Kali Yuga/The Demon of the End

Nngh.

Nnngh.

Nnnghhh...!

Argh, this is ridiculous! Even I can tell something's off about me!

Thinking back on it, I haven't been my usual spiteful self ever since Qin Shi Huang captured me...

If I'd just planted a bomb or three when I snuck onto the Shadow Border, and blown everyone to kingdom come...

...I could've spent the rest of my time on a leisurely tour of the Lostbelts... I swear, what was I thinking?

...No, no, I shouldn't dwell on it.

No capable woman would let what she did or didn't do in the past stop her in the present!

I'm just going to focus on business here! Once I get in my groove, I'll get my old spite back in no time flat.

I'll just check in on the Tree of Emptiness's growth now and then, and devote most of my time to seeing what sorts of wonderful creatures I can find in this boring old world.

Still... Kali, huh.

This works out nicely for me. They're just the sort of thing that makes abandoning a Lostbelt worthwhile.

China's regime was so ridiculously strict and thorough about getting rid of anything it didn't like that there was nothing left for me to have fun with...

But here, I can get back to my roots and really mess with everything humans love. Chaldea just adores that sort of thing.

This world is very hospitable to human life, but also extremely strict about virtue and goodness.

If a human strays from the path even once, their god's law won't even let them reincarnate anymore.

Ahh, that's what I love about boring, single-minded gods. They're as cruel and merciless as they come.

Still, I don't much care for this world's god, or that shitty monk and his creepy-ass grin...

...so I think I can spare some time to mess with them while I take care of business!

Maybe I'll take one of those blissfully ignorant humans and wrench the smile from their face juuust a tiny bit.

Hehehe, why, I'd bet that's exactly what some people actually want.

And walking the line between supply and demand is an important service in its own right♡

Hmm. So you're always on the lookout for this Sita person, huh?

Yes, I am. If you happen to see her anywhere, please let me know right away. ...You don't know what she looks like? Not a problem.

If you ever see the greatest woman in the worldone so beautiful and graceful with inner strength that could move mountainsand think she would be perfect as my wife, you'll know you've found Sita.

I, uh, I see... Hmm...

I still like the whole hot shota king thing you've got going on, but knowing you've already got a canon ship makes it a lot harder to fantasize about you.

I'm sure some people wouldn't let it hold them back, but somehow, I'm not really into that.

Oh well, guess I'll just have to keep my fantasies to a minimum and enjoy gazing on some hot Rama flesh in real life!

I am...not sure what you're talking about... Some kind of protective spell? In that case, I will gladly accept it.

...

On a different subject, you guys are outside now, right? What's it look like?

Something has seemed off to me since this morning. No, not just off. It's...outright strange.

？！

That's true. The change in the environment is even more drastic than I was expecting.

The ground is dry and barren, the wind is much stronger and foul-smelling, the plants are all dead or dying... Everything is so different from yesterday.

Maybe this area drains really easily, so all the sunlight it got yesterday dried it up?

I didn't think it was that bright out, but who can say with a strange land like this.

And then there's the weather. It's not sunny, or cloudy, or rainy... If anything, it's kind of...sandy?

Whatever the cause, this area is clearly much more arid than it was yesterday.

The ground is so dry it's begun to crack, exposing the minerals and ore underground.

That much environmental change in a single day, huh...

There's gotta be something particular to this Lostbelt that's responsible for this.

We'll just have to ask Asha or someone when we get the chance.

Still, looking around here...

Does it make anyone else uncomfortable, or is it just me?

It's like...I can't sense much in the way of life now.

Compared to yesterday, it feels like everything's cold and inhospitable, if not outright hostile...

I agree. The air is even drier today.

It feels as though there is something else in this world now... Something besides the mysterious presence that has been holding us back since we first came here.

It may not be likely to harm us outright, but it could still interfere with our ability to fight.

I recommend you keep that in mind, Master.

？！

...I mean that there is a difference between fighting in a blessed paradise, and fighting in a cursed place of death.

Though of course, a true warrior remains strong regardless of their environment.

？！

Hm...it seems we now have a good chance to put that to the test.

It's a pack of wild beasts. We can't have them following us to the town. Let's take care of them now!

It may be colder and dry today, but that also means we won't have to worry about our footing, since there isn't any more mud.

