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Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: Trials (2/2)

Kusanagi and Ritta flashed into each hand of Karna gripping his weapons tightly, the weight of his resolve and the lessons he had learned guiding his every movement.

He knew that defeating Meghnad in this trial meant more than gaining power—it was a test of his growth as an individual and his ability to navigate the complexities of life.

Without wasting any time, Meghnad made the first move, his swift and precise strikes aiming to catch Karna off guard. But Karna's reflexes were as sharp as ever, and he deftly parried Meghnad's attacks. The clash of their weapons echoed across the battlefield, a testament to their skill and determination.

As they exchanged blows, Karna's mind remained clear and focused. He drew upon his experiences from the previous trials, using his compassion and understanding to anticipate Meghnad's movements.

With every strike, he aimed not just to defeat his opponent but to convey a deeper message—that strength could be tempered with wisdom and empathy.

Meghnad, too, fought with unwavering determination, his movements a reflection of the inner conflicts he had faced. The battle became a dance of steel and emotions, a symbolic representation of their shared journey.

"Enough with the warm-up, Karna," Meghnad said, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and urgency. "Show me your true strength, and I will do the same."

Karna nodded his head but right after that lightning flashed in front of him, momentarily blinding him. As the light faded, Karna saw Meghnad in a different stance, his resolve heightened, and his attacks intensified.

The battle between the two warriors reached a new level of intensity. The ground beneath them trembled with each clash of their weapons, and the energy they exerted seemed to reverberate through the very air around them.

Karna's mind raced, analyzing every move, every strike, and every shift in Meghnad's stance. He knew that this was the moment to fully embody the lessons he had learned throughout his journey. He focused not only on the physical aspects of combat but also on his inner state of being.

"Fifth Form, Eternal Cyclone"

Karna's voice resonated with power as he unleashed a devastating technique, his weapons a blur as he executed a series of strikes with incredible precision and speed. The surrounding air seemed to twist and whirl, creating a vortex of energy that surrounded both warriors.

Meghnad responded with his display of skill and strength, countering Karna's attacks with a combination of agility and calculated strikes.

The clash between their techniques created a spectacle of raw power and determination, each blow sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

"Nice technique but it won't be enough to defeat me," Meghnad interjected, his voice unwavering. He focused his energy, and suddenly, his form seemed to blur as he moved with unparalleled speed and agility.

Karna adjusted his stance, his senses heightened as he anticipated Meghnad's movements. The battlefield became a whirlwind of motion as the two warriors engaged in a fierce exchange of blows. Their weapons clashed with such force that the very fabric of reality seemed to quiver.

"For your age reaching Transcendence in the sword is madness."

Karna's response was a determined smile. "Madness or not, Meghnad, I've learned that true strength comes not just from physical prowess, but from the depth of one's convictions and the willingness to embrace the lessons life offers."

"Asura's Wrath",

Karna's aura surged, his energy blazing like a radiant sun. He channelled his inner power, infusing it into his attacks with a level of intensity that was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

The ground beneath them cracked and fissured as Karna unleashed a barrage of strikes that seemed to transcend the boundaries of mortal capability.

Meghnad, though taken aback by the sheer magnitude of Karna's power, met each strike with his unwavering determination. The clash between their energies sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, causing the very air to vibrate with their combined might.

But Karna's newfound strength was not just a display of force—it was a testament to his growth as an individual. He fought not just for victory, but to honor the lessons he had learned, the sacrifices he had witnessed, and the values he held dear.

"Karna, Use your bow."

Karna's response to Meghnad's suggestion was a knowing smile. He had learned from his previous trials that battles were not just won with physical prowess but with adaptability and creative thinking.

"Your advice is well-taken," Karna replied. "It's time to showcase the versatility of my skills."

With that, Karna swiftly summoned his bow, Vijaya Dhanush (Bow) and notched an arrow with expert precision. The energy around him seemed to shift as he drew back the string, the air humming with anticipation.

"Expanding Cosmos," Karna declared, his voice carrying the weight of his determination. He released the arrow, and as it soared through the air, it seemed to multiply into a cascade of shimmering projectiles, each carrying a fraction of Karna's immense power.

Meghnad's eyes widened as he faced the onslaught of arrows, each one striking with unerring accuracy. He deflected some with his weapons, but the sheer volume of attacks made it impossible to evade them all. The impact of the arrows sent shockwaves rippling through his form, his defences slowly wearing down.

As the last arrow found its mark, a brilliant burst of light enveloped Meghnad. When the radiance faded, Meghnad stood before Karna, his stance faltering, his breath laboured. Despite his valiant effort, he was defeated.

Suddenly Meghnad became smoke and vanished and his voice echoed everywhere, "That was great but that was only an illusion I created right before that attack."

Karna's realization that he had been facing an illusion brought a mix of astonishment and respect.

"An illusion, Meghnad?" Karna questioned, his voice steady. "You've truly tested my abilities in ways I couldn't have imagined."

"Well I try to impress, Like this-"

*Clang*

Before Karna could react, Meghnad attacked him from behind but a golden armour materialized around Karna, blocking Meghnad's strike. Karna turned to face his opponent once more, his expression a blend of surprise and determination.

"You've certainly kept me on my toes," Karna acknowledged. "But even in the face of illusions and unexpected challenges, I will continue to fight with the values that guide me."

Right after this, A huge disk appeared above the whole battlefield and a powerful surge of energy emanated from it, bathing the entire area in an otherworldly light.

Meghnad was shocked by the appearance of 'that' disk here, Then he saw a smile on Karna's face.

"From when?"

The appearance of the huge disk and the powerful surge of energy indicated that something extraordinary was about to happen.

Meghnad was taken aback by its presence, and he looked at Karna with curiosity and surprise. He couldn't fathom how or when Karna had prepared for this unexpected turn of events.

With a confident smile, Karna replied, "I've been preparing for this moment from the very beginning. Every trial, every lesson, and every experience has led me to this point. This is the culmination of my growth as a warrior and an individual."

As the light from the disk enveloped the battlefield, Karna's aura intensified, and his form seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. He reached a new level of power, and it was evident that he had unlocked a hidden reserve of strength within himself.

The divine flames caught by the disk illuminated the battlefield with an ethereal brilliance, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the terrain.

The very air seemed to hum with palpable energy, and an aura of transcendence enveloped Karna, marking him as a force to be reckoned with.

"Take this, Meghnad," Karna declared, his voice carrying a newfound resonance. He raised his arm pointing his index finger upward, Meghnad's eyes widened in astonishment as the radiant strands descended upon him.

He raised his weapons in a desperate attempt to fend off the overwhelming energy, but the sheer force and brilliance of Karna's attack proved to be too much to bear. The impact of the radiant strands shattered Meghnad's defences and enveloped him in a blinding explosion of light.

When the brilliance subsided and the dust settled, Meghnad's form was nowhere to be seen. Only a sense of serene calm remained, a testament to the overwhelming power and determination that Karna had harnessed in that final, awe-inspiring attack.

Karna stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his breath steady and his aura gradually returning to its normal state. The battlefield was now bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, a stark contrast to the intense clash of power that had taken place moments ago.

As the stillness of the moment settled in, Karna offered a silent tribute to his fallen opponent, acknowledging the depth of Meghnad's resolve and the challenges he had posed.

With a sense of fulfilment, Karna lowered his arm and took a deep breath, his heart brimming with a profound sense of accomplishment.

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[Outside the trials all over the world]

*Rumble**Rumble*

The ground trembled as a ripple of energy spread across the world...

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