Chapter 19: The Gathering Storm
The craft hummed softly as it cut through the skies, heading toward their hidden base in the Himalayas. Inside, the team sat in silence, exhaustion etched into their faces. The battle with Aquaeus had taken its toll, and the weight of the Ring of Chandra, now secured in a containment module, hung over them like a storm cloud.
Sona stared out the window, her reflection barely visible against the endless expanse of stars. She broke the silence with a quiet question. “How many more of these fights can we survive?”
Prithvi, seated near the craft’s controls, glanced back at her. His gauntlets were powered down, but the faint glow of the Seal of Balance against his chest was a reminder of the power he carried—and the burden that came with it.
“As many as it takes,” he said simply.
Vikram leaned forward, his hands resting on his knees. His usual calm demeanor was replaced with visible frustration. “We can’t keep fighting like this—on the back foot, reacting to every move Varunasura makes. We need a plan that puts us ahead of him.”
“We’re already working on it,” Prithvi said, his voice measured.
“Are we?” Vikram snapped, his frustration boiling over. “Because from where I’m standing, it feels like we’re just throwing ourselves into one unwinnable fight after another.”
“That’s enough,” Sona said sharply, turning to face him. “We’ve made it this far because we work together. Don’t lose sight of that.”
Arjun, who had been quietly sharpening Vritra, finally spoke up. “You’re not wrong, Vikram. But you’re not right either. We’ve been through hell, sure, but look at what we’ve accomplished. Terras is down. Aquaeus is down. That’s two of Varunasura’s strongest commanders out of the picture.”
“And Varunasura still has eight rings,” Kaal said from the shadows, his tone cold. “Including the ones his remaining commanders control. Every victory we claim only tightens his focus on us.”
“Good,” Prithvi said, his eyes hardening. “Let him focus on us. It means he’s not focusing on the rest of the world.”
As the craft approached the base, Chanakya’s voice chimed through Prithvi’s earpiece. “We’re nearing the Surya Reactor facility. All systems are nominal, but I recommend caution. The energy signature of the Seal is detectable from this distance. Varunasura may have already taken notice.”
Prithvi activated the comms for the whole team. “We’re almost there. When we land, we regroup and plan the next phase. No distractions.”
“Define ‘distraction,’” Arjun said with a smirk.
Prithvi ignored him, his gaze fixed on the snowy peaks rising ahead.
The craft touched down on a hidden platform carved into the mountainside, its camouflage blending seamlessly with the rocky terrain. The team disembarked, the cold air biting at their skin. The base loomed ahead, a blend of ancient architecture and advanced technology—a testament to Riya’s ingenuity and Prithvi’s vision.
Inside, the warm glow of the facility’s lights was a welcome contrast to the harsh cold outside. Riya greeted them in the central chamber, her holographic console filled with cascading streams of data.
“About time,” she said, her tone half-joking but her expression serious. “I’ve been monitoring the energy spikes from Aquaeus’s ring. You must’ve caused quite the mess out there.”
“You have no idea,” Arjun said, collapsing into a chair.
Riya’s gaze shifted to the containment module. “That the Ring of Chandra?”
“Yeah,” Sona said, placing it on the console. “It wasn’t easy, but we got it.”
Riya nodded, her fingers flying over the console as she began running diagnostics. “I’ll stabilize it and integrate its energy signature into our systems. If we can map its interactions with the Seal, we might get a better idea of how Varunasura is using the rings to destabilize the planet.”
Prithvi approached her, his voice low. “How’s the Surya Reactor?”
Riya hesitated, then glanced at him. “Stable. For now. But the energy draw from the Seal is increasing. If it keeps up, we might hit critical levels sooner than we anticipated.”
“What’s the Surya Reactor?” Vikram asked, his curiosity piqued.
Prithvi hesitated, then addressed the team. “The Surya Reactor is our contingency plan. A device designed to counter the elemental rings by amplifying the Seal’s energy. If Varunasura gains control of all ten rings, the reactor could be the only thing powerful enough to stop him.”
