[Ding... Karma Return System activates.]
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...
When Muni Vyasa bestowed the name upon Ekalavya, the resonance of that name echoed throughout the expanse of Kailash Parvat before gradually subsiding.
"Nath, what does this signify?" Devi Parvati inquired, her brows furrowed in puzzlement, trying to grasp how a mortal could invoke such a divine manifestation.
"Devi, that child is not an ordinary mortal; he carries an immense destiny that neither I, nor Vasudeva, nor the creator deity can intervene in. As the Trimurti, we are bound to respect his existence without interference," Lord Shiva explained.
His words left Devi Parvati looking at the child with a mixture of astonishment, bewilderment, and deep fascination.
"Nath, my curiosity about Ekalavya only intensifies," Devi Parvati exclaimed, revealing her growing intrigue and interest in the enigmatic child.
"Hmm, truly captivating. He is aware of the presence of the Mother Universe," Lord Shiva perceived Ekalavya's prayers.
"That's the reason I sensed the essence of the Mother's energy upon him," Lord Shiva mumbled.
"Nath, did Mother have a purpose for him?" Devi Parvati inquired.
"Thatastu," Lord Shiva granted Ekalavya's prayers.
"Devi, it might be true that Mother has bestowed upon him a special gift. But can we truly fathom her intentions if she weaves a destiny for someone?" Lord Shiva turned towards Devi Parvati, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Perhaps not," Devi Parvati nodded in understanding.
She realized that their days would be filled with fascination, observing someone whose destiny remained unpredictable.
"Observing his growth will indeed be enthralling!" Devi Parvati exclaimed with a mischievous smile.
"Haha! I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for him!" Lord Shiva laughed, discovering that Devi Parvati shared the same anticipation.
Unbeknownst to Ekalavya, he was already under the watchful gaze of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
Meanwhile, neither Lord Vishnu nor Lord Brahma had yet taken notice of Ekalavya's presence.
It was solely due to the Nishad tribe's worship at the Lord Shiva temple that drew Lord Shiva's attention towards Ekalavya.
...
(Ekalavya Pov)
'Argh...Damn it, why do I have to go through these embarrassing moments? I can't even grasp what they're saying for years to come,' I thought to myself after finishing another cringe-worthy moment of the day.
My mother left me in the care of some other women who played with me, giggling at my uncomfortable expressions.
And there's this strong desire to visit Acharya Vyasa's ashram, where I believe I can learn the language much quicker with the guidance of the great sage.
But right now, I can't even crawl, so I'll have to put that thought on hold.
A strange feeling keeps creeping up on me like someone's been secretly watching. I shiver every now and then.
'But seriously, these folks have impressive skills. Why isn't there any mention of this tribe in the Mahabharata?' I wondered while observing kids, around 10 to 12 years old, practicing archery under the guidance of an adult tribesman.
It's been ten days since the naming ceremony, and I'm already feeling so frustrated.
Even though I'm in the Mahabharata era, I can't even go out and explore because my tiny body doesn't even have the strength to crawl.
Luckily, the tribesmen keep me entertained most of the time.
I also get to watch their impressive hunting skills when they practice.
'Hmm, I need to think about my future and what I'm going to become since I clearly can't follow Ekalavya's original path, as it's already deviated from birth.
At least, from what he remembers, Ekalavya was born into Shri Krishna's family and was his nephew. Originally, he was adopted by Hiranyadhanus one day when they met in the forest after being abandoned by Shri Krishna's uncle and aunt.
But here, he was directly born into the Hiranyadhanus family, in the Nishad tribe. At least he doesn't have to go against the Dark Hand behind the Mahabharat Yudh or the Great Cunning Schemer, Shri Krishna.
That would be just like giving up, and I don't have the heart to go against that kind of being. His simple mortal skills are enough to make any great warrior sigh in frustration.
And I really don't want to work so hard to learn from some narrow-minded Acharya and end up giving my thumb for nothing.
'Sigh... this is a very profound topic, which this little brain of mine can't understand...' I kind of got reminded that I do have an awakened gift in me, which made me wonder how it's going to help me in the future.
.....
Twelve Years Later,
"Hey there, Ekalavya! Where have you been from morning to noon?" an old man asked as a child, no older than 12 years, emerged from the outskirts of the forest into their village.
Ekalavya's appearance was marked by his dark skin, showing he spent a lot of time outdoors.
He had a strong and sturdy build, a sign of his physical strength and years of training.
His hair was probably messy due to his life in the forest, and he wore simple, plain clothes that suited his humble background.
"Oh, I was at Acharya Vyasa's Ashram. We were debating about something, so I lost track of time. Hehehe!" Ekalavya replied, bowing respectfully to the old man before heading to his family's hut.
"This child, always arguing with Acharya Vyasa," the old man shook his head and went about his work.
"Mother... Mother, where are you?" Ekalavya rushed to the hut and called out to his mother.
"Don't shout; I'm right here. My hearing is fine, so speak calmly!" His mother, Nisha's, voice came from inside the hut. She had a piece of clothing in her hands, as if she was sewing something.
"Look what I made for you. Isn't it beautiful?" Ekalavya handed her a bangle crafted from redwood that shimmered in the sunlight.
"Oh, it's truly beautiful. Isn't my son amazing?" Nisha smiled as she looked at it, putting it on her wrist to show how it looked while also ruffling Ekalavya's hair and praising him.
Nisha settled near a stone and began sewing again, while Ekalavya stood there in a daze.
Suddenly, a gentle ding sound echoed, and a virtual screen appeared before Ekalavya's eyes.
[Ding... Karma Return System activates.]
[As the Host's first return for gifting your mother a bangle made from the Raktavarna tree branch, Thousands Fold Critically Hit applied...]
[Congratulations, Host, for receiving... A divine ability of Lord Vishwakarma, the Master Craftsman.]
[Master Craftsman: Lord Vishwakarma was considered the supreme creator and craftsman of the divine world. He had exceptional skills in architecture, engineering, and crafting.]
'Yes...yes...yes...!' After snapping out of his daze, he felt an overwhelming joy upon finally receiving his cheat.
"Mother, I'm going out to play!" Ekalavya shouted, then darted away. Nisha just shook her head in response.
"Finally, yes...!!"
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