As the group emerged from the forest, they were greeted by the sunlight they had been missing. Ritsuka, having just summoned the three Servants, was eager to absorb the sun's energy to replenish himself. But as he began to draw power from the sun, things took an unexpected turn.
Ritsuka dropped to his knees, his face contorted in pain. "Ahhhhhhh! Too much!"
The team stared in shock as Ritsuka's body underwent a dramatic transformation. His God Shift had activated again, and his hair spiked and shifted through a spectrum of colours—from fiery red to a blazing golden yellow, and then back to a deep crimson. Red markings appeared on his skin, growing larger as his blue eyes glowed intensely. One of his eyes turned a more vibrant gold, and the ground beneath him began to smoulder.
Kadoc's eyes widened as he observed the transformation. "Ritsuka's magic is Sun Magecraft, right?"
Ophelia, puzzled, responded, "Yes, why?"
Kadoc's expression grew serious. "And he can absorb the energy of the sun. Essentially, he's like a human solar panel."
Kama shot him a sharp look. "Not the time, Kadoc."
Kadoc, realising they didn't grasp his point, quickly instructed, "Anastasia, ice wall now!"
Anastasia conjured an ice wall, blocking some of the sunlight. Seeing this, Ophelia created an energy shield, while Bhima formed an orb of air to cover the group. Mash raised her shield to protect Ritsuka, and with everyone's combined efforts, the intense energy surge subsided. Ritsuka's transformation receded, and he returned to his normal state, visibly exhausted.
"Sorry about that," Ritsuka panted. "I didn't anticipate it getting this out of control."
Kadoc frowned, "We need to be more cautious. If you absorb too much energy, it could endanger us all."
Anastasia nodded, "We'll need to find a way to manage or limit your absorption to avoid such situations."
The group took a moment to regroup and ensure everyone was alright. The landscape around them was scorched, a stark reminder of the immense power Ritsuka wielded. They knew they needed to tread carefully, balancing Ritsuka's formidable abilities with the safety of the team and their mission.
With the immediate crisis averted, they resumed their journey, more determined than ever to uncover the mysteries of the Indian Lostbelt and confront the threats that lay ahead.
Arjuna turned to Ritsuka, his brow furrowed in thought. "Remind me, when Karna used to absorb energy from the sun during the Mahabharata, how did it affect him? Did he ever experience anything like this?"
Ritsuka, still catching his breath, shook his head. "Karna's ability, known as the Kavacha and Kundala, was primarily a form of protection and divine armor, and while he drew strength from the sun, it wasn't exactly the same as my Sun Magecraft. His power was more about channeling solar energy for defense and offense, rather than absorbing it directly."
Arjuna nodded, understanding the distinction. "Karna's connection to the sun was more about leveraging its power rather than absorbing it. This might be why your experience is different. We're dealing with a unique aspect of your abilities here."
Bhima, joining the conversation, added, "If Karna's experience didn't match yours, it might mean that what you're encountering is unprecedented. It's possible that this Lostbelt's solar energy has unique properties that interact differently with your magecraft."
Ritsuka considered this. "It seems like my abilities are being tested in new ways here. I'll need to adapt and refine my control over the energy to prevent any further unexpected reactions."
With this new insight, the group continued their journey, more determined than ever to understand the intricacies of the Lostbelt and how to navigate its challenges.
Arjuna turned to Ritsuka, his brow furrowed in thought. "Remind me, when Karna used to absorb energy from the sun during the Mahabharata, how did it affect him? Did he ever experience anything like this?"
Ritsuka, still catching his breath, shook his head. "Karna's ability, known as the Kavacha and Kundala, was primarily a form of protection and divine armor, and while he drew strength from the sun, it wasn't exactly the same as my Sun Magecraft. His power was more about channeling solar energy for defense and offense, rather than absorbing it directly."
Arjuna nodded, understanding the distinction. "Karna's connection to the sun was more about leveraging its power rather than absorbing it. This might be why your experience is different. We're dealing with a unique aspect of your abilities here."