“And why are we just hearing about this now?” Sona asked, her tone sharp.
“Because it’s not ready,” Prithvi admitted. “And using it comes with risks. If we activate it without fully stabilizing the Seal, the resulting energy release could destroy everything we’re trying to protect.”
The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in.
“So, it’s a weapon of last resort,” Kaal said, his voice flat.
“Exactly,” Prithvi said. “And it’s not something I want to rely on. But we need to be prepared.”
Arjun leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. “You’ve been sitting on a world-ending contingency plan, and we’re supposed to just trust that it won’t blow up in our faces?”
Prithvi met his gaze, his expression unwavering. “If it comes to that, I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”
Riya cleared her throat, breaking the tension. “Well, if we’re done with the doomsday talk, I’ve got some good news. The Seal’s energy is resonating with the Rings of Chandra and Earth. If we can retrieve another ring, we might be able to amplify its stabilizing properties and buy ourselves more time.”
“Then we don’t waste time,” Prithvi said. “Riya, keep working on the reactor. The rest of us will plan the next strike.”
Sona stepped forward, her voice steady. “We’ve got momentum now. Let’s not lose it.”
The team dispersed, each member retreating to prepare for the battles ahead. In the control room, Prithvi lingered with Riya, watching as she worked on the reactor’s interface.
“You’re carrying a lot on your shoulders,” Riya said without looking up.
“I don’t have a choice,” Prithvi replied.
“You do,” she said, finally meeting his gaze. “Just make sure you’re not carrying it alone.”
Prithvi didn’t respond, but the weight in his chest felt just a little lighter
The warning alarms blared through the mountain base, their shrill tone cutting through the team’s preparation like a blade.
Riya’s holographic console flashed red as streams of data scrolled faster than her hands could swipe. “We’ve got incoming!” she shouted, her voice sharp and urgent. “Multiple bogeys, closing fast from the north.”
Prithvi turned from the map display he had been studying. His gauntlets sparked to life as he activated the Kavacha VII. “How close?”
“Five minutes out, tops,” Riya replied, her fingers flying over the controls. “And they’re not small. Energy readings suggest they’re packing elemental enhancements. Varunasura sent the big guns.”
Arjun strode into the control room, already armed, the glow of Vritra casting faint shadows on the walls. “You’d think he’d take a day off after losing two commanders.”
“He’s testing us,” Kaal said, his daggers gleaming in the dim light. “And he’s not going to stop until we’re dead.”
“Then let’s make sure we’re still standing when he’s done,” Prithvi said, his voice firm.
He turned to Riya. “Seal the base. Divert all auxiliary power to the defense grid. Vikram, Sona—get to the east and west flanks. Hold the line until we can regroup.”
“What about you?” Sona asked, already moving.
“I’m taking the Seal to the reactor,” Prithvi said. “If it comes down to it, we’ll need the Surya Reactor operational.”
As the team scattered, Prithvi turned to Riya. “How long can the defenses hold?”
“Depends on what they’re throwing at us,” Riya said, her voice tight. “If it’s standard troops, we might last an hour. But if their commanders are with them…”
“We won’t get an hour,” Prithvi finished. “Get the reactor’s systems online. I’ll handle the rest.”
Riya hesitated, then nodded. “Just don’t do anything stupid.”
The base shuddered as the first wave of enemy forces hit. Explosions echoed through the corridors, followed by the heavy thud of reinforced doors sealing shut.
Vikram and Sona stood at the west flank, their backs to the glowing energy shield that separated them from the oncoming assault.
“Hope you’ve got a plan,” Sona said, her gauntlets sparking as she summoned a swirling vortex of water.
“Always,” Vikram replied, his hands moving in precise arcs as he conjured glowing sigils into the air. The symbols flared brightly, and a shimmering barrier of arcane energy formed in front of them.
