Karna's eyes widened in surprise as the Essence of Fire transformed into the Essence of the Sun.
He could sense the heightened power emanating from the upgraded essence and some sort of connection like being in the presence of his father like before.
As Karna held the Essence of the Sun in his hand, he could feel its energy pulsating with intensity. The upgraded essence seemed to embody the very essence of the sun itself, radiating immense heat and power.
[Drink it, Your divinity of the sun will be unlocked with this.]
With anticipation, Karna uncorked the vial containing the Essence of the Sun and raised it to his lips. As the fiery essence touched his tongue, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins.
The power of the sun awakened within him, unlocking his dormant divinity. A radiant aura enveloped Karna, emanating the brilliance and warmth of the sun itself.
His connection with the celestial body deepened, granting him access to a new level of power and abilities.
Karna's tip of hair started turning golden as the divinity of the sun flowed through him. His golden hair shimmered with ethereal light, a symbol of his newfound power and connection to the celestial realm.
The rising sun tilak on his forehead started pulsing with a vibrant glow, signifying the awakening of his divinity. Karna could feel the immense power coursing through him, his senses sharpening, and his body infused with radiant warmth.
With his newly unlocked divinity of the sun, Karna's fire-based abilities reached unprecedented heights. He felt could summon forth the scorching heat of the sun itself, unleashing devastating flames that incinerated his enemies. His attacks carried the intensity and brilliance of the solar fire, burning through any obstacles that stood in his way.
[Stop that thought right there because you can't summon forth the full power yet, Well because you just unlocked your divinity. And yours is just a flickering flame now compared to your father whose divinity is like oceans of flames, You have to deepen your understanding of flame and the sun itself.]
Karna acknowledged the limitations of his newly unlocked divinity and understood that he had much to learn and master. He embraced the realization that his current power was merely the beginning, a flickering flame compared to the vast oceans of flames that his father possessed.
"I understand," Karna replied, his voice filled with determination. "I will deepen my understanding of flame and the sun, striving to unlock the full potential of my divinity. With time and practice, I will harness its power to its utmost."
[I know you will.]
"Let's go home, I'm (Mentally) tired. Oh! yeah Vritra, Can you transform into your dragon form but your size should be small like you can sit on my shoulder."
Vritra nodded in response to Karna's request. With a focused expression, he concentrated his energy and began to transform.
Gradually, his body elongated, his scales grew darker, and his wings expanded. However, instead of growing into his full-sized dragon form, Vritra's body retained a smaller size, perfect for perching on Karna's shoulder.
After the transformation was complete, Vritra perched on Karna's shoulder, his scaled claws gripping lightly onto Karna's attire. He spread his wings slightly, adjusting to the new form, and looked up at Karna with a loyal and attentive expression.
"Is this size suitable, Master?" Vritra asked, his voice resonating in Karna's mind. "I will remain by your side in this form, ready to assist you whenever needed."
Karna smiled and patted Vritra gently on the head. "Yes, this size is perfect, Vritra. Thank you for accommodating my request. Having you by my side in this form will be convenient and reassuring."
"Let's make our way back home," Karna said, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and contentment. "We have faced formidable challenges today, but we have also grown stronger. Rest and delicious food await us."
[Exiting the Tower...]
As they exited the volcano and returned to the outside world, Karna felt a sense of relief wash over him.
Back at their training ground, Karna watched as Vritra flew around, his scaled wings beating against the air. The dragon's curiosity was evident as he explored the surroundings, taking in the sights and scents of their familiar training ground.
Karna took a moment to appreciate the tranquillity of the place. The gentle breeze brushed against his face, carrying a refreshing scent of nature. The sunlight bathed the area in a warm glow, casting long shadows on the ground.
Sunlight-
[Oh you remember now only that you should stop using the divinity otherwise you will be caught by your "favourite" god, Indra.]
*Gasp*
Taking a deep breath, Karna centred himself and decided to keep his divinity hidden for the time being. He understood the importance of discretion, especially when dealing with gods who held personal grudges.
His hair went back to its normal snow-white colour as Karna suppressed his divinity, the golden hue fading from his hair. He reminded himself to be cautious and not draw unnecessary attention to his newfound powers.
While he longed to fully embrace his divinity of the sun, he knew that the right time would come when he had honed his skills and understanding.
Then he started walking towards home in deep thought with Shaurya walking by his side and Vritra on his shoulder.
As they approached their home, Some different voices started coming from the house, Curious about the unfamiliar voices, Karna quickened his pace.
Pushing the door open, Karna stepped inside, followed closely by Shaurya and Vritra. As he entered, he saw a few familiar faces talking to his mother about something but his mother kept refusing to listen to the man whose back was facing Karna.
Karna's eyes narrowed as he recognized the man whose back was turned towards him. It was Vidur, Karna's gaze hardened as he observed Vidur's presence in his home.
