The Betel Beast

The Hallway
As you venture further, you are greeted by a meandering hallway, its path carved from the giant roots of ancient Areca trees. It is a space that mimics the exhilaration and yet the impending toxicity of betel nut use. The bright green glow of betel leaves lining the walls creates a false sense of vibrancy, much like the euphoria the nut induces. Their dazzling iridescence mirrors the elevated mood and alertness one experiences at first.

The ground, however, tells a different story. Strewn with crushed shells and nut fragments, it symbolizes the bitter aftertaste and dark reality beneath the initial euphoria. It is uneven and treacherous, just like the shaky hands and restlessness a habitual user experiences. The further you proceed, the more chaotic the path becomes, the lights flicker, and the air grows dense, mimicking the nausea and dizziness associated with overuse.

The air is tainted with a sweet yet harsh aroma, a cruel reminder of the oral health problems that the betel nut causes. As you approach the end of the hallway, the light dims and a red hue takes over, foreshadowing the ominous oral stains left by the nut, an iconic symbol of betel nut usage and the long-term health effects that it entails.

In its beauty and danger, the hallway perfectly encapsulates the double-edged sword that is the Betel Nut.

Final Boss: “Betel Beast”
As you step into the room at the end of the corridor, the Betel Beast greets you with a disarming smile, revealing his vivid red-stained teeth. His skin is a deep bronze, a testament to hours under the scorching South Asian sun. His eyes, an intense black, are a contrast to his red lips and teeth, a physical manifestation of the oral decay caused by constant betel nut chewing. He dons a traditional dhoti, reflecting the deep cultural ties the region has to the betel nut.

Ultimate Abilities
Aerugo Armor: The Betel Beast's skin hardens, similar to the tough shell of a betel nut, increasing his resistance to damage.

Red Resilience: His regenerative abilities are activated, restoring his health over time, a nod to the energizing effects of betel nut.

Betel Blitz: He throws a barrage of hardened betel nuts at his opponents, causing significant damage.

Piper's Pace: His speed increases dramatically, mirroring the stimulating effect of betel nut.

The Backstory
The Betel Beast's tale is one that is steeped in cultural traditions, misuse, and exploitation. Born as Brijesh, a humble farmer in the verdant landscapes of South Asia, he cherished his land and the rich produce it gave, including the Areca nut trees his family had tended to for generations. The Areca nut, paired with betel leaf, was an integral part of the community’s traditions and celebrations, cherished for its mild stimulating effect.

Brijesh was approached by a powerful businessman, seeking to buy his land to exploit the Areca nut's commercial potential. Seduced by the promises of wealth and prosperity for his family, Brijesh relinquished his land.

The businessman, however, had more nefarious plans. He exploited the addictive nature of the Areca nut and began producing and marketing it aggressively, disregarding the health risks it posed. The rural community became a hub for betel nut production, consumed excessively by its own people and sold widely beyond. The tradition had turned into a harmful addiction.

Witnessing the insidious impact on his community, a sense of deep guilt overcame Brijesh. He saw friends and family become slaves to the nut's addictive power, their health deteriorating. The transformation was horrifying. In a desperate attempt to reverse the harm, Brijesh sought the help of ancient spirits of the land, pleading for a chance to make things right.

Moved by his remorse and courage, the spirits granted Brijesh a portion of their power, transforming him into the Betel Beast. His body grew, his skin hardened to resemble the nut, his eyes glowed with resolve, and his veins pulsed with the power of the Areca tree. His old life as Brijesh was no more, and the Betel Beast was born.

Now, the Betel Beast tirelessly fights against the very addiction he unknowingly helped foster. His struggle is a constant one, as he seeks to reclaim the Areca nut's cultural significance, free his people from the addiction, and fight the sinister forces that exploit the nut for personal gain. The Betel Beast stands as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of addiction when traditions are exploited and commercialized without regard for the wellbeing of the community.