"Meet Lord Brahma?!"The Devas stood frozen, their expressions a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Eyes wide, they glanced at one another, unsure if they had heard Indra correctly.
The King of Svarga, with his dramatic cloak swishing behind him, had just appeared as if he were preparing to lead an army across the Patalaloka. Yet now, he was talking about heading to Brahma Loka instead?
"This... this plan isn't half-bad," Surya muttered to himself, a thoughtful frown on his face as he turned to the Devas around him. "Wouldn't it be better if we just go directly instead of all this... fanfare?"
"Indeed," Agni agreed, his voice laced with a hint of reluctance. "It would be rather humiliating to just go to Satyaloka as soon Asuras got some boons like this."
Vayu looked contemplative for a moment. "Then perhaps we should prepare, take a couple of shots when they invade Svarga, and then make a dramatic and heroic exit with the promise to reclaim Svarga sooner or later? We can't leave without fighting."
His suggestion was practical—after all, the last time they had retreated in shame, they'd learned the value of being prepared for any outcome. This time, they hoped to act more swiftly and decisively.
Indra, now standing with his back straight, turned around with a look of righteous indignation. "Ahem! Ahem! What are you all talking about?"
His voice carried with a tone of authority, one that left no room for further discussion.
"We are simply going to ask advice from Lord Brahma!" Indra continued, his expression stern. "I need to inquire about the origins of these three Asuras. It's a normal exchange! Nothing more, nothing less!"
He turned his head slightly, casting a sideward glance as he raised a hand in defense. "Do not slander my actions!"
Agni blinked, his mouth hanging open in surprise at Indra's sudden defensiveness. Then, he quickly nodded, as if coming to an understanding.
"The Svarga has recently trained a new army of Gandharvas," Agni added, his tone more relaxed now. "It would be an excellent opportunity to bring them to Brahma Loka as well. Perhaps Devi Saraswati could inspect them and teach them some new vyuhas while we're there."
Indra's eyes gleamed with approval, and the Devas nodded in agreement, their mood shifting. At least they now had a new plan to focus on.
With that, the group began to prepare for their journey, their minds already shifting from fear to strategy. It seemed the King of Svarga had a few more moves left to make in this tense game.
Over the years, the Gandharvas had flourished in the heavenly realm, their numbers multiplying and expanding with each passing generation. Their descendants had become so numerous that the Gandharvas had doubled in strength several times over. It was from this growing population that the new armies of Gandharvas emerged.
Surya, hearing this, suddenly understood the situation.
"Since it's a review, I'll continue leading the way for these Gandharvas. It's perfect timing—the God of Craftsman has just finished building a new warship!" Surya said with a nod.
"In that case, I'll come along as well!" Vayu declared, his tone filled with enthusiasm.
As the Devas spoke, an air of excitement began to take over them. This felt strikingly familiar—just like when they had once gone to the Earth Realm for the gold-making bed. The only difference this time was that they were heading to Brahma Loka, and there would be no Asuras to block their path.
"Alright, prepare your armies immediately!" Indra commanded, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Let's head to Brahma Loka for some training!"
With a shared sense of purpose, the Devas dispersed to gather their forces. Meanwhile, the sacred chariots began to mobilize, their hooks dropping down one after another to latch onto the cities. The preparations for their journey to Brahma Loka were underway.
"Just move the entire cities there?" Surya asked, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
"Yes, that's the plan," Indra confirmed, his smile unwavering.
The Celestial Soldiers worked swiftly. The newly trained 200,000-strong army had already assembled. The soldiers were stationed on sacred chariots, each armed with sacred spears and bows. They moved in perfect synchrony, rehearsing their formations and drills.
One by one, the Gandharva warriors leaped from the sacred chariots, spinning, jumping, and executing elaborate swings. Some posed as though ready to shoot arrows, while others synchronized their movements to the rhythmic, enchanting music of Svarga.
Their flawless performance lasted for several moments, captivating all who watched. Of course, Indra only spared a glance, his attention not held for long. What truly caught his eye, however, was something far more impressive: a massive warship looming behind the Gandharva army.
An immense and awe-inspiring vessel—Vimanas—towered above them, a symbol of power and grandeur.