Bhima, joining the conversation, added, "If Karna's experience didn't match yours, it might mean that what you're encountering is unprecedented. It's possible that this Lostbelt's solar energy has unique properties that interact differently with your magecraft."
Ritsuka considered this. "It seems like my abilities are being tested in new ways here. I'll need to adapt and refine my control over the energy to prevent any further unexpected reactions."
Bhima then had a great dum idea. Bhima looked up at the sky, his tone both casual and demanding. "Hey, Lord Surya! We could use some help down here. Maybe you could lend a hand, you golden, shiny god!"
The group stared, a collective sweat drop forming as Arjuna's disbelief showed. He turned to his brother, concern evident in his eyes. "Bhima, I know you're confident, but is this really the best way to handle this?"
Ritsuka, somewhat amused by the exchange, turned to Arjuna with a wry smile. "I get that Indian gods are known for being quite active, but how is Bhima actually your older brother?"
Arjuna sighed, shaking his head. "I swear, he wasn't this reckless back in the day. This is… new."
Bhima grinned, still looking skyward. "Hey, just trying to get results. Maybe it'll work!"
As if answering Bhima's call, a brilliant ray of sunlight descended from the heavens, illuminating the group. The presence of Lord Surya became palpable, and a deep, resonant voice filled the air. "I have heard your plea. What seems to be the issue?"
Ritsuka, catching his breath, spoke up. "Lord Surya, it seems that my ability to absorb solar energy is causing unexpected reactions. I need your guidance to understand and control this better."
Lord Surya's radiant form appeared in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow. "Very well. Let us see what can be done. My divine insight should help you master your power."
With Lord Surya's assistance, the group felt a renewed sense of hope and determination as they awaited further guidance on how to harness and control Ritsuka's formidable abilities.
Surya's gaze lingered on Ritsuka with a mixture of curiosity and recognition. "I sense my bloodline within you. You must be a descendant of Karna."
Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, I am."
Surya's expression shifted to mild surprise but quickly turned to a casual tone. "Well, good luck with managing your power. I won't be answering any more questions. And when you find my son, tell him I said hi."
With that, Surya ascended, leaving a stunned group behind. The sky returned to its normal state, and the brilliant sunlight faded, leaving everyone in a moment of confusion.
Ritsuka turned to the others, piecing together the implications of Surya's visit. "Surya's brief appearance confirms something. If the sun god is here and interacting with me, it suggests that God Arjuna isn't the Lostbelt King."
Kadoc, still processing the situation, raised an eyebrow. "How does this scene prove that God Arjuna isn't the Lostbelt King?"
Ritsuka explained, "Surya's presence and his casual departure imply that he's not deeply involved in the conflicts or hidden agendas of the Lostbelt. If he were, he would likely have more information or a more substantial role in the situation. His indifference indicates that God Arjuna, who is associated with the Lostbelt, is not directly connected to Surya's divine matters."
Arjuna, listening to the conversation, looked thoughtful. "That makes sense. It seems the divine involvement in this Lostbelt is more complex than we anticipated."
Bhima glanced at Ritsuka. "Can you explain this God version of my brother to me?"
Ritsuka replied, "In short, God Arjuna was intended to be the Lostbelt King, but he became a god instead. He's not the king of this Lostbelt but he is not a the king I think."
Bhima chuckled. "That sounds like my little brother."
Ritsuka continued, "After observing all the gods of the Indian pantheon, God Arjuna decided to shorten the Yuga cycle and started erasing people from existence."
Bhima fell silent, staring at his brother. "Arjuna, what the hell are you doing?"
Arjuna looked at Bhima with a mix of confusion and concern. "First, why are you getting dumber every second? And second, I'm pretty sure this Lostbelt King isn't me, even if I'm a different version of myself."
Kadoc nodded, understanding the implications. "It seems the Lostbelt King might be a different entity or version altogether, even if they share similarities with you, Arjuna."
