Aditya Chapter 7: The Khvarenah Conflagration - Translated by @ashmxt.

1
My friend Elina said she had gotten a little sister and invited me to see her.

When I went, I saw a wriggling creature in a cage. It had a flabby and shapeless body like a
caterpillar, and it was clearly an unsettling presence.

Elina, who had hit the creature on the head with a paperweight because it cries when she
pricked it with a needle, was too loud, she seemed to lack patience.

I think she should have endured the discomfort and taken care of her sister because having
a little sister would bring many benefits, even if it was somewhat unpleasant.

In reality, Elina seemed to regret it immediately as well. She picked up her sister, who had a
face that resembled a squashed dumpling with bulging eyes and gooey liquid oozing from
her nose and ears, and hesitantly nuzzled against her cheek.

However, when Elina noticed that her sister had soiled herself with feces and urine, she
screamed and threw her at me, and I instinctively threw her back. With a squelching sound,
her sister was slammed onto the floor and trembled in a pool of blood. It left a very bad
taste in my mouth. Elina's mother, who appeared at that moment, smiled wryly and said,
"Oh well, there's nothing we can do," as she lifted her sister with a pinch and urged us to
clean up before leaving the room.

It was such a disappointing and wasteful event, with many points to reflect upon, and the
failure of that day remained in my heart.

According to Elina, she continued to keep her sister afterward. Her appearance, which had
initially resembled a cherry-colored caterpillar, gradually transformed into a lump of feces.
In addition, flies began to swarm around, and the smell became unbearable. Even though
we begged her to throw it away, her mother wouldn't allow it, saying, "It's your fault it
turned out like this, so take care of it a little longer," and stubbornly insisted.

Well, there was no helping it. Even as a child, I understood that a little sister was precious,
and it was a parental decision to make Elina, who was selfish, experience patience through
endurance.

"That's terrible, isn't it? It's really the worst."

"Yeah. So, how is it now?"

"It's still moving, but I don't really understand. Can we even call it a sister? It's practically
just a bug, a bug!"
"Does that mean it's crawling with insects?"

"Stop it! Instead of that, let's go see how well Hariji is taking care of his. He was bragging
about it."

"Um... but Hariji is your brother, right? And the way boys play is a bit... well, you know."

"That's why it's interesting. Let's go, Naa-chan!"

Led by the spirited Elina, I was taken to a place where I immediately regretted it as
expected. The little, round, wobbly sister was a strange creature but harmless. However, her
older brother was the opposite, larger and stronger than us, and had a form that only
resembled a human.

"What's the matter? Don't want girls around, huh?"

"Why not? It's not a big deal."

"You're so annoying. Anyway, it's awkward when you guys are here. Right?"

"Yeah, it makes me feel all squirmy."

"True, I don't really want to be seen too much either."

"You guys are weird. What are you blushing about?"

"It's not like that! It's just a guy thing, a sacred ritual!"

"Old-fashioned. Don't you know that's outdated?"

Elina, who confidently retorted without feeling intimidated by the notorious trio of
mischievous boys in the neighborhood, seemed even more energetic than usual. Maybe she
felt excited at the thought of witnessing the sacred ritual. Because even I, secretly, felt a
tingling sensation in my lower abdomen.

I was aware of the sweet, throbbing sensation deep in my body, and my cheeks grew hot. It
felt embarrassing as if I were doing something wrong.

Her brother looked down at us. Hariji's older sister was tied to a tree in the forest she had
created in the backyard, completely naked. A towel was wrapped around her mouth, but
she was staring at us with a terrifying expression. I couldn't understand the emotions
hidden behind it, and it felt creepy to know, so I looked elsewhere.

There were dozens of large nails sticking out of his limbs, burn marks, and bite marks on
his stomach and thighs. A strange-smelling white slime stained his body, mixed with blood.
The absence of the tip of her chest and the thickness of the stake inserted into her groin left
a strong impression. It made the same area of my body feel itchy and slippery, so I couldn't
calm down.

While part of me wanted to see more, another part wanted to run away. In this strange state
of mind, unable to say anything, I witnessed the progression of the sacred ritual.

"You guys act all high and mighty normally, but you're spineless, aren't you? Hand it over,
this is what you're supposed to do, right?"

"Hey, don't touch it on your own. You just broke your sister the other day!"

Ignoring Hariji's attempts to stop her, Elina forcefully pushed the stake embedded in her
sister’s groin all the way to the base. A surprising amount of blood spurted out, drenching
the ground, and everyone panicked. But when they realized that the tip of the stake had
pierced through his stomach, it didn't take long for them to give up, thinking that there was
no turning back at this point. Their approach shifted from making toys last longer to seeing
how spectacularly they could destroy them.

"Come on, Naa-chan, you should do it too."

"Uh, okay."

With the large scissors handed to me, I timidly attempted to cut off his older sister's little
toe from her leg. However, it was more difficult than I thought, and despite exerting all my
strength, I was defeated by the hardness of the bone. Indeed, his older sister was sturdier
than me, unlike a little sister.

With faces filled with disdain towards me, Elina and Hariji skillfully and swiftly continued
to destroy. They ripped open the abdomen, pulled out the messy contents, and used a
hammer and a saw to remove the bones in the chest.

In no time at all, her sister became a shape similar to the pigs at the butcher.

"It looks delicious..."

It was either Elina or Hariji who said that. The two of them simultaneously undressed and,
as if competing, started to enter their sister's belly. They dug through the empty flesh,
covered in blood while giggling and cheering.

"So good, so good! Hurry up, hurry up, and take turns!"

It seemed like an enticing game even to the other two who were left behind. They bent
forward, holding their crotches, and hopped up and down. His sister said nothing. She just
kept staring at me with eyes so red that I couldn't see any white. Her head shook violently
due to Elina and the others struggling, and the blood-soaked towel around her mouth fell
off.

"...I will curse you."

That voice squeezed out.

"How dare you... my baby..."

A mass of blood was expelled and landed on my face. Red, red, as if the scenery was
drowning and sinking in a muddy mist. I couldn't grasp anything at all.

Why did it turn out like this?

Was it related to my little sister?

Why did I, who did nothing, end up cursed by the sister?

I didn't understand, but at that moment, I first became aware of fear.

Deep down, I felt that something was irrevocably wrong with the world.

From then on, my own narrow room became everything to me.

The outside world is scary.

Terrifying. I never want to go out there again.

Elina and Hariji have come to my house many times, trying to take me out, but I resolutely
refused and sent them away. They don't know the strangeness of the world, laughing and
crying without sensitivity, living their lives. No matter how I struggle, I realize that we can
never share the same values.

Realizing this at the age of ten, my insensitive parents, as expected, gave me a younger
brother as a present. They forcefully opened the door to my room, handed me that creature
in a cage, and spoke to me gently with faces that looked like they had done something good.

"If you don't want to go out, you don't have to. But it's not good to be ignorant of the world,
so study using this."

"Stop it!"

They're aliens. They're crazy. Every single one of them has rotten brains from the core. I'm
sure the only sane person who was mistakenly dropped into this demon world.
Feeling powerless and resentful, I had no choice but to live with an unwanted roommate. I
couldn't just leave him unattended to decay, so I had to share the food my parents brought
with him. As time passed, one year, two years... I gradually started to have conversations
with him.

"It's a bit late to mention it, but you're a little different, aren't you? Normally, younger
siblings are more like caterpillars."

A small, wobbly presence like I saw at Elina's house. And probably, that so-called baby that
the sister mentioned is my younger brother.

"Why are you so big? You don't look much different from me."

"Because it was hidden all this time..."

My brother answered quietly, gazing at me with his dark eyes, hugging his knees.

"I was told that I shouldn't go outside."

"Oh, really? I'm jealous. Do you have a name?"

"Bhaisajya."

Through such exchanges, I began to feel like I could understand him. It was just a tiny bit,
but I started to feel that this inexplicable world wasn't so bad.

"Big sister, Nasatya."

"Yeah, Bhaisajya. Let's stay together."

But our relationship might have been unwelcome to our parents.

It was the third summer since I had become a shut-in. Bhaisajya, who was nibbling on the
bread our parents brought, suddenly started to suffer.

He scratched at his throat, his face turning dark blue, writhing in agony while pleading for
help until he eventually stopped moving.

I stared at him in disbelief. When I faced our parents, who opened the door with calculated
timing and smiling faces, something inside me snapped. It was the screaming version of
myself, the frozen father and mother, and the melting and crumbling brother.

When I heard the sound of a head being crushed by a blow, the explosion of fear and anger
swallowed everything. Elina and Hariji, along with all the creatures nearby, were devoured
by the cursed mist as if it continued from that day.
At that moment, I also lost a significant part of myself. I inherited the wretched memories of
red, and my days began as the pale sister's caretaker.

