Character gallery + Chapter 1 [Welcoming the new guest]

Far beyond the reach of the martial arts world, hidden in the embrace of nature, there lay a country by the name of Stambha. Nestled between two sparkling lakes, its land was blessed with the beauty of an interlaken, where the serene waters reflected the tranquil skies. 

The people of Stambha lived simple, peaceful lives. They worked the land, their hands stained with the fruits of their hard work. Fresh vegetables and fruits grew easily, thanks to the rich soil. The cattle grazed in the lush green fields, and the air was filled with the sweet smell of nature. The people were happy with their way of life and had no need for weapons or fighting. The martial arts world was far away, something they chose not to get involved in, and it had no impact on their quiet, peaceful lives.

The peace that enveloped Stambha was not a mere coincidence, but the result of a treaty forged twenty years ago.

The terms were simple yet profound: Stambha would be untouched by the martial arts world, and in return, it would remain a land of peace, free from the blades and battles of warriors. And so, the two realms went their separate ways, like two rivers running parallel, never crossing.

For a quarter of a century, Stambha flourished in its solitude. There were no warriors, no martial arts schools, no need for fighters. They worshipped their gods with devotion, seeking balance and enlightenment in every moment of their lives. Songs and dances filled the air, as they celebrated the simple joys of life. Festivals, where the people gathered in joyous harmony, brought light to even the darkest of nights. The land was a haven of serenity, untouched by the turmoil that ravaged the outer world.

There, life moved in a gentle rhythm. The seasons passed, one after another, like the flowing of a calm river. The people had no need for martial skills or war. Their hearts were full of kindness, their actions rooted in compassion. The gods smiled upon them, their blessings abundant.

And so, for twenty-five years, the country of Stambha lived as it always had, in peace, untouched by the harsh winds of the outside world. The people believed that this peace would endure forever—that the tranquility of their land would remain unbroken, like the still waters of the lakes that surrounded them. But fate, ever unpredictable, had different plans.

Chapter 1 - Welcoming the new guest

The crowned prince of Stambha, Kuber Bharat, nineteen years old, was returning from his usual night walk after dinner. Trailing a few steps behind him were his maids, Ridhi and Sita. The twin sisters were charming, always dressed in simple, yet graceful attire. They had been with the prince since they were very young, and over the years, their role had evolved from that of mere servants to trusted companions. Though they still helped him with daily tasks, their relationship had become one of friendship and familiarity. Now, at seventeen, they were no longer just girls looking after the prince, but young women who shared a bond with him that went beyond their duties. They walked closely together, often exchanging soft words and laughter as they followed the prince under the starry sky.

The night air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the soft touch of cold winds that whispered through the trees. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing melody that blended with the soft rhythm of the night. 

Behind them was His Highness's personal guard, Angad, a tall young man with a muscular build. He was the son of Jaidev, the royal weapons master, and at almost twenty-one years old. As Jaidev's only son, he had been chosen to carry on the family legacy, and he had trained in the art of sword fighting since he could hold a blade. He was the only one from the new generation permitted to learn the art of combat passed down through his family. He never allowed his guard to slip, always ensuring the safety of the prince.

For the most part, Angad didn't carry his weapon, as there was rarely any need for it in the peaceful land of Stambha. The country was known for its tranquility, where conflicts were a rarity, and the people lived in harmony. His sword was something he only wielded during training, when he honed his skills under the watchful eye of his father, Jaidev.

So, what was Angad doing there, following behind the prince on his nightly walk? It was simple: he was there to protect His Highness. From whom? From His Highness himself.

Kuber Bharat was an excitable soul, and his enthusiasm for life often got the better of him. The prince's greatest weakness was his love for animals. Wherever he went, he was bound to spot some creature—a stray dog, a bird, or even a small insect—and his immediate instinct was to jump forward, eager to touch and befriend it. The trouble was, not all animals were as friendly as he imagined.

Just last time, Kuber had found a stray cat. Without a second thought, he ran toward it, practically skipping with excitement at the thought of petting it. "A cat! A cat!" he had exclaimed, as if it were the rarest treasure on earth. The cat, of course, didn't share his enthusiasm. It hissed, its back arched, and it looked ready to give the prince a nice, painful scratch. If not for Angad's lightning-fast reflexes, Kuber would've been sporting a fresh set of claw marks, and that last time was just that morning. 

Things like that happened every day. No matter how many times Kuber found himself narrowly escaping the claws or teeth of some poor creature, he would always bounce back with that same wide grin, eager to try again. It was as if nothing had happened at all—he was completely unfazed, and within minutes, he'd be off looking for his next animal friend. To Angad, it was both amusing and exhausting. His biggest danger wasn't some villain lurking in the shadows; it was the prince himself.

Angad let out a long yawn, speaking more to himself than anyone else. "I know he's going to walk until he finds an animal," he mumbled, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Ridhi and Sita, who had been walking quietly behind him, exchanged a look before turning to shoot Angad an angry glare. They didn't take kindly to anyone making light of their crown prince, even if it was a harmless comment. They had supported Kuber through everything, and his eccentricities were just part of what made him, well, him.

Angad raised an eyebrow. "What's with them?" he muttered, realizing he'd hit a nerve.

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