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Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Vritra, The Guardian

[Next Day]

Karna woke up to the sight of little Krishna sitting on his chest, giggling mischievously. He couldn't help but chuckle at the playful sight.

"Good morning, little Krishna," Karna greeted him with a smile. "What brings you here so early?"

Krishna grinned and pointed towards the window. "Look, Bhrata! The sun is already up, and the birds are singing. It's time to start the day with Da-ul Makha-uni (Dal Makhani)!"

Karna laughed heartily at Krishna's enthusiastic pronunciation of "Dal Makhani." He couldn't help but be amused by the young boy's excitement.

"You certainly have a way with words, Krishna," Karna replied, his voice filled with warmth. "But you're right. It's a beautiful day, and starting it with a delicious meal sounds like a wonderful idea."

Karna gently lifted Krishna off his chest and swung him onto his back. Together, they made their way to the kitchen, where the enticing aroma of breakfast awaited them.

As Karna cooked a fresh batch of Dal Makhani, Krishna eagerly watched, occasionally offering his "expert" opinions and suggestions. The simple act of cooking together brought immense joy to both of them, deepening their bond as brothers.

Soon, the rest of the family joined them in the kitchen, drawn by the delightful smells emanating from the stove. They exchanged cheerful morning greetings and eagerly awaited the feast that Karna had prepared.

After eating a hearty meal, Karna went out with Shaurya in tow, Who growled with satisfaction because who would know that Shaurya can eat Dal Makhani too?

After strolling for some time, They reached their training ground. Upon reaching it Karna swiftly took out Tower of Trails and placed it on the ground With a determined look in his eyes, Karna turned to Shaurya, his faithful companion and steed.

"Are you ready for some training, my friend?" he asked, patting the majestic beast's side.

Shaurya roared in response, his tail wagging with excitement. He was always eager to accompany Karna on his training sessions, displaying his strength.

Karna smiled at Shaurya's enthusiasm and will them to enter the tower.

[Entering the tower...]

Immediately Karna opened the portal towards the 20th floor because he left after clearing the 19th floor.

As Karna and Shaurya stepped through the portal, they found themselves transported to the 20th floor of the Tower of Trials.

The environment shifted around them, revealing a vast chamber filled with towering pillars and intricate patterns etched into the stone floor.

There was only dim light illuminating the chamber, creating an aura of mystery and anticipation. Karna took a moment to observe his surroundings, letting the atmosphere sink in.

"Looks like we have quite a challenge ahead of us, Shaurya," Karna said, his voice filled with determination.

[Be careful, Karna. This floor is like a boss fight.]

Karna nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that reaching the higher floors of the Tower of Trials meant facing increasingly difficult challenges, and the 20th floor was no exception.

He positioned his hand followed by a blinding light taking shape upon his index finger which looks like a disc and is serrated along the periphery with a hole in the center.

"Can you turn the lights off!!!"

A voice boomed throughout the chamber, echoing off the walls. The command seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time.

*Roarrrrr*

Suddenly Shaurya started growling looking at a dark corner. Karna's senses sharpened as he noticed Shaurya's reaction. He turned his attention to the dark corner from where Shaurya was growling.

He focused on the dark corner, straining his eyes to see through the dim light. He saw a figure sitting on a throne-like chair, shrouded in darkness. The figure emanated an intense aura, sending chills down Karna's spine.

"A kid with such audacity to challenge the Tower of Trials," the figure spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "I must admit, I am intrigued."

"I am Karna, and I seek to overcome the trials of this tower," Karna declared, his voice steady. "Who are you, and what challenge do you present?"

The figure chuckled, a low, menacing sound that reverberated through the chamber. "I am Vritra, the Guardian of the 20th floor," he proclaimed. "And to prove your worth, you must defeat me in combat."

Karna started pondering, 'This is a nice time to test Divine Axe-Rhitta's upgraded version now.'

He swiftly changed the dismissed Sudarshan Chakra and summoned Rhitta in his hand.

Karna gripped Rhitta, the upgraded version of the Divine Axe, in his hand. The weapon radiated a powerful aura, ready to be unleashed against his formidable opponent.

'If who I think he is then-

Karna's thoughts were interrupted by Vritra's next words. "Ah, I see you possess quite the formidable weapon," Vritra remarked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "But do not think that alone will grant you victory."

Karna maintained his calm demeanour, ready to face the challenge ahead. He understood that relying solely on his weapon would not be enough to defeat Vritra. He needed to combine his skills, strategy, and the power of his weapon to emerge victorious.

"Very well, Vritra," Karna responded, his voice resolute. "I accept your challenge. Prepare yourself."

With those words, Karna lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. He unleashed a flurry of attacks, utilizing his agility and the strength of Rhitta to strike at Vritra's defences.

