Supreme Ruler: Reincarnated as the Emperor's Bastard Son

The royal court came to an end with the emperor's decision to assign the land of Taxila to the two princes and everyone dispersed from there.

Ashoka decided to visit the Tower of Diligence where Sudhatta was currently in training and his mother, Chandralekha resided.

Sage Vyasa accompanied Ashoka from the royal palace as he too was present in the royal court.

"You made a very bold request Ashoka"

He said as they traveled in the carriage towards the magic circle.

Even now, he couldn't forget how confident Ashoka was when speaking with the Emperor.

"I should be capable of at least that much as your grandson"

"Hahaha, right! You are indeed my grandson"

As usual, Sage Vyasa was very easy to please, he was too soft when it came to matters of his grandsons.

"Now that I look at you...You have grown so much..."

His laughter ended as he placed his hand on Ashoka's head, patting his head in a gentle manner.

Ashoka was silent as he didn't know what to say.

"It makes+ me sad that I couldn't watch you grow, but you have grown into such a fine young man…I am proud of you, Ashoka"

As Sage Vyas's words reached his ears, Ashoka couldn't help but get emotional.

When was the last time that someone said they were proud of Ashoka?

Were there even such instances in the first place?

In his past life, he couldn't even feel the warmth of family, so even small gestures like this were enough to make him cry.

"....Thank you…."

He said in a low voice looking down as he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to stop his tears otherwise.

Sage Vyasa looked at his grandson with a warm smile and ruffled his head.

They didn't talk much going further and the carriage soon reached the Tower of Diligence.

"My little pumpkin!!"

And as usual, Chandralekha jumped into Ashoka's arms as soon as he stepped down the carriage.

"Mother…Be careful!!"

Ashoka almost lost his balance at the sudden greetings!

"My little pumpkin! You have grown so much!"

Although Ashoka was nagging at her, Chandralekha was busy looking at her son from top to bottom.

It has been 4 years since they have seen each other and in the meantime, Ashoka has grown so much, that it was hard for her not to notice the change.

He was already about 5.1 feet tall with a well-built body. Combined with his pitch-black hair and black eyes, he looked stunning and handsome.

"My son, you have grown so handsome, I have to find a daughter-in-law for my sons soon…"

"Don't talk nonsense Mother!"

Despite the quarrel between them, Ashoka was glad that Chandralekha was alright and living well.

It was only now that he noticed an incredibly handsome blood bastard standing at the corner of the Tower looking at him with a smile.

'This handsome bastard.'

If Ashoka was 10/10 in looks, then Sudhatta was at least a 15/10, that's how handsome he was.

"Yo! Blondie, I see you are still pretty as ever, are you trying to compete for the miss empire this year or what…?"

"You…You are still as rude as ever, dear 'little' brother"

"This brat! It seems you have grown some balls in my absence, let's see if you still dare to call me after I beat shit out of you"

"Let's see who will beat the shit out of whom!"

They both were meeting after three years abd both were eager to display their own strength to one another.

"Let's spar then!"

"That's what I was going to say."

****

The sun had already set and the night had descended upon the sprawling gardens of the palace. The sound of crickets and the rustling of leaves filled the air as the two young princes, Ashoka and Sudhatta, walked toward the center of the gardens.

It had been many years since they had last seen each other. Sudhatta had been studying in the tower of diligence under Sage Vyasa, while Ashoka had been busy learning the ways of sword and magic from the sage of wisdom, Chanakya.

But now, they were both back in the place where they were born, and the two brothers were eager to spar and test each other's skills.

As they approached the center of the gardens, they could see that a small ring had been set up for their sparring match. The ring was surrounded by torches that illuminated the area and created a small circle of light in the darkness. The two princes walked towards the ring, each sizing up the other as they got closer.

"Be careful not to expose that pretty face of yours, don't complain to me later that I didn't warm you when I give you a scar across"

"You don't have to worry about me, 'little' brother."

"You damn brat!"

Sudhatta was tall and lean, with sharp features and a stern look on his face. He had spent the last four years training in the art of archery as he felt like wielding a  sword is suitable for him.

And It seemed to be the best decision as after picking up a bow, he grew by leaps and bounds.

He was even known for his accuracy and precision with the bow in the whole Tower of Diligence.

Ashoka, on the other hand, was shorter and more muscular, with broad shoulders and a fierce look in his eyes. He had been training in the art of swordplay and hand-to-hand combat and was known for his strength and agility.

Although he learned the ways of magic too, he was more confident in his swordsmanship.

As they entered the ring, the two princes took their positions on opposite sides. Sudhatta pulled out his bow and arrow, while Ashoka unsheathed his sword.

"It seems you picked up a toy in my absence"

"You will be surprised to see what this toy can do"

They both stood in silence for a moment, sizing each other up and waiting for the other to make the first move.

Finally, Sudhatta raised his bow and took aim at Ashoka.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Ashoka darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the arrow as it whizzed past him. He swung his sword in a wide arc, but Sudhatta was too quick, leaping backward and firing another arrow at Ashoka.

This time, Ashoka was ready. He deflected the arrow with his sword, sending it flying off course. Sudhatta responded by pulling out a second arrow and firing it at Ashoka, but once again, Ashoka was too quick, dodging the arrow with ease.

The two continued to spar, exchanging blows and dodging each other's attacks. Sudhatta fired arrow after arrow at Ashoka, each time narrowly missing his target. Ashoka swung his sword with precision, but Sudhatta was too quick and nimble, dodging each strike with ease.

"You seem like you didn't slack off during the four years, 'little brother'."

"You aren't half bad either"

"Look out for my next attack, it might surprise you!"

As Sudhatta pulled the empty bowstring, an aura rose from his finger forming the shape of an aura.

'Formless Arrow!!'

Ashoka was surprised by the display of such high-level skill which was said to be impossible to master unless you understand the laws of archery!

-Zweep

Before Ashoka could sense anything, Sudhatta fired the Aura arrow.

In a blink, the arrow appeared before Ashoka!

Sudhatta expected his victory but to his surprise, Ashoka covered his sword with a thick aura and cut the arrow dispensing it into nothingness.

"You are not the only one who has been training in past years"

As Ashoka announced, six flaming spears appeared before him, threatening to fly toward Sudhattaa at any second.

"That's my line"

Sudhatta didn't stand still either, as he chanted some inaudible chants, swords made of light appeared behind him lighting up the whole garden.

"That was what I was talking about"

As they continued to spar, the crowd around them grew larger, drawn by the excitement of the match. The torches flickered in the darkness, casting shadows on the faces of the spectators. The two princes were completely absorbed in their battle, each determined to come out on top.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Sudhatta lowered his bow and stepped back. He looked at Ashoka with a sense of respect and admiration.

"You're good," he said, panting for breath. "Your sword…It is resonating to your will."

Ashoka smiled, his eyes still fixed on Sudhatta. "You're not bad yourself," he said. "I've never seen anyone shoot like that before."

The two princes stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath and reflecting on their match. They both knew that they had a lot to learn from each other, and they were eager to continue their training and improve their skills.

As they left the ring and walked back towards the palace, Sage Vyasa who was watching the whole match whispered.

"What monsters….!!"

---***---