King of Devas

"It's coming out!" Hiranyaksha's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he gazed at the massive vortex in the Sea of Milk. At its center, the depths were dark and unfathomable, as if the vortex connected directly to the endless abyss beneath the sea.

Amrita! Could it be the Amrita?

Boom!

With a burst of energy, Hiranyaksha shot into the sky, soaring across the vast expanse of the ocean and heading straight for the swirling vortex. The Devas watched him intently, their curiosity piqued by what the vortex would reveal this time.

Indra, observing from a distance, narrowed his eyes.

Many of the Asuras, too, shot out from the Sea of Milk like meteors, racing toward the enormous vortex.

"I fear Halahala alone won't be enough to end Hiranyaksha," Indra mused, his thoughts shadowed with concern. "This Asura was meticulous when he sought blessings from Brahma. He enumerated nearly every living and non-living entity in existence, securing protection from harm by them. Poison was undoubtedly among the things he remembered."

His gaze darkened as he recalled the details. "The only thing he overlooked was the wild boar. That singular lapse has left a vulnerable thread in the otherwise impenetrable armor of his boon."

Indra glanced toward the Asura army in the distance. "Even if we can't strike him directly, the effects of Halahala should disrupt his forces. The potency of that poison may not kill him, but it will surely cause chaos among his ranks. That, at least, is a start."

Indra pondered the situation as Hiranyaksha reached the vortex. He leaned forward, peering into its depths.

Within the swirling vortex, blue-green light pulsed like an aurora—beautiful and mesmerizing, almost like a painting.

Swish!

Hiranyaksha, undeterred and filled with impatience, leaped into the vortex without hesitation.

Before beginning his rigorous penance, he had already devised a plan. His blessing was meant to ensure that nothing in the world could harm him.

He had made a comprehensive list, writing down nearly everything in the world, and had taken great care to memorize every item.

Whether it was Devas, Asuras, or humans; animals, plants, or toxins—everything in the world had been accounted been by nature or man. Nothing was missing from his list. Nothing in the world could kill him. The swirling vortex of the Kshira Sagara was, naturally, not an exception.

As Hiranyaksha leaped into the massive vortex, Puloman and other Asuras eagerly followed, preparing to dive in as well, their eyes fixed on the swirling depths.

Boom!

Suddenly, the vortex trembled violently, and a dense, blue-green poisonous fog erupted from it. The mist surged into the sky, spreading outward in all directions.

Puloman halted midair, his foot frozen in place as he cautiously observed the poisonous fog with suspicion.

Something was wrong. He took two steps back, and the other Asura generals followed suit, hesitating in uncertainty.

As the blue-green fog swirled around the battlefield, Puloman, Viprachitti, and Vajranga stood atop a craggy ridge, their expressions tense as they observed the devastating transformation of the Milky Sea below. The once-pristine waters had turned into a dark, rotting mass of pus, and the land itself was scorched and lifeless. The oppressive sight chilled even the hardened Asura generals.

Puloman, his fiery gaze flickering with uncertainty, broke the silence. "This... this is poison. A venom so potent it consumes not just life but the very essence of existence itself. Could it have killed the king?"

Viprachitti, his features marred with worry, clenched his fists. "The king... the king isn't dead, is he? Tell me this isn't his end!" His voice wavered, an unusual crack in the stoic general's demeanor.

Vajranga, ever the rational one, glanced at the others, his brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know," he admitted, his tone measured yet laced with unease. "But remember, the king possesses the boon of immortality. Such a blessing should shield him from this poisonous mist."

Puloman shook his head, frustration bubbling beneath his otherwise composed exterior. "Immortality does not mean invincibility, Viprachitti. If this poison can corrupt the sea and dissolve mountains into dust, then even the strongest boon might falter against its wrath!"

Viprachitti's voice rose, defiant against Puloman's grim reasoning. "Enough! Our king is not so easily killed! He has faced countless trials and risen above them all. This poison, no matter how vile, will not claim him!"

Vajranga raised a hand, motioning for silence. "Arguing won't change the outcome," he said firmly, his sharp gaze scanning the decayed landscape. "Our focus must remain on the task at hand. If the king is indeed caught within this vile mist, then we must find a way to aid him—or avenge him."

The three fell silent, their eyes locked on the choking haze swirling in the distance. A shared resolve began to form between them, their loyalty to their king outweighing their growing dread.

"If the king still stands, he will summon us," Puloman said at last, his voice steady but his heart heavy.

"And if he has fallen," Viprachitti added, his fists trembling, "then this poison will meet the full wrath of the Asuras."

Vajranga nodded, his piercing eyes narrowing as he stared into the abyss. "For now, we wait. But prepare for the worst, brothers. This poison is not the only thing that reeks of danger here."

...

Amidst the growing suspicions and fears of the Asuras, accompanied by deafening screams of pain, a massive figure suddenly emerged from the blue-green poisonous fog.

"It burns!! This... cursed poison! "It doesn't touch my flesh, but it feels as if my very soul is aflame!"

Hiranyaksha roared in agony as he staggered out of the fog. His body remained unharmed, but the golden armor and various accessories he wore had decayed completely. They were reduced to a black, brittle form, resembling dough corroded by aqua regia, crumbling away and falling to the ground in shattered pieces.

