"I am Vritra, the one you defeated moments ago," the man said, his voice tinged with humility. "I am a creation of the Tower, an embodiment of its trials and challenges. When you defeated me, I was rewarded by the Tower with a new form and granted the honour to serve you, Master."
Karna's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he tried to comprehend the situation. This unexpected turn of events had caught him off guard, and he was uncertain about how to proceed.
[Karna, You can scan him to see more information, This feature just got unlocked.]
Surprised by the new feature, Karna decided to take advantage of it to gather more information about the mysterious man who claimed to be Vritra. He focused his thoughts and initiated the scan, directing his attention towards Vritra.
As the scanning process took place, Karna patiently waited for the results, his eyes fixed on Vritra. He wondered what the scan would reveal about this enigmatic individual and what implications it might hold for their future endeavours.
The scan results appeared in Karna's mind, providing him with detailed information about Vritra.
[Name: Vritra (New Form)]
[Race: Black Dragon King (Sealed)]
[Cultivation: AtiRathi]
[Abilities: Dark Manipulation, Dragon Form Transformation, Enhanced Strength and Durability, Dark Aura, Poison Master]
[Loyalty: 100%]
Karna's eyes widened as he processed the information from the scan. Vritra's loyalty towards him was at its maximum, and he possessed formidable abilities as a Black Dragon King. The level of cultivation, AtiRathi, indicated an extraordinary level of power.
"Vritra," Karna spoke, his voice steady. "If what you say is true, and you are now bound to serve me, then I accept your loyalty. Rise."
Vritra slowly stood up, his eyes filled with reverence and determination. "Thank you, Master. I am yours to command."
Karna nodded in approval, appreciating Vritra's display of loyalty. With a newfound ally by his side, Karna felt a surge of confidence as he prepared himself for the trials that awaited him in the Tower of Trials.
"Very well, Vritra," Karna said, a determined glint in his eyes."Lets us just go to level 21 for today. But don't interfere until we are in real danger."
Vritra bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Understood, Master. I will accompany you to level 21 and remain on standby until your command."
Karna willed to enter floor 21, A familiar sensation enveloped him. He took a moment to assess their surroundings.
As Karna, Shaurya and Vritra materialized on the 21st floor of the Tower of Trials, they found themselves in a vast volcano, surrounded by rivers of molten lava and intense heat. The ground beneath their feet trembled with the raw power of the volcanic activity.
The heat didn't bother anyone, as Karna's lineage, while Shaurya's dive form was naturally adapted to withstand such conditions. Vritra, being a Black Dragon King, was also unaffected by the heat.
Karna surveyed their surroundings, noticing a narrow path leading further into the volcano. The path seemed treacherous, with occasional bursts of fire erupting from the lava rivers and rocky terrain.
Suddenly twisted figures started coming from the river of lava, Their forms were distorted and charred, their bodies seemingly composed of molten rock and fire. They moved with an eerie grace, their eyes glowing with an intense, malevolent light.
As Karna prepared himself for the upcoming challenge, he tightened the Sandstorm orb around his arm, ensuring it was secure. With Kusanagi firmly gripped in his hand, he took a step forward, ready to face the twisted figures emerging from the river of lava.
"Shaurya, Vritra, stay alert," Karna commanded, his voice firm.
As the twisted figures drew nearer, Karna assessed their movements and behaviour. He recognized the need to act swiftly and decisively.
With a fluid motion, he raised Kusanagi and unleashed a powerful wave of energy towards the approaching creatures. The energy cut through the air, slicing through the molten rock and fire, dispersing the twisted figures in its wake.
But as the first wave subsided, Karna realized that more of the creatures were emerging from the lava river, undeterred by his initial attack. Their malevolent light burned brighter, their intentions clear.
Karna remained calm and focused, assessing the situation and formulating a new strategy. He knew that brute force alone might not be enough to overcome this challenge.
With a wave of his hand, he commanded the Sandstorm orb to release a swirling vortex of sand and wind, creating a protective barrier around him and his companions.
The swirling sand acted as a shield, deflecting the molten projectiles launched by the twisted figures. Karna then directed Shaurya and Vritra to coordinate their attacks, utilizing their unique abilities to exploit the creatures' weaknesses.
Vritra took to the air, positioning himself strategically above the battlefield. From his elevated position, he had a clear view of the approaching creatures and could provide assistance whenever necessary.
Shaurya transformed into his dive form, his white lion form radiating with divine energy. He charged towards the disoriented twisted figures, his powerful claws tearing through their molten rock bodies with ease.
"1st Form, Winter Blizzard~"
As Karna executed the Four Season Sword Technique, his movements became a blur of speed and precision. With each strike, he infused his attacks with the elemental power of the seasons.
Winter's chill froze the twisted figures in their tracks, Spring's vitality shattered their molten forms, Summer's heat consumed them in fiery explosions, and Autumn's gusts swept away their remnants.
The combination of Karna's swordsmanship, Shaurya's divine lion form, and Vritra's aerial support proved to be a formidable force against the twisted figures.
