The battle between Ranadev and Rudrasenan began with terrifying intensity.
They clashed like two storms, striking each other with relentless fury.
At one moment, Ranadev gained the upper hand.
His strength surged beyond control.
With a brutal blow, he sent Rudran flying.
Rudran struggled—he couldn't withstand Ranadev's overwhelming power.
Ranadev spun his sword and struck Rudran across the face.
Blood splattered into the air.
Seeing this, both the Gandharva army and the Preta warriors trembled in fear and began to retreat.
Then—
With a single, devastating swing, Ranadev struck again.
Rudran's body was dragged across the ground, thrown far away before crashing down.
Everyone froze in shock.
Their bodies trembled.
"Is Rudran going to die…?"
Fear spread across the battlefield.
Rudran lay unconscious, unable to rise.
Ranadev slowly approached, lifting his sword to finish him.
But suddenly—
A blade blocked the strike.
Rudran stood up.
Dark energy swirled around him.
In a flash, he counterattacked.
His strike sent Ranadev flying even farther than before, crashing heavily onto the ground.
When Ranadev looked at Rudran—
He froze.
Rudran's eyes had completely turned crimson.
And the smile on his face…
It was terrifying.
Everyone watching began to tremble.
Ranadev roared and charged at him with lightning speed.
But Rudran struck him down again.
This time, Ranadev collapsed, losing consciousness.
As Rudran turned away—
Ranadev suddenly opened his eyes.
He had been pretending.
With a final desperate attack, he rushed forward.
But—
Rudran reacted instantly.
With one clean strike, he severed Ranadev's arm.
Another strike—his leg.
As Ranadev collapsed, helpless—
Rudran delivered the final blow.
He beheaded him.
Ranadev was dead.
With their leader gone, the enemy army scattered and fled.
It had been a brutal war—
But they had won.
Rudran's glory spread across the entire land.
When he entered the Gandharva city, flowers rained upon him.
People blessed him with joy.
This was his first victory.
And more importantly—
He had fulfilled his father's wish.
Peace slowly returned to the kingdom.
Rudran declared that the families of fallen warriors would be taken care of by the kingdom itself.
After a few days, Rudran requested permission from the sages.
"I wish to visit my homeland… to see my mother, father, and loved ones."
They agreed.
Rudran left with Alli and Ponni.
When they reached Zimbar, the people welcomed him with great joy.
He received blessings from Bermi and Chandravathi.
Alli and Chandravathi reunited, sharing their bond and emotions.
Later, Rudran asked, "Where is Pandu?"
"He's here," they said.
Rudran found him sitting alone.
The moment Pandu saw him, he rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
Though there was happiness…
There was also deep sorrow hidden in his eyes.
When asked, Pandu brushed it off.
But later, he broke down.
After Rudran left, Pandu had grown close to Nandhini.
They loved each other deeply.
But one day—
She suddenly collapsed.
She died.
Pandu couldn't accept it.
"I can't live without her… I don't know if I'll ever see her again…" he cried.
Rudran comforted him and stayed by his side.
But inside—
Rudran made a decision.
He wanted to give Pandu a new life.
Time passed.
But something changed.
Pandu was not the same anymore.
Unknown to everyone—
He had consumed a mysterious, dangerous blood.
Now, he was transforming into something inhuman.
A monster.
Even powerful magic couldn't restrain him.
When Rudran learned this, he rushed back.
But before leaving—
Ponni revealed something shocking.
"I am pregnant."
Rudran was overwhelmed with happiness.
After seeking blessings from elders and performing rituals—
He set off again.
When he reached Zimbar, the atmosphere was heavy.
Pandu had completely lost control.
His behavior was savage… animal-like.
Rudran's heart sank.
A healer named Senguvan was called.
After examining the blood, he said:
"The poison hasn't reached the brain yet… but it will soon. If that happens, he cannot be saved."
"There is only one cure."
"A rare liquid… found only in Kosala kingdom."
"But it is their greatest treasure. They will never give it willingly."
Rudran didn't hesitate.
"I will bring it."
Rudran and Bermi set off toward Kosala.
After reaching the border, they rested briefly.
Suddenly—
They heard a child screaming.
Rudran rushed toward the sound.
A young boy stood frozen in fear.
In front of him—
A black panther.
Just as it leapt to attack—
Rudran drew his sword.
And struck.
The beast collapsed.