Hiranyaksha swallowed hard, his face filled with terror as he looked down at his intact body.

It was fine... but...

It hurt!

The poisonous fog couldn't harm him directly, but its touch sent waves of excruciating pain through him. How could something like this be released into the Milky Ocean? Where were his treasures?!

"King, the poisonous fog is spreading!" Vajranga shouted in alarm.

Hiranyaksha turned to see the fog rolling out, expanding rapidly in every direction. "Damn Vishnu! He lied to me! He lied!" His voice filled with rage as he swore, "I'll make you pay for this!"

Ignoring the need to repair his corrupted armor, he surged into the air, flying up with urgency.

Puloman, Viprachitti, and Vajranga rushed forward, their expressions a mix of awe, terror, and concern.

"Lord Hiranyaksha!" Puloman called, his voice cracking slightly. "You've survived! But this... this poison..."

Hiranyaksha swatted the air dismissively, though his movements were sluggish. "The Halahala won't claim me," he growled, his teeth gritted as he straightened his posture. "But its venom reaches where blades cannot. My strength is untouched, yet I feel its vile curse gnawing at the edges of my soul."

Viprachitti's fists clenched as he observed the remnants of Hiranyaksha's once-gleaming adornments scattered like dead leaves at his feet. "This poison..." he muttered, his voice thick with anger. "It's unlike anything we've ever faced. To strip even you of your regalia—it dares insult the might of the Asuras!"

Hiranyaksha shot him a withering glare, though the pain in his eyes softened its impact. "Enough whining," he snapped, his voice regaining some of its commanding force. "If the Devas think this Halahala will be their victory, they are gravely mistaken. Prepare yourselves. If this wretched poison is a test, then we shall conquer it!"

The fear was palpable. Hiranyaksha was forced to retreat. If they didn't leave now, they would likely perish without a trace.

"Retreat!" Hiranyaksha ordered, and the Asuras scrambled to pull back.

On the other side, the poisonous fog was also advancing toward the Devas.

The Devas, confused and unsure, stood frozen in place, uncertain of what to do.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed before them, condensing into a figure that materialized into the elegant form of Vishnu.

His face was solemn as he gazed at the spreading Hela Hela.

"This is Halahala, the poison of death," Vishnu said gravely. "Anything that touches Halahala will be destroyed—even the Devas will fall."

Upon hearing this, the Devas immediately became anxious. They had hoped for more time to enjoy themselves, and now they feared for their lives.

"What should we do? Lord Vishnu, please help us!" Varuna cried for help. "This Halahala spreads so quickly—if it continues, the entire world will be destroyed!"

"Please, Lord, think of a way!"

Suryadev spoke urgently, his hands clasped in prayer as he looked at Vishnu with pleading eyes. The other Devas were equally panicked, glancing at Vishnu with fear and concern etched on their faces.

Vishnu's gaze shifted to Indra.

"I don't know if I can withstand it," Indra said, stepping forward. His Sahasrakavacha shimmered, and a flash of thunder and lightning surged around him, its light a brilliant blue, wrapping around the armor like a protective aura.

"This armor shall have the power to absorb all toxins in the world," Indra declared, his voice steady and resolute.

As soon as the words left his lips, a divine brilliance began to emanate from the Sahasrakavacha. Slowly, the form of Lord Brahma, the Creator, manifested above the armor. His four faces radiated serenity and wisdom as his right hand extended toward the Sahasrakavacha.

"Let it be so," Brahma intoned, his voice reverberating with divine authority. A golden light poured forth, suffusing the armor with a radiant glow, as if the very essence of Brahma's boon had fused into its core.

Indra gazed upon the transformed armor with awe. "It is complete," he said quietly, though his tone carried the weight of accomplishment.

Nearby, Suryadev's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched the spectacle unfold. The resplendent glow of the armor left him momentarily speechless.

"Incredible," he finally murmured, his voice tinged with admiration. "The craftsmanship of the Sahasrakavacha now embodies the divine will of Brahma himself. Truly a treasure worthy of the King of Svarga!"

Vishnu, too, seemed impressed. He looked at the Sahasrakavacha with curiosity, nodding and smiling. "You can give it a try," he said, offering encouragement.

Hearing this, the Devas let out a collective sigh of relief. If the Lord Vishnu had given his approval, perhaps there was hope after all.

"The King of Svarga is indeed a visionary!" Vayu remarked with admiration.

"Yeah! This armor might solve the poison!" Agni sighed in relief.

As the Devas relaxed, Indra smiled slightly, then grasped the edges of his golden sun armor. With a gentle movement, he removed it, the armor glowing brightly as it floated in front of the gathered Devas.

"Now, which one of you will use this divine armor to absorb the Hala Hala?" Indra asked, his eyes glinting with mischief.

The Devas stared in confusion.

Their eyes widened in shock, and they gasped, taking a collective deep breath.

"Wait... if we don't have to get near Halahala, why are you asking us?" Vayu finally managed to say.

Indra cleared his throat, avoiding their gazes. He turned slightly to the side and spoke in a more subdued tone.

"You see, this armor was forged by me after years of dedicated practice. But my divine body is weaker than most, and I don't have the speed to keep up with how quickly Halahala spreads."

---

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