Chapter 83 Asuras in Brahmaloka
"What's this?" Indra furrowed his brows, staring at the three red dots glowing on the screen. He turned to Surya, hoping for clarity.
Surya's expression mirrored Indra's confusion. He leaned in closer, scrutinizing the red markings. "I'm not entirely sure either," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Vishvakarma had only provided basic instructions on operating the Vimanas. Beyond that, Surya was navigating uncharted territory.
"Let's go up and see for ourselves!" Vayu suggested, his curiosity clearly piqued.
Nodding in agreement, the Devas channeled their divine power into the Vimanas. Under their mental command, the colossal craft stirred, gliding forward with an almost ethereal grace.
At the same time, waves of red flames began to surge around the Vimanas. Agni had infused his divine chakra into the vessel. The accumulated power coalesced at the front of the spacecraft, forming a searing ball of flame. The fire twisted and churned, growing in intensity until it became a massive, blazing sphere.
Boom!
In an instant, the concentrated flames erupted forward, roaring toward the three Asuras who had dared to block their path.
"What?"
Madhu's eyes widened in shock. Instead of retreating, the Devas had advanced—and now they were launching an attack! His expression hardened, anger flashing across his face, still streaked with white dirt.
"You dare challenge me?" he growled, his voice thick with indignation.
With a sharp motion, Madhu extended his hands. A vivid blue light pulsed in his palms before solidifying into a colossal Gada. The weapon hummed with supreme power as he hurled it directly at the oncoming inferno.
Boom!
The collision was instantaneous. The flames shattered upon impact, scattering into a cascade of fiery embers. Sparks shot out like meteors, painting the sky with trails of light. The air became a tapestry of blazing fire and shimmering silver, an awe-inspiring display of destruction and beauty.
The blazing flames erupted in harmony with the swirling black hurricane, creating a mesmerizing sight. The wind howled fiercely, feeding the roaring red fire, and together, they formed a colossal tornado of flames that connected the heavens to the earth.
"It's breathtaking," Brahma murmured, seated cross-legged on a lotus, his expression contemplative. The brilliance of the scene before him was awe-inspiring.
When Brahma first saw Indra and the other Devas arrive, accompanied by sacred chariots and suspended palaces trailing behind their celestial army, he had assumed they were fleeing for refuge. The opulence of the entourage seemed more like an exodus than a battlefront.
But now?
The Devas had arrived prepared for more than mere defense. They had brought forth an unprecedented warship, a vessel unlike anything time had yet seen. Even more surprising was the presence of three Asuras among their ranks.
Wait—Asuras?
Brahma's four faces twisted in surprise, his white beard curling as his many eyes honed in on the trio. Recognition dawned instantly.
Hayagriva is the mighty leader of the Daityas clan. His strength rivaled that of Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu, and now, with the blessings of the Mahadevi, he could not be harmed by anything identical to himself.
Madhu and Kaitambha, beings born from Vishnu's earwax, possessed immense innate power close to Vishnu himself. They were protected by boons that rendered them invulnerable and unkillable unless they willingly chose death.
Brahma's eyes widened in disbelief, nearly causing him to roll them.
These three? Here?
Could it be that the Asuras had chased the celestial army from Svarga to Brahma Loka? The thought alone left Brahma uneasy, the implications of such a confrontation too great to ignore.
…
The Vimanas surged to life as Surya channeled his divine chakra into the spacecraft. The entire vessel flared with brilliant, sun-like energy, beams of dazzling light flashing from every surface. The intensity of the heat became palpable, filling the air with an oppressive warmth. The temperature inside the temple rose sharply as if Surya's radiant brilliance had reached its zenith.
It felt as though Surya had reverted to his original, blazing self. The heat was overwhelming.
"Surya!" Indra shouted, his voice tinged with alarm. "This Vimanas is burning up! Don't cause trouble!"
The other Devas were equally shocked, watching with concern as the temperature around them soared. Indra quickly glanced at Surya, then subtly shifted away, wary of the sun god's explosive power.
"It's fine!" Surya reassured them quickly. "It'll stabilize soon!"
Before any of the Devas could respond, a voice, deep and commanding, filled the air—Brahma's voice.