It was unpleasant, but not so bad.

Bhaisajya... It is my purpose in this existence to erase every trace of this world.

◇◇◇◇◇

【Report on the Sanmanasya Temple Incident】

The organization in question is a subversive group that abducts infants and raises them
while brainwashing them, transforming them into new followers. Their ideology is an
extreme right-wing version of the Kalpa of Existence, with procreation being considered
the greatest taboo.

As a result, there are no blood relations within each household in the community. Children
are assigned to lower-ranking men and women who require training to fulfill the role of
parents, leading to a distorted understanding of the concept of siblings.

Those who break the taboo and become true parents are seen as monsters known as "elder
brothers" or "elder sisters."

The newborn children are regarded as pests known as "younger brothers" or "younger
sisters."

They are branded as beings beyond salvation and become victims of horrific torture. It goes
without saying that they are none other than the children raised within the community.
Unaware of the outside world, they are taught that this is the norm and, in their innocence,
they engage in unforgivable acts.

Completing this rite of passage (initiation) becomes a condition for raising the rank of
parent and child. Of course, violations of the taboo are rare occurrences. Therefore, in most
cases, the education in question is sustained by abducting entire families from nearby
towns.

Whether they are raised within the temple or used as educational materials as siblings, it is
unknown what criteria the children were selected for. It is also impossible to determine
which situation can be considered fortunate.

One of the reasons why this organization has managed to avoid prosecution so far is that it
has been nothing more than a small group in a remote region. About 100 households live in
a secluded village-like settlement, and they abduct approximately 10 people per year.
While their practices are abhorrent, they pose no significant threat and their gradual
demise is evident due to their ideological flaws. This decision to observe them as a kind of
social experiment was made by the former Minister of the Theocracy six decades ago.

Thus, the Sanmanasya Temple was overlooked and forgotten amidst other various issues.
As a result, it would be understandable to accuse the authorities of negligence in allowing
this situation to unfold.

The civilian casualties, which expanded not only within the temple but also in the
surrounding area, amounted to over 2,000 people.

The presence of a single girl was responsible for transforming the situation, resulting in the
deployment of over 30,000 personnel, including police forces and military troops.

Regarding the primary heretic, Nasatya Ashvin, further investigation is necessary, but the
following points can be summarized with certainty:

The girl can be described as immortal.

When she suffers severe physical damage, she transitions into something else. Although the
criteria are unknown, once a certain type of fuel is depleted, she returns to a powerless
state with an intact body. Whether this can be seen as the activation of a conditional-type
Avatara, a unique form of a Vetala, or a true miracle is beyond comprehension.

However, if we were to assess it solely based on its military utility, it would be an extremely
effective weapon. The destructive power of the girl is similar to that of Vasuki, a notorious
figure from the Kalpa of Existence.

There is no living being that can defeat her in direct combat.

The Inquisition is convinced that it would be most appropriate to celebrate the return of
the Poison Dragon from beyond four thousand years and to entrust its management as the
best-kept secret of all secrets.

2
At that moment, over 90% of the international defense forces formed protective shields.

Of course, the Shinga Corps was not exempt from this, showcasing their high level of
training and access to prior information. The fact that the epicenter was a nun from
Trivikrama and that the cardinal referred to her as Bhaisajya, along with this red mist...
When you put it all together, the answer becomes clear. It was an unexpected turn of events,
but it was undoubtedly the unleashing of the worst and most powerful demonic sword
possessed by the Theocracy.
"Heh, hahaha! Good, good, it seems you're finally using your head."
From within the writhing mist of blood, a mocking laughter of a vile man can be heard.

Is that Bhaisajya?

The so-called dual personality?

Those who quickly realized the danger of the mist blocked themselves off and escaped
harm within spherical barriers. However, others were not so fortunate. It's impossible to
expect the same decisiveness from the media or ordinary celebrities as trained soldiers.
Therefore, the majority of them were engulfed by the crimson murderous intent, and
everyone witnessed an extraordinary outcome, causing them to shudder in terror.

"Is this acid? No, it's something else... What the hell is happening?"

Melting.

Collapsing.

The human bodies disappeared into dust within a mere few seconds. It resembled an attack
by small devils, leaving hundreds of people in a state of shock without even a chance to
scream.

There was no heat reaction and no characteristic smell of chemicals. Moreover, due to my
own condition, I was not good at analyzing threats based on my physical condition. But on
the flip side, I didn't need to stop in the face of risks. So, when I thought about utilizing that
advantage effectively, Bhaisajya’s laughter echoed once again.

"But you're naïve. Don't think you can prevent the curse with something like that."

"Huh?"

I'll say it again, I hardly feel any pain. I can endure being shot or burned, and I can still
function even when exposed to the radiation of Karlis.

However, I felt dizzy.

In addition to the nauseating sensation of my stomach turning upside down, there was an
excruciating pain as if my fingertips were being crushed into tiny pieces. It feels as if the
fundamental nature of my being is pulverized. If even I am experiencing this, there's no way
others can withstand it. Those who survived the first wave begin to crumble one by one.

"What... could it be?"

"Carbon Bond Disruption Factor (Carlacuta)... Vasuki's poison."
The answer was spoken by our leader, overlapping with the sound of gunshots.

"You guys, shields won't work against this. If you want to survive, quickly drench yourselves
in water."

Varuna, who had broken open a sprinkler, urged the survivors from within the smoky rain. I
was impressed by the quick wit displayed by our usually lazy boss, but unfortunately, the
danger was far from over.

"I hate to break the cool act, but it seems to be nothing more than a placebo."

"Better than nothing. How about starting with a word of gratitude?"

Mitra also drenched from head to toe, stood beside Varuna, gazing up at the ceiling of the
hall. There, the swirling vortex of blood mist remained unchanged.

"Well... I wouldn't mind falling for you again. But if you have a clever plan to take it down,
then I have no complaints."

"Where did Colonel-dono, who is so chummy with you, go?"

"He evacuated with His Highness right away. Don't blame him; that's the kind of person he
is."

"Yeah, yeah, utterly useless."

Carbon Bond Disruption Factor (Carlacuta)... Vasuki's poison refers to the weapon of a
special life form encountered by our ancestors in the later stages of the Kalpa of Existence.

All existing fauna and flora are primarily carbon-based, which is why we can be called
carbon-based organisms. The extraterrestrial species that were once enemies of humanity
were also mostly included in this category. However, Vasuki's civilization was different.

They should be referred to as silicon-based organisms, as their fundamental structure was

distinct. From their perspective, all other life forms must have appeared as mere rocks or
something similar. They produced a fearsome poison as if dealing with insignificant and
worthless nuisances, much like carrying out civil engineering tasks.

That is a demon that destroys carbon bonds. Once exposed to the factor of destruction,
ordinary organisms can only collapse due to their structural limitations. It is said that our
ancestors were able to barely win because the poison's toxicity decreased in water, which
humans were the most adapted to. If we didn't have this advantage, carbon-based
organisms would have been eradicated by now.
Considering such history, it is natural that it has become synonymous with taboo. In other
words, it is our natural enemy, and its development is out of the question. It is a curse that
should be sealed in darkness, something that must never be invoked. Yet, the terrifying
Poison Dragon exists here, surpassing the span of four thousand years. It may not be exactly
the same as Vasuki, but it is an equally formidable threat.

"...This is no joke. It's going too far with unfairness."

Not just a joker, but a card that sweeps away everything. The semblance of a contest has
already been blown away into another dimension. At the moment it was unleashed, no
matter how cautiously expressed, it was absurd. The property of dilution with water can
only buy a little time and does not lead to a fundamental solution. The current survivors are
gradually being destroyed. The only person who might be able to dispel the blood mist is
the Empire's Colonel, as far as we can think.

However, as Mitra mentioned, he prioritizes protecting His Highness and had already
distanced himself from this place, just as he evaded our attack before.

"Then it's negotiations with the owner. What about the Cardinal? Is she dead?"

"Oh no, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine."

A carefree voice, devoid of any sense of crisis, could be heard from within the swirling
Bhaisajya. Moreover, a white face popped out.

"Since I have a long-standing relationship with him, I have made appropriate preparations.
Special clothing, protective solutions, and various other measures. It's not foolproof, of
course."

While saying that, the woman who smiled down from the ceiling showed no signs of being
in distress. In the face of that, Bhaisajya’s murderous intent grew even stronger, but the
woman remained composed with an air of confidence.

Is this something like being playfully bitten by a puppy? Why, why can you laugh? It's true
that if you knew in advance, you could come up with defensive measures, but she herself
just admitted that it's impossible to completely seal it. Nevertheless, I have no idea why she
can remain so calm.

