The vibrant streets of New Varanasi buzzed with life, but Rihan felt the weight of his past growing heavier. Knowledge of his previous life as Karna, the weight of his purpose, and the looming threat of Andhakasura occupied his thoughts. Maya, walking beside him, sensed the change in him but remained quietly supportive, her resolve unwavering.
"We need more information," Maya said as they walked toward the research institute where Professor Kelly, a specialist in space disturbance tracking, worked. "If these cracks are connected to Andhakasura, we need to find out how to stop them—and him."
Rihan nodded, gripping the *Vijayadanusu* tightly. His connection to his past self was growing stronger, but the challenges ahead were daunting. He had faced Indra's thunderbolts, but the upcoming battle with Andhakasura felt different—more dangerous.
As they entered the research center, the hum of machinery and the glow of screens filled the air. The walls were lined with complex graphs and holographic projections showing energy distortions across the globe. Professor Kelly, a tall woman with sharp eyes and an intense focus, was waiting for them.
"Rihan, Maya," she greeted them with a nod. "I've been expecting you. The space disturbances have been escalating, and I've been tracking them closely."
"Professor," Maya began, "we need to know more about these cracks. If Andhakasura is responsible, how can we find him? How can we stop this?"
Kelly led them to a large screen displaying a map of the world, marked with several glowing points. "These cracks are not random—they're converging," she explained, pointing to a location on the map. "Hastinapur. That's where the largest disturbance is centered."
Rihan's heart skipped a beat. Hastinapur—the city from his past, where his destiny as Karna had once been sealed. The irony was striking. He would have to face his greatest battle in the place where it had all begun.
"The cracks are not just tears in space," Kelly continued. "They're portals, breaches between realms. Andhakasura is using them to weaken the barriers between Asuraloka and our world. If he's not stopped, the cracks will grow, and the monsters will flood the earth."
Rihan absorbed the information, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "So, how do we stop him?" he asked.
"The only way to stop these cracks permanently is to destroy Andhakasura," Kelly said, her voice grim. "But that's easier said than done. He's ancient, powerful, and has been biding his time for eons. He won't be easy to defeat."
Maya looked at the map, her brow furrowed. "Is there any way to track him, to predict his movements?"
Kelly shook her head. "Not directly. But the energy signatures in Hastinapur are off the charts. If he's anywhere, it's there. You'll need to be prepared—this will be no ordinary fight."
Rihan clenched his fists, determination hardening within him. He had faced gods, monsters, and his own past. Now, he would face the greatest threat of all. "Then that's where we'll go."
Kelly nodded. "I'll provide you with as much information as I can. But remember, this is more than just a battle. It's a war for the future of humanity."
As they left the research center, the sun was setting over New Varanasi, casting long shadows across the city. Rihan felt the weight of destiny pressing down on him, but he also felt a growing resolve. The storm was coming, but they were ready to face it—together.