The hostile group seemed momentarily unnerved by the appearance of Shaurya and the intensity of his aura. The forest fell silent as if holding its breath in the face of this unexpected turn of events.
Karna's eyes remained fixed on the donkey-faced man, his stance unwavering. "I suggest you reconsider your course of action. This battle doesn't have to escalate any further."
The donkey-faced man's expression wavered between anger and uncertainty. The confrontation had taken an unexpected turn, and the advantage they thought they held was now in question.
A tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of the forest. The hostile group exchanged wary glances, their confidence visibly shaken.
Finally, the donkey-faced man's shoulders sagged in a mixture of resignation and frustration. With a reluctant nod, he signalled to his comrades, and the group began to retreat, their auras gradually fading into the distance.
"We will remember this, Our king will take revenge for us." the donkey-faced man hissed, his voice a mix of anger and spite.
Karna's gaze remained fixed on the retreating figures, his aura still resonating with a mixture of determination and caution.
As the hostile group disappeared, the tension in the forest began to ebb, leaving behind a palpable sense of relief.
With a deep breath, Karna's gaze shifted to Shaurya, the majestic lion who had intervened at a critical moment. The bond between them was evident in the way they exchanged a silent understanding—a connection that went beyond words.
"Thank you, my friend," Karna's voice held a note of gratitude as he addressed Shaurya. "Your timely intervention saved us from unnecessary conflict."
Shaurya's eyes seemed to gleam with a mix of pride and loyalty, a silent acknowledgement of their shared purpose and the unspoken camaraderie that existed between them.
Karna's attention then turned back to the forest around him. The tranquil ambience had been disrupted by the recent confrontation, but the natural world seemed to be recovering, gradually returning to its peaceful rhythm.
[Karna, I would like to remind you that your coronation will be happening in just two days, So you should get going otherwise you know your mother~]
Karna's gaze shifted to the system panel where Artemis, His Ai companion had been providing valuable insights and warnings throughout the encounter. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he realized the urgency of the situation.
"You're right, Artemis," Karna replied, his voice tinged with a touch of amusement. "I shouldn't keep my mother waiting."
With a final glance at Shaurya, who now stood beside him with an air of quiet strength, Karna began to retrace his steps towards his home.
The forest seemed to embrace him with a soothing presence, a reminder of the balance and serenity that could be found amidst the chaos of the world.
As Karna walked, his mind returned to the message Meghnad had left for him—a message that had triggered the series of events that had unfolded. The quest to uncover Meghnad's legacy now loomed before him, a journey that held the promise of answers and revelations.
Karna's thoughts drifted to the significance of Meghnad's final request. The fallen warrior's words resonated with him, highlighting the deeper connection they had forged during their battle. The legacy Meghnad wished to pass on was not just a physical object but a continuation of their shared ideals and aspirations.
On the outskirts of the forest, Karna stood with Shaurya, "Let's race to the kingdom of Anga and see who could reach there first."
The two figures exchanged a glance, a playful spark evident in their eyes. With a shared understanding, Karna and Shaurya crouched down, their forms poised for a swift takeoff.
"Ready?" Karna's voice held a hint of excitement.
Shaurya responded with a resounding roar, his wings unfurling with a powerful beat. In an instant, he was airborne, his majestic form soaring through the sky with grace and speed.
Karna too unfolded his golden wings but there were some changes on the wings which were pura golden Now own wing was golden while the other was pitch black with blue veins running through it. With a powerful leap, he propelled himself into the air, his wings catching the wind and carrying him forward in a blur of motion.
The two companions streaked through the sky, a dynamic duo of elegance and power. Their laughter seemed to mingle with the wind as they embraced the exhilaration of the race, the forest below them a vibrant tapestry of greens and browns.
In the distance, the grand kingdom of Anga awaited but suddenly a bolt of lightning falls in front of them cutting their path.
As the bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of Karna and Shaurya, a brilliant flash of light illuminated the area, momentarily blinding their vision. The ground trembled beneath the force of the impact, sending shockwaves through the surrounding landscape.
Karna's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly manoeuvred his wings, altering his trajectory to avoid the area directly affected by the lightning strike. His agile movements allowed him to avoid the immediate danger, and he quickly descended to a safer altitude.
Shaurya's powerful wings beat against the sudden turbulence caused by the lightning, and with a graceful glide, he followed Karna's lead, veering away from the epicentre of the impact.
As the afterglow of the lightning strike faded, the scene before them became visible again. The ground where the lightning had struck was scorched, smoke rising from the charred earth. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of burnt foliage.
Karna's gaze narrowed, his senses alert as he scanned the area for any signs of further danger. The unexpected nature of the lightning strike raised his suspicions—this was no ordinary natural occurrence.
"Be ready, Shaurya," Karna murmured, his voice carrying a hint of caution. "We are not alone here."
Shaurya's stance shifted slightly, his muscles coiled in preparation for any potential threat. His eyes blazed with an intensity that matched Karna's vigilance.
"I knew I should have killed you when you were an infant if only Devi Ganga weren't present at that time."
A voice like thunder reverberating through the air, the words carrying an unmistakable air of malevolence. Karna and Shaurya exchanged a swift glance, their instincts on high alert.
The source of the voice emerged from a figure of a handsome man clad in sliver-coloured armour and Mukut (Crown) emerged from the shadows.
Karna's expression hardened as he took in the sight of the silver-armoured figure emerging from the shadows. The familiarity of the voice and the contemptuous words sent a shiver down his spine. He recognized the man before him—Indra—the king of gods and wielder of the mighty Vajra, the thunderbolt.
"Indra," Karna's voice carried a mixture of resolve and defiance. "What brings you here?"
Indra's lips curled into a mocking smile, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "Oh, just thought I'd drop by to witness the spectacle of your little race, Karna."
"And nip a bud before it grows to threaten the garden," he added with a chilling undertone. "Your potential has been a source of concern for some time."
"You underestimate us if you believe intimidation will sway our determination," Karna replied, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We are not to be controlled or cowed."
Indra's laughter boomed like distant thunder, echoing through the clearing. "Oh, I am well aware of your stubbornness, Karna. But do you truly understand the weight of your choices? The consequences that may unfold?"
Karna's jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering as he met Indra's piercing stare. "I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions. I will not bend to your will or anyone else's."
Indra's expression shifted from amusement to a more sombre demeanour. "Very well, Karna. If you seek to defy me, then you shall bear the burden of your defiance."
Karna quickly started transforming into his new Asura Mode.
As Karna's transformation began, his aura intensified, radiating otherworldly energy that seemed to ripple through the air. The forest around them seemed to respond to this surge of power, leaves rustling and branches swaying in a silent dance.
Indra's eyes narrowed, his aura crackling with electric energy as he prepared to meet Karna's challenge. The tension between the two formidable beings was palpable, each locked in a silent battle of wills and determination.
Shaurya, sensing the escalating confrontation, let out a fierce roar that echoed through the clearing, a declaration of his unwavering support for his companion. His wings flexed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Karna's transformation was complete. In this form, Karna's intricate, glowing patterns resembling ancient symbols and runes appear on his skin. They emit a soft, ethereal light, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.
His hair which was snow white now turned pitch black with blood-red eyes. His muscles become more defined, showcasing his strength and martial prowess. His stature exudes a regal and commanding presence.
The very fabric of reality seemed to respond to his transformation, as if the universe acknowledged and embraced his heightened state. The air crackled with energy, and natural elements like wind and light seemed to dance to a rhythm set by his presence.
The standoff between Karna and Indra continued, and the air charged with tension as their auras clashed and intertwined. The forest seemed to hold its breath as if nature itself recognized the significance of this moment.
Indra's gaze bore into Karna, his expression a mix of curiosity and calculation. "Impressive transformation, Karna. But do you truly believe this newfound power will be enough to challenge a deity?"