Chapter 224: Chapter 222: Breaking The Truth About The Boon...
(A/N):
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The atmosphere within the command camp had become noticeably lighter.
For the first time since Pushpasura’s awakening...
Good news had arrived.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the command tent.
A royal soldier pushed aside the entrance curtain before immediately dropping to one knee.
"My Lords!"
"The Trivenivrata Army has arrived!"
Devaratha immediately stood.
"They’ve reached Malikavana?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"They are presently waiting outside the forest."
"General Ashwatthama has sent word announcing the arrival of the army."
A smile appeared upon Devaratha’s face.
"So he made it."
Without another moment’s delay, he turned toward Shakuni.
"Come."
"We’ll receive them personally."
Shakuni grinned back at his brother in law.
"I was wondering how much longer I’d have to wait before seeing that stubborn fellow again."
The two men immediately left the command tent.
The messenger followed behind them.
Within moments...
Only two people remained inside.
King Padmanabha Varma...
And Lord Hanuman.
An awkward silence settled over the tent.
Padmanabha glanced toward Hanuman.
Hanuman happily continued eating another mango.
Crunch.
Silence.
Crunch.
Padmanabha looked away.
Then looked back.
"..."
He had spoken with kings.
He had negotiated with neighboring rulers.
He had debated ministers and sages.
Yet somehow...
Holding a normal conversation with the immortal hero of the Treta Yuga felt infinitely more difficult.
After several painfully quiet moments...
The King cleared his throat.
"...Lord Hanuman..."
Hanuman looked up cheerfully.
"Yes?"
"..."
Padmanabha suddenly forgot what he intended to say.
"...Nothing."
Hanuman simply smiled and resumed eating his fruit.
"..."
The King’s embarrassment deepened.
Finally letting out a helpless sigh, he stood.
"I believe..."
"...I should inspect the defensive arrangements."
Hanuman nodded while taking another bite.
-Nod!
"Very responsible."
Padmanabha gave a respectful bow before quietly leaving the tent.
Outside, he released a long breath of relief.
"...That was somehow more difficult than facing an enemy king."
Inside the now empty command tent...
Hanuman remained alone.
He casually continued enjoying the sweet fruit.
For several peaceful moments...
Nothing happened.
Then...
His chewing stopped.
The smile on his face remained.
But his eyes slowly shifted toward one corner of the tent.
A shadow stood there.
It had not entered.
No footsteps had sounded.
It was simply... Present.
A figure cloaked entirely in black.
Only a pair of silver eyes could be seen within the darkness.
Those ancient eyes calmly met Hanuman’s sapphire-blue gaze.
Neither spoke.
Silence stretched between them.
"...."
"...."
"...."
Then...
Hanuman chuckled softly.
"So..."
"You’ve finally decided to show yourself."
The shadow remained motionless.
Hanuman looked at it with unmistakable familiarity.
There was no surprise in his expression.
No caution.
Only quiet recognition.
"You haven’t changed."
The shadow said nothing.
Hanuman rested his chin upon one hand.
"Though..."
"I suppose calling you a person would still be inaccurate."
He smiled knowingly.
"You are not a man."
"Nor are you a Deva."
His gaze became thoughtful.
"...Not yet."
The shadow’s silver eyes flickered slightly.
Hanuman continued to speak.
"You are... a legacy."
"A legacy preserved through the ages."
"Waiting. Watching."
He slowly stood.
"Waiting for someone worthy enough... to inherit you."
His words carried neither mystery nor fear.
Only certainty.
"As always... It cannot be claimed through strength."
"It cannot be claimed through desire."
"It can only be inherited... through one’s deeds."
For the first time...
The silver eyes seemed to soften.
Almost imperceptibly.
Hanuman folded his hands behind his back.
"I believe... you’ve already found the one you’ve been watching."
The shadow offered no reply.
It simply continued looking toward the direction in which Devaratha had departed moments earlier.
Hanuman’s smile widened.
"So."
"You’ve chosen him as well."
The tent fell silent once more.
"...."
"...."
"...."
No one else within the camp knew that a conversation had just taken place.
Or that an ancient legacy...
One older than kingdoms and older than many legends...
Had quietly acknowledged the young king of Trivenivrata.
Outside, the camp prepared for war.
Inside...
Destiny itself continued watching from the shadows, patiently waiting for the moment when its chosen heir would finally be ready.
Meanwhile...
Devaratha and Shakuni made their way to the outer perimeter of the military camp.
The watchtowers had already reported the arrival of Trivenivrata’s army, and soldiers from both kingdoms stood alert along the defensive lines.
Before long, the messenger who had delivered Ashwatthama’s report came galloping back toward them.
The moment he spotted Devaratha standing near the entrance of the camp, he immediately dismounted from his horse.
He struck his fist against his chest before bowing respectfully.
"Your Majesty!"
Devaratha gave a slight nod.
"Rise."
The soldier stood immediately.
Devaratha looked beyond him, where the banners of Trivenivrata could already be seen in the distance.