He knew Vidur to be a cunning and manipulative individual, always scheming behind the scenes. His mother's refusal to listen to him only heightened Karna's suspicion.
"Mahamantri (Prime Minister) Vidur" Karna's voice rang out, his tone filled with a mix of authority and wariness. "What brings you to my home, Mahamantri? And why is my mother refusing to listen to you?"
Vidur turned around, his expression calm and composed. "Ah, Karna," he said, his voice carrying a hint of smugness. "I've come here with an important proposition for your mother. It seems she has some reservations about it, but I believe it could greatly benefit your family and 'your' kingdom."
Karna was surprised to see Vidur's change in personality from before he (Karna) left for Vrindavan.
Karna's eyes narrowed further as he scrutinized Vidur's demeanour. He had always been wary of Vidur's motives and manipulative nature, and this encounter only reinforced his suspicions. However, Karna remained composed, his voice firm yet controlled.
"I appreciate your concern for my family and our kingdom, Mahamantri Vidur," Karna replied, his tone laced with caution. "But I must insist on knowing the details of this proposition before any further discussion takes place. My family's well-being and the interests of our kingdom are of utmost importance to me."
Vidur's smile widened slightly, clearly enjoying the air of authority he held in the situation. "Very well, Karna," he said, his voice dripping with faux politeness. "I propose an alliance between 'your' kingdom and Pandavas who are my nephews and rightful heir to the throne."
Karna's eyebrows furrowed as Vidur mentioned an alliance with the Pandavas, Vidur's nephews. He knew that the Pandavas were the sons of Kunti, his mother.
But he also knew of the conflicts that surrounded them.
"An alliance with the Pandavas, you say?" Karna responded, his voice tinged with scepticism. "While I acknowledge their valour and the noble cause they fight for, it is essential to consider the consequences and implications of such an alliance. What assurances can you provide that this alliance will truly benefit our kingdom and not lead to further conflicts?"
Vidur's smile wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "I understand your concerns, Karna," he replied, his tone measured. "Rest assured, this alliance would bring stability and prosperity to both our kingdoms. The Pandavas are rightful heirs to the throne, and their intentions are just. By aligning ourselves with them, we can ensure a strong and unified realm."
"First of all that is "Angraj Karna" for you." Karna's voice carried a touch of authority, asserting his position and reminding Vidur of his rightful title. And he expected to be addressed accordingly.
"And second, Stop with your underlying threats and manipulations, Mahamantri Vidur," Karna continued, his voice steady but firm. "I am well aware of the political games you play, and I will not be swayed by empty promises and veiled threats. If you truly seek an alliance, present a concrete plan that ensures the well-being of my family and the stability of our kingdom."
Vidur's expression hardened as he realized that Karna was not easily intimidated. He took a step closer, his voice low and filled with subtle menace. "You would be wise to reconsider your stance, Karna," Vidur warned, his eyes narrowing. "Your family's future hangs in the balance, and this alliance is the best course of action for their safety and prosperity."
As Vidur's warning hung in the air, the temperature in the room began to rise steadily. The radiant aura surrounding Karna flared with increased intensity, Divine Axe-Rhitta summoned unconsciously in his hand, Karna's grip tightened around the Divine Axe-Rhitta as his eyes blazed with determination.
His resolve to protect his family and kingdom. He refused to let Vidur's manipulations sway his judgment.
"Enough, Vidur," Karna declared, his voice resonating with authority. "I will not be threatened or coerced into making decisions that compromise the well-being of my loved ones. If you truly seek an alliance, then present a plan that demonstrates fairness and benefits both parties. But know this, I will not hesitate to defend my family and kingdom against any threat, be it external or internal."
Vidur's smug expression turned to fear when he saw Rhitta glowing with an intense fiery light. The sheer power radiating from Karna and his unwavering determination sent a clear message to Vidur.
'W-What is this weapon? I don't recognise it, But from the power, It feels like a divine astra. But which one?'
Karna held his ground, his grip on Divine Axe-Rhitta was unwavering. The weapon pulsed with divine energy, its fiery glow illuminating the room. Karna's voice carried an undeniable authority as he addressed Vidur.
"This is Divine Axe-Rhitta, a weapon bestowed upon me by the gods themselves," Karna replied, his voice resonating with power. "Its origins and true nature are beyond your understanding, but its purpose remains clear—to protect those I hold dear and uphold justice. Take heed, Vidur, for I will not hesitate to use this divine weapon to defend my family and kingdom."
Vidur took a step back, his fear evident in his eyes. He realized that Karna's resolve was unyielding, and his attempts to manipulate the situation had failed. With a deep breath, Vidur regained some composure and tried to salvage the situation.
"Very well, Angraj Karna," Vidur said, his voice strained but composed. "I see that you are a force to be reckoned with. I shall take my leave but King Dhritarashtra has sent a message to you to ask if you will attend the gurukul with princes and princesses of the kingdom."