The Vimanas was an extraordinary sight—an immense, seven-tiered warship, its surface gleaming like gold. Countless divine weapons—swords, bows, and arrows—were strategically placed upon it. The vessel was connected by ninety-nine smaller warships, linked by divine chains and adorned with divine pillars. The entire structure resembled a floating palace, a testament to celestial engineering.
"What is this?" Indra asked in awe, his voice tinged with both surprise and curiosity. "What sort of chain-link construction is this?!"
He eyed the Vimanas, puzzled. "This warship can't possibly be vulnerable to fire, can it?"
At that moment, Surya stood proudly, his chest puffed with satisfaction. He lifted his chin and spoke with confidence.
"I've learned from my past mistakes," Surya said, his tone brimming with pride. "I specifically requested Vishvakarma to design this enormous ship—Vimanas. It's built from ninety-nine warships, each interlocked and connected. Powered by our chakras, it's unbelievably fast and indestructible."
He gestured towards the ship with a gleam in his eyes. "No Asura can ever catch up to it, and none can break through it."
"And," Surya added with a sly grin, "I've embedded some of my divine sparks within it, so it can shine brightly at any moment. What do you think?"
"Absolutely magnificent!" Agni exclaimed, his eyes wide as he gazed upon the warship.
"Stunning!" Vayu nodded in approval, his voice full of admiration.
Even Varuna could hardly contain his amazement. "This is the most beautiful killing machine I've ever laid eyes on."
Indra, too, stood in stunned silence as he gazed up at the imposing vessel. He had to admit—it was nothing short of spectacular.
The Vimanas was a work of art, a perfect blend of elegance and power. The ninety-nine warships formed a magnificent, palace-like structure, with sharp, angular features that exuded a sense of iron-blooded authority. The golden exterior shimmered, radiating the brilliance of the sun, yet it carried an understated grace, like a swan gliding serenely across a clear blue sky, surrounded by clouds of light.
"Such a magnificent creation is truly worthy of the Devas!" Surya laughed, clearly pleased with himself.
Indra, still marveling at the ship's beauty, nodded. "Indeed, it's an extraordinary sight."
With that, he rose into the air, motioning for the Devas to follow. "Come, let us take a closer look!"
The Vimanas was seven stories high, each layer more impressive than the last. The top level housed a single massive warship—golden and green, it shone with a brilliant luster that could rival the sun itself. As Indra landed on the upper deck, he couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. It was everything he had expected and more.
The top floor of Vimanas mirrored the palace hall of Svarga perfectly, an exact replica, down to the smallest detail.
Indra couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. Surya My father-in-law's craftsmanship is unparalleled! he thought with a hint of pride.
He stepped forward, drawing his golden sword with a flourish. With a wide grin, he ascended the throne, his posture regal as he waved his arm with bold enthusiasm.
"Onward!" Indra declared, his voice booming with confidence. "Let us meet the Lord!"
As soon as the words left his lips, the Devas stirred, responding to the call. The six lower levels of the Vimanas were quickly filled with celestial warriors, each preparing for the journey ahead.
Boom!
With a thunderous sound, the Vimanas, composed of ninety-nine interconnected warships, began to ascend. The massive vessel rose into the sky, surrounded by a soft, ethereal mist of white clouds, its vast form cutting through the heavens.
Below, the Gandharva warriors stood proudly on their sacred chariots, which also lifted into the air, following the Vimanas in perfect formation.
At this moment, all the Devas joined hands, their voices raised in unison as they praised the divine.
"Om Brahmane Namah! Om Aim Sarasvatyai Namah!"
The chants echoed through the air, reverberating across the skies.
As the enormous Vimanas soared toward the Brahma Loka, the sound of praise filled the heavens. Behind it, the sacred chariots, laden with Gandharvas, surged forward with remarkable speed, entering the realm of Brahma.
Meanwhile, in the Brahma Loka.
Brahma, startled, turned his attention to the sky as the colossal warship appeared without warning. His heart skipped a beat, his mind racing to make sense of this unexpected arrival.
It wasn't until his eyes landed on the army of Gandharvas following the Vimanas that he realized who it was. Indra and the Devas… but why are they here with the entire Svargalooka?
Brahma blinked, confusion clouding his mind. His thoughts immediately went back to the three Asuras Parvati had blessed earlier. Could it be that the Asuras have attacked Svarga so soon?
His brow furrowed in thought, unsure of the Devas' intentions.
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