Chapter 30: The Crossroads of Fate
A silence stretched across the crimson wasteland, thick with tension. Arjun stood frozen, staring at the glowing system notification before him. The Asura's burning gaze bore into him, waiting for his decision.
This was not just a choice of power. This was a choice that could alter his destiny forever.
A Path of No Return
Arjun clenched his fists, his mind racing. Accepting the Asura's power meant stepping into a world beyond human limitations. Strength beyond imagination, yes—but at what cost? Would he remain in control, or would he become something else?
His mission had always been clear: to make India the strongest nation in the world, to free it from oppression, and to reshape its destiny. Power would certainly help him achieve that goal faster.
But this was different. This was not human power.
He turned his gaze to the Asura, his voice firm. "If I accept your power, what do you gain from it?"
The Asura chuckled, the sound like distant thunder. "Ah, a wise question. You are no fool, Arjun Dhankhar."
The sky above them swirled, shifting like a living entity. The other Asuras in the distance remained still, their glowing eyes watching with eerie patience.
The massive entity before him took a step closer. "You see, mortal, power is never given without a purpose. The moment you touched the divine energies of this world, you stepped into a battle that has existed since the dawn of time."
Arjun's eyes narrowed. "You mean the war between the Asuras, Devtas, and Gods?"
The Asura smirked. "Exactly. For centuries, humans have been nothing more than pawns in this game. But you, Arjun… you are different."
Arjun felt his muscles tighten. "How?"
The Asura's gaze burned with intensity. "You were not meant to exist. And yet, here you are, reincarnated with knowledge that no mortal should possess. The Gods fear anomalies like you."
Arjun processed the words carefully. The Gods fear me?
The idea seemed absurd. What could he possibly do that would make such powerful entities nervous?
The Asura continued. "This world is broken, bound by the wills of those who sit above it. We Asuras seek freedom. We seek to reshape existence itself. And you, Arjun… you have the potential to stand at the center of it all."
Arjun exhaled slowly, his mind weighing the offer.
Power beyond limits. The chance to defy the Gods.
But there was something dangerous about this path. A risk he couldn't fully understand yet.
The System's Warning
His system interface flickered before him again.
[Hidden System Quest: Path of the Asura]
A great power watches over you. Accept its blessing, and unlock a path to strength beyond human limits.
Warning: This choice will permanently alter your evolution.
Accept? [Yes] / [No]
Arjun took a slow breath. His instincts screamed at him to think carefully. The system itself was warning him—something it had never done before.
If he accepted this power, he might never be the same again.
Could he trust this Asura?
Could he control whatever he became?
But if he refused… would he regret it later?
The air around him crackled with unseen energy, as if reality itself was waiting for his answer.
The Decision
Arjun closed his eyes.
He pictured his village in Haryana—the place where he was reborn. He thought of the people still suffering under British rule. He thought of the future he wanted to create.
And then, he opened his eyes.
His answer was clear.
"No."
The Asura's smirk disappeared. The air around them tensed.
Arjun stood firm. "I will gain power, but I will do it on my own terms. I refuse to be a puppet in someone else's war."
A silence followed his words. The massive Asura studied him, then chuckled darkly.
"Interesting."
The ground beneath Arjun shook, and the vision around him began to crack. The crimson wasteland blurred, the sky twisting. The other Asuras in the distance began to vanish.
The massive figure took a step back. "Very well, mortal. Walk your path. But remember… this world does not reward hesitation. When the Gods come for you, do not expect mercy."
Arjun felt a pulling force, dragging him away from the vision. The Asura's final words echoed as everything shattered into darkness.
Return to Reality
Arjun's eyes snapped open.
The battlefield was still before him. The bodies of fallen soldiers lay motionless. The rebels stood around him, looking at him with concern.
One of them, Ramesh, stepped forward. "Arjun? Are you okay?"
Arjun took a deep breath. His body felt different—stronger, but also heavier, as if something unseen still lingered.
"I'm fine," he said, but even he wasn't sure if that was true.
He quickly checked his system.
[System Update]
Hidden Path Rejected: The Asura's Blessing
Effect: Your soul has been marked by a higher existence. Future encounters with divine entities will be affected.
Arjun frowned. "Marked?"
Whatever this meant, it wasn't over. He had rejected the Asura's power, but the encounter had changed something.
This was only the beginning.
He exhaled and turned to his men. "We need to move. The British will send reinforcements soon."
Ramesh nodded. "Where to?"
Arjun's eyes burned with determination. "Lucknow. There's someone I need to meet."
The rebels quickly gathered their supplies, preparing to leave. As they moved, Arjun cast one last glance at the sky.
The Asuras had noticed him.
The Gods might be watching too.