Lord Parashurama, having made his decision, conveyed to Karna that their duel would take place the following day. Karna found himself caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions, torn between his duty to fight his revered guru and the deep reverence he held for him. Parashurama was not merely a teacher to Karna but also a father figure who had tirelessly nurtured him into becoming a formidable warrior.

Lost in his thoughts, Karna felt a gentle touch on his shoulder, and as he turned, he saw his Gurudev standing beside him. With utmost respect, Karna joined his hands in a gesture of deference.

"Son, why are you saddened?" Parashurama asked, genuine curiosity evident in his voice.

Karna's voice trembled slightly as he replied with a heavy heart, "Gurudev, I find it difficult to gather the strength to fight against you. You are not only my revered teacher but also a father figure who has guided me with unwavering love and care."

Parashurama's eyes twinkled with amusement, and he burst into hearty laughter. "My dear Karna, as a Kshatriya, it is your dharma to accept my challenge. This is a test for you, a test that will reveal your true potential. You were destined for extraordinary feats, and you have vowed to become the greatest warrior of all time. Embrace this challenge as a stepping stone towards fulfilling that grand goal."

Karna felt a surge of positivity course through his veins as he listened to his guru's words. The heaviness in his heart began to lift, replaced by a sense of determination and purpose. For the remainder of the night, Karna and Parashurama reminisced about their shared experiences, the Guru teasing his devoted disciple about his initial antics when he had first arrived at his abode.

***

As the first rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, Karna prepared himself mentally and physically for the impending battle. Engrossed in his Surya puja, a ritual to honor his celestial lineage, Karna focused his mind, seeking the blessings of his father, Surya dev, who approached him with an air of solemnity and pride. With a gentle touch and heartfelt words, Suryadeva conveyed his blessings and wished his son luck, aware of the magnitude of the forthcoming clash.

Meanwhile, in the realm of the gods, anticipation rippled through the celestial beings. The usual meetings and conversations came to a halt as all eyes turned to the mortal plane. Excitement filled the air as they eagerly awaited the grand duel between Karna and Parashurama. Yet, amidst the anticipation, Suryadeva couldn't help but worry. Deep within his being, a seed of fear sprouted, for he knew the cataclysmic consequences that could be unleashed if the warriors' divine weapons were to collide. Such a collision had the potential to create a devastating explosion, capable of obliterating the world itself.

As the appointed hour approached, the battlefield became a stage for the clash between two mighty forces. Lord Parashurama stood tall and resolute, his presence commanding attention. His countenance exuded authority and wisdom, the aura of a seasoned warrior who had traversed both mortal and divine realms. Karna, too, stood before him, his eyes fixed upon his revered mentor, fully attentive to his every word.

Parashurama's voice resonated with divine authority as he declared, "In this relentless battle, there shall be no respite, no pause, day or night. The fighting shall continue until a single warrior emerges victorious."

Karna's heart skipped a beat as the gravity of the situation settled upon him. His determination burned brightly in his eyes, though a part of him still wrestled with conflicting emotions. He silently pledged to fight until the final breath, to prove himself worthy of the trust and knowledge bestowed upon him by his Guru.

The sage's piercing gaze shifted towards Karna, and he continued, his voice infused with a blend of seriousness and compassion, "You shall have the freedom to choose your weapon, Karna. Let your choice reflect your skill, strategy, and the essence of who you are as a warrior."

Karna's mind raced, contemplating the vast array of weapons he had mastered under Parashurama's tutelage. It was a moment of profound significance, for the choice he would make would shape the course of the battle. With utmost focus, he nodded in silent acknowledgment, understanding the significance of selecting the perfect tool to maximize his chances of success.

Parashurama's voice softened, carrying a tinge of empathy and understanding, "You shall fight without the aid of your divine armor, Karna. Engage in combat wearing regular armor, leveling the playing field and showcasing your true mettle as a mortal warrior."

