Karna stood outside the palace, his divine chariot appearing in a blaze of radiant light as he summoned it. The chariot, pulled by celestial horses, With the reconnaissance team's safety in mind, he wasted no time in ascending to the skies, bound for Khandava Forest.
...
As Karna neared the ancient woodland, he could sense the enigmatic and ominous aura that shrouded the forest. The very air seemed to crackle with hidden magic and secrets. His keen eyes scanned the dense foliage below, searching for any signs of the reconnaissance team.
Down in Khandava Forest, the reconnaissance team was still deliberating their difficult decision. The ancient tree's demand for a willing sacrifice weighed heavily upon them.
Each member was aware of the risks and consequences, and the discussion had become tense as they grappled with their choices.
The leader of the team, taking charge once more, addressed the group. "We cannot afford to remain in this dilemma. We must decide whether to accept the tree's demand or depart from this place. Our kingdom's safety depends on the information we may gain."
A member of the team who had been silently observing the ancient tree suddenly spoke up. "I have made my decision. I am willing to offer myself as a sacrifice in exchange for the knowledge we need. Our mission is too crucial to abandon, and the lives of our fellow citizens are at stake."
The others looked at their courageous comrade with a mixture of admiration and sorrow. They knew the gravity of the sacrifice being offered and respected their companion's selflessness.
The leader nodded, his expression grave. "Your bravery will not be forgotten. We will ensure that your sacrifice is not in vain."
With their decision made, the reconnaissance team approached the ancient tree once more and informed it of its willingness to fulfill its demand.
The tree's voice seemed to resonate with approval, its eerie power growing stronger. "Very well, mortal. Your sacrifice shall grant you the knowledge you seek."
The member who had volunteered stepped forward, guided by a deep sense of duty. The ancient tree's gnarled branches reached out, but they didn't envelop everyone; instead, they specifically moved toward the volunteer. The tree's eerie presence seemed to intensify as it prepared to accept the offering.
As the volunteer stood before the ancient tree, a solemn hush fell over the rest of the reconnaissance team. They watched with heavy hearts, knowing that their comrade was about to make a selfless sacrifice for the sake of their kingdom.
The ancient tree's branches encircled the volunteers, its power washing over them in an eerie, ethereal glow. There was a sense of otherworldly communion taking place as if ancient knowledge and secrets were being exchanged.
"WAIT!!!"
Karna's commanding voice echoed through the ancient forest, causing a momentary pause in the proceedings. His arrival had not gone unnoticed, and his presence carried an undeniable air of authority.
The ancient tree, which had been in the process of accepting the volunteer's sacrifice, halted its actions. Its gnarled branches retreated slightly, the eerie aura that surrounded it faltering in the face of Karna's divine presence.
The reconnaissance team, standing nearby, looked both surprised and relieved at Karna's sudden intervention. They had not expected to see their formidable ally in Khandava Forest so quickly.
Karna descended from his celestial chariot with a determined stride. His expression was resolute as he addressed the ancient tree. "I am Radheya Karna, I have come to Khandava Forest to ensure the safety of these brave individuals who serve the kingdom of Panchal. I recognize the gravity of their mission and the sacrifice they are willing to make, but I cannot stand by while their lives are put in jeopardy."
The ancient tree's voice, though still powerful, carried a note of caution as it responded to Karna. "Radheya Karna, your arrival was unforeseen. These mortals have willingly offered themselves to exchange their lives for knowledge. The terms were set, and the agreement was reached."
Karna's gaze remained unwavering, and his tone held a hint of urgency. "I understand the significance of this exchange, but I also recognize that these individuals are my allies, and their lives are precious. I request that you release them from this binding agreement."
The ancient tree seemed to ponder Karna's request, its branches rustling softly as if in contemplation. After a moment, it spoke again, its voice carrying a sense of begrudging acceptance. "Very well, Radheya Karna. In deference to your power and your request, I shall release these mortals from their agreement. But I own a favor from you for doing this because it should be an equivalent exchange, And I want to use it now itself."