Ritsuka agreed. "Yes, the Lostbelt King's actions and nature are distinct from what we know of your divine counterpart. We'll need to uncover more about this Lostbelt King to understand their true role and intentions."
With the conversation leading them to more questions than answers, the group resumed their journey, determined to uncover the mysteries of the Lostbelt and confront the challenges ahead.
The group arrived at an ancient Indian city, its architecture and atmosphere evoking a sense of historical grandeur. Arjuna and Bhima gazed at the city with a mix of nostalgia and contemplation.
Arjuna remarked, "This city brings back memories of our childhood."
Bhima chuckled, "Indeed. Even though we lived in the castle, it's hard not to remember those times."
Ritsuka interjected with a grin, "Yes, but let's not forget, Bhima, you were quite the bully back then."
Bhima shot Ritsuka a look, "Can we not bring up my past or Duryodhana or his 99 other brothers right now?"
Arjuna laughed softly, shaking his head. "Let's focus on the task at hand. This city might hold some clues about our current situation and the nature of this Lostbelt."
As they ventured further into the city, the group remained alert, aware that their journey was far from over and that the city's ancient secrets might be crucial to their quest.
The group entered the city, observing the peaceful, bustling environment. Kadoc scanned the people, noting their calm demeanor.
Ritsuka commented, "It's oddly peaceful here. We haven't been attacked, other than that eagle."
Arjuna examined the surroundings and said, "The style of the city is reminiscent of the era before the Mahabharata. Did the war never happen in this timeline?"
Bhima suggested, "Let's ask around and gauge the reactions of the locals."
Rama, who had been quiet until now, remarked, "That's both a very smart and very foolish idea. I'll go check it out."
Rama moved off, and the group watched as Bhima approached a young girl. He chatted with her briefly, even introducing himself. The girl responded with a laugh and said, "Wow, your name is one of the five evil Pandavas."
Bhima returned to the group, reporting, "The girl mentioned that the Mahabharata did happen here. She referred to me as one of the 'five evil Pandavas.'"
Arjuna was startled, "Five evil Pandavas? Why would they label us as evil, and what does that even mean?"
Kadoc frowned, "This raises many questions. It seems like this Lostbelt has a very different view of our legends and their history."
The group realized they had stumbled upon a new layer of complexity in this Lostbelt. They needed to understand why their legendary figures were perceived as evil and what had changed in this timeline to alter their historical reputations.
Kadoc looked at but confused. "I am confused I read the Mahabharata 'forcefully'. He glares at Ritsuka before he continues. "Didn't you guys win the war, or are you saying they Kauravas won the war".
Bhima paused, deep in thought. "If the Kauravas won, then that would explain the change in perception."
Arjuna's eyes widened as he connected the dots. "If we lost and the Kauravas prevailed, it would make sense for them to defame us."
Bhima's expression hardened. "It seems that Suryodhana—Duryodhana—is likely behind this. He would have had every reason to sully our names if he won."
Kadoc looked puzzled. "Isn't Duryodhana his real name?"
Bhima nodded grimly. "Yes, Suryodhana is another name for Duryodhana. It seems he's the one who manipulated history to paint us as villains."
The realization hit the group: if Duryodhana had managed to rewrite history, it would explain why the Pandavas were now seen as evil. This new understanding added another layer of complexity to their quest and made it clear that addressing this Lostbelt's version of history would be crucial for their mission.
Ritsuka glanced at Bhima and Arjuna with a thoughtful expression. "I can understand why he'd want to turn things around in his favour, given what you guys did to him. But he's still an evil bastard for distorting history like this."
Bhima gave a resigned nod. "I get it. It's a dirty tactic, but one we should have anticipated."
Arjuna added, "This Lostbelt isn't just a twisted version of our history; it's a complete inversion of our roles. We need to find out more about this altered reality to fix it."
The group agreed, acknowledging that uncovering the full extent of the distortions in this Lostbelt would be crucial to restoring the true history.
To be continued
Hope like this Ch and give me power stones