"No!" Brahma's warning cut through the tension. "Three Asuras have entered Brahmaloka. They're right in front of you!"
The Devas froze, their faces registering a mix of surprise and confusion. All eyes turned toward the three glowing dots in the light mirror.
Indra's eyes widened in realization. So those three dots are the three Asuras!
Vayu looked bewildered, while Agni's face was filled with panic. Varuna's expression mirrored his concern. Even Surya appeared flustered—not only because of the Asuras' arrival but also due to the increasing heat within the Vimanas. The spacecraft was growing hotter by the second, the red light intensifying and casting a fiery glow over the Devas.
It felt as if the Vimanas might explode at any moment.
"Quick, retreat!" Indra ordered, his voice urgent.
With a swift motion, Indra slammed his hand against the armrest of his throne, channeling his divine power into it. The other Devas followed suit, each of them pouring their energy into the structure. In an instant, the Vimanas became a furnace of heat, its surface radiating blinding, scorching light. A swirl of wind, water, and fire surrounded the ship, forming a halo of different divine forces that shielded the warship. Lightning cracked from the vessel, striking out beyond the iron walls created by the ninety-nine other ships, sending loud roars echoing through the air.
"Retreat!" Indra shouted, his voice urgent, as his gaze darted toward Surya.
But the Vimanas didn't budge.
Indra's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned sharply to Surya. "Why isn't it retreating?"
Surya's face twisted in panic. "I can't control it either!" he admitted, his voice shaking. "The Vimanas... it seems like it's going to explode!"
Surya's words hit like a thunderclap, crashing into the hearts of the Devas. Shock, fear, and disbelief flashed across their faces, a wave of dread that rippled through them all. Even Surya, who was known for his radiant confidence, couldn't mask his embarrassment as the situation spiraled beyond his control.
The Vimanas was supposed to be a test flight... and now it's on the brink of exploding? Surya thought, inwardly cursing Vishvakarma's craftsmanship. Was this ship even ready for deployment?
"Run!" Indra bellowed, his voice filled with urgency. His crimson cloak billowed behind him as he bolted from his seat, flying toward the exit of the temple.
The other Devas followed, taking to the air in a desperate scramble, their powerful forms shooting out of the Vimanas like startled birds, fleeing for their lives.
Boom!
The Vimanas erupted with a brilliant, blazing light, resembling the sun falling from the heavens. The ship surged forward, unstoppable in its path, as though driven by an otherworldly force.
Hayagriva, his mane whipping in the wind, stared in awe at the descending spacecraft. His eyes narrowed as the massive ship bore down on them.
"What kind of weapon is this?" he muttered to himself, a note of awe and fear in his voice.
Madhu and Kaitambha, both of whom had spent years training without much contact with the outside world, looked on in equal amazement. "Could this be a new weapon the Devas have developed to deal with us?" they wondered aloud.
Boom!
The Vimanas exploded with a deafening roar, sending shockwaves that reverberated throughout Brahma Loka. The brilliance of the explosion was blinding, like a second sun rising in the sky, mixing with the primal forces of nature.
Brahma, too, stared in shock at the spectacle before him.
---
Chapter 84 Battle in Brahma Loka
A thunderous explosion echoed from Brahma Loka, rippling through space and time, its reverberations reaching distant realms in an instant.
On Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva sat upon a gray-white boulder, an unshakable figure at the heart of the universe. His presence radiated serenity, as still and profound as the depths of an ancient well.
Beside him sat Devi Parvati, her beauty radiant and divine. She smiled, her joy as vibrant as a blooming flower. Clad in resplendent red adorned with intricate gold jewelry, she exuded grace. Around her elegant neck hung a garland of purple-blue datura blossoms, their delicate petals contrasting with her glowing complexion. Her hands idly played with the garland, a gentle motion that mirrored her lighthearted demeanor.
Nearby, the sacred bull Nandi sat with a serene smile, his gaze fixed reverently on his Lord, intoxicated by the divine presence.
Suddenly, a resounding boom! The vibrations from Brahma Loka rippled through Kailash, causing the pristine, snow-white peaks of the holy mountain to tremble.