Karna's strikes landed with force, but Vritra proved to be a formidable opponent. He deflected Karna's attacks effortlessly, showcasing his skill and strength. Each clash of their weapons reverberated through the chamber, creating a symphony of battle.

As the fight continued, Karna assessed Vritra's moves, searching for weaknesses. He observed Vritra's patterns, trying to anticipate his next move. Karna's training and experience served him well, allowing him to react swiftly and counter Vritra's attacks.

However, Vritra was no ordinary opponent. He possessed immense power and skill, making it a gruelling battle for Karna. The sweat dripped down Karna's brow as he pushed himself to his limits, determined to overcome this formidable challenge.

Suddenly, Vritra unleashed a devastating attack, sending shockwaves through the chamber. Karna swiftly reacted, using his agility to evade the attack and counter with a powerful strike of his own. The impact resonated, causing the chamber to tremble.

*Roaarrrrr*

Shaurya appeared behind Vritra in his Dive form with a mighty roar, Shaurya pounced on Vritra, using his immense size and strength to add another layer of pressure to the battle. Vritra was momentarily caught off guard, allowing Karna to launch a fierce assault.

Coordinating their attacks, Karna and Shaurya fought as a synchronized team. Karna's strikes with Rhitta combined with Shaurya's ferocious bites and claws, creating a powerful synergy that pushed Vritra back.

Vritra, realizing the increasing threat, tapped into his powers. He summoned dark energy, forming a shield around himself to deflect their combined assault. The shield pulsated with malevolent energy, attempting to repel their attacks.

Undeterred, Karna increases his power causing flames to ignite around Rhitta. The flames danced and flickered with intense heat, encasing the weapon in a fiery aura.

With a mighty swing, Karna brought Rhitta down upon Vritra's shield, unleashing a torrent of blazing flames. The shield cracked under the immense heat, and the flames consumed it, leaving Vritra vulnerable.

Seizing the opportunity, Shaurya lunged forward, sinking his teeth into Vritra's arm. Vritra howled in pain, his grip on his weapon loosening.

Sensing victory within reach, Karna delivered a final, decisive strike with Rhitta, cleaving through Vritra's defences and striking him directly.

Vritra tapped into his transformation and unleashed a surge of dark energy, causing his form to grow larger and more menacing. The chamber shook with his power as he emerged in his true, monstrous state.

Karna stood his ground, undeterred by Vritra's transformation. He tightened his grip on Rhitta, determination burning in his eyes. Shaurya growled fiercely, ready to defend his master/friend against this formidable foe.

With renewed vigour, Karna charged forward, his movements fluid and precise. He unleashed a barrage of attacks, each strike fueled by his unwavering resolve.

The clash between Karna's fiery determination and Vritra's dark power created an intense spectacle within the chamber.

As their battle raged on, Karna tapped into his inner strength. He called upon his divine abilities and channelled his energy, allowing it to flow through his veins. His aura intensified, surrounding him in a radiant glow that clashed with Vritra's darkness.

With a mighty swing of Rhitta, Karna unleashed a devastating attack that sliced through Vritra's defences. The force of the blow sent Vritra stumbling backwards, his monstrous form faltering for a moment.

Taking advantage of the opening, Karna quickly summoned Sudarshan Chakra

to his hand. The ethereal weapon whirled through the air, its razor-sharp edges gleaming with power.

With a swift motion, Karna released the Sudarshan Chakra towards Vritra. The spinning disc sliced through the air, aiming directly for Vritra's vulnerable spot. The Chakra moved with incredible speed and precision, seeking to deliver a decisive blow.

But Vritra, refusing to be defeated, gathered his remaining strength and summoned a dark shield to intercept the Sudarshan Chakra.

The weapon collided with the shield, causing a powerful explosion that shook the chamber. (He didn't use much energy in Sudarshan Chakra that's why Vritra could defend himself.)

The clash between the Sudarshan Chakra and Vritra's dark energy created a tremendous explosion, sending shockwaves throughout the chamber.

Karna shielded himself and Shaurya from the impact, bracing against the force of the explosion. As the dust settled, Karna could see Vritra standing amidst the wreckage, seemingly injured but still standing.

Karna again launched Sudarshan Chakra, But this time with the full power he could muster at Vritra, directing it with precision and accuracy. The Sudarshan Chakra sliced through the air, leaving a trail of energy in its wake as it closed in on its target.

Vritra's eyes widened in realization as the Sudarshan Chakra approached him. He attempted to evade the attack, but the speed and precision of Karna's weapon proved too much. The Sudarshan Chakra struck Vritra, unleashing a powerful burst of energy upon impact.

A thunderous explosion echoed through the chamber as the force of the attack engulfed Vritra. The darkness that shrouded him dispersed, revealing a defeated and beheaded figure. Vritra's monstrous form gradually reverted to its original state, and his power diminished.

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