"The army has marched a long way."
"They need rest before the battle begins."
He raised one hand toward the open plains beside the Pushkarnya encampment.
"Inform General Ashwatthama that the Trivenivrata Army has my permission to establish its camp beside our allies."
"Choose the most suitable ground and begin fortifying the position immediately."
The soldier saluted.
"As Your Majesty commands."
Devaratha continued.
"And tell Ashwatthama..."
"...to come here after the camp has been secured."
"I wish to discuss tomorrow’s strategy with him."
"At once, Your Majesty."
The messenger mounted his horse once again before riding back toward the waiting army.
Several moments later...
The messenger arrived before Ashwatthama’s chariot.
He immediately relayed every word spoken by Devaratha.
Ashwatthama listened silently.
After hearing the final instruction, he gave a calm nod.
"So, he wants the camp established first."
"Very well."
He looked toward his officers.
"The King’s orders have been received."
His voice echoed across the assembled commanders.
"Select defensible ground beside Pushkarnya’s camp."
"I want the perimeter secured before sunset."
"Archers will occupy the elevated positions."
"The cavalry remains ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice."
"The engineers are to begin constructing the defensive barricades immediately."
The officers saluted in unison.
"As you command, General!"
Without wasting another moment, the Trivenivrata Army sprang into action.
The disciplined ranks divided into their assigned duties.
Engineers began marking the boundaries of the new encampment.
Soldiers unloaded supplies from wagons.
Blacksmiths prepared portable forges.
Carpenters gathered timber for watchtowers and defensive palisades.
Within minutes, an empty stretch of land beside Pushkarnya’s camp transformed into a hive of organized activity.
Watching his men efficiently carry out their duties, Ashwatthama turned toward his charioteer.
"Take me to King Devaratha."
The veteran charioteer smiled.
"At once."
With a practiced flick of the reins, the horses surged forward.
The royal chariot rolled across the field, heading toward the allied command camp.
Behind it...
The banners of Trivenivrata slowly rose above the newly established encampment.
For the first time since the crisis had begun...
The armies of two kingdoms now stood side by side.
Not as separate nations...
But as allies preparing to face the darkness that threatened all of Bhuloka.
A few moments later...
The sound of chariot wheels echoed across the open field.
The royal chariot of Trivenivrata steadily approached the entrance of the allied encampment before coming to a graceful halt before Devaratha and Shakuni.
The horses snorted as the charioteer skillfully brought the chariot to a stop.
Ashwatthama stepped down from it.
The moment his eyes met Devaratha’s, both men smiled.
"My King."
Ashwatthama respectfully folded his hands.
Devaratha simply chuckled before stepping forward and embracing him.
"It is good to see you."
Ashwatthama returned the embrace.
"It is good to see you as well."
Shakuni smiled from the side.
"I expected a more formal greeting between a king and his general."
Ashwatthama looked at him with a faint smile.
"Titles belong in the royal court."
"Out here... we are friends preparing for war."
Devaratha nodded in agreement.
-Nod
"There is no need for unnecessary formalities between us. I have been his friend since our childhood."
After stepping back, Ashwatthama’s expression became serious.
"I have brought news from Trivenivrata."
Devaratha folded his arms.
"Tell me."
"The kingdom itself remains peaceful."
"There have been no disturbances within our borders."
"The harvest has been successful."
"The people are safe."
"The administration continues to function smoothly."
A smile appeared on Devaratha’s face.
"So Gandhari has been handling everything well."
Ashwatthama nodded his head with respect to the queen.
"Her Majesty has been leading the kingdom with remarkable wisdom."
"The ministers fully support her decisions."
"Rajamata Satyavati continues to advise the court whenever necessary."
"My father Dronacharya has strengthened the kingdom’s defenses exactly as ordered."
Hearing that, Devaratha let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"I knew the kingdom would be in capable hands."
Ashwatthama, however, continued.
"There is one matter that concerns me."
Devaratha’s smile faded hearing it.
"...."
"Our five neighboring kingdoms."
"They have all become unusually silent."
"No diplomatic envoys. No border disputes. No military exercises at the border."
"Even trade caravans have reduced significantly."
He frowned.
"The silence itself is suspicious."
"I have already increased surveillance along every border."
"Our scouts continue to watch them."
"So far, none of them have made an open move."
"But I do not believe this calm will last."
Shakuni folded his arms.
"A storm is always quiet before it arrives. And those 5 well... Everyone knew about their pledge to destroy our kingdom."
Ashwatthama nodded.
"My thoughts exactly."
Devaratha remained silent for a moment before replying.
"Continue monitoring them."
"If Pushpasura has truly begun moving his forces..."
"...it would not surprise me if his influence has already begun spreading beyond Pushkarnya."
Ashwatthama inclined his head.
"It is already being handled."
A satisfied smile appeared on Devaratha’s face.
"Excellent."
He then gestured toward the command camp.
"Come."
"There is much we need to discuss."
"Karna has also sent word."
"He has completed his training under Gurudev and is on his way here with Lord Parashurama."
For the first time during the conversation, Ashwatthama’s expression brightened.
"So..."
"Karna has finally finished his training."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"He has been looking forward to this reunion for years."
Devaratha chuckled looking at Ashwatthama’s reaction.
"I know."
"He even sent me a message reminding me that he still intends to become my ’unbreakable shield.’"
Shakuni laughed.
"Some promises never change."
The three men walked together toward the command tent.
Behind them, the banners of Trivenivrata fluttered proudly beside those of Pushkarnya as both kingdoms continued preparing for the inevitable war that drew closer with every passing hour.
Meanwhile...
Devaratha led Ashwatthama into the royal command tent.
The moment Ashwatthama stepped inside, his eyes immediately fell upon the towering Vanara leisurely sitting in one corner of the tent.
Lord Hanuman was completely at ease.
A basket overflowing with fruits rested beside him, and he was happily eating mangoes as though there wasn’t a war looming over the horizon.
Ashwatthama paused for a brief moment.
His sharp eyes widened ever so slightly.
"...Lord Hanuman."
Without hesitation, he folded his hands and bowed respectfully.
Hanuman looked up from his mango and smiled warmly.
"Seems like the young man knew me..."
Ashwatthama nodded.
"It is an honor to stand in your presence."
Hanuman waved his hand dismissively.
"No need for so much formality."
"Come."
"Sit."
By then, King Padmanabha Varma entered the command tent alongside the Crown Prince and the senior generals of Pushkarnya.
One after another, everyone took their seats around the large wooden table upon which maps of Malikavana and its surrounding forests had already been spread.
Outside...
The sounds of soldiers constructing fortifications echoed faintly.
Inside...
The war council began.
King Padmanabha looked around the gathering before speaking.
"Our combined armies have finally assembled."
"Pushkarnya and Trivenivrata now stand together."
He placed his hand upon the map.
"If possible..."
"We should end this war as quickly as we can."
"The longer Pushpasura remains free... the greater the damage to my kingdom."
Several generals nodded in agreement.
"A swift decisive battle would prevent unnecessary casualties."
Another commander added,
"If we concentrate our entire strength and strike first, perhaps we can overwhelm him before his army fully gathers."
For a moment...
The tent remained quiet.
"...."
"...."
"...."
Then Hanuman slowly shook his head.
"I’m afraid... it won’t be that simple."
Every gaze turned toward him.
Hanuman’s cheerful expression had disappeared.
His voice became unusually serious.
"There is something all of you must know."
"Pushpasura possesses a boon."
The atmosphere inside the tent immediately grew tense.
Hanuman continued.
"Long ago..."
"Through severe penance..."
"He obtained a blessing."
"For one hundred days after the beginning of a battle..."
"He cannot be defeated."
Several generals frowned.
Hanuman raised a finger.
"Not only that. With every passing day... his strength doubles."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
"...."
"...."
"...."
The words sank into everyone’s minds.
The Crown Prince’s face slowly paled.
"...Doubles?"
Hanuman nodded his head with a sigh.
"Every sunrise. Every sunset."
"His power continues to increase."
"No ordinary strategy can overcome such a blessing."
One of the Pushkarnya generals clenched his fists.
"Then... how can such a being be defeated?"
Hanuman looked toward the center of the table.
"The boon also carries its own condition."
"For one hundred days..."
"He remains undefeated."
"But..."
"...the one who stands against him must continue fighting."
"He cannot be allowed to withdraw."
"He cannot be allowed to escape."
"He must be confronted."
"Again. And again."
"For the entire duration of those hundred days."
Hanuman’s sapphire-blue eyes slowly shifted toward Devaratha.
"On the one hundred and first day... The boon ends."
"And only then... will death finally accept him."
"The blade that strikes him on that day..."
"...will become the blade that ends Pushpasura."
No one spoke.
The enormity of the task settled heavily upon everyone present.
One hundred days.
Against an opponent whose strength doubled every single day.
Even imagining such a battle felt impossible.
Hanuman calmly held Devaratha’s gaze.
"There is only one person here... who can shoulder that responsibility."
The entire tent instinctively looked toward Devaratha.
Hanuman’s voice remained calm.
"That duty... belongs to you."
The words hung in the air.
Devaratha neither hesitated...
Nor questioned them.
His expression remained composed.
After a brief moment, he simply nodded.
"I understand."
No grand declaration. No boast. No hesitation.
Only quiet acceptance.
As though Hanuman had merely entrusted him with another duty.
Watching him, Ashwatthama folded his arms.
A faint smile appeared upon his face.
King Padmanabha, however, stared at Devaratha in disbelief.
"...."
To calmly accept a battle that would last one hundred days against a Rakshasa who grew stronger every day...
Only then did he truly understand why even Lord Hanuman had chosen to place his faith in the young King of Trivenivrata.
Outside the command tent...
The war drums continued to echo across Malikavana.
Inside...
The fate of the coming hundred days had quietly been entrusted to a single man.
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(Author note:)
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