“Let’s see how they like this,” he muttered, raising his hand.
The sigils erupted, sending a wave of spectral fire through the shield. The flames struck the advancing soldiers, scattering them like leaves in a storm.
At the east flank, Arjun moved like a shadow, Vritra cutting through enemy lines with ruthless precision. Time slowed as he dodged an incoming strike, his blade flashing as he countered with a devastating slash.
“These guys just don’t quit,” he muttered, glancing over his shoulder.
Kaal appeared beside him, his daggers dripping with shadowy energy. “Then we’ll make them.”
Together, they moved through the enemy ranks with lethal efficiency, their movements perfectly synchronized.
In the reactor chamber, Prithvi stood before the towering structure of the Surya Reactor, its core glowing faintly as it pulsed with energy. The Seal of Balance rested on a pedestal nearby, its light dim but steady.
“Chanakya,” Prithvi said, activating the AI interface embedded in his suit.
“Yes, Prithvi?” Chanakya’s voice replied, calm despite the chaos outside.
“Run a diagnostic on the reactor. I want to know how close we are to full operational capacity.”
Chanakya paused, then responded, “Current capacity is at 65%. The reactor can be activated, but the resulting energy release may be unstable.”
Prithvi clenched his fists. “We don’t have a choice. If Varunasura gets through our defenses, we’ll need the reactor to push them back.”
The comms crackled in his ear. “Prithvi!” Riya’s voice came through, tense and urgent. “We’ve got a problem. The enemy forces aren’t just targeting the base—they’re heading straight for the reactor. They know what we’re protecting.”
“Then they won’t get through,” Prithvi said, turning to face the door as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor.
The first wave of soldiers burst into the chamber, their weapons raised. Prithvi moved without hesitation, his gauntlets flaring as he unleashed a burst of fire that engulfed the intruders.
But more followed, their armor glowing with elemental enhancements. One soldier raised a hand, and a jagged spear of ice shot toward Prithvi.
He deflected it with a swipe of his arm, countering with a bolt of lightning that struck the soldier square in the chest.
As the battle raged, Riya’s voice crackled through the comms again. “Prithvi, I’m detecting a massive energy spike—this isn’t just a scouting force. One of Varunasura’s commanders is leading the charge.”
Prithvi gritted his teeth, his movements growing more deliberate as he fought off the soldiers. “Which one?”
“Not sure,” Riya replied. “But whatever it is, it’s big.”
The ground beneath the reactor chamber trembled as a massive figure stepped into the room. Clad in armor that seemed to ripple like liquid metal, the figure wielded a massive hammer crackling with elemental energy.
“Who dares defy the will of Varunasura?” the commander growled, his voice a low rumble.
Prithvi stepped forward, his gauntlets sparking. “I do. And if you think you’re getting through me, you’re dead wrong.”
The commander laughed, his hammer slamming into the ground and sending a shockwave through the chamber.
“Then let us see if the Phoenix burns as brightly as they say,” he said, charging forward
The reactor chamber trembled under the weight of incoming energy as the commander stepped forward, his hammer raised high. Prithvi’s eyes narrowed. The energy radiating off the figure wasn’t just elemental—it was unnervingly similar to the Seal of Balance, almost as if Varunasura had managed to replicate its power.
“You don’t look impressed, mortal,” the commander growled, his voice rippling like an earthquake. “I am Garudan, warden of Varunasura’s forces, and your end is my mission.”
Prithvi cracked his knuckles, his gauntlets sparking with bursts of fire and lightning. “If you’re his best, I’m already disappointed.”
The commander snarled and slammed his hammer into the ground. The shockwave radiated outward, cracking the floor and sending jagged stone spikes surging toward Prithvi.
Prithvi leaped into the air, jets from the Kavacha VII propelling him high above the attack. He extended his arms, unleashing a concentrated blast of fire and lightning at Garudan. The attack struck true, forcing the commander to stagger back, but his armor absorbed most of the impact.