"I apologize for interrupting your good mood, but could you please withdraw? It should be
an irregular situation for you as well, probably."

"Yes, I suppose so. However, now that it has come to this, it won't calm down unless we let
him rampage to his heart's content. I also think it's necessary."

"Hey, wait a minute. Aren't I your future husband?"

"Oh, Lord Varuna. In that case, even more, reason to fulfill your wife's wish. Actually, there's
something I have admired since my childhood."

The Cardinal whispered as if she were dreaming, and it seemed like she was completely
insane. Therefore, in this situation, she was the perfect heroine.

"I'll be waiting for you at the top of the tower, so please come to my rescue. The prince who
freed me shall be declared the winner of the festival—Ikshvaku."

"Ni."

"——!"

An unexpected explosion and shock hit us. Everyone had raised their guard to the
maximum level, but not a single person could react and we were all scattered radiantly. It
felt like an invisible bomb had exploded directly beneath the Cardinal. We were forcefully
pushed back to the edge of the floor, and we saw the silver-clad monk standing in the
center, which had turned into an open space in an instant.

"The Inquisition Bureau..."

"Not just that. You heard, right?"

"Yeah, quite a name came up."

Mitra and Varuna, who stood on both sides of me, couldn't help but let out a dry bitter
smile. It was only natural as attendants of Daksa, but it couldn't be helped when they
witnessed a living legend before their eyes. That was the Holy Knight, Ikshvaku.

"Leave this to me. And Bhaisajya, understand Her Majesty's will and devote yourself to your
sacred duty with all your heart."

"Don't spout nonsense, you damn monk. Who is whose pet?"

In response to a request that seemed to lack understanding of the situation, as expected,

Bhaisajya voiced his dissent. With a mocking tone, but with blood mist turning into a fierce
torrent, he surged toward Ikshvaku.

In an instant, everyone thought that the silver-clad monk, engulfed by the raging flow,
would crumble away. However, contrary to expectations, only his voice could be heard
beyond the crimson veil.

"You, Bhaisajya, have been acknowledged by Her Majesty's love, and I too have been
nurtured by Her Majesty's love. Therefore, it is common sense to dedicate ourselves to
realizing Her Majesty's ideals, and that is where the meaning of our existence lies. It can
only be called happiness."

"I don't like having my plans disrupted, you know?"

"You need to broaden your perspective. Ultimately, it would be good to sweep away the
known world."

Why can they speak?

Why don't they fall?

I know that the Holy Knight is a mechanical soldier, but to say that everything about them is
artificial is too unrealistic. We are carbon-based beings, and the more complex the
mechanism becomes, the more inescapable karma manifests. While it may be possible for
simple tools or ornaments, a collective of technology cannot break free from reason.

Indeed, the floor and ceiling of the Tower of Creation (Tvashtari) were slowly starting to
collapse. Where is the mechanism that remains unharmed while being exposed to a deadly
poison that even the Circle of Light cannot endure?

Unable to understand the mystery, I was dumbfounded, but Mitra, next to me, casually came
up with an answer. Probably just a hunch.

"It's an Avatara, I suppose."

And once again, there was an explosion and shock. The Holy Knight, who seemed to wield a
technique that could only be invisible gunpowder, appeared with their subordinates
unscathed.

"Understand, Bhaisajya. Devoting ourselves to Her Majesty is a blessing for those of us who
are like us. No, it would not be an exaggeration to call it the absolute justice of the world."

Having dispelled the blood mist, Ikshvaku proudly and earnestly declared their faith. It was
also a declaration of war against us.

"Well, don't come at us so aggressively. Conversion is not something to be forced upon."

"As you wish, Your Majesty. I deeply reflect upon my behavior, which lacked restraint and
humility."

"Yes. So, Bhaisajya, do as you please. I won't tell you to follow my romance, but if you want
to absorb more, I'm sure you understand the importance of efficiency, right?"
"Indeed, some of them managed to escape. It would be quicker to pursue if we control the
core."

"That's why we shall go up."

The strange exchange between master and servant continued, with each individual's
intentions converging into a single vector. That is, the romance the Cardinal mentioned
earlier.

"Well then, Lord Varuna, greetings. Please convey my message to His Highness Terminus."

The carefree message from the Cardinal served as the signal for the start of the war once
again. By passing through the hole in the collapsed ceiling, Bhaisajya ascended like a
tornado, heading towards the core of the tower. Thanks to that, the influence of the poison
had diminished, but it was not completely gone. Once he achieved his objective, the
"efficient" dispersal would begin, leaving us with no time.

We had to find a way to defeat the blood mist or, at worst, consider escaping from this
planet. In any case, the person before us was unlikely to easily allow either option.

"Answer to the great lord of Trivikrama. For you heretical and sinful beings, it is an
extraordinary honor and salvation."

He was no longer a mere mechanical doll. The circumstances were unclear, but as Mitra had
said, the current Ikshvaku was undoubtedly as she had described.

"Sin, you say... Are you blaming it on being from the Federation or the Empire?"

"No. Regardless of the star under which one is born, humans have the freedom to live
rightly. Even if they choose the wrong path, they will realize their mistakes when they
witness true radiance."

"So, Cardinal Vaishnava is the light, then?"

"Indeed, hence I affirm."

In response to Mitra's question, Ikshvaku forcefully slammed the pommel of his spear into
the floor. At the same time, a bombardment-like roar and shockwave spread throughout the
floor. The phenomenon that had been witnessed three times before was the Avatara
harbored within the reborn Holy Knight.

"The ignorance that fails to see Her Majesty's magnificence is devoid of the value of life. It is
I, Ikshvaku, who will exterminate it."

"Don't get carried away."

The one who refuted the legend of destruction and devastation with a resounding roar was
not one of us, a member of the Shinga Corps.

Emerging calmly from the side was a massive figure enveloped in an aura of thunder.

"I don't care about your principles and beliefs, but I hate being treated with arrogance."

"That's probably why the people of Rudrya have been piling mistake upon mistake. Despite
repeating tragedies multiple times, you're still stuck in the same place, aren't you?"

"What? How do you know anything about us?"

As the condescending remarks continued unabated, Sakra's fighting spirit grew even
stronger.

Even I, and Varuna, tried to keep our distance, as there was no way anyone would be foolish
enough to approach the imminent eruption of a volcano.

"That's enough, bro. Leave this to me."

Despite saying that, he casually touched the demon of Rudrya. Not only that, he rudely
nudged him with his elbow. If one were to think rationally, it would be an extremely suicidal
act. However, the reason it didn't turn out that way was apparent at a glance. This intruder,
no one other than him, was also a servant of the Thunder God, just like Sakra...

"Touri? But, no, you..."

Interrupting the tense situation, a dubious, effeminate young man who had just been
involved with us appeared. His frivolous and relaxed demeanor remained unchanged,
clearly not giving the impression that he was about to engage in battle. Nevertheless, Sakra
seemed to be the one who appeared more flustered, which was quite perplexing. If my
impression is correct, he also seems to be harboring a certain kind of fear.

"Wait, hey. Calm down for a moment. Do you even know where we are? We're indoors, you
know? Everyone is here."

"I know, I know. But why are you stepping forward, bro? We made a contract with the
prince, so it makes sense to search for him and protect him. Don't tell me you trust that
Colonel bastard?"

"It's not like that... Even if you don't do it, it doesn't really matter."

"Just let me show off sometimes. Oh, Arya-chan, are you okay?"
Sakra's bewilderment spread to the surroundings, and even Arya, who was observing us
from a distance, had her eyes widen in confusion. In this oddly relaxed atmosphere, the
only ones who remained unfazed were, unsurprisingly, only Touri and Ikshvaku, the
embodiment of solemnity, and the person who had tangled with us earlier.

"Let's go, big bro. He's not going to stop anymore, so we better get away."

A towering woman who surpassed Sakra in size spoke in a restrained voice. Now, she was
looking down at Touri with a different gaze, the one who had silenced him with a single
punch just a moment ago.

It was a feeling of resignation bordering on defiance as if acknowledging that the short fuse
had reached the point of no return.

Simultaneously, telepathy through my functions reached all members of the Shinga Corps.

"Back off, all of you. It'll be over if you get caught up in this."

Varuna's voice was short and urgent. When we all moved as if kicked in the rear, the Holy
Knight let out a smile. Whether intentional or coincidental, it was as if he claimed the right
to ignite the powder keg.

"It's ridiculous how you beasts cling together, distorting the meaning of bonds. You have no
understanding of what it means to be a family."

"Maybe so."

At the same time, a flash of blue lightning burned through our field of vision. It was even
stronger and thicker than the power I had seen Sakra use before, thunderous enough to
materialize as a tangible entity.

"You wretched vagabonds, claiming to be my sister and cursed by demons, learn the true
way of love."

