Lord Vishnu listened attentively to their account, his divine aura radiating an aura of profound understanding. As the gods and goddesses spoke, the cosmic energy in Vaikuntha seemed to respond, creating a harmonious atmosphere that mirrored Lord Vishnu's serenity.
"Surya Dev, Goddess Sandhya, and Goddess Chhaya," Lord Vishnu began, his voice carrying a sense of timeless wisdom, "the challenges faced by your son, Karna, are indeed significant. The threads of destiny are interwoven, and the consequences of his actions reverberate across the cosmic tapestry."
He turned his gaze to Surya Dev, "Surya, my dear friend, your concern for Karna is both just and profound. The balance between destiny and free will is delicate, and we must tread carefully to avoid unintended consequences."
Goddess Sandhya and Goddess Chhaya bowed respectfully, acknowledging Lord Vishnu's words.
"But the answer to this dilemma is quite simple," Lord Vishnu continued, his eyes sparkling with divine insight. "Wait."
"Wait?" Surya Dev questioned, a mix of surprise and uncertainty in his expression. "Wait for what, Lord Vishnu?"
"Ah~ Surya Dev, What do you think all devas would do as their Devraj is killed in a fierce battle that shook the very fabric of the realms? They mourned. They grieved. They questioned the nature of their existence. But now that the throne of Svarga is without its king, there will be discord, greed, and Treachery."
Lord Vishnu's words resonated with a profound truth, and Surya Dev nodded in understanding. "You speak wisdom, Lord Vishnu. The absence of Devraj Indra will undoubtedly create a power vacuum in Svarga, one that may lead to chaos and conflict among the Devas."
Goddess Sandhya and Goddess Chhaya exchanged concerned glances, realizing the potential consequences of the destabilization of Svarga.
"That's why, Wait for the moment, and when the chaos in Svarga reaches its zenith, Have Karna intervene," Lord Vishnu suggested, his voice imbued with a sense of divine certainty. "Karna's presence will be a stabilizing force amidst the chaos, and his actions will shape the destiny of Svarga and the realms beyond."
"YOU MEAN-"
"Karna to become the king of Svarga, is the solution to the impending crisis," Lord Vishnu affirmed, his gaze unwavering. "The cosmic balance demands a leader with the strength, compassion, and resilience to guide Svarga through these turbulent times. Karna, with his noble spirit and unwavering determination, possesses the qualities needed to restore stability."
"BUT HE KILL-"
"Killed Devraj Indra? It's not as simple as it seems. The circumstances were complex, and Karna's actions were a response to the manipulations and threats posed to him and his loved ones. Svarga needs a leader who understands the intricacies of power, the value of compassion, and the importance of breaking the cycle of violence. Karna, with his experiences and virtues, is uniquely positioned to bring about positive change."
Surya Dev, Goddess Sandhya, and Goddess Chhaya absorbed Lord Vishnu's words, contemplating the profound implications of Karna ascending to the throne of Svarga.
"But Lord Vishnu, there will be opposition," Goddess Sandhya voiced her concern. "The Devas may not readily accept Karna as their king, especially after the recent conflicts."
Lord Vishnu nodded, acknowledging the validity of her concern. "True, there will be challenges and resistance. However, the divine realms require a leader who can unite and guide them through the impending chaos. Karna's actions will not only reshape Svarga but also catalyze greater changes in the celestial order."
Surya Dev, with a sense of responsibility, spoke, "Lord Vishnu, we will follow your guidance. We will wait for the opportune moment and then present Karna as the stabilizing force Svarga needs."
Lord Vishnu smiled, his divine presence exuding reassurance. "Trust in the cosmic order, Surya Dev. Karna's destiny is intertwined with the fate of the realms. By guiding him to the throne of Svarga, we pave the way for a new era—one marked by balance, understanding, and the potential for redemption."
With a nod of gratitude, Surya Dev, Goddess Sandhya, and Goddess Chhaya prepared to leave Vaikuntha, their hearts filled with a sense of purpose. The celestial realms awaited the unfolding of a destiny guided by the intricate threads of cosmic design.
***
[Champa, Kingdom Of Anga]
At the epic center of the city, A huge tower whose height was so immense that it seemed to touch the heavens stood as a testament to the power and glory of Champa. "The Tower Of Trials" was the name of it placed by the King of Anga, Karna himself.
