Chapter 86 Varan Empire
Karn straightened his posture, meeting the burning, sun-like gaze of Raja Chandragupta Maurya. To hold eye contact with the Emperor was considered a severe breach of protocol by the traditionalists in the court, but Karn felt no desire to look away. He had not survived the Vyom Frontier, mastered the Shula Vidya, and awakened Primordial Shakti just to stare at the floor.
The Emperor seemed to appreciate the young man's audacity. He raised a hand, and the murmurs of the surrounding patriarchs and generals instantly died down.
"Leave us," Chandragupta commanded.
The order was absolute. Without a word of protest, the highest authorities of Bharat bowed deeply and filed out of the massive bronze doors. Only Mr. Chanakya remained, stepping silently into the shadows beside the throne, leaning on his staff like a quiet phantom.