"Mind your own business and back off."

Both of them clashed with spears. It was the extent of my understanding that the battle
spear, enlarged by their abilities, and the thunder spear cut through the floor like a daruma
doll.

3
No matter what the Krishna may be, it's rare for them to fully control their Avatara from the
beginning.
First, they need to understand the capabilities and go through trial and error.

Exploring efficient usage comes later, and it's not uncommon for new aspects to be
discovered even after decades of awakening.

Talent and individuality, in essence, can be described as such. Some spend their lifetime in
misunderstandings or unawareness, while others constantly struggle with overpowering
abilities. If the former represents the typical condition-based Avatara, then the latter would
be exemplified by him in this situation.

"...Ouch. Hey, are you okay?"

"We managed to fly safely, just the four of us."

"No, there should have been a few more. We got scattered because we couldn't coordinate
the coordinates properly. ...Honestly, it's clear they don't trust us at all."

Pinaka, a girl with a green military uniform, stood up with a discontent pout. She surveyed
the peculiar hall with twisted and intersecting stairs, exhaling heavily in frustration.

"First of all, that Colonel was willing to abandon us. Even if the prince's safety is the top
priority, he should have provided support considering the circumstances. It's only normal."

"The Ninth Prince believes he can protect himself alone. He may have seen it as an
opportunity to eliminate us without dirtying his own hands."

"Nevertheless, the fact that he was able to take his Avatara is proof of Colonel-dono's
superiority. Please don't have any excessive regrets."

"Anyway, we managed to avoid total annihilation. The important thing now is to regroup
and move forward."

"I understand."

Listening to the words of the men who tried to pacify her one after another, Pinaka let out a
deep sigh. Physically, she was unharmed, but the mental fatigue was overwhelming. Her
Avatara’s ability was to utilize other people's Avataras.

Ultimately, as her subordinates mentioned, complete plundering would be possible.

However, it was impractical, and she had never experienced going that far in reality. As a
condition, she needed to grasp the opponent's power in detail.

This alone posed a significant challenge, and it required a level of trust approaching a
shared fate. Infiltrating the target's trust, understanding, and exploiting their vulnerability
could be likened to the skills of a spy, and it was difficult to achieve without concealing
one's true identity.

Therefore, in a situation like this, where they were all in the same boat, the operation was
extremely challenging. Taking into account that nobody, except perhaps Savitr, seemed to
believe in her, the fact that she momentarily secured the shared usage was worthy of praise.
Despite many shortcomings and the scattering of their forces, they managed to avoid being
thrown into the air or trapped in walls.

Judging from the surroundings, there was no doubt that they were inside the Tower of
Creation (Tvashtari). Considering the cause of this situation, she couldn't possibly feel
proud.

"Leave it to the Colonel. They won't sense any ulterior motives, and we can prioritize our
own tasks."

"You mean to defeat Bhaisajya?"

"That's right. Ultimately, if we have his head, we can control the entire situation."

The key is to sever the root of the disturbance. It may become a classic case of political
maneuvering, but such shameless audacity is not uncommon. If we stay focused until the
end, Pinaka and her team can take the lead and shape the situation.

"If we can uncover the mystery behind the Blood Mist, it should work. After all, we
cooperated with the Federation as if we were useful idiots. If they think of us as fools they
can utilize, even temporarily, we can lay everything bare."

"Understood. Please feel free to use us whenever our assistance is needed."

"Of course. However, we must keep it within a narrow range. If my involvement is exposed,
it'll be the end."

Pinaka's power deepens in the order of sharing, borrowing, and seizing. The duration and
frequency of sustainability change depending on the preparatory work, and in the best
case, seizing becomes a permanent acquisition that doesn't need to be returned. However,
as previously stated, she has never achieved that.

While she fully understands the Avataras of her subordinates, she maintains a psychological
barrier because they also don't want to become powerless. It is better for maintaining the
manpower of the team, and Pinaka has no intention of taking them as pawns.

The basic strategy is to share the precision of abilities, and borrowing, which exclusively
monopolizes them for a short period, becomes the trump card. If the latter is realized as an
enemy hacking, it should be possible to defeat even someone as seemingly immortal as
Bhaisajya.

The key is to confront the abnormal lethality and persist accordingly.

"In terms of compatibility, the Colonel is the most useful. The Cardinal and the others seem
to have countermeasures, but we don't have time to unravel that mystery."

"How many more teleportations are possible?"

"At most, twice. The Colonel is aware that the effect has diminished, and he's probably
suspicious of me, so he'll be more reluctant to share. I assume the next time will be split
seventy-thirty, and the last time will be fifty-fifty, or even worse, one minute for me."

"Is it not possible to approach His Highness and request cooperation?"

"No, it's not possible. If we consider the future, we can't reveal everything to them at this
point."

Pinaka and her team, under the Fourth Princess (Trishula), are destined to oppose the
Terminus faction. I think Savitr already has an idea of their abilities, but it's best to avoid
elevating that to a level of certainty. The defeat of Bhaisajya is a task that must be
accomplished alone.

First, they must gather the scattered subordinates within the tower, and it was when they
attempted to utilize their clan's detection skills that they encountered something
unexpected.

"Oh, isn't this a coincidence?"

They were unexpectedly called out, and their senses heightened. From the depths of one of
the many stairs, a group appeared before them.

"I'm glad you're safe, Imperial Prince. I've been wanting to be on good terms with you."

"You..."

Although the opponent smiled in a friendly manner, it raised their vigilance. Regardless of
their attitude, they are enemies with a significant connection that cannot be overlooked.

"If you're in any trouble, shall I lend you a hand?"

Shankini Rati Rahasya, the Queen Bee of the Federation, stood there gracefully with her
target of annihilation.
 ◇◇◇◇◇

We narrowly escaped the crisis but ended up separated from our comrades. In addition to
Touri and Ikshvaku wreaking havoc at the scene, the threat of Bhaisajya has become a
problem.

In essence, the defense mechanism of Khvarenah kicked in. The interior of the tower, which
was already chaotic and in a state of growth on the upper floors, became even more
turbulent and carried everyone away to distant places. Even if we tried to chase after them,
the maze kept changing in real-time, making it extremely difficult to reunite even with my
abilities.

"There's no choice but to aim for the top, Mitra. I'm sure everyone will do the same."

As they say, when lost in the mountains, head for the summit. There's only one set of
coordinates up there, and as you climb, the area becomes narrower, making it easier to
encounter someone else.

"Following what Archbishop Vaishnava said might be annoying, but..."

"It's not the time to be stubborn. We can't be sure that climbing up from here will take us to
the top, so support everyone within the possible range."

"Yeah, but are you okay?"

On the complex interwoven staircases, I voiced the obvious question. Even though I was
soaked, I had come into contact with Vasuki's poison, so it was unlikely that I would be
unharmed.

"I can hardly see with my right eye. I don't know about the rest until I check, but I might
have lost a bit of weight."

In other words, my volume had decreased. My limbs were still intact, but it suggested that a
small percentage of skin cells had died.

"It's one thing if my waist gets smaller, but it's frustrating if my buttocks and chest get
reduced."

"This isn't the time for jokes."

Her right eye, which had become a pale shade of purple due to the dilution of pigments,
looked painful. Although she had managed to avoid blindness, it was clear that it was an
irreversible impediment. Yet she had a nonchalant expression as she scratched her
disheveled hair. Even though strands of hair were breaking and falling out, she seemed
completely unconcerned.
"Anyway, did the poison affect you too? You seemed quite in agony."

"You were watching?"

"Yeah, honestly, I was surprised. Why did that happen?"

"I don't know, even if you ask me."

Vasuki's poison was undoubtedly the deadliest toxin in history. It could make anyone
collapse, and even the tools of modern civilization were fundamentally powerless against it.
However, my body, if I may say so myself, is almost nonexistent. It deviates so much from
the concept of physical matter that, logically, the poison shouldn't have affected me. Indeed,
I didn't suffer any obvious damage like Mitra. It was extremely painful, but apart from that, I
couldn't think that my excessive reaction was meaningless…

"Surprisingly, there might be a clue to conquering this area. The fact that the archbishops
are unharmed should be related to their abilities, so it's not strange for us to be able to do it
too."

"Got it. I'll think about it."

Until now, we have repeatedly put the mysteries between us on hold. But it's about time we
clarify them. It's embarrassing that I have to get serious because I've experienced the pain
myself, but I understand that such experiences are necessary for growth and something I've
been lacking. However, it seems that fortune favors us, or rather...

"Ugh."

"What's wrong? Wait, are you saying you're a survivor of Vasuki or something?"

"No, that's not it! It's a completely different issue."

While my true identity is important, we are also on the verge of an inevitable situation here.
As I searched for the positions of our comrades while conversing with Mitra, I keenly felt
the cruel sense of humor of the god of fate.