“You’ll need more than sparks to defeat me!” Garudan roared. He swung his hammer upward, and a massive wall of wind surged toward Prithvi, tearing through the chamber like a cyclone.
Prithvi twisted midair, activating the air boosters on his suit. The currents responded to his command, and he redirected the winds into a controlled burst that propelled him forward, straight toward Garudan.
With a roar, Prithvi drove his gauntlet into the commander’s chest, the strike powered by a pulse of earth energy that sent cracks spreading through the armor.
Garudan retaliated with a sweep of his hammer, forcing Prithvi to backpedal. The blow grazed his shoulder, sending a sharp jolt through his suit.
“Chanakya, status report!” Prithvi barked, his voice tight.
The AI’s calm voice replied in his ear. “Armor integrity at 85%. Enemy analysis suggests resilience-enhanced plating. Recommend increased use of combined elemental attacks.”
“Thanks for the tip,” Prithvi muttered.
He raised his hands, the Seal of Balance glowing faintly against his chest. Concentrating, he drew from its energy, combining fire, lightning, and earth into a swirling orb of destructive power.
“Let’s see you handle this,” he said, hurling the orb at Garudan.
The explosion lit up the chamber, shaking the very foundation of the base. When the dust cleared, Garudan emerged, his armor cracked but still functional.
“You have strength,” he admitted, his tone begrudging. “But it won’t be enough.”
Garudan raised his hammer again, this time channeling energy directly into it. The weapon glowed with a mix of water and wind, the combined elements forming a deadly vortex.
Prithvi braced himself, activating his earth shield just as the vortex struck. The impact rattled his entire suit, but the shield held, absorbing the brunt of the attack.
“Chanakya, divert auxiliary power to the gauntlets,” Prithvi ordered. “I’m ending this now.”
“Confirmed,” the AI replied.
The Kavacha VII surged with energy as Prithvi stepped forward, the Seal of Balance glowing brighter. He unleashed a barrage of attacks: bolts of lightning crackled through the air, smashing into Garudan’s defenses; streams of fire forced the commander to retreat, his armor melting under the relentless heat.
Prithvi didn’t let up. With a sweep of his arm, he manipulated the earth beneath them, sending massive spikes of rock crashing into Garudan.
Garudan roared, his armor crumbling. He swung his hammer in desperation, but Prithvi was ready. Using the air jets in his suit, he dodged the attack and countered with a devastating uppercut, his gauntlet charged with a combination of lightning and earth energy.
The blow sent Garudan flying into the wall, his hammer clattering to the ground.
“Enough,” Prithvi said, his voice steady but commanding. “Your fight is over.”
Garudan struggled to rise, his armor sparking and smoking. “You… think this changes anything? Varunasura will—”
Prithvi raised his hand, cutting him off with a final blast of lightning. The commander collapsed, his body lifeless.
The chamber fell silent, save for the faint hum of the Surya Reactor. Prithvi took a deep breath, the glow of his gauntlets fading as he powered down.
“Chanakya, report,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
“Enemy neutralized,” the AI replied. “Armor integrity at 72%. The reactor remains stable, but energy levels are rising. Recommend immediate containment protocols.”
“Understood,” Prithvi said.
The comms crackled. “Prithvi, what’s your status?” Riya’s voice came through, tense but steady.
“Garudan’s down,” Prithvi replied. “The reactor’s stable for now, but we need to secure it before Varunasura sends another wave.”
“Copy that,” Riya said. “I’m sending Sona and Vikram to reinforce your position. Arjun and Kaal are still holding the east flank.”
“Good,” Prithvi said. “We’re not out of this yet.”
As he turned back to the reactor, the glow of the Seal of Balance caught his eye. For a moment, he felt its pull—the faint whisper of the Phoenix Prophecy calling to him.