As they continued to engage in battle, their coordination and teamwork improved, exploiting the weaknesses of their enemies with calculated strikes.
Time and again, Karna's Four Season Sword Technique showcased its versatility, adapting to the changing conditions and weaknesses of its adversaries.
Shaurya's dive form unleashed divine energy, overwhelming the twisted figures with its sheer power. Vritra utilized his dark manipulation abilities to hinder and distract their enemies, providing crucial support from above.
As they reached the heart of the volcano, Karna sensed a powerful presence emanating from a massive lava chamber. He knew that their ultimate challenge awaited them within.
"Shaurya, Vritra, brace yourselves," Karna said, his voice filled with determination. "Our true test lies ahead."
Shaurya nodded, his white lion eyes gleaming with confidence. Vritra's scaled wings spread wide, ready to take flight or defend as needed. They were prepared for whatever awaited them in the depths of the volcano.
With steady steps, Karna led the way into the lava chamber, his grip on Kusanagi tightening. As they entered, the heat grew more intense, threatening to overwhelm them. But their resolve remained unshaken.
In the centre of the chamber, they found the source of the powerful presence—a colossal lava golem, towering over them with its molten form. Its fiery eyes locked onto the trio, radiating an aura of immense power and hostility.
"Roaarrr~"
Shaurya stepped forward and let out a resounding roar, a manifestation of his divine power. The sound reverberated through the chamber, shaking the molten ground beneath them.
"You want to fight him alone huh!"
Karna's voice carried a tinge of amusement as he addressed Shaurya. He appreciated his companion's eagerness to face the colossal lava golem.
"Yes, I too want my solo fight, You always fight solo when an opponent is stronger."
Karna chuckled, understanding Shaurya's desire for a solo fight. He respected his companion's strength and determination.
"Very well, Shaurya," Karna replied, a smile playing on his lips. "Show us the extent of your power. We shall observe and support you."
With a mighty leap, Shaurya lunged at the lava golem, his claws extended and divine energy surging through his body. He aimed for the golem's molten core, seeking to exploit its weaknesses and deliver a devastating blow.
As Shaurya engaged the colossal lava golem, Karna and Vritra remained vigilant, observing the battle and preparing to intervene if necessary.
The ground beneath them continued to tremble with the golem's immense power, but Karna's focus remained unwavering.
Shaurya's attacks were fierce and precise, his divine claws ripping through the golem's molten exterior. The golem retaliated with powerful strikes, its lava-like appendages swinging with tremendous force.
However, Shaurya's agility and divine energy allowed him to evade the golem's attacks, landing blows that weakened its structure.
Karna could sense Shaurya's determination and unwavering spirit as he faced the colossal lava golem. He knew that his companion possessed the strength to overcome this challenge.
As Karna noticed the golem's accelerated regeneration, he realized that a change in strategy was necessary. He called out to Shaurya, his voice filled with urgency.
"Shaurya, the golem's regeneration is increasing. You need to disrupt its regenerative abilities. Aim for its core!"
Shaurya acknowledged Karna's instructions and adjusted his tactics accordingly. With a burst of divine energy, he propelled himself towards the golem's core, his claws poised to strike.
As he neared the core, he channelled his power, gathering the essence of divine light within him.
With a resounding roar, Shaurya unleashed a concentrated beam of divine energy directly into the golem's core. The beam penetrated the molten exterior, disrupting the golem's regenerative abilities and causing it to stagger.
Seizing the opportunity, Shaurya opened his mouth concentrating a powerful breath attack, releasing a torrent of divine fire that engulfed the golem's weakened core.
The flames consumed the golem, its molten form gradually solidifying and crumbling under the intense heat.
As the colossal lava golem fell to the ground, defeated, Shaurya stood triumphantly over its remains, his divine lion form radiating with pride. Karna and Vritra approached him, their expressions filled with admiration.
"Well done, Shaurya," Karna praised, a smile gracing his face. "Your power and determination have proven to be invaluable."
Shaurya nodded, a sense of accomplishment evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Karna. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support."
Karna turned to Vritra, acknowledging his contribution to the battle. "And you, Vritra, your aerial support and dark manipulation were instrumental in weakening the golem. Your loyalty and abilities have proven invaluable as well."
Vritra bowed his head, humbled by the praise. "Thank you, Master. It was an honour to assist in the battle."
[Technique Upgrade Card: Upon using this card, you can upgrade one of your existing techniques or learn a new advanced version.]
[Essence of Fire: A vial containing the concentrated essence of fire, capable of enhancing one's fire-based abilities or being used as a catalyst for advanced spells and techniques.]
[Karna, You should upgrade the Essence and drink it.]
Karna considered the suggestion to upgrade the Essence of Fire and nodded in agreement. He understood the value of harnessing the concentrated essence to further enhance his fire-based abilities.
"Thank you for the suggestion," Karna replied. "I will upgrade the Essence of Fire."
"Use Platinum Upgrade Ticket on the Essence of Fire."
[Upgrading...]
[...]
[You have acquired the Essence of the Sun]