"Sakra and Varuna are alone together."

Mitra's face contorted in a big way. She must know about it too. The idea of delinquents
reconciling after a fight is just an illusion in stories. In reality, when such people clash, it
escalates until it reaches the point of no return.

Regardless of time or place, without considering reason or atmosphere. The very essence of
the Lokapala was visibly being blown far away into the distance.
4
However, the situation between Sakra and Varuna wasn't as explosive as Mitra and the
others feared. They weren't friendly by any means, but they tolerated each other as
unexpected companions and engaged in a business-like yet constructive conversation.

"But seriously, why does that thing pass through shields? It looks like mist, so if you think of
it as splattering blood, you should be able to defend against it normally, right?"

"It's not normal, that's why it's troublesome. Its nature is said to be close to radio waves."

"Radio waves?"

Varuna interjected with an annoyed tone, rotating his finger beside his temple. Among the
intersecting staircases that crisscrossed and changed in real-time, their ascent continued
without pause as he provided a simple explanation.

"It's quite a retro technology, but there's something called a microwave. It works on a
principle similar to boiling water using microwaves. There's a frequency that targets
carbon, and to the naked eye, it looks like mist."

"?"

"Alternatively, they may be dispersing mist-like substances as a catalyst to increase

conductivity. In any case, because it's a product of a different race with a different structure,
we can't counter it using the methods we know. But on the flip side, simple principles can
work when all the tricks fail. It's because they have a weakness of not being good at passing
through water."

"I see, I don't get it."

While Varuna lit a cigarette, expressing his exasperation at Sakra's confident nod, it was
clear that both of them were barely injured, unlike Mitra. Varuna probably chose the
optimal defense solution against Bhaisajya’s attack. And Sakra, perhaps, simply evaded it.

The Rudrya Battle Group, who could move at lightning speed thanks to their sister's love,
easily evaded the destructive waves with their first-class intuition, even without
understanding the nature of it. Although it's unclear if there was an intention to praise
them, Varuna casually mocked the giant man standing beside him.

"Well, it's pointless to lecture you. You're the type who just smashes through any enemy
with brute force."

"I don't intend to be that foolish... Using brainpower is my sister's role, indeed."
"That big sister of yours, she was a fine woman."

"Hey, I have something to say to you."

Suddenly, Sakra's attitude changed. The air that had been maintained at a certain distance
between them quickly turned heavy. Objectively, it may appear as an abrupt change of
course for Sakra, but in reality, it could be because Varuna unintentionally touched a sore
spot.

"Don't look at my sister with those weird eyes."

"You're such a pain, big brother. I was just giving a compliment. It's like a greeting, you
know?"

"That may be the case under normal circumstances. But you're not normal."

Sakra conveyed a strong determination in his eyes and tone, refusing to yield. Varuna
chuckled mischievously, seemingly amused by the pressure that could potentially make an
ordinary person faint. In fact, he continued to broach a dangerous topic.

"What's wrong with calling a fine woman a fine woman? I'm free to pursue anyone I want,
and that sister of yours is free to choose any man she wants."

"Half of what you said is true. Normally."

"There you go again. What is it about me that you don't like?"

"Aren't you ashamed?"

Receiving a question in return, Varuna exaggeratedly shrugged his shoulders. Then he took
a deep drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke toward Sakra's face. The trigger was pulled
right after that.

"Don't be jealous just because you're not popular."

The scattered debris was from the cigarette. Varuna dodged Sakra's motionless punch and
retaliated with a pistol aimed at his forehead in a cross-counter motion. Classical gun
bullets exploding with gunpowder didn't get caught by Rudrya Battle Group’s electrical
suppression. However, obstructed by the armor of tremendous energy that enveloped the
Thunder God, it turned to ashes before it could gouge flesh. For Varuna, who was in close
proximity, it was an extremely dangerous explosion-reactive armor.

Evading it unscathed was impossible both in terms of posture and speed, and it would be
gone in an instant if one thought about it rationally. Even with luck, the left arm that
shielded the gun would have been obliterated. Nevertheless, Varuna remained unharmed.
Despite being thrown back by the impact, he landed safely on the staircase without any
trouble. Their positions were now Varuna above and Sakra below.

It was as if the representative of the Federation was showing the stark contrast between the
two, and the Imperial bodyguard responded with a stern expression. In a restrained voice,
but with a certain conviction.

"You have resistance, but it's not your power."

"No, it's my power. It's called popularity."

"Don't make me laugh."

At the same time, a bundle of lightning streaked horizontally. Like giant whips, the flexible
light mowed down several sets of stairs, closing in on their target. Even Varuna, who had
resistance, didn't dare to take this head-on. However, completely evading it was impossible,
and he should have been hit by a portion of the dispersing electric shock. Yet, he remained
unfazed. Though it was a brief exchange, there was no doubt that an irrational force was at
play. And the answer to the evaluation Sakra had given earlier, calling Varuna a "shameless"
individual, became evident. Actions speak louder than words, and it was at this moment
that it manifested.

"It seems you're unharmed. That's good."

"Oh, thanks for the assistance, Vice Commander. This guy here just doesn't appreciate
humor, you know."

Quickly descending from another surviving set of stairs, Sati stood between the men. She
had changed her appearance using synthetic skin (a mask), and Varuna didn't address her
by name, but both actions were to be expected. Officially, they couldn't expose those who
had become Yugas as their former selves. However, whether such deception would fool
Sakra was a different story.

"As I suspected, it's mostly as I thought."

In Sakra's voice, filled with spite, there was a hint of pity, albeit in small measure. In other
words, Sakra had discerned that the woman before him was Sati.

"A mere puppet is not enough. It's connected on a level of destiny. In other words, she's
almost like having a physical form."

"What are you muttering to yourself? I can't quite understand the meaning."

"Stop with the cold act already. Haven't you heard? We have a nose for Vetalas."
Just as the twin siblings had interrogated Mitra, Sakra had already sniffed out Varuna's
power at this stage.

"Well, technically it might be different, but it's not far from being a Vetala. I had a bad
feeling about it, so I didn't want to believe it, but it turned out like this. Could it be that
being shot back then was also part of your plan?"

"...No, that should have been a simple oversight."

There was no point in pretending any longer. Sati, perhaps having made that judgment,
honestly answered the question. Varuna sighed behind her, and it seemed like she took it as
permission to remove her mask and reveal her true face.

"I can only imagine what you were thinking back then, but well, I must have let my guard
down."

"I see. So me knocking you unconscious that time was completely unnecessary."

"In the end, yes. Thanks to that, I am no longer affected by your power."

With determination, Sati stepped forward lightly. Although her movements were efficient,
she was essentially charging head-on. Logically speaking, it would be a suicidal act and she
would be engulfed by Sakra's counterattack. However, as she proclaimed, the lightning
strikes had no effect on her. In the instant when she was struck by the arrow of light
capable of evaporating tanks, it shattered not Sati but her own scattered power.

Witnessing the dispersing fragments, Sakra let out a groan from the depths of his throat. To
those who had been completely broken, at the very least, the means that had destroyed her
in her past life didn't apply. While it was Ganesha's bullet that had wounded Sati, without a
doubt, Sakra was the more formidable threat. Therefore, it was more applicable in his case.

This was the true essence of Varuna's Avatara, his Vetala Sagara. His personal aide, who had
experienced the most powerful assaults in her past life, gained complete defense against
them. In fact, successive aides had various types of resistance, such as immunity to slash
attacks, bombings, and extreme cold, each capable of partially sharing their effects with
Varuna. Even before Sati arrived, he was able to handle Sakra's attacks for this reason.
Furthermore, they could synchronize their senses to a limited extent, surpassing even
Kouha.

Just as they easily reunited in the labyrinth, there was no one better in terms of
coordination. No matter how strong Sakra was, it was inevitable for him to struggle when
faced with an opponent whose compatibility was the worst. The invincible lightning
protection he believed in was disrupted and overwhelmed. Although the range of effect was
narrow, it was a localized interference that could hardly be called weak. With no choice but
to deal with Sati's physical attacks using his own unarmed combat skills, Varuna pushed
forward from a distance. Truly a fitting trap worthy of a trump card. And now that they had
revealed their secret move, there was no doubt that they intended to defeat Sakra here.

"Don't take it the wrong way. You brought this upon yourself. Now kindly make your exit."

"I keep telling you..."

In the midst of the disadvantage, Sakra bowed his head and let out a low growl. In the next
moment, a blinding flash covered the entire space.

"Don't get all cocky hiding behind a woman's shadow!"