Not yet, he thought, pushing the feeling aside.
Prithvi clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. They had won this battle, but the storm was far from over.
The echo of distant explosions rumbled through the mountain base as Prithvi entered the central chamber, the faint glow of the Seal of Balance casting long shadows on the walls. His gauntlets still pulsed faintly with energy, a reminder of the battle just won, but there was no time to celebrate.
The team was already gathered, their faces a mix of exhaustion and determination. Sona stood near the tactical console, her arms crossed as she reviewed the latest data with Riya, while Arjun leaned against a wall, his sword propped casually at his side. Vikram was seated, sketching runes into the air as if trying to piece together a puzzle, and Kaal Sarp loomed silently in the corner, his daggers sheathed but his eyes alert.
“Status?” Prithvi asked, his voice cutting through the tension.
Riya looked up from the console, her expression grim. “We’ve managed to stabilize the base’s shields, but the energy levels in the Surya Reactor are climbing. The more we use the Seal, the harder it’s going to be to keep the reactor contained.”
“And the enemy?” Prithvi pressed.
Sona answered, her tone sharp. “They’re regrouping. The forces at the east and west flanks have pulled back, but this isn’t a retreat. It’s a delay.”
“They’re buying time for something bigger,” Vikram added, his hands still moving as glowing runes hovered around him. “I can feel it. There’s a shift in the energy around us—like the calm before a storm.”
Prithvi paced, his mind racing. “Varunasura knows where we are now. He won’t stop until he has all the rings and the Seal of Balance.”
“Then we take the fight to him,” Arjun said, straightening. “We’ve been on the defensive long enough. Let’s hit his forces before they regroup.”
“That’s exactly what he wants,” Kaal said, his voice low but firm. “He’s baiting us into spreading ourselves too thin. The moment we overextend, he’ll strike where it hurts most.”
“The reactor,” Riya said quietly.
Everyone fell silent, the weight of the truth settling over them.
Sona broke the silence. “So what’s the plan, Prithvi? We can’t stay here forever, but if we leave, we’re exposing the reactor—and the Seal—to another attack.”
Prithvi stopped pacing and turned to face the team. “We hold the line here. We fortify the base, stabilize the reactor, and prepare for the final assault. If Varunasura wants the Seal, he’s going to have to come and take it.”
“And when he does?” Vikram asked, his glowing runes fading as he stood.
“We hit him with everything we’ve got,” Prithvi said. “The Surya Reactor isn’t just a last resort—it’s a weapon. If we can stabilize it, we can use its energy to counter the rings and tip the balance back in our favor.”
Riya hesitated, then spoke up. “There’s a problem with that plan. The reactor’s power output isn’t fully controllable. If we activate it without stabilizing the Seal completely, the energy surge could destroy the entire region—or worse.”
“I know the risks,” Prithvi said, his tone steady. “But we don’t have a choice. Varunasura isn’t going to wait for us to be ready. We either use the reactor, or we lose everything.”
The room fell silent again, the gravity of Prithvi’s words sinking in.
Finally, Sona nodded. “Alright. But if we’re doing this, we do it right. No shortcuts, no second-guessing. We plan for every contingency, and we stick together.”
Arjun grinned, twirling his sword. “Sticking together I can handle. Planning? Not really my style.”
“You don’t say,” Vikram muttered, earning a smirk from Sona.
“Enough,” Prithvi said, cutting through the banter. “Riya, focus on stabilizing the reactor. Vikram, keep working on the Seal’s resonance with the rings. Sona, Arjun, Kaal—prepare for a counterattack. Varunasura will send everything he has next time. Let’s make sure we’re ready.”
The team dispersed, each member moving with a renewed sense of purpose.
Riya remained at the console, her fingers flying over the controls as streams of data filled the holographic display. Prithvi stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the reactor’s energy readouts.
“You’re really going through with this,” Riya said quietly.
