[Ding! Congratulations host for unlocking soul space.]
A deep voice filled with bloodlust and murderous intent echoed in Karna's soul.
[Don't worry that's just your other personality or something, You can enter your soul space by just willing it.]
With a simple thought, Karna was taken aback by the stark contrast within his soul space. On one side, he observed the serene and starlit landscape, a tranquil and calming environment. On the other side, the presence of dense purple lightning and flowing magma was a stark contrast, giving off an aura of chaos and destruction. The world tree stood at the boundary between these two opposing realms, serving as a bridge between the two.
Karna saw another him standing in front of him but with some differences like instead of snow-white hair he had pitch-black hair, and instead of golden eyes he had crimson-red with a purple ring around the iris.
Karna was taken aback by the sight of the other version of himself within his soul space. The differences between them were striking, with pitch-black hair and crimson-red eyes, a stark contrast to Karna's usual appearance.
Karna spoke with a mix of curiosity and caution, "Who are you? What is your purpose within my soul space?"
The other Karna grinned, "Well truth to be told I am you and you are me, We are both the same and my purpose... You can I am holding all your powers which you can't control or don't know about."
Karna contemplated this revelation. It was as if a hidden aspect of himself had manifested within his soul space, one that held the powers he was not yet aware of. "Alter, you say? What powers do you possess, and why have you revealed yourself now?"
Alter's grin widened, revealing a hint of malevolence in his crimson-red eyes. "I possess the powers that you've suppressed and those you're yet to discover. As for why I've revealed myself, well, it's because of that overgrown tree. Its presence intruded upon my domain."
Karna's expression remained composed, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at Alter's words. "The ancient tree is now bound to a soul contract with me. We must find a way for both of you to coexist peacefully within my soul space."
"Well this is your soul, So it's your decision and you must be thinking, Why didn't I merge with you yet right?"
Karna nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, that thought did cross my mind. Why haven't you merged with me?"
Alter chuckled darkly, his crimson-red eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "Ah, you see It's simple actually, You will die. Your body will explode with so much power and don't think that your Vajra body or Kavach can help you because they can't and you can't adapt to that overwhelming power which will kill you instantly, It won't even give you time to breathe a single breath."
Karna's expression grew serious as he considered the dire consequences Alter had described. The prospect of his own death was not something he took lightly, and he knew that his responsibilities and the safety of those he cared about rested heavily on his shoulders.
"So, what do you suggest we do, Alter?" Karna asked, his voice steady.
"Become strong, Become powerful enough to control your powers with backlash, Or else our death is inevitable," Alter replied, his tone filled with a sense of urgency.
Karna understood the gravity of the situation. The existence of Alter within his soul space meant that he had to confront and master the hidden powers he possessed. His own survival and the safety of those around him depended on his ability to control these abilities.
"I agree," Karna said resolutely. "We cannot allow these powers to remain unchecked. I will work to harness and control them, even if it means facing the risk of backlash."
Alter nodded in approval, his crimson-red eyes narrowing with a sense of determination. "Good. Remember, my strength is your strength you are just taking it back. The more you master, the stronger you become."
As Karna made this commitment to himself and to Alter, the crimson-eyed alter-ego within his soul space seemed to shimmer, as if acknowledging their agreement.
The tension in the soul space began to ease, and Karna could sense a newfound understanding between the two aspects of himself.
Outside the soul space, in the physical world of Khandava Forest, Karna's body remained standing before now an ordinary tree. His eyes, which had briefly clouded with concentration during his conversation with Alter, now refocused on his surroundings.
Karna's eyes refocused on the ancient tree before him. The tree, once a source of mystery and power, now appeared ordinary and devoid of the eerie presence that had enveloped it moments ago.
He withdrew his hand from the tree's trunk, noting that there was no longer any sensation of connection or the eerie glow he had felt during the formation of the soul contract.