Along with the furious shout, the most powerful lightning surged forth. Of course, it had no
effect on Sati and did not hit Varuna, who stood behind her. However, everything else was
completely devastated. Walls, ceilings, and the staircases beneath their feet were shattered
into tiny pieces.

As a result, they fell according to the laws of physics. Sakra's anger pierced through nearly
50 meters up and down, and it was not a height from which they could safely land on the
lower floor.

"I guess you're just a brute after all."

In the void they were suddenly thrown into, Varuna, holding Sati, swung his arm. The wire
hook they launched embedded itself into the edge of the ceiling, narrowly avoiding the
collapse, and they barely escaped the crisis. They could have activated the anti-gravity
device and flown, but there was a high possibility that Sakra's power absorption would
catch them. The lightning strike that had previously harmed Sati was an emission-type
technique, so it couldn't nullify the opposite vector.

Therefore, at this moment, Varuna and the others were left falling in mid-air. While they
managed to avoid falling, they were still close to the upper limit. In front of the two, Sakra
calmly floated, enveloped in lightning.

"You're not a man. I won't admit it. It makes me sick that you rely on women for
everything."

"...You're an idiot and an outdated fool. Even you are being carried by your beloved sister,
aren't you?"

"Yeah, that's right. That's why I'm going to save my big sister. I'll enter the Origin
Coordinate and bring Amrita to an end, so she can rest peacefully."
If Sakra were to sever the wire, it would be the end of the chapter, and he had no reason to
hesitate. Although he had used the advantage of the terrain to turn the situation around, it
was not guaranteed to work again. Moreover, Sati's resistance would likely affect all
members of the Rudrya Battle Group. To protect his younger siblings, it was necessary to
settle things here without fail.

"Then goodbye, you bastard."

Extending the lightning wrapped around his hand, Sakra attempted to cut the wire. Just as
the lightning blade was about to sever their lifeline, Varuna said something that couldn't be
ignored.

"If it were me, I could revive your sister."

"..."

Sakua must have imagined it. That's why, unintentionally, their hand stopped. And like a
well-timed strike, Varuna's remark continued to resonate.

"You're actually anxious, aren't you? Isn't your sister angry? Doesn't she resent you and
curse you? Since most of the Rudrya people aren't included in the data, we can't really
confirm the truth."

Except for me, he emphasized, as if biting and swallowing their words. Sakra furrowed their
brow and responded in a tone that didn't reveal their discomfort.

"What do you know about my sister? She's not that kind of woman."

"Oh?"
Varuna hit Sakra's weak spot with unwavering accuracy. As the head of the Federation's
intelligence agency, he had thoroughly investigated the events that led to the Rudrya
Campaign.

"When you found out that your admired big sister was involved, you ran around like an
idiot. Because an ignorant kid like you believed in a childish happy ending, the hero was
turned into a worthless piece of trash. Rest in peace? How blissful. But why are you so sure
there won't be a second time after making a big mess once?"

There was no room for mistakes anymore. They couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
Therefore, the logic that said they should first obtain the person's consent was correct. It
was foolish to believe that it was forgiven just because a Vetala possessed them.

Originally, they were untouchable beings. With almost no means to ascertain their true
intentions, there were occasional cases where the power believed to be a blessing became a
slow-acting poison. From a different perspective, Sakra and the others could be said to have
been dragged into the streets of carnage because they were cursed by their sister.

"What's different between the current you and the past you? Before indulging in
self-centered salvation and finding pleasure in it, it's time to face the other person and bow
your head. Don't be a coward."

"........"

"Those who talk about manliness are usually the ones lacking any trace of it. It's a classic."

Being provoked as he pleased, Sakra had regained his composure instead. As if

acknowledging their slight disadvantage, they scratched their head and chuckled.

"Begging for mercy is fine. Actually, it got me thinking for a moment."

Acknowledging Varuna's point partially, Sakra once again infused power into the lightning
blade in their hand. There was no change in their decision to defeat the enemy before them.

"If it's such a cheat-like Avatara, it must come with considerably strict conditions. It's too
convenient to be able to resurrect a sister you barely know. We need to understand each
other a little more."

"Enough already, I can pretty much guess your thoughts."

Shaking his head somewhat disappointedly, Sakra rejected Varuna's proposal.

"The main target is capturing that fog bastard. Until someone with resistance to it is born,
their plan is to keep dodging us."
In other words, their aim was the mutual destruction of the Rudrya forces and Baishajya.
Even if it didn't go that smoothly, it was certain that the relationship between the Empire
and Sakra's group would deteriorate. As a result, Varuna's secret would be protected either
way. If they had hope for their sister's revival, it was only natural that they had to protect
him.

"Our people will be unsettled once they know of your power. I can't let you show off your
smooth tongue."

"That's why I'll handle it on my own. You haven't made any progress, big brother."

"It was an unpleasant advice. Thanks to it, I have one more objective."

Sakra's clear guideline could be inferred from their brief response. In a very simple sense,
they considered Varuna an untrustworthy man. Moreover, there was no definitive reason to
believe that Varuna was the only one capable of speaking with them. There was also a flow
to integrate the waves of the three nations and further increase the accuracy of the
information.

"Let's find a different way to face my sister and apologize. It'll be a grateful lecture, and I'll
keep the fact that your Vetala remains as a secret, so rest assured."

Saying that, he cut the wire. Varuna and Sati fell helplessly, and they collided with a pile of
debris dozens of meters below— But they didn't crumble as expected. On the contrary, they
bounced back like a rubber ball.

Sakra's eyes widened in astonishment. At the same time, Varuna praised their subordinates
with a refreshing voice.

"I waited for you, Ratri."

"V-Varuna-san and Captain, you're both too rough with people!"

There was no intention to entice Sakra in the previous negotiation. It was merely buying
time until the piece that could break through the current situation arrived. Because they
saw Varuna as a malicious fraudster, they fell into a too-basic trap. When Sakra realized his
mistake, Sati, with a knife in hand, had already entered his range. The power of the Thunder
God was dismantled, disturbed, and lost its meaning.

"How troublesome..."

On a hot summer day, the scene of shedding tears for their sister on an unforgettable sandy
beach resurfaced.

They were aware of their own weakness and, therefore, yearned for strength.
The moment they became Krishnas was also to never return to that day.

"I don't care what happens."

Ignoring the approaching blades and bullets, Sakra muttered to himself.

It had been a while since Sakra decided to use his own Avatara, ever since he scattered the
forces of the three major nations.

5
When the terrifying power was about to roar and be unleashed, the exchange taking place
on the lower floor was not inferior in terms of the devastation.

It was Touri and Ikshvaku.

With each swing of their weapons, they mowed down the floor's pillars, then the upper
floor that fell down, continuing in a series of falling dominoes, their overall height not
decreasing.

On the contrary, they rose higher and higher, accelerating upwards. The clash between the
two intensified as if competing with each other, and the boundless heat continued to
increase, defying the concept of a ceiling.

The fact that the Star Spirit (Khvarenah) focused on self-defense was proof of the excessive
power possessed by these two. The tower continued to rise to protect the central core at
the summit, making it difficult for Baishajya to achieve his objective.

At the same time, others were also swallowed by the increasingly complex maze, but that
couldn't be helped. At least in the current situation, there was no one concerned about such
matters.

After an indeterminate number of thunderous noises, Touri, carrying a spear of blue

lightning, let out a sigh. They showed no signs of injury, and there was no trace of fatigue,
but their expression seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

"Your power feels unfair, you know."

Throughout the battle, Touri had already seen Ikshvaku's power.

The problem was that even though they saw it, it seemed there was no way to overcome it.

"It's more like a wall or a trench, dividing here and there into different worlds. If you were a
monk, you would need more acceptance and tolerance towards your surroundings,
wouldn't you?"
"You feel that way because you're still trapped in evil thoughts. Once you acknowledge your
own shortcomings and show a willingness to repent, the gates of heaven will open equally
to all."

"So, anyone who doesn't appreciate your greatness is worthless?"

"Exactly. Those who fail to understand the splendor of Cardinal Vaishnava are unworthy of
life."

Reiterating their unyielding doctrine, Ikshvaku nodded.

"But I must admit, I am impressed by your skills. Despite your foolish rebellion, your
unwavering spirit that cannot be broken by the spear of our faith is commendable. If it were
anyone else, they would have been crushed in the first encounter."

"Well, because I'm struggling against you."

Despite the considerable condescension, Touri smiled casually. Regardless of the legitimacy
of worshiping the aforementioned Cardinal, it was evident that Ikshvaku's power was
inseparable from their faith.

The invisible wall that separated them, in other words, the Holy Knight existed in a different
dimension from the norm. His ability manifested the obstinacy of not allowing heretics who
deviated from the teachings to pass through. It was an Avatara that, when defending,
became an unparalleled impenetrable shield, and when attacking, turned into a fearsome
spear.