With a single, deliberate movement, Shiva pressed his toes against the rock beneath him. In that instant, an unfathomable power descended, as if to bind Svarga and the earth together. The trembling ceased immediately, and the sacred mountain stood firm once more, undisturbed.
Shiva's gaze grew distant, piercing through realms as he turned his eyes toward Brahma Loka, his expression unreadable, yet profound.
....
The Milky Sea stretched endlessly, lying adjacent to the resplendent Vaikuntha, its waves gently kissing the borders of the divine realm. The brilliance of Vaikuntha radiated like an eternal aegis—unshakable and invincible—a bastion of tranquility standing steadfast against the restless turbulence of the Milky Sea.
Trumpet! Trumpet!
The majestic white elephant Airavata raised his mighty trunk high as he waded through the vast, crystalline waters of Vaikuntha. With an effortless motion, he dipped his trunk into the lake, inhaling deeply before lifting it to the heavens and releasing a powerful spray of water. The sparkling droplets arced beautifully, catching the sunlight to form a vivid rainbow that painted the sky.
Splash!
The cascading water landed squarely on the mount of Agni, the Fire Deva—a disgruntled goat who shook its soaked fur in protest, bleating indignantly.
Behind Airavata, the water Deva Varuna's mount, Makara, swam gracefully alongside the wind Deva Vayu's swift gazelle, the two gliding through the lake with ease.
Rumble!
Watching this playful display, the Devas of water and wind burst into mischievous laughter, their mirth filling the serene air.
On the shore, Agni stood atop his goat, which pawed at the ground with frustration. Flames flickered from its mouth as it let out an irritated bleat, glaring at the offenders in the water.
Garuda, the king of birds, could take no more. Folding his wings behind him, he placed his hands on his hips and strode purposefully toward the lake, his imposing figure shimmering with celestial authority.
"That's enough!" Garuda exclaimed, his voice sharp and commanding. "You were sent here by the Devas to fulfill your duties, not to frolic like children!"
He pointed toward a nearby patch of green grass, where Surya's mount, the seven celestial horses, lounged atop a sunlit stone. Its alabaster form was so still and motionless that, at a glance, it could have been mistaken for a marble statue.
"Look at them!" Garuda continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's dedication for you! While you're splashing around, they're over there, are in such a deep meditation they've turned to stone!"
Airavata lifted his trunk again, letting out a triumphant trumpet.
"Trumpet! Trumpet!"
Garuda's golden eyes narrowed as he turned back toward the elephant. "What's that? You're saying it'll definitely be different next time?"
He frowned, his suspicion growing. "I've heard that before… from someone."
As Vishnu contemplated, the aftershocks from Brahma Loka spread outward. The once-calm Milky Sea roared to life, its waters churning violently as towering waves crashed against the shores of Vaikuntha.
Vaikuntha trembled slightly under the onslaught.
But then, the golden shrine at its heart pulsed with a radiant, eternal light. The brilliance illuminated all directions, an unshakable force that pushed back the chaos and stabilized the divine realm in an instant.
At that moment, Vishnu stirred.
He rose slowly from his serpent bed, his expression a mix of serenity and sorrow. His handsome face was tinged with melancholy, and his eyes carried the weight of ancient memories.
Devi Lakshmi, ever gentle and devoted, remained by his side. Her gaze, filled with warmth and concern, never left him as she reached out to lightly press his ankle.
"Husband," she asked softly, "why do you seem so troubled?"
Vishnu's eyes grew distant, shimmering with a faint light as he murmured, "Do you remember those two asuras born from me?"
Lakshmi's expression shifted, realization dawning on her. "Madhu and Kaitabha?" she replied.
He nodded faintly, his thoughts pulling him deeper into the past.
Madhu and Kaitabha were born during the time Vishnu was in deep meditation. They were manifestations of tamas (ignorance or darkness) but also carried within them the potential to become exceptionally righteous asuras. Their inherent energy and strength were unparalleled, and Vishnu had hoped they might channel their gifts toward cosmic harmony.
Seeking greater power, the two performed intense austerities to please Goddess Mahadevi (Adi Shakti), earning her a boon, which made them nearly invincible. Their future seemed bright, with a chance to bring virtue and balance even among the asuras.
But fate had been unkind.
They fell under the sway of Hayagriva's deceit, manipulated by his cunning words and twisted guidance. Corrupted and lost, Madhu and Kaitabha spiraled into indulgence and destruction, abandoning their potential for good to become asuras consumed by darkness.
"I only hope they don't sink deeper into their despair," Vishnu murmured, his voice laced with both regret and determination. His eyes, now sharp and focused, reflected the turmoil brewing in Brahma Loka.
…
"My Satya Loka..."
Brahma's voice was low, his words heavy with disbelief. His mouth hung slightly open, and his long beard quivered as if stirred by an unseen breeze. He murmured the words more to himself than to anyone else.
Beside him, Devi Sarasvati wore an expression of astonishment. Her sharp gaze was fixed on the distant explosion that had shaken the heavens, her veena resting in her hands.
"Is that... Asuric energy over there?" she asked, her brows knitting together in concern.
Brahma's voice deepened as he replied, "Indeed. Danava Hayagriva, along with Madhu and Kaitabha. The three of them... they've just received a blessing from Mahadevi. I hadn't expected them to appear here, of all places."
Devi Sarasvati tightened her grip on the veena, her serene demeanor strained as she glanced toward the gathered Devas.
Around them, a fierce wind surged in every direction, carrying the oppressive heat of the explosion. The ripples of destruction spread outward in relentless waves, shaking the very fabric of space.
High above the site of the blast, the Devas stood suspended in the air, their divine garments whipping violently in the gale. Their expressions ranged from unease to outright trepidation as they exchanged uncertain glances.
"Stay calm!"
Indra's voice cut through the chaos like a crack of thunder. His crimson cloak billowed behind him as he raised one hand, his tone commanding and resolute. "Do not falter! The Lord Brahama is with us!"
The Devas straightened at his words, some nodding in reluctant agreement.
Brahma, standing slightly behind them, felt a flicker of relief. His grip on the Vedas tightened, and for a moment, he considered bestowing a blessing upon Indra.
Indra... this leader of Svarga, Brahma mused, his heart swelling with pride. He is bold enough to stand firm in defense of the Brahma Loka. How moving!
The other Devas turned to Indra, their gazes a mixture of surprise and reverence. The King of Svarga stood tall, his presence brimming with undeniable authority.
"Alright," Indra said, his voice steady and commanding, "I will stand with you. Together, we protect the Brahma Loka!"
"Attack!"
Vayu's voice rang out, sharp and clear. A gleaming spear appeared in his hand as the Dev of Wind readied himself.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
The battle cry resounded through the heavens, led by the voices of Surya, Agni, and Varuna. Their combined shouts echoed like rolling thunder, shaking the air and igniting the resolve of every divine being present.
Amid the chaos, the Devas' unity burned as brightly as the sun itself.
"Woohoo~!"
Behind Indra, the Gandharva army roared with exhilaration, and their spirits ignited. A massive white conch was raised toward the heavens, its resounding call piercing through the air.
The soldiers' morale surged, their cheers blending with the thunderous rhythm of drums. The pounding beats echoed like a storm, shaking the skies with their intensity.
"King of Kings! Indra~!"
Boom! Boom!
Boom, boom, boom!
Aboard the sacred ship at the rear, Gandharva warriors leaped in unison, their drumsticks striking the colossal drums with fervor.
"O wielder of the mighty Vajra, conqueror of storms! O sovereign who drinks the celestial soma!"
"The King of the Devas stands unmatched! Aditi's pride!"
The hymns rose higher, weaving together a magnificent symphony of divine praise. Warriors grasped their radiant spears, thrusting them forward as they sang with unrestrained passion.
The sacred melody spread across the battlefield, carried by the wind to all corners. Even Devi Saraswati found herself swayed by the rhythm, her fingers instinctively plucking the strings of her veena in harmony.
Why are they all singing?!
Indra, caught off guard, whipped his head around to glance at the scene.
To his astonishment, the Gandharvas were in high spirits, their voices raised in booming chants as they brandished their spears.
This wasn't what I meant! Don't start a fight!
Indra's brow furrowed. He had only sought to reassure the Devas, not ignite the battlefield with fervor. What if their excitement provoked the enemy?
