As the figures vanished into the darkness, Dronacharya was left alone in the alley, his thoughts consumed by a mix of determination and unease. He knew that seeking assistance from such dark and malevolent entities would only lead to further chaos and destruction, yet the desire for vengeance burned fiercely within him.
With a heavy heart, Dronacharya turned away from the alley and began to make his way through the deserted streets of Hastinapur. His mind raced with thoughts of how he could confront Karna and exact his revenge, but he knew that he would need to tread carefully if he were to stand any chance against the formidable warrior.
As he walked, Dronacharya couldn't shake the feeling that dark forces were at play, manipulating events behind the scenes to serve their own sinister agendas. He knew that he would need to remain vigilant, wary of any threats that might emerge as he pursued his quest for vengeance.
'I should try my luck with Devas, Due to Devraj Indra's death at the hands of Karna might be willing to lend a hand in my quest for revenge,' Dronacharya thought to himself, contemplating his next move as he navigated the dimly lit streets of Hastinapur. The idea of seeking aid from the Devas, the celestial beings, seemed like a more righteous path compared to aligning with the dark entities that had accosted him in the alley.
With renewed determination, Dronacharya quickened his pace, his mind set on reaching out to the Devas for assistance. He knew that appealing to them wouldn't be easy, but he was prepared to do whatever it took to avenge the death of his son at the hands of Karna.
Having decided his steps started walking towards the nearest temple of Varuna Deva, the god of the oceans and celestial waters, where the Devas were known to be worshipped with great reverence.
As Dronacharya approached the temple, he felt a sense of awe wash over him, the grandeur of the ancient structure towering over him like a silent guardian.
With a deep breath to steady his nerves, Dronacharya stepped through the temple gates, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors as he made his way towards the inner sanctum where the idol of Varuna Deva resided.
The air inside the temple was thick with the scent of incense, and the soft glow of oil lamps illuminated the sacred space with a warm, golden light.
As he reached the inner sanctum, Dronacharya bowed his head in reverence before the imposing idol of Varuna Deva, his heart heavy with the weight of his grief and his determination to seek justice for his son.
With hands folded in prayer, he began to chant ancient hymns, calling upon the celestial deity to hear his plea and grant him an audience.
"O Varuna Deva, lord of the celestial waters, hear my prayer," Dronacharya spoke, his voice filled with solemnity and devotion. "I come to you in my hour of need, seeking your guidance and your aid in my quest for vengeance against the warrior Karna, who has brought great sorrow upon me and my family."
For long moments, there was nothing but silence in the temple, the only sound was the soft rustle of fabric as Dronacharya knelt before the idol, his eyes closed in fervent prayer.
Then, just as he was beginning to lose hope, he felt a gentle presence envelop him, a subtle shift in the air that seemed to signal the arrival of a divine presence.
"Rise, O mortal, and speak your heart's desire," a voice echoed in Dronacharya's mind, its tone soothing yet unmistakably powerful. Opening his eyes, Dronacharya beheld a shimmering figure bathed in radiant light, the embodiment of Varuna Deva himself standing before him.
With a sense of awe and reverence, Dronacharya rose to his feet, his gaze fixed upon the divine being who had deigned to hear his plea. "O mighty Varuna Deva, I beseech you to lend me your aid in my quest for vengeance against Karna," he spoke, his voice filled with desperation and determination. "Grant me the strength and the guidance to confront him and to avenge the death of my son, so that his soul may find peace in the afterlife."
The figure of Varuna Deva regarded Dronacharya with a gaze that seemed to pierce straight through to his very soul, weighing his words and his intentions with divine scrutiny. Then, after what felt like an eternity, the deity spoke again, his voice resonating with the power of the heavens.
"Is this Karna the same person who killed my brother Indra?" Varuna Deva's voice reverberated through the temple, carrying with it a sense of solemnity and divine authority? Dronacharya felt a surge of hope at the mention of Devraj Indra, knowing that the celestial being had a personal stake in the matter.
"Yes, my lord," Dronacharya replied, his voice trembling. "Karna's actions led to the death of Devraj Indra, your esteemed brother. I seek justice for his death too, and for the countless others who have suffered at Karna's hands."
Varuna Deva's expression remained inscrutable as he considered Dronacharya's plea. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, the fate of mortal and celestial beings intertwined in a delicate balance.
"Your quest for vengeance is just, mortal," Varuna Deva spoke at last, his voice echoing with the wisdom of the ages. "But know this: the path you seek is fraught with peril, and the consequences of your actions will be far-reaching. Are you prepared to face the consequences of your desire for revenge?"
Dronacharya bowed his head, his resolve unwavering despite the gravity of Varuna Deva's words. "I am, my lord," he affirmed, his voice steady with determination. "I will do whatever it takes to see justice done, even if it means facing the wrath of gods and men alike."
A solemn silence descended upon the temple as Varuna Deva contemplated Dronacharya's words. Then, with a solemn nod, the celestial being extended a hand towards him, a gesture of divine blessing and approval.
"Very well, mortal," Varuna Deva declared. "I shall lend you my aid in your quest for vengeance against Karna. Take this Pasha, a celestial weapon imbued with the power of the oceans, and wield it against your foe with all the strength and courage at your disposal. But remember, the pursuit of vengeance is a perilous path, one that can consume the soul and lead to untold suffering. Proceed with caution, and may your heart remain pure amidst the darkness that surrounds you."
With a sense of reverence, Dronacharya accepted the Pasha from Varuna Deva's outstretched hand, feeling the weight of its power coursing through his veins. As he clasped the celestial weapon tightly in his grasp, he felt a surge of determination wash over him, steeling his resolve for the trials that lay ahead.
"Thank you, my lord," Dronacharya spoke, his voice filled with gratitude. "I shall wield this Pasha with honor and righteousness, in the name of justice and retribution."
With a final nod of approval, Varuna Deva faded from view, leaving Dronacharya alone in the temple with the weight of his newfound responsibility resting heavily upon his shoulders.
As he gazed down at the celestial weapon in his hand, he knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way in his quest for vengeance against Karna.
With the Pasha clutched tightly in his grasp, Dronacharya stepped out of the temple and into the world beyond, his heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
The time for reckoning had come, and he would not rest until justice had been served for the death of his son and the countless others who had fallen at Karna's hands.
***
[City of Champa, Kingdom of Anga]
As the man with snow-white hair and molten gold eyes sat upon his throne-like chair in the grandeur of the royal palace, an air of regal authority surrounded him. His gaze, piercing and intense, seemed to penetrate beyond the physical realm as if he could see into the very fabric of existence itself.
[You should accept the reward: Black Heart, By now. It will give you all your powers as Ashborn, Karna.]
[Name: Black Heart]
[Type: Internal Organ]
[Grade: EX]
[Description: The black heart is the source of Ashborn's power, The shadow monarch holds dominion over the darkness and death, and his heart embodies the essence of his formidable abilities. Infused with dark energy and ancient magic, the Black Heart grants its wielder unparalleled control over shadows and necromantic forces, allowing it to manipulate and consume the life force of its enemies with ease. Only those with the strength of will and the ambition to harness its power can truly unlock its full potential.]
[Effects:
1. Nigh-Limitless Yogic Prana
2. Nigh-Limitless Stamina
3. Monarch's Domain
4. Death Lord's Presence
5. Domain Expansion: Eternal Damnation]
Accepting the Black Heart would cement Karna's status as the Ashborn, empowering him with abilities beyond mortal comprehension. With a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, Karna extended his hand towards the holographic interface, his fingers hovering over the accept button.