Normally, spatial abilities manipulate their own territory, but Ikshvaku specialized in
external interference—more precisely, interference with the boundary surface. By
conforming to the shape of the alternate world they created, the side of reality was pushed
out and bent as if it had been that way from the beginning.

In other words, it was a distortion phenomenon that ignored physics.

Touri shouldn't have been able to engage in a fight with Ikshvaku in the first place, and it
was thanks to what was mentioned earlier that Touri made it possible.

"It seems like we have some fundamental differences, but I won't easily give up my
territory."

Due to the different concept of interference, Ikshvaku's power did not completely dominate
the battlefield. In that sense, it remains questionable whether they can be called a spatial
Avatara.

However, it is a fact that Ikshvaku attempted to distort the outside world according to their
own principles. Therefore, Touri repelled the opponent's pressure as if defending their
territory.

As a result, the current situation is a power game where no tricks are needed. The Holy
Knight advances with an integrated offense and defense that relies purely on overpowering
strength, leaving no apparent weaknesses.

"By the way, are those guys behind you just going to stand there like that?"

Touri pointed their chin towards the motionless silver-clad monk soldiers, standing like
statues. They remained unharmed within Ikshvaku's domain, but since the beginning of the
battle, they hadn't taken any action.

"All of them? If they don't assist or move elsewhere, they'll be wasting their potential."
"It is a disgrace for Trivikrama to attack a single individual with overwhelming numbers.
Moreover, as I have been entrusted with this place by Her Excellency, I cannot leave until I
fulfill my sacred duty."

"Huh, you're really conscientious or just plain idle. I'm being underestimated, as usual. But
that's nothing new."

Touri sighed in exasperation and unexpectedly took action. They sat down on the floor and
extinguished their thunder spear. To Ikshvaku, who frowned at this sudden change of
course, Touri began to speak even more freely.

"Well then, I'm done. There's no annoying Dhrtara around, and I've shown off to my big
brother. It feels like we had a good battle. So let's just leave it at that. I think it would be
beneficial for all of you to do the same."

"...What are you talking about?"

"I'm saying let's slack off. We'll just tire ourselves out if we keep going at it like we have
been. No one is watching, so it's better to relax until the final resolution from above comes."

With a seemingly bothersome expression and tone, Touri even let out a big yawn, behaving
with excessive defenselessness. Even if they were trying to lure the opponent into
complacency, it was a behavior that was too defenseless.

"After all, we're just small fries. Let's support each other from a safe distance, relying on our
respective bosses. What was it again? 'Those who believe will be saved,' or something like
that?"

"Ke."

For the terrestrial representatives of the Theocracy who value solemnity and sincerity,
Touri's argument was an intolerable insult. Along with the chilling sound of the wind, the
spear of spatial distortion extended and struck right beside the elegant man. However, even
with the explosion-like burst of power occurring right next to them, the unscrupulous
heretic remained nonchalant, not even twitching an eyebrow. This seemed to further
provoke Ikshvaku, and he resorted to questioning in a voice that resonated from the depths
of the earth.

"I remember your face. The beast that unleashed the most brutal atrocities in Rudrya
thirteen years ago."

"Huh? What, were you there?"

"My current appearance is different from back then. That's irrelevant now. What I want to
ask is if you have lost your love for your brothers."
The Rudrya War Group shares a tragic past and is deeply connected through an
unparalleled bond. The threat they pose can be considered as one unit due to their
solidarity, so Touri's attitude of wanting to rest while burdening their family is quite
strange.

Even when viewed from the most basic ethical perspective, it should be condemned as
negligence.

"You mentioned earlier that our relationship seemed fake."

"I said it was especially rigid due to being an imitation. The bonds that crystallized into
illusions through mimicry are unhealthy and destructive, yet at the same time, I
acknowledged their strength. If you have abandoned that, then you are nothing more than a
mere stray dog."

"Well, yeah. They were too clingy, and I actually think I'm a stray, in a way."

Despite the challenging confrontation, Touri's attitude remained frivolous and unchanged.
They seemed somewhat exhausted, speaking with a hint of exasperation as they questioned
their relationship with their brothers.

"Sis was an enigmatic person too. I have no idea what she wanted by taking care of us,
protecting us. Brother says it's his own fault that our life was ruined, but I feel like we
would have ended up in a similar situation eventually."

"...Indeed. The true identity of Rudra's descendants was bound to be revealed sooner or
later."
Surprisingly, the Holy Knight temporarily put down his spear and nodded in agreement.
With the emergence of the Krishna, the discovery of the Kala Stones, and the three major
nations' struggle to reach the Land of the Beginning transitioning to its final stage, the
unstoppable current was set.

In the midst of that massive surge, it was inevitable for the smoldering embers buried in the
buffer zone to be unearthed.

"If anything, it was us who got caught up in this mess. I was targeted by troublemakers
when things were already bad, and before I knew it, I ended up in a terrible position. Yet,
everyone else sees Sis as their great benefactor. Sure, she fed us and all, but when you look
at the bigger picture, it's different. You know, it's like a kidnapped person falling in love
with their kidnapper."

"Stockholm Syndrome, huh?"

"That's right. Isn't that the reasoning behind your denial of us?"
"Oh..."

Ikshvaku narrowed his eyes and scrutinized the elegant man before them once again.

"It seems I have to reassess my perception of you. Surprisingly, you can see things quite
clearly."

"Well, a lot has happened."

Touri nodded with a self-mocking expression, as if reflecting on the past. A princess

kidnapped by the Demon King who eventually falls in love with him. It's a common tale of
Beauty and the Beast, where the two supposedly awaken to true love. However, the reality
is not such a beautiful story.

When pushed to their limits, humans cling to the closest absolute figure for the sake of
survival. In essence, they turn to the perpetrator of their misfortune, but the victims
overlook this simple logic.

It could be said to be a reflection of human weakness or strength. In any case, such

misconceptions occur frequently in reality. The familial love within the Rudrya Battle Group
also bears a resemblance to Stockholm Syndrome.

"I... I actually like those dangerous guys, you know. I want them to be happy."

At that moment, the air trembled ever so slightly. Sensing the anomaly, Ikshvaku frowned,
while Touri's contemplation continued. Gradually, slowly, a dangerous aura began to seep
out, akin to a harbinger of a massive tsunami.
"That's why I want to be in a slightly different position. If it's all groundless worry, then
that's fine. But if something were to happen, I want us all to prevent falling off the cliff
together. If there are those who are lacking, maybe they can become anchors. They can
protect everyone's backs, don't you think?... But I suppose, according to you, this is just a
counterfeit family game, right?"

"Of course. Your choice is wrong."

With an unwavering stance, Ikshvaku declared. Their unwavering determination was

connected to his triumph over the Kalpa of Destruction known as the "Cataclysm."

"You are a coward who, while knowing the fragility of your brethren, pretends to comply
and acts like a fool. If you perceive that your neighbor is heading down a wicked path, it is
enough to just kill them to stop it. If you truly want to be a family, then you should
immediately annihilate them."

"You're talking nonsense. If I were to do such a thing, everything would just disappear."
"No. Even if everything were to vanish, the result of upholding what is right would remain.
Feelings continue to shine eternally. I am saying that clinging to banal emotions without
understanding true love makes you a counterfeit. Due to your inadequate awareness of
distortion, you are an obstinate and corrupted beast!"

In response to Ikshvaku's pronouncement of condemnation, Touri's reaction was a smile.

He shook his shoulders in a refreshing and innocent manner. His expression remained as
carefree as ever, resembling that of a relaxed bystander. And yet, the atmosphere in the
room suddenly changed. More accurately, from a certain object, it felt as if the otherworldly
realm was overflowing...

"Yeah, I thought you would say that. Those who believe they are right tend to enjoy
provoking others."

It was the pendant hanging from Touri's neck. For someone like him, who often exhibited
frivolous behavior and seemed mismatched with it, the top part, reminiscent of a building,
was rather sturdy and robust. It was narrow and elongated, almost like a metaphor. It gave
off an impression of intending to enshrine or seal something.

While emitting light, it pulsed like a heart.

Within that fleeting moment, as the brilliance intensified dramatically, Touri's voice
sounded dreamy, as if in a delirious state.

The content of his words, however, was completely the opposite.

"Preparations are complete. I will shatter everything."

Simultaneously, a deafening roar and an explosion emanated outwards.

The unleashed power of the lightning was incomparable to anything before. Ikshvaku's
barrier, as thin as paper, was pierced as if it didn't exist, and the thunderous lightning of the
devil danced into the inviolable realm of "Heaven."

While the Holy Knight himself successfully defended against the attack by increasing the
density of distortion, the foot soldiers who had only benefited from his protection were
engulfed in destruction without exception.