The Tower of Trials stood tall and imposing, its structure a marvel of divine craftsmanship. As the heart of Champa, the Kingdom of Anga, it bore witness to the trials and tribulations of those who sought to test their strength and courage.
Karna was inside the 30th floor of the tower, fighting herds of monsters with unmatched skill but his body seemed to move on instincts alone as his mind was somewhere else, lost in contemplation. The memories of recent events weighed heavily on his mind, the battles fought, the sacrifices made, and the decisions yet to come.
Boooom!!!
Craaasshh!!!
Karna's whole body was covered in blood, Of course not his own, but that of the monsters he had been battling relentlessly. Fighting with the monster with just a bare fist and his divine strength, Karna's movements were a breathtaking display of martial prowess. Each punch and kick was executed with precision, shattering the monstrous foes that dared to challenge him.
But there is no visible sign of fatigue on Karna's face. His eyes, however, reflected a deep contemplation, a profound introspection that transcended the physical battle. The Tower of Trials, a place where warriors tested their mettle, served as a symbolic backdrop to the internal struggles within Karna's soul.
As Karna unleashed a powerful wave of energy, obliterating the remaining monsters on the 30th floor, he took a moment to catch his breath. The once chaotic battlefield now lay in stillness, the remnants of the defeated creatures dissipating into the ether.
Tower rewards notification sounded in his mind but outright ignored them and started walking toward the next floor as his mind remained preoccupied with the weight of the recent events. The Tower of Trials, a place where warriors sought to prove their strength, had become a refuge for Karna to channel his thoughts and emotions.
As Karna ascended to the 31st floor, the surroundings changed, but instead of forest or desert scenarios, a grand throne room unfurled before him.
The architecture of the throne room was reminiscent of divine splendor, adorned with celestial motifs and ethereal light. Karna's footsteps echoed in the majestic hall as he advanced toward the imposing throne at the end.
Upon the grand throne, a figure awaited—Their body was hidden behind snow-white feathery wings wrapped around them, and a divine aura surrounded them, making their features difficult to discern. As Karna approached, the figure on the throne spoke with a voice that resonated with celestial authority.
"So you came, Devil?" The feminine voice was filled with innocence but tinged with a hint of curiosity and intrigue. Karna paused, his gaze fixed on the figure before him. Despite the regal presence and divine aura, there was an air of familiarity that stirred within him.
"I am not a devil," Karna replied, his voice steady yet tinged with a sense of introspection. "I am Karna, King of Anga."
The figure on the throne chuckled softly, the sound melodic yet enigmatic. "Titles are but labels, my dear king. What truly defines us is our actions and intentions."
Karna tilted his head, studying the figure before him with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "And who might you be, sitting upon this grand throne?"
The figure leaned forward slightly, the wings around them shifting to reveal a glimpse of their face—a visage of divine beauty and wisdom that stirred something deep within Karna's soul. "I am known by many names, but you may call me Ariel, The guardian of the 31st floor."
Karna's eyes widened in recognition as he heard the name Ariel. The resonance of that name echoed through the corridors of his memory, evoking a sense of familiarity that transcended the realms of mortal understanding.
"Ariel," Karna spoke the name with a mixture of reverence and realization. "Lioness of God, Angel of Nature elements from Christianity."
Ariel smiled, her wings unfurling to reveal the full extent of their majestic beauty. "Yes, Karna, you know of me. I am the keeper of the 31st floor, where the trials of the spirit unfold. The Tower of Trials tests not only physical strength but also the resilience of the soul."
Karna nodded, absorbing Ariel's words. "What purpose does this trial serve? Why am I here?"
Ariel's gaze held a profound depth as she responded, "You carry the weight of recent battles, the echoes of victory, and the shadows of sacrifice. The Tower of Trials serves as a crucible for the soul, a place where one confronts their innermost truths and emerges transformed."
Karna frowned slightly, the gravity of Ariel's words sinking in. "Transformed into what? And what truth do I need to confront?"
Ariel's voice echoed in the celestial throne room. "The truth of your existence, Karna. The battles you've fought, the choices you've made—they have shaped you, but have you truly embraced the essence of who you are? The Tower of Trials unveils the veils that shroud the soul, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery."