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New Delhi, Bharat, December 3, 1945
Aryan sat in his study, the weight of his responsibilities as the President of the interim government of Bharat pressing heavily upon him. The new constitution was complete, and the war had ended, but the work seemed endless. The task of consolidating the newly acquired territories and ensuring the smooth transition of government agencies was immense. The judiciary, executive, and legislative departments needed to reach every corner of Bharat, upholding the values of equality and justice promised by the new constitution.
Despite the overwhelming workload, Aryan found a moment of respite. He had allocated tasks to his clones and Athena, his Manas companion, allowing him a brief period of reflection. His thoughts drifted to the warnings he had received from the Saptarishi and the Ancient One about the Asura's threats. The memory of their ominous words lingered in his mind, a constant reminder of the dangers that lay ahead.
Aryan knew he had to be prepared for the inevitable confrontation with the Asura. He had devised a plan, though risky, to end the threat once and for all. The Ancient One had cautioned him about the consequences of tampering with reality, but Aryan felt confident in his abilities and those of Athena. Her growing capabilities, combined with his own powers, gave him the assurance he needed to proceed.
He decided to use his ability, 'Aetherian Ascendance,' a power he had only used once before due to its severe downsides. While in this form, Aryan became a being of higher existence, able to exist in multiple places at once, reshape matter and energy instantly, and control every aspect of reality within his vicinity. He could also see and alter the flow of fate and probability. This ability, although seemingly omnipotent, came at a severe cost of losing his human emotions and connection to the world, rendering him an emotionless being of boundless energy. Despite having a resilient body, mind, and soul, he couldn't hold the form for long due to these downsides. He believed that in the future, as he gained divinity, he would be able to gain better control over this ability and hold the form without losing his connection to the world and emotions for a longer period. Despite knowing he couldn't sustain this state for even a minute right now, he believed he could manage it for the short duration of a few seconds, which was all it required to alter the fate and probability of the enemies he would battle in the future.
Closing his eyes, Aryan reached out to Athena through their soul connection. "Athena, be ready. I'm about to enter Aetherian Ascendance mode. We need to ensure that the Asura is defeated, no matter what."
Athena's voice echoed in his mind, calm and reassuring. "I am ready, Aryan. Together, we will succeed."
With a deep breath, Aryan activated 'Aetherian Ascendance.' His form began to glow with an ethereal light, his emotions fading away as he ascended to a higher state of being. The room around him seemed to warp and shift as he manipulated the very fabric of reality, ensuring that the Asura would be compelled to face defeat.
In this state, Aryan felt a profound detachment from the world, but he remained focused on his goal. He could sense the intricate threads of fate weaving around him, and with precise control, he altered them to secure victory against the Asura. The power surged through him, a reminder of the immense responsibility he bore.
As Aryan manipulated the threads of fate, the cosmos itself seemed to shudder. The sky fractured like a shattered mirror, and the stars rearranged themselves in patterns unseen before. Cosmic entities such as Eternity, Infinity, The Living Tribunal, and Death observed with growing unease. The multiverse rippled, disturbed by Aryan's presence in this elevated state.
Suddenly, Aryan felt a powerful force pulling him into a void of pure white light. He found himself in a space that seemed infinite yet intimate, a place where time and reality held no sway. Before him stood a serene elderly figure, radiating an aura of boundless power and wisdom. Aryan knew instantly who this was—the One Above All.
"Aryan Yadav," the One Above All spoke, his voice gentle yet commanding, "You are a peculiar existence. Your potential is boundless, but with such power comes immense responsibility. By ascending to this state, you tread upon laws etched into the foundations of existence—laws you were never granted authority to wield. I cannot allow such actions from you."
Aryan, despite his immense power, felt a profound sense of humility. He was forced to kneel on the white void-like space, struggling to withstand the overwhelming presence of the One Above All. Aryan always knew that there were many beings more powerful than him right now. He considered himself as powerful as some elder gods or celestials, if he ignored the power of Aetherian Ascendance and with all his current abilities. But here he was, in the presence of the supreme being of existence in the Marvel Multiverse, and he simply couldn't fathom his powers, who easily interrupted his most powerful form right now. He understood that the One Above All was in the same league as the ROB who granted him his powers and gave him a second chance at life in this universe. As he was thinking about this, he tried to defend his actions, which in his eyes were justified. "One Above All, you must have the knowledge of Beyonder's actions as well as the presence of Asura Kali who has set his eyes on this universe. I was only trying to stabilize the chaos and protect this world from destruction, and besides that, you must know that I have the capabilities to alter fate without affecting the broader world." Aryan replied, his voice tinged with desperation for the first time in his second life.
"Noble intentions do not absolve you from the consequences of ignorance, Aryan. I know you are capable of many things, but you severely underestimate the consequences of your actions even if you are careful," the One Above All continued. "The power you wield is not yours to command without guidance and approval from those who govern the balance—Eternity, Infinity, and Death."
The One Above All's words resonated deeply within Aryan. He realized the gravity of his actions and the far-reaching consequences they could have. "Haa..fine, I will back down. But, what do you suggest I do next? The Asura will stop at nothing to destroy our dimension and make an interesting show for the Beyonder, you know." Aryan asked, his voice barely a whisper as he rose up standing upright as his body finally adapted to the pressure.
"Yes, I know quite well about that. However, it is not my place to intervene in these things. I would have if not for your presence, as the being who sent you here has made strong claims of your capabilities and potential. In fact, he asked me to take care of you and ensure that you do not go down the wrong path while ensuring that you grow well, taking responsibility for the powers you wield," the OAA answered him.
"Are you two acquaintances?" Aryan asked, but the answer was quite obvious, considering his smooth transition to this universe and granting of a chance at this second life.
"Yes, we are. Also, for your other question, all I can tell you is that you must earn the favor of Eternity and other cosmic entities if you wish to access such power without consequence," the One Above All instructed. "Continuing to use Aetherian Ascendance without cosmic authority could unravel reality and draw the attention of hostile entities, including further actions from the Beyonder who empowers Bhishanara."
As a safeguard, the One Above All temporarily sealed Aryan's Aetherian Ascendance, preventing him from using it until he understood its full implications. "This seal can be lifted if you prove your worth by resolving the crisis caused by Asura Kali and restoring balance to the multiverse. I know you can manage to defeat him even without such short cuts, using your other abilities," the One Above All added, smiling gently.
Humbled by the encounter, Aryan realized the weight of his actions. He resolved to learn more about the cosmic hierarchy and seek the favor of Eternity, Infinity, and other entities to gain rightful access to such power. This incident pushed Aryan to develop alternative strategies and create other abilities to counter Bhishanara, as one of his most powerful abilities was now locked.
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