Mash "Always Look on the Bright Side" Kyrielight, heading out!

Hmm, I guess I am a little heavier today than I was yesterday. Though it might just be that I ate too much breakfast.

...

Something wrong?

No... I was just thinking how strange it is to be fighting alongside youor rather, Ganesha.

...You mean, in a bad way?

Not at all. I feel oddly elevated. I'm very proud...no, happy for you.

...Hehe. Gotcha.

Though it's also oddly painful that I don't know why I feel that way.

Part of me is compelled to talk to you...and part of me is compelled to stay away.

I'm certain I know you somehow, but for some reason, I can't remember anything specific.

...

...Is something wrong?

No, no, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking the same thing.

(I know, Ganesha. There are rules and etiquette about that sort of thing.)

(Even if it was all a big mistake, I'm still a divine vessel now. I'm not gonna try to weasel out of this.)

(...Besides, that would just make things harder for Karna. Yeah, I kinda...okay, really wish I could tell him the truth, but I won't!)

(Besides, I feel pretty lucky just getting to fight on the same team as him!)

Oh, by the way... Since I was technically sent here to save the world, let me just make sure I've got this straight.

You said we've basically got three enemies to deal with in this Lostbelt, right?

One of them's the Tree of Emptiness. If we cut this down, the whole Lostbelt goes away.

Another's the king, sort of the being at the center of this Lostbelt. They keep the Tree of Emptiness safe...probably.

And last is the Crypter, a Master who wants the Lostbelt to grow bigger instead of go away.

？！

Hmm, hmm. So the most important thing's the Tree of Emptiness then. That's it way off in the distance there, right?

Basically, we've just gotta cut it down and we're done, right? So why aren't we heading there now?

Every Lostbelt king we've faced so far has been incredibly powerful.

And if we get close to the Tree of Emptiness, I'm sure we'll run into the one here too.

We may be able to see the tree from here, but it's far too dangerous to approach it now. We need to at least gather more information first.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. What do you make of that giant floating cube over there? A local we talked to called it "God's Skyboulder."

Oh, that? I was wondering what its deal was too, but I got absolutely nothing.

I don't have a better word for it than "mysterious." It just feels like something impossibly out of my reach.

Kind of like unlocking an analysis skill on my skill tree!

It's not just that boulder. We still know next to nothing about this entire world.

Yeah... It's definitely not her fault, but I don't feel great about having Asha be our sole source of information, either.

We still need to talk to all sorts of people to find out anything we can on the king, the Tree of Emptiness, and God's Skyboulder.

That's another reason why it's worth taking the time to defend that town. Make sense, Gordy?

Why are you looking at me!? I didn't say a word! But if you're going to do this, then make sure you do it well.

There will be no secret hero nonsense on my watch. I want you to put these people so far in your debt they'll be begging you to let them help!

Oho, it's not like you to be so forthcoming, Gordy! It's a good look for

Huh!? These readings...!

Hey, you guys should be in viewing distance of the town by now, right? Can you see anything?

We can. Something's not right here, Master.

I can see smoke coming from that direction. ...The attack must have already begun.

？！

Fou, fooou!?

？！

This is terrible...

No way. This place was so nice just a few days ago. How did this happen?

The first wave must have already gotten here. I thought we had gotten here as soon as we could...but it seems I was careless yet again.

Ah.

You guys came back, huh.

I'm glad you two are both okay!

Y-yeah, we are! Although...

Damn ulloo. Today's Kali Yuga. We're not done by a long shot.

Yeah... There's gonna be even more kali today.

So many you'd jump outta your skin in surprise. And today, they could show up anytime.

I remember you said there were more kali during Kali Yuga...but this is far more than I expected.

They're clearly going to keep destroying more of the town. How are you going to survive their attack?

I know... Our house was destroyed too. But we've gotta do something.

Maybe we'll ask someone to let us stay in their house, or hide in the rubble... Or just run away.

We'll just have to keep praying and do the best we can.

...Hmph.

You again!? What are you doing here!?

Mayor... We saw that your town has already suffered significant damage. Couldn't you and the other townspeople work together and let us help you fight off the kali.

Don't be ridiculous. How many times do I have to tell you? This is all our god's will. It's a trial he's set before us!

There's no need for us to fight. As long as we pray with sincerity, the sacred beasts will save us!

Having blasphemers with no intention of praying like you lot around will leave a stain on this entire town.

You can't be here, you shouldn't be here, and we don't want you here! Now go away and leave us alone!

Which god're you talking about?

What do you mean, which god!? God is god!

There's only been one god ever since he made this world during the first yuga long ago!

(There it is again. He believes what he says with absolute conviction. At first I thought this town just happened to practice monotheism...)

(But does this mean there really is only a single god in this world?)

(Could they be this Lostbelt's)

Aah, they're back! I'll just have to forget about the heretics for now...!

O god, I pray to you now with the greatest sincerity! I've fulfilled my duties as this town's mayor! Please, lend me your protection!

Oh, Auntie.

Asha! Ajai! I finally managed to convince my husband to let you in! Come on, you can pray in our house this time!

Thanks. Come on, Asha.

Wait! I have to carry Vihan!

(Whiiine...)

Please be careful, Asha!

Yes, make sure you are well hidden. I'm sorry your house was destroyed, but I can at least help you rebuild it when this is over.

In fact, I can even have the animals in the nearby woods come and help with but a single call to action.

Thanks! But that's okay. This yuga's almost about to cycle over!

...?

You guys all be careful too!

(Sigh) Things are worse here than I thought. This looks like one of those post nuclear apocalypse RPGs or something. It's even worse because I know what it was supposed to look like.

Unfortunately, if we don't fight back now, the destruction will only get worse.

Look. They're here.

So those're the kali... Yup, they definitely look like Indian demons. Not that I have any idea what Indian demons look like.

Are you sure you're an Indian god!?

There are even more of them now than there were yesterday. I'm counting on you, child of Pārvatī.

Whoa, whoa, don't do that. Fending off wild beasts is one thing, but I have zero confidence when it comes to fighting actual demons.

When you get right down to it, I'm just a shut-in who's never had a job in her life. There's no way I can live up to expectations like that...

It may have been brief, but I did fight you myself. I have a fair idea of what you are capable of.

Your power is perfectly adequate. You should be more than capable of fighting alongside us.

Rama and I will both be trusting you to watch our backs.

...

(Sigh) Well, technically, I guess I am Ganesha now.

And I know old Elephant Head's gonna be upset with me if I don't show off his godly side at least a little bit.

So okay, fine! I obviously don't have a choice, so I'll do it already!

If any baddies think they can get past this wall of divinely protected flab, they're welcome to try!

I'm glad you're willing to help.

Both the Ortinax's hardware and software are working fine. For this fight, I'll be prioritizing long-term stability over explosive output.

We're up against a lot of enemies, Master, but let's do our best to push them back!

Guuuh, there's so many of them! This is exhausting! Can I take a break now?

Fooou, fou fou!

(Sniff) What's that? Why do I have all these excess energy stores (read: fat) if I'm not going to use them?

Okay, okay! I'll hang in there a little longer!

...Now those creatures have shown up too. Things are about to get even busier for us.

So the sacred beasts are now here as well. We'll just have to try and get them to focus on the kali as much as possible. If any of them come after us, we'll have no choice but to take them out.

Right. The Ortinax's output is holding steady, even after prolonged operation. I can keep going, no problem.

All right, here comes the next wave of enemies, Master!

(Huff...huff...) That's the last of

Nooo, they're still coming! Nobody told me this was gonna be a horde mode where you can't even grind out any EXP!

At least they're coming in waves, so we've been able to keep them at bay...but it does feel like we've been fighting them forever.

Given how the townspeople aren't any less fearful now...I'm afraid I'm forced to come to an unfortunate conclusion.

I suspect the kali attack is going to continue for the entire rest of the day.

I do apologize. Much as I have a reputation for beating around the bush, nothing could be further from the truth.

When certain truths need be spoken, I have no compunctions about doing so right away, regardless of how unpleasant they may be to hear.

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No matter. Our task is to continue to fight until our enemies are vanquished. If that means we must fight on until dusk or dawn, then so be it.

Though that's not to say you should keep fighting with us, Master. Please take some rest whenever you must. It would be bad for all of us if you were to collapse from exhaustion.

？！

Excellent posturing, Master! Very inspirational! That said, this battle has become a true war of attrition.

As long as things continue like this, I think we'll be able to prevent any further casualties.