The sinister light, wriggling like a venomous snake, pierced their chests, severed their
necks, and split them in half from the crown of their heads to their groin. From the
beginning, Touri had no intention of stopping the battle.

Ikshvaku had no weaknesses, and there were no means of victory other than delivering an
even greater power blow. Hence, he prepared himself. The interruption of the battle and the
subsequent conversation were all for that purpose, it seems.

"I see, releasing power outward is your own Avatara, huh?"

In an unexpected and unforeseen situation, Ikshvaku made the optimal decision without
any hesitation. He confined Heaven to a few centimeters around himself and continued to
repel the lightning strikes with the skill of a master spearman. In the eight hundred years of
warfare he had experienced, this level of battle was nothing particularly rare.
"Indeed, your momentum has improved, but it still won't reach the Rudrya Battle Group.
The impregnability of my faith is not so easily penetrated by your fangs."

"Wait, wait, who said this would end here?"

Maintaining his drowsy tone, the intensity of the lightning only increased. The energy
flowing out in a torrential manner from the pendant formed a spear once again, and Touri,
gracefully gripping it, swung it down from above. As the strike was received by Ikshvaku's
barrier, an ominous creaking sound emanated from it. With each subsequent strike, two
strikes, and three strikes, the gates of Heaven screamed.

"Ugh!?"

"What's the matter, gatekeeper? Are you already giving up?"

With the fifth strike that cut through, the equilibrium of the boundary reversed at last. The
accumulated impact, with no place to go, avalanched onto Ikshvaku entirely. The Holy
Knight, blown away as a result, pierced through the outer wall and disappeared far away.
Touri witnessed this and let out a deflated voice.

"Well, you were unexpectedly fragile. I should have conserved more energy."

At his chest, the emblem crystallized into an extraordinary ability that still radiated
brilliance. This was the "second heart," or Alakamanda created by Touri's Avatara. The
ability to store power outward. In other words, it could be thought of as a powerful backup
power source.

No matter how supernatural an Avatara may be, there are limits when it resides within a
person and is wielded by a person. Even a Vetala, if used to the point of exhaustion, would
become powerless once fatigue reaches its peak. While the Rudrya Battle Group was
considerably tougher than the average Krishna due to their ability to absorb electricity, they
still couldn't continue fighting tirelessly.

Touri is significantly weak in managing such a distribution. It's not that his capacity is
inferior compared to his siblings, but his output is exceptionally powerful, causing him to
quickly exhaust his internal energy.

He has always been a hotheaded individual who even troubled Sakra, and his tendency to
become immobilized after rampaging without restraint existed even before he became a
Krishna. The remedy for such weakness is the externalization of power.

Touri can be considered a typical example of an Avatara awakening in the desired direction,
as advocated by Vivas and Terminus. He gradually transfers his mental and physical energy
to the pendant on a daily basis. And when the seal is finally broken, the tremendous torrent
that is unleashed is not two or three times stronger but beyond its original full power.

In terms of pure power, Touri was the strongest among the Rudrya Battle Group. However,
unwanted consequences naturally arise.

Due to the side effects of distributing power outward, a part of his emotions becomes faint,
and he starts to look at his siblings with somewhat cold eyes. What he told Ikshvaku was his
true feelings, and that's why a procedure is necessary for his liberation. He hasn't forgotten
his love and gratitude towards his sister. His caring feelings for Sakra are also genuine.

Since the source of his power lies there, in his normal state, the pendant cannot recognize
Touri as Touri, and he can no longer access the backup power source (Alakamanda)
without getting furious at his own deficiency. Moreover, the most difficult thing to deal with
is that he has become a man who looks down on others from a distant perspective.

Indeed, when he partially acknowledged Ikshvaku's accusation of being a coward and a

traitor without any room for excuses, an unforeseen situation occurs.

"I'm impressed. I never thought you'd be this skilled."

Ikshvaku, who should have been blown away far beyond the tower, is standing there as if
nothing happened. This sudden appearance makes it seem as if there is no other
explanation, and thus the answer becomes clear.

"A teleportation device, huh? Come to think of it, you're the one in charge of this festival,
right?"

He must have been hiding a small device in his pocket. It's not feasible to carry
cumbersome equipment that is disposable, but it is effective for personal use. It's a
privilege for the organizers, and there are undoubtedly many terminals installed inside the
tower. It could have been prevented if they had considered absorbing electricity, but they
didn't think that far.

"I let my guard down, but the same trick won't work on me."

"That's a line that belongs to me as well. Now that I know your true strength, let me show
you an appropriate way to fight."

Thirteen years ago, Touri had just awakened to his power and had not yet established his
current style. Ikshvaku took advantage of that and experienced it once. The astonishing
adaptability based on the Kouha is the true weapon harbored by the reborn Holy Knight.
"Nevertheless, I got a little carried away. Thanks to that, the second act won't proceed as
planned."

Expecting an attack, Ikshvaku wore a complex expression on his mask-like face. Like a saint
witnessing a miracle and being moved. Like lamenting his own deep sins and enduring
shame. When Touri became puzzled by this strange behavior, a scene of a nightmare rose
before him.

"We will also assist."

"They have shown disrespect to the blessed beings bestowed by the Cardinal."

"We said it would be a one-on-one battle. If they attack us, there is no need for us to remain
idle."

"They must be eliminated, must be exterminated."

"In the name of Cardinal Vaishnava, we shall annihilate them."

The soldiers, whose bodies had been mowed down in the previous attack, asserted their
fighting spirit one by one as they joined. Of course, they were not just seriously injured;
their life functions had long ceased. Those without heads. Those with large holes in their
chests. There were even those split into two vertically.

Moving, speaking—there was nothing strange about it on its own.

This place—no matter how broken their bodies may be, they continue to struggle without
crossing over to the afterlife in this world where death has vanished. Therefore, the
question was quite simple.

"Um... aren't you in pain?"

Enduring suffering without being able to die should have been a shared hell for everyone.
Even if the ideals of nations differed, the fear of imperfect immortality remained unshaken,
and it is because everyone wished to break the curse that the present situation existed. And
yet, they all remained calm as if it were nothing. No, rather, they seemed to be moistened
with a rapturous state as if experiencing a state of bliss.

Touri didn't understand.

Anesthesia techniques had been researched since long ago, but once the threshold of injury
was crossed, they became ineffective. Wasn't this world supposed to be a hellish swamp like
that?

"Tremble in awe. This is the true love."

Like a prophet receiving a revelation, the knight spread his arms wide and exclaimed.

"As long as we have this sacred protection, we cannot be defeated."

More sacred, more ominous, the gates of heaven open.

If there were such grotesque violence as a divine army, this might be what it looks like.

◇◇◇◇◇

At the same time, several individuals scattered throughout the Tower of Creation
(Tvashtari) sensed the sudden change in the situation.

"Huh...?"

"What's going on?"

Varuna and Sakra, both at a decisive moment, forgot about their circumstances and stared
into the void.

"Oh my, nothing but delightful things, it seems."

"Who dares to interfere with me?"

Vivas, ascending to the summit, smiled bitterly, while the surrounding Bhaisajya cursed.

"This is bad. We can't afford to play around, Your Highness."

"I apologize. I can't see what's happening, but what on earth..."

Dhrtara, who had joined with Terminus, gently admonished, and Savitr added with a stern
expression.

"Hey, wait, you're not behind all of this, are you?"

"Nah, this is definitely unexpected. It's a complete mess."

"Well, it looks quite entertaining, though."

Pinaka, Shankini, and even the faintly smiling Ganesha.

"It's huge... What is this abnormal reaction? It's impossible!"

They were astonished by the abnormal gravity wave readings that went off the scale. The
numbers were as if thousands of meteors were showering down, leaving Arya petrified, her
breath caught.

"No way... Is this a joke? To go this far!"

"Well, it's a consequence of our actions. Can't be helped."

When Kouha and Mitra recognized the true nature of the anomaly, it appeared in the sky of
the Khvarenah.

A colossal giant, like something out of a fairy tale, literally piercing through the clouds.

However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that each one was a fleet of
state-of-the-art warships made of steel. A rain of Karli spewed forth.

The descending fists shattered the earth's crust, staining the Circle of Light, which had been
an inviolable domain for thousands of years, with screams of agony.

The one who caused this tragedy was just one person—or rather, a woman who became an
army of ten thousand.

"Greetings, you bastards! I'll crush all of you at once!"

Leaving the devastation of the stars to her limbs, a thousand cyborgs with divided minds
roared as they surged toward the Tower of Creation (Tvashtari).

Abhicharika Pai Fallada—a merciless iron war maiden, without a shred of mercy.

Her sole reason for existence was to pulverize, create a mountain of Yugas, and offer it to
Daksa.