Karna glanced at the reconnaissance team, who had been observing the proceedings with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "The ancient tree's request has been fulfilled, and the reconnaissance team is safe," he declared.
The reconnaissance team members, still processing the unexpected turn of events, nodded in gratitude toward Karna. They were relieved that their brave comrade's sacrifice had been averted, and they could continue their mission with renewed determination.
As Karna stepped away from the ancient tree, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the powers he had yet to discover and master. Alter's warning echoed in his mind, a reminder of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
[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 the host want to collect the rewards now?]
[Yes/No]
Karna contemplated the quest completion message and the optional reward of the "Evil World Tree." He knew that this entity could pose a significant threat in the future if allowed to grow unchecked. However, he also understood that having control over such a powerful being might prove useful in certain circumstances.
[Yes]
***
[???]
"Huh! Why can't I sense the world tree anymore? Who? WHO?"
The mysterious entity, hidden in the shadows and consumed by its desire for the world tree, found itself bewildered and frustrated as it could no longer sense the presence of the world tree. It had been observing events from the shadows, hoping to seize the tree's power for its own nefarious purposes.
The entity's anger and desperation grew as it sought to understand what had transpired. "Who dares to interfere with my plans? The world tree was to be mine! I will find out who is responsible, and they shall pay dearly for this."
"Vali!!!"
A muscular man with a monkey tail and its features appeared kneeling in front of the mysterious entity hidden in the shadows. His presence exuded strength and authority.
"Master, You called?"
The entity, which had been seething with frustration, now focused its attention on the newcomer. "Vali, I sense that something has disrupted my plans, something that should not have been possible. The world tree is no longer within my grasp. I need you to investigate this matter and find out who or what is responsible for this interference."
Vali nodded obediently. "As you wish, Master. I will end them whoever they are."
The mysterious entity, hidden in the shadows, watched as Vali pledged his loyalty to carry out the investigation. It knew that Vali's formidable abilities and determination would make him a valuable asset in uncovering the truth behind the interference with its plans.
"Go, Vali, and leave no stone unturned," the entity commanded. "Discover who or what has disrupted my plans and retrieve the world tree at all costs. Its power is essential to my ultimate goal."
Vali rose from his kneeling position, his muscles tense with resolve. "I will not fail you, Master. The one responsible will face my wrath, and the world tree will be reclaimed."
With a determined nod, Vali vanished from the presence of the mysterious entity, leaving to carry out the mission of investigation.
The entity's thoughts churned with anger and frustration as it pondered the identity of the one who had disrupted its carefully laid plans. It was aware that a formidable force, one with knowledge and power beyond its own, had intervened.
"Tarakasura!"
This time the entity called out another name, and a figure clad in dark armor and wielding a menacing sword appeared before it. Tarakasura, a fearsome warrior with a reputation for ruthlessness, knelt before the entity.
"Master, you summoned me?"
The entity's eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity as it addressed Tarakasura. "Tarakasura, I have a task for you. Keeping a watchful eye on Vali, He is newly revived and might betray me if he regained his memories."
Tarakasura nodded, his loyalty to the mysterious entity unwavering. "I understand, Master. I will shadow Vali and ensure that he remains loyal to your cause. If any signs of treachery arise, I will act swiftly."
The entity's voice was filled with a cold and calculated resolve. "Good. Vali may possess great power, but he is not the only one I have under my control. We shall not be undermined by anyone."
As Tarakasura rose to his feet, the entity's gaze bore into him. "Keep your presence concealed and your actions covert. The disruption to my plans cannot be tolerated, and I will not rest until the world tree is within my grasp."
Tarakasura nodded once more, his dark armor gleaming in the shadowy presence of the entity. "It shall be done, Master. The world tree will be yours, and those who stand in your way will be dealt with accordingly."
With that, Tarakasura vanished from the presence of the mysterious entity, leaving to carry out his mission of monitoring Vali and ensuring his loyalty.