Chapter 3

The tsunami acted as a catalyst for the Chola Kingdom. The Chera dynasty was left in ruins after the devastating impact of the tsunami, while the Pandya Kingdom suffered significant losses, particularly in their navy and various coastal areas and farmlands, rendering them unable to sustain the war efforts.

This advantageous circumstance allowed the Chola forces to conquer lands at a faster pace and with minimal resistance. Consequently, more resources were freed up to overpower the Pandya forces and confront the Western and Eastern Chalukyas.

While the Eastern Chalukyas conceded defeat and accepted the Chola's supremacy, the Western Chalukyas and the Pandya Kingdom offered some resistance. Although the kingdom of Anuradhapuram wasn't initially a priority for his father, their support of the Pandya during the war incensed Rajaraja Chola I, leading to their subsequent attack and conquest. This was facilitated by the kingdom's weakened state following the tsunami and the defeat in war.

Many lords and landlords fled with their wealth to the northern kingdoms, leaving the Kingdom of Anuradhapuram in dire straits.

Despite the Chola's victory, it took a lengthy four years, even after Karthikeya's return from his studies, for the Chola Kingdom to successfully complete this conquest. This extended period provided Karthikeya with the opportunity to train his personal army to become battle-hardened warriors, well-acquainted with the sight of bloodshed. Additionally, he was able expand his personal forces by incorporating the scattered forces and various talents from the conquered territories.

During his time participating in the war, he awakened his "goldfinger," a system reminiscent of those found in contemporary novels. While its full capabilities remained shrouded in mystery, the primary mission required the completion of a series of exercises, accompanied by the consumption of copious amounts of wine.

The system provided the exercises and the formula for a special wine, necessitating the use of numerous rare herbs, causing a significant dent in his hard-earned coins.

Despite his initial perplexity, Karthikeya dedicated himself to the task, utilizing his mastery of Kalaripayattu to diligently perform the prescribed regimen each day, while adhering to the necessary wine intake. As tangible results began to manifest in the form of increased strength and the gradual progression of the system's loading icon, he remained unwavering in his commitment, determined to unlock the true potential of the system.

However, his newly adopted routine drew disapproval from his family and the nobility, who viewed his consumption of wine and lifestyle with disdain. This disapproval cast a shadow over his standing within the royal family, rendering him the least favored candidate for the throne.

Despite his efforts to justify the wine consumption as an integral part of his training regimen, his explanations were met with indifference, causing him to cease any further attempts at clarification. Consequently, he was labeled a drunkard, becoming a target of ridicule.

With the conclusion of the war, the Cholas faced the daunting challenge of reconstruction, prompting a temporary halt to their expansionist endeavors. The territories were divided into administrative units called Mandalams, with each prince entrusted with the responsibility of rebuilding a specific area. Meanwhile, the core of the Chola Kingdom focused on consolidating their strength and amassing an army for future undertakings.

Karthikeya, together with his fellow princes, received a substantial allocation of gold, food reserves, along with tax exemptions. They were granted the freedom to transport their personal armies and were bestowed control over the Chola Navy and military stations within their respective territories.

Initially, when Karthikeya requested the Chera territory, his request was ruthlessly rejected. Instead, he was appointed to the island of future Sri Lanka, presently known as the Kingdom of Anuradhapuram. He was charged with the intricate and challenging process of restoration within this territory.

As he settled into the new territory, a week had passed since his arrival in the undamaged port city of Trincomalee, which had seamlessly come under the control of the Chola Navy. Overseeing the city's affairs, Karthikeya dedicated two days to the task.

He busied himself with recruiting laborers to mend the minor damages sustained by the city.

Simultaneously, he appointed a trusted confidant to the position of city lord, while stationing a segment of his army to ensure security and maintain law and order.

Currently en route to the capital city of Anuradhapura, a mere day's journey away, their progress was impeded by the challenging terrain, marked by muddy paths and obstructed thoroughfares. Clearing fallen trees demanded the attention of the army.

As they advanced, signs of civilization gradually emerged, with extensive farmlands, primarily paddy fields, now flooded and in ruins, scattered across the landscape. Respecting the tranquility of the area, they continued their journey, passing through numerous villages, most of which appeared abandoned along the way.

Approaching the capital, the population density noticeably increased, and Karthikeya keenly observed the locals, discerning an undercurrent of fear and apprehension prevailing among the populace. Fully cognizant of the daunting task ahead, he recognized the significant effort required to establish firm control and stimulate development in this region.

As they drew nearer to the grand city of Anuradhapuram, he marveled at its impressive expanse, which rivaled the capital of the Chola dynasty in both size and prosperity. Despite the widespread impact of the tsunami on the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, resulting in the destruction of its naval forces and two of its port cities, the central capital had managed to endure with minimal damage.

This realization highlighted the Chola's dedicated efforts in conquering this particular territory, understanding that remnants of the former dynasty's royal families and rebels who had fled to the forest, along with the remaining local nobility who had surrendered to the Chola dynasty, might pose a potential threat, akin to tigers biding their time in the southern forest.

Karthikeya acknowledged the importance of proceeding cautiously in light of these considerations. Notably, Anuradhapuram boasted two entrances, one located on the city's western side and the other on the eastern side, further emphasizing the need for strategic vigilance.

Upon their arrival, the city, already under the control of the Chola military, was being overseen by Bairavendra, who had taken on the general.

Bairavendra's responsibilities included upholding the law, quelling any rebellious activities, and rooting out any remnants of the previous royal family. Additionally, he oversaw investigations of every faction within the kingdom.

As Karthikeya's group approached the city gates, the guards quickly made way for them, assembling respectfully to greet Karthikeya. Simultaneously, a messenger was dispatched to inform General Bairavendra of Karthikeya's imminent arrival.