy, Bahubali sent envoys to the seventy-six kings he had freed from Jarasandha's dungeons, proposing enhanced trade relations. His messages, carried by swift messengers, emphasized mutual prosperity, and many kings, grateful for their liberation, responded favorably, opening trade routes that enriched Magadha's markets with spices, silks, and grains. Meanwhile, Karna had elevated Magadha's military to unprecedented heights, forging the Rudra Sena, a disciplined force of twelve akshauhini—comprising chariots, elephants, cavalry, and infantry—named in honor of Mahadev's fierce aspect. The army's loyalty to Bahubali's vision of dharma was unwavering, a testament to Karna's leadership as senapati.
With the kingdom's welfare secured, Bahubali turned to a sacred endeavor: the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Mahadev and Mata Parvati. A month ago, work had begun on a site overlooking the Ganga, its foundation laid with Vedic rituals. The temple, designed to rival the heavens in splendor, would take five years to complete, its spires destined to pierce the skies. Bahubali himself started sculpting the central idols, drawing on the sculpting kala taught by Mata Parvati. In a serene workshop, he chiseled a magnificent statue depicting Mahadev and Mata Parvati seated side by side, their divine forms exuding serenity and power. Bala Ganesha sat on Mata Parvati's lap, his trunk playfully curled, while Lord Kartikeya stood proudly by Mahadev's side, his spear gleaming. Nandi rested devotedly before them, his gaze fixed on his lord. Each stroke of Bahubali's chisel was an act of devotion, infusing the stone with the love he bore for his gurus.
On this day, Bahubali sat in Magadha's royal court, a vast hall adorned with frescoes of dharma's triumphs, attending to the grievances of his people. Farmers sought aid for irrigation, merchants requested safer trade routes, and widows asked for support—each plea met with Bahubali's wisdom and compassion. As he resolved a dispute over land, a soldier entered, his armor clinking, and bowed. "Maharaj, a messenger from Hastinapur awaits outside, bearing a letter for you."
Bahubali's eyes lit up at the mention of his childhood home, his voice calm yet curious. "Bring him forward at once. Let us hear what Hastinapur has to say."
The messenger, clad in Kuru colors, entered, holding a sealed scroll. He bowed deeply, his voice clear as he addressed the court. " Maharaj, I bring a message from Maharaj Dhritarashtra of Hastinapur. With great respect, he invites you to attend the Kalapradarshan, a grand display of martial and scholarly skills by the Kuru princes, to be held in a fortnight. Your presence would honor the Kuru court and strengthen the bonds between our kingdoms."
The court fell silent, the ministers exchanging glances as the messenger read the letter aloud, its formal tone echoing Dhritarashtra's diplomatic intent. Bahubali listened attentively, then spoke, his voice warm yet regal. "Thank you, messenger, for delivering King Dhritarashtra's gracious invitation. Your journey has been long, and Magadha's hospitality is yours. Minister Vikrama, ensure our guest lacks for nothing—comfort, food, and rest before he returns."
Vikrama, a trusted minister, nodded. "It shall be done, Maharaj. The messenger will experience the warmth of Magadha's heart."
The messenger bowed, gratitude in his eyes. "I thank you, Maharaj, for your kindness. With your leave, I will rest and depart as needed."
Bahubali gestured graciously. "You may leave, good messenger. Safe travels back to Hastinapur."
As the messenger exited, the court buzzed with discussion, ministers debating the wisdom of Bahubali attending the Kalapradarshan. One minister, his voice cautious, said, "Maharaj, Hastinapur is a powerful kingdom, but its court is rife with intrigue. The Kauravas and Pandavas vie for favor, and your presence as Magadha's king could draw you into their rivalries. Perhaps a representative would suffice?"
Another countered, "Yet, to decline could be seen as disrespect. King Dhritarashtra's invitation is a gesture of alliance. Magadha's strength is known, and your attendance would showcase our might."
Bahubali raised a hand, silencing the debate, his tone decisive. "Enough. I, along with Senapati Karna, will attend the Kalapradarshan in Hastinapur. It is an opportunity to honor our ties with the Kurus, observe their princes, and perhaps inspire them with Magadha's vision of dharma. Prepare for our journey—we leave in three days."
The ministers fell silent, bowing in assent, their trust in Bahubali's judgment absolute. Karna sat beside the throne, nodded subtly, ready to accompany his friend.
Over the past seven years, Karna had grown profoundly under Bahubali's influence, their bond deepened by shared trials and ideals. They often trained together, their archery sessions a ritual of camaraderie and growth. Yet, Bahubali consistently bested Karna, his divine training under Mahadev granting him unmatched precision. One evening, after a particularly intense match where Bahubali's arrow split Karna's in mid-air, Karna, catching his breath, said with a mix of frustration and pride, "Bahu, I strive to be the best archer in Aryavrat, but you make it impossible! Perhaps I'm destined to chase your shadow forever."
Bahubali's expression turned stern, his voice carrying the weight of Mahadev's teachings. "Karna, never claim to be the best archer in Aryavrat, or anywhere else. There is only one true master of the bow—Mahadev himself, who humbles us all. We can strive to be better, but never the best, for that is hubris. You are my brother, my equal in spirit, and your skill is already legendary. Why speak of being the best when your arrows already serve dharma?"
Karna lowered his gaze, chastened but thoughtful. "You're right, Bahu. I spoke in pride, and I see my error. Mahadev's mastery is beyond us, and I should focus on my duty, not titles. Forgive me."
Bahubali placed a hand on Karna's shoulder, his tone softening. "There's nothing to forgive, Karna. But tell me, why this obsession with becoming a stronger archer? It's not as if you have an enemy to vanquish. Why chase strength so fiercely when your heart is already mighty?"
Karna sighed, his voice raw with introspection. "I don't know, Bahu. Perhaps it's the suta's burden, the need to prove myself in a world that judges my birth. I want to be unassailable, to silence those who scorn me. But your words… they make me question. Is strength my goal, or is it something deeper?"
Bahubali's eyes gleamed with wisdom, his voice gentle yet profound. "Karna, strength is a tool, not a purpose. Don't chase it for its own sake. Strive to be a better version of yourself—wiser, kinder, truer to dharma. Use your bow to uplift humanity, to protect the weak, to honor the teachings of Lord Parashurama. That's the path of a true warrior, not the pursuit of being 'the best.' You're already greater than you know, my friend."
Karna nodded, his heart lighter, the wisdom sinking deep. "I hear you, Bahu. I'll strive to be better, not just stronger, and to serve our vision for Aryavrat. Thank you for reminding me of what matters."
As they prepared for the journey to Hastinapur, Bahubali reflected on the past seven years—Magadha's transformation, Karna's growth, and the temple rising in honor of his gurus. The Kalapradarshan beckoned, a chance to revisit their roots and perhaps influence the Kuru court with Magadha's ideals. With Karna by his side and Mahadev's blessings in his heart, Bahubali stood ready to face whatever awaited in Hastinapur, his resolve to uphold dharma unyielding.