Karna's nod was deliberate, a solemn agreement to his teacher's decree. The absence of his divine armor would test his true strength, as he would rely solely on his mortal abilities to triumph. In that moment, a mix of determination, reverence, and a hint of apprehension coursed through his veins, intertwining to form a potent cocktail of emotions that propelled him forward.

***

On the vast expanse of the battlefield, the titans, Karna and his mentor Lord Parashurama, faced each other with unwavering determination. Karna, driven by a deep respect for his teacher, approached him, seeking his blessings. However, Parashurama halted him with a stern expression, denying his request.

"I wish to receive the blessings of my mentor," Karna implored, his voice filled with earnestness, a soft smile gracing his face.

Parashurama's anger reverberated through his booming voice, "I have yet to determine if you are worthy of my blessings. I shall bestow them upon you only when you defeat me in this battle!"

Accepting the challenge, Karna nodded in agreement, his gaze locked with his mentor's. He prepared himself mentally and physically for the impending clash, fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge that lay before him.

Parashurama summoned his divine bow, instantly transforming the atmosphere around them. In faraway Hastinapur, Bhishma and Vidura grew concerned as they observed the sudden change in weather, sensing the immense power at play. Meanwhile, in Dwarka, Krishna and Balarama eagerly watched the battle unfold, their excitement palpable.

Even in the heavens, Indradeva trembled with fear as he witnessed the wrath of Bhagwan Parashurama, whose divine prowess had the potential to annihilate the entire world.

As the battle commenced, Parashurama unleashed a relentless barrage of divine weapons upon Karna. Yet, with remarkable skill and agility, Karna adeptly countered each attack, showcasing his own prowess on the battlefield. Undeterred by Karna's resilience, Parashurama resorted to more drastic measures, shooting arrows into the sky. As a result, the earth trembled, and comets hurtled towards Karna, aiming to destroy him.

Drawing upon his divine arsenal, Karna transformed the comets into blooming flowers, effortlessly diverting their destructive trajectory. Parashurama, growing increasingly frustrated by Karna's resilience, shifted tactics and engaged in unarmed combat techniques. The speed and precision with which Parashurama attacked were remarkable, eventually hurling Karna into the water. However, using his defensive techniques, Karna held his ground, meeting each blow with unwavering determination. For the next sixteen days, the two warriors engaged in a fierce underwater battle, their movements fluid yet ferocious.

Emerging from the water, Parashurama roared in frustration, "You are not fighting against me; you are deceiving me, Karna!"

"I cannot attack my teacher," Karna replied, his hands clasped in respect, his unwavering loyalty evident.

Parashurama's anger intensified as he shouted, "By disobeying my orders, you show a lack of devotion and dedication to your teacher. A disciple who disobeys his teacher's commands considers him inferior. Do you doubt the strength of your teacher? Do you believe that attacking your teacher would lead to his defeat? I am neither old nor feeble!"

Karna's demeanor transformed, his determination morphing into a fiery resolve. Before he could utter a word, Parashurama launched a heavy wooden log towards him. With a display of sheer strength, Karna shattered the log into countless pieces with a single hand.

"Gurudev, now I shall fight with all my might. The world shall witness the power of Suryaputra Karna!" Karna's voice resonated with determination, his eyes ablaze with anger and unwavering resolve.

Both warriors entered a furious mode, casting a shadow over the entire Āryāvrata. The once serene sky darkened as ominous clouds gathered, signaling the ferocity of the impending clash.

Karna invoked his divine spear, unleashing a relentless assault upon Parashurama. In response, Parashurama wielded his own divine spear, and the duel between the master and the disciple raged on for over ten days. Their movements were a blur of lightning-fast strikes and agile evasions, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle on the battlefield.

By the twenty-sixth day, their spears became damaged, prompting a seamless transition to maces. The clash continued for another eight days, each blow resonating with the force of their indomitable wills.