[T-THIS IS A WORLD TREE, KARNA!!!]
'But World Tree you know should be big while this tree looks just like any other tree.'
[It is in its infancy stage, At its adult stage tree height will reach clouds and In this elder stage it will occupy a whole planet.]
'Then what but everyone who lives on the planet?'
[Everyone becomes nutrients for the tree to grow and this is an evil side of world tree, Which should be grown in Hell or Naraka.]
"What do you say, Radheya Karna?"
Karna hesitated for a moment as he weighed the consequences of granting a favor to the ancient tree. He understood that it was a powerful entity with knowledge and secrets that could be of great value to their mission.
However, he also recognized the potential danger that the tree posed, especially if it were to reach its adult stage and occupy an entire planet.
After a moment of contemplation, Karna replied, "I agree to your terms, ancient tree. I shall grant you a favor in exchange for releasing these mortals from their agreement. But let it be known that this favor must not cause harm to innocent lives or jeopardize the safety of any kingdom."
The ancient tree's branches rustled once more, a semblance of satisfaction in its voice. "Your terms are accepted, Radheya Karna. I shall use this favor now itself."
"Okay ask what you want?"
The ancient tree, now free from its agreement with the reconnaissance team, began to reveal its request to Karna. Its voice transformed to that of a female child, its tone markedly different from the eerie and menacing one it had previously adopted. It spoke with an innocence that was at odds with its ancient and powerful nature.
"I wish to experience the outside world, Radheya Karna. I have been rooted in this forest for countless years, and I long to see the lands beyond. I request that you form a soul contract with me—"
[KARNA, DON'T HESITATE JUST DO IT!!!]
Artemis's voice echoed in Karna's mind, urging him to accept the tree's request. He could sense the urgency in her words and understood that there might be more at stake than met the eye.
Karna, trusting Artemis's guidance, nodded solemnly. "Very well, ancient tree. I shall form a soul contract with you."
The ancient tree's branches rustled with excitement, and its voice held a sense of joy. "Thank you, Radheya Karna. Now, let us complete the contract put your hand on my trunk."
Karna stepped closer to the ancient tree and extended his hand toward its gnarled trunk. As his hand made contact with the tree, A sharp dart formed and pierced his hand drawing blood.
Karna winced slightly as the sharp dart pierced his hand, drawing a bead of crimson blood. The ancient tree seemed to absorb his blood eagerly, and there was a surge of energy that pulsed through its gnarled branches.
'H-How did it go past my Vajra Body, Artemis?'
Karna's surprise was evident as he felt the ancient tree's dart pierce his Vajra Body, which was known for its invulnerability.
[Karna, this ancient tree possesses a unique and ancient power. It can pierce even the most formidable defenses, such as your Vajra Body.]
Suddenly the whole tree vanished and Karna gritted his teeth against the unexpected pain that radiated from his soul. It was a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced.
He could feel the presence of the ancient tree intertwining with his very being, as if their souls were becoming connected in a profound way.
After what felt like an eternity of pain, the sensation began to subside, and Karna felt a deep connection forming between himself and the ancient tree. Their souls were now linked by the soul contract they had forged, and Karna could sense the tree's presence within him.
As the pain gradually receded, Karna could feel the ancient tree's consciousness mingling with his own. He could sense its curiosity about the outside world, and its desire to explore and experience the lands beyond Khandava Forest.
[Ding...]
[Quest Completed]
[Quest Name: Khandava Forest's Mysteries]
[Objective: Ensure the safety of the reconnaissance team within Khandava Forest and gather critical information about the shadowy forces.]
[Additional Objective: Form a soul contract with the ancient tree.]
[Rewards: Dark Fruits, Knowledge Of Ancient Secrets]
[Rewards(Optional): Evil World Tree]
[Does host want to collect the rewards now?]
[Yes/No]