"The radiant light of the divine Vajra, the embodiment of valor~"
"Raise your weapon and strike down the foe~"
"In the realm of boundless generosity, none surpass him—Aditya, Indra~!"
The hymns grew louder, echoing across the battlefield with unstoppable energy.
From within the chaotic aftermath of the explosion, three figures emerged.
Madhu and Kaitabha stood side by side, their combined strength shielding them from the worst of the blast. Behind them, Hayagriva followed, his equine face twisted with unease.
Though shaken, the Asuras remained unscathed, their bodies protected by the blessings they had received.
Hayagriva's eyes widened as he took in the sight above: the imposing figures of the Devas against the backdrop of swirling divine light.
The booming hymns of the Gandharvas rang in his ears, each word sinking deeper into his chest. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, a bead of sweat rolling down his face.
An inexplicable fear gripped his heart, growing with every note of the sacred song.
---
Chapter 85 Sound of Origin
"Let's retreat!" Hayagriva's voice trembled slightly, betraying his unease. His sharp eyes darted across the battlefield, taking in the radiant figures of Indra and the Devas.
He clenched his fists, his mind racing. I'm no weaker than Hiranyaksha or Hiranyakashipu, he thought, but this... while I was busy in my penance, Svarga has changed.
The scene before him was overwhelming. The Devas had come prepared—no, overprepared.
First, there was the explosive warship.
If not for the divine boon that shielded him from death, the force of that blast would've done serious damage. The sheer scale of it left him shaken. Had the Devas chosen to swarm him right after, the consequences would have been worse than death.
But that wasn't the worst of it.
The chaos and noise they were creating—it was too much. If they continued to fight here, it wouldn't be long before Vishnu and Shiva took notice of their intentions.
We came to Brahma Loka to steal, not to start a war, Hayagriva thought bitterly. Their element of surprise was gone, and the Devas had clearly anticipated them.
He gritted his teeth. There's no chance for victory this time. We'll have to regroup and try again later.
"Now is not the right time," Hayagriva said, his voice firm. "Let's go!"
But his words didn't sit well with Madhu and Kaitambha.
Both brothers tightened their grip on the massive vajra in their hands. Their expressions darkened—anger and frustration written plainly on their faces.
"Why are we leaving?" Kaitambha growled, his tone cold and biting. "The three of us have been blessed by Mahadevi; none of them can kill us. What is there to fear?"
"The sound of that wretched conch..." Madhu spat, his voice dripping with disdain. His brows knitted together in irritation.
"It's unbearable!" Kaitambha snapped, his teeth clenched.
The two brothers exchanged a glance, their frustration mirrored in each other's eyes. Then, as if reaching a silent agreement, they turned their attention to the massive mace-like weapon in their hands.
With a synchronized motion, they raised the colossal mace high above their heads, their muscles straining under its weight.
"Order them to stop," Kaitambha hissed, venom in his voice.
"And if they won't," Madhu said with a cruel smirk, "we'll make them."
The brothers slammed the maces together, a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves through the air. The vibrations rippled across the battlefield, a clear declaration of defiance against the Devas.
The deafening clang of the giant Mace striking the ground reverberated in all directions, sending shockwaves through the air. The rhythmic pounding transformed into a sinister, domineering sound that rippled outward like an oppressive wave, crashing against the Gandharva army's celebratory music. The dissonance was unbearable, as if trying to suffocate the vibrant rhythm of the gongs and drums.
The Gandharva warriors clutched their ears in agony, their once confident expressions contorted with pain.
Indra's sharp gaze swept over the battlefield as he winced. "My power… it's weakening!" he muttered, astonished by the creeping numbness spreading through his body. His muscles felt heavy, his divine energy sluggish.
Turning to his comrades, his expression darkened. Surya's light dimmed to a faint glow, a look of panic etched on his radiant face. Vayu, the Wind Dev, was gasping for breath, his strength barely holding him upright. Agni clutched his chest, pale and trembling as though consumed by his flames, while Varuna stood frozen, his movements stiff like a statue carved from stone.
"This sound… it's no ordinary noise!" Indra realized, a sense of foreboding sinking into his chest.
Suddenly, cutting through the oppressive rhythm came the sharp, vibrant call of conch shells. Woo-woo-woo~
The clear, resonant sound rippled through the battlefield like waves across an endless sea, each note imbued with divine grace. It carried a stirring, high-pitched melody, as though some celestial being lay atop a serpent bed, playing the conch with serene joy on the milky ocean.
Under the celestial harmony, the sinister pounding of the Mace lost its dominance. The oppressive force dissipated, and the Devas began to recover. Indra's strength surged back, and the other Devas' auras stabilized. Surya's light reignited, Vayu's breath steadied, and Agni's flames roared to life once more.
The Gandharva warriors rallied, their spirits soaring as joy flooded their hearts. Once again, they raised their voices in jubilant song, their war hymns echoing across the battlefield with renewed vigor.
"The sacred Vajra's radiant light, the embodiment of heroic might~
Hey~! The lord of a hundred sacrifices summons thunder and lightning, commands the rains, and reclaims the Kamdhenu~
He who wields the celestial Vajra, master of Airavata, strikes down Vritra with power unmatched, his glory shining bright~"
The sounds of conch, drums, and harmonious singing intertwined in perfect unity, creating an almost tangible force that clashed with the pounding rhythm of the Mace.
Hayagriva, the horse-headed Asura, narrowed his eyes as he observed the resurgence of divine energy. His lips curled into a grim line.
"Then I'll lend them a hand!" he declared, his deep voice cutting through the cacophony.
With a swift motion, Hayagriva assumed his stance, planting his left leg firmly while bending his right. His imposing figure radiated power, and the ground beneath him trembled as he prepared to join the fray.
Swish!
A massive divine bow materialized in the hands of the horse-headed Ashura, its ethereal presence vibrating with power. With a swift motion, he stepped on the bow with his right foot to steady it, his fingers flying over the bowstring in a blur. The rhythmic plucking of the strings responded fiercely to the pounding rhythm of the two Madhu brothers, creating a symphony of divine energy.
Clank! Clank! Clank!
The sound of the bowstring reverberated through the air, mixing with the thunderous blows of the giant Mace. The clash of these contrasting rhythms filled the air with an electrifying intensity, rippling through the very fabric of existence.
The tension between the music and the booming strikes of the Mace created an almost tangible force, one that shook the entire Brahma Loka. The vibrations spread like waves, distorting the air and reverberating through the very soul of the universe.
Brahma, observing from afar, widened his eyes in alarm. His face reflected a blend of concern and restraint. As the Creator, he understood all too well that any intervention on his part could lead to catastrophic consequences.
On one hand, Brahma held the Vedas, embodying the wisdom that governs the cosmos. In another, a rosary symbolized the eternal flow of time. His third hand grasped a kamandal, the vessel containing the essence of all life, while his fourth cradled a lotus, representing the purity of the soul.
Once he chose to intervene, the impact would be inevitable, and the delicate balance of the universe could be forever disrupted.
"This is the sound of origin!" Brahma muttered, his voice filled with urgency.
He paused, his gaze sharpening as he continued, "All things in the universe are governed by vibration. Om – the primordial sound of existence. It is the very vibration that birthed the cosmos, a force more powerful than any weapon."
Brahma's words lingered in the air like an ancient truth. The power of sound was immense—near infinite.
Indra, listening intently, felt a flicker of realization. His mind began to churn with understanding, his thoughts turning to a long-forgotten relic.
Swish!
In an instant, a flash of divine light illuminated his hands. The conch Panchjanya materialized before him, its white surface gleaming with purity, the very essence of tranquility. The mouth of the conch was wide open as if poised to release a thunderous roar, the sound of crashing waves ready to burst forth.
Indra gazed at the conch, a rare smile playing on his lips. He hadn't blown this conch in ages, but today... today felt different. The time had come.
With a steady grip, he raised the divine conch to his lips.
Woo woo woo!!!
A powerful, exhilarating sound erupted from Panchjanya, its resonance reverberating through the air with an intensity that sent shockwaves rippling outward. The divine music surged like mighty waves crashing against the shore, filling the atmosphere with fierce, invigorating energy.
The sound spread in all directions, its inspiring power uplifting the Devas and Gandharvas surrounding the battlefield. Each of them felt the energy pulse through their very beings, revitalizing their spirits.
"We must join in!" Surya exclaimed, his gaze intense as he looked around, sensing the change.
"How do we help?" Agni inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.
Surya's expression softened as he furrowed his brow in thought, trying to devise a plan.
"There is always a way," Vayu declared with a spark of determination in his eyes.
With swift grace, Vayu, the God of Wind, extended his hands, summoning his divine power. In a flash of radiant light, a flute materialized in his grasp. With a rhythmic motion, he began to play the flute, each note resonating with divine energy.
Thump thump thump thump...
The other Devas, recognizing the signal, quickly followed suit. Agni summoned his drum, its deep, booming beats representing the primal force of fire. Surya raised his chakra, emitting a brilliant, radiant hum that pulsed with the energy of the sun itself.
Soma, the Moon God, manifested his tambura, its soft, resonating tones invoking the tranquil light of the moon. Varuna, the Lord of the Waters, conjured his conch that echoed across the oceans, amplifying the deep, rolling sounds of the sea.
Then, the Gandharvas appeared, the celestial musicians who were the maestros of the divine symphony. Chitrasena, the chief Gandharva, wielded his veena, producing divine melodies that intertwined with the other instruments, while Tumburu, his companion, played the vina. Vishvavasu and Hara joined in with their flutes, adding layers of harmonious sound, while Maitreya beat on his drum, a deep and resonating rhythm that harmonized with the beats of Agni's drum.
The resulting cacophony of beats, chimes, and melodies merged into a single force, growing stronger by the second.
The combined power surged forward like a tidal wave, a united front of divine energy aimed at the Hayagriva, Madhu, and Kaitambha.
Rumble!!!
The impact of the music collided with the force of the giant Maces, shattering them into a thousand pieces that scattered through the air. The force of the explosion sent Madhu and Kaitambha flying backward, their bodies tossed like ragdolls in the wake of the collision.
Hayagriva was no exception, his body hurtling backward with the same force. His divine bow, fully drawn, snapped under immense pressure, and the string broke with a sharp crack, recoiling violently. The broken string whipped back with such force that it struck the back of Ashura's hand, leaving a painful mark.
For a moment, everything seemed to hang in the balance—an overwhelming clash of sound, force, and divine power reverberating through the very fabric of the universe.
Hayagriva crashed to the ground, his body shaking with exhaustion. Panting heavily, fatigue and soreness surged through him like a relentless tide. His eyes widened in fear as he glanced ahead, but he didn't notice the faint bloodstain marking the back of his hand.
The wound quickly healed under the powerful regenerative abilities of Ashura, fading away as if it had never existed.
Madhu and Kaitambha, their resolve unwavering, rose to their feet once again. The two of them charged toward the fallen Ashura with fierce determination, their steps full of unrelenting energy.
"What should we do now?" Madhu asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Should we keep going?" Kaitambha added, his gaze fixed on the ongoing battle, eyes flickering with doubt.
Although neither Madhu nor Kaitambha had sustained any serious injuries, they couldn't ignore the fact that they had been thoroughly outclassed in this confrontation. It was not so much a defeat as it was a clear indication that they were up against a power far beyond their own—one that they had yet to fully grasp. Could they continue? Should they?
Madhu hesitated. A part of him wanted to push forward, to test the limits of their strength, but the situation was starting to feel like more than just a challenge.
But Hayagriva had already made up his mind. His gaze hardened with resolve. "No, we're not staying in Brahma Loka any longer," he declared, his voice unwavering. "Vishnu is already aiding them with the sound of the origin. If we keep pressing, he may intervene directly. We're done here."
Madhu's eyes narrowed in confusion. "But… we're here to steal the Vedas," he protested. "How can we just leave now?"
The horse-headed Ashura shot him a sharp, irritated look. "Stop asking so many questions!" he snapped, his tone rising in frustration. "This is part of the plan! Just trust me." He pointed at Kaitambha's nose, his brow furrowed with annoyance.
The tension in the air thickened, but Ashura's words were final. There would be no more fighting today. The Vedas, for now, would have to wait.
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