They then transitioned to wielding celestial swords, engaging in an intense battle that endured for over sixteen days. The clash of their swords sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, with each strike a testament to their extraordinary skills.

Suryadeva, watched with bated breath as the battle unfolded. Consumed by fear, he attempted to intervene, only to be restrained by Indra dev, who recognized their lack of authority to halt the battle. The destiny of these two warriors lay solely in their hands, and only the tridev possessed the power to interfere if deemed necessary.

By the fiftieth day, Parashurama's patience wore thin. He unleashed his celestial axe, Parashu, its power capable of devastating the entire universe. In response, Karna invoked the Brahmashirsha Astra, a weapon of unparalleled destructive potential, shaking the very foundation of the cosmos.

"Tridev, help us! The collision of Parashurama's celestial axe and Karna's Brahmashirsha astra' would spell catastrophe for the entire universe! Please assist us, my lords!" Suryadeva pleaded, consumed by fear and desperation.

The battlefield was enveloped in an atmosphere of imminent destruction as the two warriors released their weapons, their clash poised to unleash unimaginable devastation. In faraway Hastinapur, fierce winds blew, instilling dread in the hearts of the royal court, who had been apprehensive for the past fifty days. However, as abruptly as it began, the onslaught came to a sudden halt.

The trideva, harnessing their yogic powers, manifested at the battlefield where the clash between Karna and Parashurama reached its climax. In a display of profound respect, Karna and Parashurama joined hands, their animosity dissolving in the presence of the divine beings.

"Lord Parashurama, please cease this battle. Karna has passed the test," Lord Shiva declared, his voice resonating with authority as he opened his eyes, revealing their cosmic depths.

"If you two continue fighting, the entire universe will face annihilation," Lord Vishnu asserted, his serene visage commanding attention.

"Now it is time to bestow blessings upon Karna, for he has proven himself," Lord Brahma added, his gentle voice carrying the weight of wisdom accumulated over millennia.

Karna appeared perplexed, struggling to comprehend the concept of rewards for his actions on the battlefield. Yet, with deep humility, he expressed his respect with folded hands and downcast eyes.

Lord Shiva, the embodiment of destruction and renewal, gazed at Karna and declared, "Today, you have proven yourself to be an invincible warrior. We shall grant you three blessings each."

Karna's heart swelled with gratitude as he absorbed the profound significance of the moment. With unwavering humility, he accepted the divine blessings, knowing they would shape his future.

Firstly, Lord Shiva blessed Karna with immense physical strength, further honing his already formidable physique. The boon of invincibility in war or combat followed, solidifying his status as an indomitable warrior.

Lord Vishnu, the preserver and sustainer of the universe, then bestowed upon Karna the ability to endure prolonged hours of labor, fortifying his resilience on the battlefield. Additionally, he imparted two potent mantras: one to combine any Astra and another to create any Astra at will. Karna graciously accepted these invaluable boons, recognizing their potential to elevate his prowess.

Lord Brahma, the creator and source of cosmic wisdom, granted Karna the boon of invulnerability to celestial weapons, rendering him impervious to their devastating effects. Furthermore, he blessed Karna with magical powers that would prove instrumental in shaping his destiny.

Having received their blessings, the tridev inquired, "Karna, what is your third boon?"

"I humbly request the most potent celestial weapons possessed by each of you: the pashupatastra from Lord Shiva, the Narayana Astra from Lord Vishnu, the Brahmanda Astra and Brahma Astra from Lord Brahma," Karna petitioned, his hands still folded, a glimmer of longing in his eyes.

"Karna, you are an exceptional warrior, but these astras are not suitable for you," Lord Shiva replied, his countenance devoid of emotion, yet radiating divine wisdom.

Karna was taken aback by this response, his hopes momentarily shattered. However, swiftly composing himself, he sought clarification, "Why, Lord Shiva? Am I incapable of wielding these astras?"

