The meeting with the Eternals had left Ashoka in a state of deep reflection. He had always known that his powers were beyond ordinary, but the encounter with these cosmic beings had shaken him to his core. They were a reminder of something he had always feared but never fully confronted—the true scope of the world beyond the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka had always known there were forces at play in the universe far greater than his own. The Eternals, with their vast experience and cosmic abilities, were proof of that.
But there was something more troubling to Ashoka. His knowledge of the Marvel universe, drawn from his past life in 2025 CE, had made him acutely aware of the risks of tampering with history. The Time Variance Authority (TVA), as he had seen in the Loki series, had been established to protect the timeline of the universe. He knew that any significant change in the course of history could draw the attention of the TVA, a force beyond even his understanding.
Ashoka understood that his powers, though vast, were not enough to face the TVA if it came to that. The TVA had the ability to prune timelines, erasing entire realities if they deviated too far from their predetermined path. And while Ashoka could manipulate matter, weather, and even create his own realm in his Infinite Space, he knew that these abilities were not enough to stand against the cosmic authority of the TVA.
For the first time, Ashoka faced a choice: Should he continue his efforts to reshape the world, or should he step back and live in the shadows of his empire, protecting his people without disturbing the course of history too drastically?
After days of contemplation, Ashoka made his decision. He would no longer make sweeping changes to the world beyond the borders of his empire. He would step back from global affairs, choosing instead to focus on the well-being of the Indian subcontinent. His people, his empire—these were his responsibility, and he could protect them without changing the course of history in ways that might attract the attention of the TVA.
But Ashoka was not one to sit idly by while suffering continued. He would not allow the people of his empire to endure hardship if he could help it. He would protect the subcontinent from the forces that sought to harm it, but he would do so in the shadows, without drawing attention to himself. His role would be that of a silent protector—watching, guiding, and intervening only when necessary.
Ashoka knew that his people had suffered for centuries, and it was his duty to alleviate that suffering. He would continue to improve the lives of his citizens, ensuring that the empire thrived, but he would do so in a way that did not alter the broader course of history. The world outside of his empire could continue on its path, while Ashoka focused on safeguarding the future of his people.
To leave his legacy, Ashoka decided to construct his pillars in every major city, university, and fortress across the empire. These pillars would be a symbol of his deeds, a reminder to future generations of the values that he held dear. Each pillar would be inscribed with the history of the Mauryan Empire and Ashoka's own contributions to the world. The pillars would stand as monuments to his reign, reminding the people of the empire of the importance of unity, peace, and progress.
But Ashoka's legacy would not be confined to these physical monuments. In his Infinite Space, he would create a heaven—a realm where the souls of those who had done meritorious deeds for the empire would find rest. The scholars, soldiers, and important figures who had shaped the history of the Indian subcontinent would be honored in this realm, a place of peace and reflection where they could live in eternity for their contributions.
In this heaven, the souls of those who had fought for the empire's survival, those who had sacrificed for its prosperity, would find their place. Ashoka would watch over them, ensuring that they were never forgotten. It was a way for him to continue to protect his people, even after their deaths, and to honor those who had given their lives for the greater good of the empire.
Ashoka knew that this was his purpose now—to protect his people from the shadows, to safeguard the future of the Mauryan Empire, and to ensure that the deeds of those who had shaped the empire's history were never lost to time. He would not meddle in the affairs of the world beyond his borders, but he would ensure that his empire remained strong, prosperous, and protected.
And so, Ashoka's role as the silent protector of the Mauryan Empire began. He would remain in the shadows, guiding the empire from behind the scenes, watching over his people and ensuring that their future was secure. He would continue to shape the destiny of the Indian subcontinent, but he would do so in a way that did not disrupt the larger world—a quiet force for good, working in the background to protect those who needed it most.
The legacy of Ashoka would live on, not in grand gestures or global influence, but in the hearts and minds of the people of the Mauryan Empire. His name would be remembered, his deeds would be honored, and his empire would thrive in the shadow of his quiet protection.
This chapter explores Ashoka's decision to step back from the broader world and focus on protecting the Indian subcontinent. His construction of Ashoka Pillars in key locations across the empire and the creation of a heaven in his Infinite Space for those who had contributed to the empire's success are key aspects of his legacy. Ashoka's decision to remain in the shadows, guiding and protecting his people without altering the course of global history, reflects his understanding of the balance between power and responsibility.