Among all the mythological systems today, if we talk about a particularly prominent one, then Indian mythology will undoubtedly be mentioned by many.
Whether in terms of its developed scale or history, Indian mythology surpasses many others. In terms of mystery, it's challenging to find a mythology that can compare. Various beliefs, including Buddhism, Tantra, and others, have significant connections with India.
In the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, many heroic characters are introduced. Among them, if we were to mention the most famous hero, it would undoubtedly be the core of the Mahabharata—Arjuna.
He is the son of King Kuru, the third among the five Pandava brothers, and also the son of the thunder god Indra. Arjuna is flawless in abilities, character, and various aspects of life. He is a skilled archer who seeks glory on the battlefield.
Among the numerous heroes in Indian mythology, Arjuna is unquestionably one of the most outstanding. He is praised as one of India's strongest heroes, known as the "The Endowed Hero." Even the gods admire his achievements and talents, bestowing various blessings and weapons upon him.
In Arjuna's life, there is one formidable opponent, universally acknowledged as his fearsome rival.
He is Arjuna's half-brother, inheriting the bloodline of the sun god Surya. Similar to Arjuna, he is a demi-god and a great hero.
If Arjuna can be considered the protagonist of the Mahabharata, this hero is the antagonist, who fights against injustice until the end and gains genuine popularity.
If Arjuna is the "The Endowed Hero," then this figure is the "Hero of Charity."
Due to his mother's plea, he vowed not to harm any of the Pandava brothers except Arjuna. Numerous times on the battlefield, he spared the lives of the Pandava brothers.
Out of fear that Arjuna might die in battle, the thunder god Indra transformed into a beggar, requesting the golden armor Arjuna was born with. Despite knowing the consequences, he agreed and, in an unprecedented act, stripped off the golden armor integrated with his body and handed it to Indra, losing his skin in the process.
In the final battle against Arjuna, weakened due to the loss of a part of himself, he faced an inexplicable weakening and forgot the true name of his weapon due to divine curses. Eventually, immobilized in the battle, he was killed by an arrow from Arjuna's back. Yet, he took pride in being killed by Arjuna, even if it meant breaking the rules.
His name is Karna, possessing an indestructible golden armor from birth that even the gods find challenging to break. Despite receiving various curses and unfair treatment, this great Indian hero who gave charity continuously and tolerated others was killed almost murderously.
Without hesitation, it can be said that in terms of the status of a hero, he undoubtedly surpasses Arjuna. Yet, Arjuna who violated the rules and killed Karna in a near-murderous manner remains the only and greatest stain in his life.
Due to his outstanding hero status, after death, he completely merged with his father, the sun god Surya, and transformed into the sun illuminating the earth.
Therefore, this hero has the highest hero status and the highest divine compatibility. Even considering all the heroes in mythology, he is undoubtedly the first or second-ranking figure in the "Throne of Heroes."
His name is Karna, possessing an innate golden armor almost indestructible by even the gods. From his master, the Brahmin and axe-wielding Parashurama, he received various martial arts and weapons. Despite this, he remains unacknowledged and is subject to many curses and unfair treatment as a great Indian hero.
Roman's evaluation of him is correct.
This hero has indeed surpassed the category of top-tier Servants. Even calling him an extraordinary existence wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Compared to the previous Berserker supposedly from Greek mythology, King Arthur from Fuyuki City, and other top-tier Servants like Jeanne d'Arc, he is subtly superior.
Finally, Rozen understands why Kinu had such a strong reaction to Karna.
Simply because both are symbols of the sun, one is the incarnation of the sun, and the other is integrated with the sun. They can be considered true kin, companions, and counterparts.
"...That really surprised me."
Even Scáthach stared directly at Karna, making such a statement.
"Even standing here, I can feel your nobility, selflessness, and strength. I'm afraid even in the 'Throne of Heroes,' there may not be anyone who can match you."
Scáthach unexpectedly gave such an earth-shattering evaluation.
To this...
"This is your misunderstanding, Queen of the Land of Shadows."
Karna looked at Scáthach and, with a calm tone, directly revealed Scáthach's true identity. With a dispassionate voice, he slowly spoke.
"I am merely someone killed by a true hero. In that 'Throne,' there are equally formidable Heroic Spirits, and they are the ones worthy of being called the strongest. I have no qualifications for such a title."
While he said this...
"Although if I exerted all my efforts, fighting them on equal terms shouldn't be a problem."
Karna spoke with absolute rationality, calmness, and indifference to fame and wealth.
This was not confidence but a very objective awareness.
Indeed, Karna could not be called the strongest, but he was not inferior to any Heroic Spirit. He was undeniably one who could compete for the title of the strongest against others, and even the most outstanding heroes dared not claim complete victory over him.
"Of course, you are not in the 'Throne' and cannot be counted among them."
Karna said this to Scáthach.
The implication was that Karna acknowledged Scáthach wouldn't lose to him.
This made a charming smile appear on Scáthach's face.
"If I can have a battle with one of India's top heroes, then my trip won't be in vain."
Scáthach subtly revealed her intention to fight.
Obviously, this battle-crazed teacher was once again delighted by the prospect of a fight.
However, unlike Rozen's situation.
At that time, Scáthach saw potential in Rozen, believing he could be nurtured into a strong opponent capable of killing her, hence her excitement.
On the other hand, with Karna, Scáthach had no intention of taking him as a disciple.
Because this person already possessed the strength to kill Scáthach.
Therefore, Scáthach was genuinely delighted.
Karna naturally senses Scáthach's joy and fighting spirit.
However...
"I have no intention of fighting with you."
Karna clearly states his will.
It's not fear of battle, nor is it refusal, but...
"You are the Master from Chaldea, right?"
Karna finally looks at Rozen.
"There is a request I'd like to make, please lend me your assistance."
Karna speaks these words to Rozen, leaving everyone stunned.