War

Aryan could also understand why Karna brought Eklavya to meet him, most likely feeling sympathetic towards this warrior who suffered the same fate as him. 

But what he couldn't figure out was how did he end up here. According to common sense, he should be in Magadh right now with his father. 

But Aryan knew that since Karna brought him here he would definitely explain everything. 

"So you're Eklavya, I have heard of you. So what are you doing here?"

"It's like this your majesty. After we defeated Jaraasandh in the war last time and conquered half of the Magadh's territory, we also took over one third of Magadh's army according to the treaty. 

And Eklavya who had heard about how you stood up for me during the tournament in Hastinapur was very impressed and wanted to follow you. So he came to Udra kingdom along with the one third army from Magadh. "

Karna explained in detail. 

"Very well Eklavya, since you want to follow me, then so be it. Show your strength in this war and I will appoint you as the vice general of the army if you're worthy of it. "

Aryan said calmly. 

Eklavya bowed with gratitude, feeling honored by Aryan's acceptance and willingness to give him an opportunity to prove himself. His dedication to mastering archery and his willingness to cut off his own thumb as guru dakshina were testaments to his character and determination. 

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity, Your Majesty," Eklavya replied. "I will do my best to serve you and prove my worth."

Aryan acknowledged Eklavya's words with a nod and a warm smile. It was clear that Eklavya had a strong spirit and an unshakable resolve. Aryan valued such qualities in his followers. 

With Eklavya now part of their group, Aryan's forces continued their journey toward the Vanga kingdom. 

The journey to the Vanga kingdom continued, and as they approached their destination, the atmosphere became tense.

Upon reaching the borders of the Vanga kingdom, Aryan ordered a temporary halt, and they set up a makeshift camp. Bhanumati and Dushala prepared for battle, honing their combat skills with a sense of anticipation.

Vanga's army had received word of their arrival, and soon, the opposing forces were positioned on the battlefield, ready for the impending clash.

Vanga was known for its skilled warriors and formidable archers, making it a formidable opponent. Although they didn't have any formidable warrior to lead them that could match Aryan or even Karna, the army close to one Akshauhini was still a force to contend with. 

And the Vanga kingdom also knew this clearly, so instead of fighting them head on they had actually formed a Chakravyuha. 

In fact, their worries were simply superfluous. Aryan had already decided to not participate in this battle himself and let Bhanumati and Dushala take charge. This was also one of the ways by which he can let the newly acquired Magadh's army quickly assimilate with the Udra kingdom's army. 

"This is Mandala Vyuha (Galaxy formation) ! "

Dushala said solemnly and seeing everyone's curious expressed continued explaining,

"It is a defensive circular formation very difficult to penetrate. The Commander-in-chief, situated at the centre of the formation, usually leads the army and is surrounded by several small groups of armymen which is usually led by Maharathis, though considering their lack of any Maharathis in their army, each unit should be led by a Rathi. But nonetheless, it's a very powerful defensive formation. "

Dushala's explanation of the Mandala Vyuha, also known as the Galaxy formation, brought clarity to the situation. The formidable defensive circular formation chosen by Vanga displayed their intent to defend their territory with determination. The formation was known for its effectiveness in creating a challenging barrier to penetrate.

Aryan and Karna, although not directly participating in the battle, were ready to offer advice and strategies to Bhanumati, Dushala, and the rest of their forces. They recognized the challenge that the Mandala Vyuha posed and the need for a well-thought-out approach. Although it was only Karna who could offer any advice because Aryan was an illiterate when it comes to knowledge about vyuhas, etc since he never received any formal education and always relied on brute force. 

As Bhanumati and Dushala assessed the situation, Eklavya stood with his bow ready, prepared to use his archery skills to weaken the enemy's defenses. He also didn't know anything about the Mandal vyuha so he could only wait for Dushala's instructions. 

"Hey Dushala, please tell me you know how to break this Vyuha otherwise we'd have to ask for Aryan's help in our first war, that too after we bragged so much in front of him last night. "

Bhanumati whispered in a low voice and urged Dushala. 

"Well, I do know how to break it. It's just I'm a little nervous since this is my time and..."

Dushala said hesitantly but was interrupted by an excited Bhanumati. 

"Then it's so decided. You take the lead and I'll follow behind you along with Eklavya. And besides, if anything goes wrong, don't we still have Aryan to save us?"

Dushala nodded, her determination shining through her eyes, despite her initial nervousness. "You're right, Bhanumati. We have been trained well, and it's time to show what we're capable of. I will lead the way, and let's execute our strategy flawlessly. With our combined strength, we will overcome this Vyuha."

As they prepared to implement their strategy, Eklavya stood ready, bow in hand, ready to demonstrate his archery skills.

As Bhanumati and Dushala, along with Eklavya, confronted the formidable Mandala Vyuha, they initiated their battle strategy to break through the enemy formation.

"Everyone attack at that point. That's the weakest link of the formation and we can enter from their relatively easily. "

Dushala said and took lead by rushing ahead. 

Dushala's swordsmanship allowed her to channel her energy and skill into her strikes, creating air slashes that cut through the Vanga warriors in their defensive formation. With each swing, the invisible blades were released, causing chaos and confusion within the Vanga ranks.

While Dushala focused on disrupting the Vanga soldiers with her air slashes, Eklavya and Bhanumati, both skilled archers, prepared to utilize their astras to further weaken the enemy.

Eklavya, with his mastery of archery, unleashed the Aindrastra. This powerful astra caused a rain of arrows to shower upon the Vanga forces. The arrows fell like a relentless storm, overwhelming the enemy and creating openings in their defenses.

Bhanumati tapped into her archery skills to wield the Agneyastra. Flaming arrows were shot into the formation, creating unquenchable flames. The Vanga soldiers struggled to contain the fires, causing chaos and further disarray within their ranks.

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