Oh, for... Just so you know, Rama, that is exactly the sort of thing you absolutely DO NOT SAY unless you want things to suddenly get much, much worse.

There... I knew it.

Ganesha can feel something coming.

Is that... Could it be...

...the new agent of god I've been hearing rumors about...!?

That's...

It's not the other Nezha... It's a new Servant we haven't seen before. Be careful, guys!

The hell!? I knew I sensed an unfamiliar divine aura around here, but I sure as hell wasn't expecting this!

What is this bullshit? This is pissing me the hell off... What do you think you're doing here, Karna!?

...Hello, Aśvatthāman.

？！

That's right. His name is Aśvatthāman.

I fought for the Kauravas alongside this brave warrior during the Kurukshetra War.

He is the son of Droṇa, my mentor, under whom we both trained. He is both my friend, and

And right now, I'm your enemy, Karna.

...

Wh-wh-what do you mean!? Didn't you just say he was your friend, Karna!?

I spoke the truth.

But now, he and I are both Servants bound to obey our Masters' orders.

If our Masters are at odds with one another, then of course that makes us enemies.

Yeah, exactly! It's so damn obvious it's maddening! I couldn't agree more, dammit!

Guh. Is he always this angry?

He looks like he's gonna be as tough to communicate with as Karna, though for real different reasons.

Bros and punks are the hardest kinds of people for shut-ins to deal with...

That's just how he is... Though I do think he used to be a little more...ah, composed.

By the way, Aśvatthāman, who is your Master now?

Ha! Just hearing you ask that pisses me off. You'll figure that out soon enough.

...?

We already ran into a Master candidate here. Maybe he's Peperoncino's Servant too?

I'm not so sure.

Strictly speaking, we still have no evidence that the other Nezha we met is Peperoncino's Servant either.

Never mind who his Master is for now. We've got more than enough to digest just by having a new Servant to deal with.

Well, since he's showing up now, there's not much question as to why he's here.

That ALSO pisses me off. 'Course it's obvious. I can't let you lot run around doing whatever the hell you want.

Khh, now we've got to fight another Servant too!? Oi, Karna! Don't you dare go easy on him just because you know him!

...Do you really think I would?

Eep!

Sorry about that! I think Gordy just forgot who he was talking to!

...I'm getting bored just sitting around doing nothing, so I think I'll speak up too.

I know Karna already told you who Aśvatthāman is, but his perspective is colored by having known him in life.

Since I only know of him from the Mahabharata...

...let me give you one more piece of objective information about how Aśvatthāman is depicted there.

In the Mahabharata, he's said to be just as strong as Karna, if not stronger. So...be careful.

Whaaa...? You mean this guy's actually on Karna's level?

I won't deny that. I was never the strongest warrior, even back when I was studying under Droṇa.

Then we should not even consider going easy on him. We'll need to keep our guard up at all times.

Exactly. Be extra careful when facing him, guys!

？！

This is clearly no time to be worried about conserving energy. Switching Ortinax over to Anti-Servant combat mode.

Armored Shielder Mash Kyrielight, preparing to engage in full-powered combat!

Awaiting your orders, Master!

...Oh, I'm mad as hell.

Now that I'm a Servant, anger's the only thing I feel. My whole Spirit Origin is built on it.

So even though I haven't fought you since we last crossed swords while training under my old man, Karna...

I feel no nostalgia. No joy. The only thing I have, the only thing I feelthe only thing I AM now...is rage!

...!

Now I see. I can indeed tell for myself that you and Karna studied under the same master!

Yeah!? Freakin' infuriates me to admit it, but you're not bad yourself, brat.

In fact, you kind of remind me of someone. Parashurama...? Or maybe Krishna?

I can see why you'd think that. Those two are avatars of Vishnu, just as I am. I am Rama, King of Kosala!

Ha. That so? Well, let me give you a little tip.

In this Lostbelt, I wouldn't go around bragging about being the avatar of a god. You might not like what happens.

What do you mean by

Hold it! Something else is headed your way! It's not reading like a kali or a sacred beast!

Wait, thisthese are Servants! And not just one! There are several!

...Hehe. Looks like you're out of time, Aśvatthāman.

Recommendation: Cease this game. It is meaningless.

I concur. There's no point to your game, or in us being here. I swear, I don't even know why we came along at all.

？！