"It is not your fault, Karna. You are simply incomplete at this moment," Lord Vishnu explained, a gentle smile gracing his lips, reassuring the disheartened warrior.

Karna, his sadness apparent, questioned further, his voice tinged with curiosity and yearning, "Why am I incomplete?"

"To control these astras, you must possess profound yogic powers, which can only be attained through penance dedicated to us," Lord Shiva elucidated, his voice carrying the weight of divine knowledge.

"However, you have requested a boon, and we cannot leave without granting it. Thus, we shall transport you to another dimension where you may engage in a fourteen-year-long penance," Lord Brahma interjected, his smile warm and compassionate.

"Rest assured, the fourteen years spent there will be equivalent to fourteen seconds here. Your age will remain unaffected," Lord Shiva reassured, his gaze filled with compassion for his devoted disciple.

Karna nodded in acceptance, sensing an invisible energy enveloping him as he closed his eyes, surrendering to the divine will. When he opened them again, he found himself in an unfamiliar dimension, surrounded by an ethereal glow that seemed to resonate with cosmic energy.

Thus began Karna's arduous penance towards the trideva. Standing firmly on one leg, he chanted their sacred verses, immersing himself in a spiritual fire that purged his body and soul of impurities. The intensity of his devotion filled the dimension, illuminating it with divine radiance.

For the next fourteen years, Karna persevered in his penance, delving deep into his innermost being, forging an unbreakable connection with the trideva. The passage of time seemed inconsequential, as he immersed himself in a realm beyond mortal comprehension.

At the culmination of the fourteenth year, as the last echoes of his chants faded, the trideva appeared before Karna. Their ethereal forms exuded a sense of fulfillment and profound satisfaction.

"We are pleased with your unwavering devotion and penance, Karna. We bless you with our most powerful weapons and transport you back to Earth," Lord Vishnu spoke, his voice carrying the resonance of divine fulfillment.

As Karna regained consciousness, he was astonished to find himself standing in the same surroundings from which he had departed for his penance. The realization of his accomplishments washed over him, filling his heart with gratitude and awe.

He hastened to express his profound gratitude to the trideva, his voice trembling with reverence. In return, they showered him with heartfelt blessings, encompassing power, knowledge, and wealth, ensuring his path would be filled with glory and purpose.

With their advice for the future echoing in his mind, the tridev departed, leaving behind a trail of divine energy that lingered in the air. Karna stood in quiet contemplation, absorbing the significance of the blessings bestowed upon him and the magnitude of the tasks that lay ahead.

Seeking solace and guidance, Karna then sought out his mentor, Lord Parashurama. Bowing reverently at his feet, he expressed his remorse for his past actions during their battle, acknowledging the lessons he had learned and the growth he had experienced.

Parashurama, brimming with pride and affection, lifted Karna to his feet and embraced him, their bond forged anew. The guru-shishya duo then retreated to a serene place, where they could refresh their spirits and engage in heartfelt conversations.

After rejuvenating himself, Karna approached Parashurama, his voice filled with a newfound humility and determination. He expressed his unwavering loyalty and vowed to carry out his Guru's instructions faithfully.

Parashurama, with a gentle chuckle, replied, "Karna, you may now rest. Tomorrow, I will reveal your second task. But remember, son Karna, you must not divulge details of this battle or your boons to anyone. Secrecy is crucial."

Karna acknowledged his Guru's instructions with a nod, his gaze filled with gratitude and resolve. He retreated to find solace in much-needed rest, his heart ablaze with a renewed sense of purpose.

As Karna settled into his solitude, a sense of contentment washed over him. He pondered the enigmatic words spoken by Lord Shiva during their return to Mount Kailash, his mind brimming with curiosity and anticipation. He understood that a new chapter awaited him, and with the arrival of a man adorned with a Morpank on his head, a smile playing across his lips, he knew the real game was about to commence.