“I have to,” Prithvi replied. “If we wait any longer, Varunasura will gain the upper hand. This is the only way to stop him.”
Riya hesitated, then placed a hand on his arm. “Just… don’t forget why you’re doing this. Don’t let the prophecy consume you.”
Prithvi met her gaze, his expression softening. “I won’t. I promise.”
In the dimly lit corridors of the base, Sona and Vikram moved side by side, their steps echoing softly.
“You’ve been quiet,” Sona said, glancing at him.
Vikram sighed, his hands brushing over the faint sigils that lingered in the air. “I’m trying to make sense of the Seal’s connection to the rings. There’s something about its energy—it’s like it’s alive. And it’s changing.”
“Changing how?”
“It’s hard to explain,” Vikram admitted. “But I think it’s reacting to Prithvi. The more he uses it, the stronger it becomes. But there’s a cost. I just don’t know what it is yet.”
Sona frowned, her expression troubled. “We need to figure it out. Before it’s too late.”
As the team worked through the night, the storm outside the base intensified. The wind howled, and lightning lit up the peaks, casting eerie shadows across the snow.
Inside, Prithvi stood alone in the reactor chamber, the faint hum of the Surya Reactor filling the air. The glow of the Seal of Balance pulsed faintly against his chest, its warmth both comforting and foreboding.
He closed his eyes, focusing on the steady rhythm of the Seal’s energy. For a moment, he felt the faint whisper of the Phoenix Prophecy, a distant echo that sent a shiver down his spine.
Not yet, he thought, clenching his fists.
The battle was coming, and Prithvi knew it would test every ounce of strength, courage, and resolve he had. But he would not falter.
Not while the world still depended on him.
The storm outside had gone eerily silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Inside the reactor chamber, the team stood in tense preparation, knowing the worst was yet to come.
Sona tightened her grip on her gauntlets, summoning a faint ripple of water around her hands. Arjun’s sword, Vritra, glowed faintly at his side as he paced, ready for battle. Kaal sharpened his daggers in the corner, his movements deliberate and methodical. Prithvi stood at the center, the Seal of Balance glowing faintly against his chest, its energy resonating with the humming of the Surya Reactor.
“This feels wrong,” Vikram said, breaking the silence. His hands moved in practiced motions, weaving a faint ward in the air as he scanned the room. “I can sense him—he’s close, but it’s like he’s waiting for something.”
“Then let him wait,” Prithvi said, his voice calm but commanding. “We hold the line. No matter what he throws at us, we don’t let him through.”
Sona frowned, her gaze flicking to the sealed doors. “What if this is a trap? What if he’s already—”
The words barely left her lips before the entire chamber shuddered violently. The doors exploded inward with a deafening roar, sending debris flying. A wave of elemental energy surged into the room, overwhelming the team’s defenses and throwing them off balance.
From the smoke and chaos stepped Varunasura, his towering form bathed in the glow of the eight rings already in his possession. The air around him warped and crackled with raw power, his every step shaking the ground beneath him.
“You’ve delayed me long enough,” Varunasura said, his voice cold and thunderous. “The final rings are mine, and with them, so is your world.”
“Not while we’re still standing,” Prithvi said, his gauntlets flaring to life.
With a single nod, the team moved as one, launching into an all-out assault.
Sona struck first, unleashing a tidal wave of water that coiled and hardened into ice spears, hurtling toward Varunasura with deadly precision. Varunasura raised his hand, the Ring of Agni (Fire) glowing brightly as a wall of flame erupted before him, evaporating the attack instantly.
Arjun darted forward, slowing time around himself with the power of the Ring of Shani (Time) embedded in Vritra. He aimed a precise slash at Varunasura’s chest, but the enemy twisted unnaturally, the Ring of Budha (Wind) amplifying his movements. Varunasura countered with a gust of air so powerful it sent Arjun hurtling across the room, crashing into a wall.
