Chapter 10: The Hidden Fortress

The morning sun filtered through the Sanctuary’s stained glass windows, casting rainbow-colored patterns onto the stone floor. The day ahead was heavy with anticipation, but also a sense of urgency. They were no longer just reacting to the attacks of the Asuras – they were preparing to attack back.

Arjun was standing in front of the large map of Delhi, figuring out the locations of the violations. Her mind raced while trying to understand the patterns that Avni had shown. The red marker, although seemingly random at first, now seemed to align with a much deeper, deeper purpose.

Radhika, Vikram and Meera gathered around him, their faces grim with determination.

“You said the asuras are making something - a nexus point,” Radhika said, crossing her arms. “But we don’t know exactly where it’s going to be.

Avni nodded, her expression serious. “Nexus is not just one space – it is a series of key points that Asuras are aligning. If we don’t stop them, they’ll be able to open a permanent gateway between the realms. And once that happens, Delhi and perhaps the entire world will be lost.

Arjuna frowned, his gaze moving from the map to the people gathered around him. “So what will be our next step?

“There is a place,” Vikram said, his voice low but steady. “A hidden fortress deep in the northern hills.” It’s been abandoned for centuries, but rumors are... Whispers among the older generation. It is considered to be a place of great power.

“An old fortress?” “It doesn’t seem like a secret premise at all.

“It was not just a fortress,” Vikram corrected. “It was a bastion of the Jyotirlinga order, a group of warriors dedicated to protecting the mortal realm from divine dangers. They knew about the Asuras and were ready for their return. In the fort there are knowledge, relics ... And perhaps even the key to preventing collusion.

Arjun could see the determination in Vikram’s eyes. “So what’s stopping us from going there now?”

Vikram said, “The path is treacherous. “And it’s not just terrain that’s dangerous. We will be walking directly into the center of the Asura’s territory. If we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves caught in the same nexus they’re trying to create.

Arjuna clenched his fists. “Then we do it carefully. We are not backing down now.

Tour of the Fort

The journey to the north took them through dense forests, winding mountain paths, and ancient ruins. As they approached the foothills of the northern mountains, the air cooled, the atmosphere became heavier. The further they traveled, the more Arjuna could feel the change in the energy around him. There was something different.

“That sounds wrong,” Mira said softly, sensing the change herself. “It’s like we’re walking in a trap.

“It’s not just a feeling,” Radhika said, her tone being serious. “The Asuras are aware of our every move. They knew we would come to this place.

Vikram nodded, his hand never straying away from the hilt of his sword. “We have to be prepared for anything. The hidden fortress is more than just a physical location. It’s a test – a test for anyone who wants the power within.

“I didn’t sign up for the trial,” Arjun muttered, but his voice was firm. “Whatever comes to us, we will take it.

As they approached the entrance of the fort, Arjun saw nothing but dense fog and dense undergrowth, but Vikram led them confidently towards a set of massive stone doors, half buried in the earth. The doors were engraved with faint glow in the intricate run-dark forest.

“Seal of the Jyotirlinga order,” whispered Radhika. “That’s it.

Guardian of the Fortress

Vikram opened the massive doors, revealing an ancient courtyard. The stone weather had worsened, and the air was heavy with the smell of dust and decay. As they moved, the temperature dropped, and the wind moved into the distance.

“This place looks ancient,” said Arjuna, glancing around. “It’s like it’s been forgotten for a thousand years.

“Forgotten, but not left,” Vikram replied. “It was once a place of great power. The Asuras have never stopped looking for it.

As they reached deeper into the fort, the silence became heavier. Suddenly, a low voice echoed through the hall. “Who dares to breach the sanctity of the Jyotirlinga order?”

From the shadows, a figure emerged—a tall, imposing warrior clad in glowing armor. His face was hidden behind a mask, but the energy emanating from it was undeniable.

“I am your mentor,” declared the warrior, his voice deep and resonant. “No one can enter the inner sanctum without proving his worth.

Arjuna stepped forward, his grip tightened on his sword. “We don’t have time for tests. The demons are about to open the entrance to hell. We need all the knowledge that is hidden here.

The guardian raised an eyebrow, without moving. “Your words are bold, but they lack the weight of experience. To earn the right to enter this holy land, you will have to face the trials of the Jyotirlinga.

Vikram stepped forward, his face set with resolve. “We have faced trials before. We can handle it.

The guardian nodded slowly. “Very good. But know this - failure will cost not only your life, but also the lives of many others.

Examination of Jyotirlinga

With the wave of his hand, the guardian created a swirling vortex in the center of the courtyard. The air thickened, and the ground trembled as the test began.

The first test was one of strength and endurance. Arjuna found himself standing in front of a huge stone statue, his eyes shining with a fierce red light. It rose to life, its massive fists swinging toward it with tremendous force.

Arjun barely delivers the first blow, rolls into the side and barely manages to survive the next strike. His muscles burned, but he knew there was no turning back. He had to defeat the idol to pass.

With a grunt, he pushed himself to his feet, concentrating his energy in his sword. With a swift speed, he struck the statue’s chest, the sword shining brighter than ever. The statue wobbled back, then fell to the ground, its form shattered into dust.

Breathing heavily, Arjun turned to watch Radhika, who had already completed her own trial - defeating a group of spectral warriors with nothing but her bow.

Vikram and Meera were not far behind, taking on challenges that tested their strength, resolve and intelligence. Each trial was grueling, but together, they made their way toward the inner sanctum.

Final Test: The Dark Mirror

Finally, they reached the heart of the fort – a massive chamber with a huge, ornate mirror at its center. The surface of the mirror shimmers with dark energy, its reflection is distorted and twisted.

“That’s it,” said Avni as she walked into the room from a portal. “The final test - the test of the soul.”

Arjuna stepped forward, his eyes closed on the mirror. The reflection staring back at him was not his own. Instead, it was a darker version of itself — filled with anger, fear, and doubt.

“This is your real test,” the guardian’s voice echoed. “Face the darkness within you and overcome it, or be consumed by it.”

Arjuna’s heart raced as he saw a reflection of himself – his fears, doubts and insecurities increased. The darkness seemed to reach out, trying to pull him into the mirror.

“Don’t let it control you,” Vikram urges from behind him. “It’s just an illusion. You’re stronger than that.

With a deep breath, Arjuna stepped closer to the mirror, staring down at his reflection. He had faced the darkness within him before. This time he wasn’t scared.

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Chapter end