“Get up, Arjun!” Sona shouted, diving to cover him as a second blast of wind ripped through the chamber.
Kaal struck from the shadows, his daggers glowing with dark energy as he aimed for the gaps in Varunasura’s armor. The Ring of Rahu (Shadows) pulsed in his hands, amplifying his strikes. But as his blades made contact, Varunasura’s armor shimmered with the power of the Ring of Mangala (Earth), hardening to absorb the attack.
“You think shadows can harm me?” Varunasura sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. With a flick of his wrist, the Ring of Surya (Light) flared, flooding the room with blinding radiance. Kaal staggered back, his daggers clattering to the ground as the light overwhelmed his senses.
“Enough!” Prithvi roared, launching himself into the fray. His Kavacha VII blazed with elemental energy as he unleashed a barrage of attacks: streams of fire, bolts of lightning, and jagged spikes of earth surged toward Varunasura in a relentless assault.
For a moment, it seemed like Prithvi had the upper hand. Each strike landed with explosive force, forcing Varunasura to take a step back. But then Varunasura raised both hands, the Ring of Chandra (Water) and the Ring of Indra (Storms) glowing in tandem.
The air around him erupted into a maelstrom of water and lightning, countering Prithvi’s attacks with devastating precision. The surge knocked Prithvi off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground.
At the reactor console, Vikram frantically worked to stabilize the surging energy. The Seal of Balance resonated wildly, its energy threatening to spiral out of control. “Prithvi, we’re running out of time!” Vikram shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
“I know!” Prithvi shouted back, pushing himself to his feet.
Vikram raised his uninjured arm, chanting a desperate spell. Runes glowed brightly in the air as he summoned a massive ward to contain Varunasura’s elemental onslaught. The barrier held for a moment, giving the team a brief reprieve.
But Varunasura’s power was too great. He raised the Ring of Brihaspati (Space), and the runes shattered as a ripple of spatial distortion tore through them. Vikram screamed as the backlash hit him, and he fell to his knees, clutching his left arm—or what was left of it.
Sona screamed in rage, throwing everything she had at Varunasura. A massive vortex of water surged toward him, laced with shards of ice. But Varunasura raised his trident, its power amplified by the Ring of Agni, and the attack was obliterated in an instant.
“Your defiance is meaningless,” Varunasura said, his voice cold. He extended his hand toward Prithvi, his rings glowing brightly.
Prithvi braced himself, the Seal of Balance pulsing with defiance. “If you want it, come and take it.”
Varunasura grinned, and in a flash, he was upon Prithvi. The two clashed in a ferocious melee, their powers colliding in bursts of energy that shook the chamber to its core. Prithvi fought with everything he had, channeling the full force of the elements through his Kavacha VII.
But it wasn’t enough.
With a final, devastating strike, Varunasura drove his trident through Prithvi’s chest, piercing the Seal of Balance. Prithvi gasped, blood staining his armor as the Seal’s light flickered and dimmed.
“Prithvi!” Sona screamed, rushing toward him, but Varunasura raised a hand, blasting her back with a wave of elemental energy.
The chamber fell silent as Varunasura pulled the Seal from Prithvi’s broken body, its faint glow fading as it fell into his hands.
“You fought well,” Varunasura said, his tone almost mocking. “But this was always your fate.”
He turned to the rest of the team, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “And now, I take what is mine.”
With a gesture, the remaining two rings—Chandra and Shani—were ripped from their containment modules. They flew to Varunasura’s fingers, completing the set. The ten rings glowed brightly, their power resonating in perfect harmony.
Varunasura turned to leave, his trident crackling with energy. “When next we meet, your world will be ash.”
The chamber collapsed around them as Varunasura disappeared into the storm, leaving the team broken, battered, and without hope.
Sona crawled to Prithvi’s lifeless body, tears streaming down her face. “We’ll make this right,” she whispered. “I swear it.”
But in her heart, she wondered if it was already too late.