Chapter 8: The Temple of Shadows

The ancient temple stood like a sentinel of the past, its stone walls eroding over time but still evoking a sense of power. The carvings at its entrance told stories of battles, sacrifices and deliverances between gods and demons. But tonight, the temple was wrapped in an unnatural darkness.

Arjun felt it immediately - the same oppressive energy that he had encountered in the factory, but stronger.

“This place feels alive,” he muttered, holding his sword.

“It is,” Radhika said, her voice low. “The energy here is tied to ley lines. If the Asuras corrupt it, the balance will change, and this entire region can come under the influence of hell.

“Lovely,” replied Arjun, trying to hide her growing restlessness.

Vikram gestured to keep quiet. “Stay close and keep your guard. They’ll know we’ll be here soon.

In depth

The group entered the temple discreetly, their footsteps echoing against the cold stone floor. Flickering torches illuminated the main hall, casting long shadows that seemed to move on their own.

Arjuna’s eyes were drawn to the murals on the walls. He depicted the battle between the Devas and the Asuras, the vivid imagination almost leaping from the stone. But something was wrong - some of the murals looked unfinished, their figures were distorted and twisted.

“Corruption,” Radhika said, looking into his gaze. “The Asuras have started their work.

Further, the hall split into three paths.

“Which way?” asked Arjuna.

Vikram studied the paths for a moment before pointing to the middle one. “Energy is strongest that way.

“Great,” Arjun said. “Let’s go straight into the nightmare.

An ambush

They had barely stepped into the corridor when the air became cold. A low, guttural growl echoes around them, followed by a scrap of claws on the stone.

“Protector,” Radhika hissed, preparing her bow.

Three colossal forms seemed to emerge as shadows came alive around them. The guards were monstrous - human beings with jagged teeth, glowing red eyes and clawed hands. Their bodies were covered in dark, matted fur, and they moved with disturbing agility.

“They are just servants,” said Vikram, swinging his spear. “Stay fast, but don’t waste too much energy.

The defenders jumped, and chaos ensued.

Vikram engaged the first one, his spear shining in the dim light as he rammed it into the creature’s chest. Radhika shot the arrows with precision, each one fading as soon as she found her mark.

Arjuna found himself facing the third demon. It growled, swiping on it with claws that glistened like metal. He barely survives the strike, and copes with the swing of his sword. The blade cut through the creature’s arm, but it did not slow down.

“Focus, Arjun!” shouted Vikram, dodging another attack. “They regenerate quickly!”

Arjuna clenched his teeth, giving another blow. He let the sword guide him, his glow brightened as he poured his energy into it. With a powerful blow, he cut off the defender’s head. This time, the creature dissolved in black smoke, destroying its energy.

Not bad, Radhika said, firing an arrow at the last monster. It made a final roar before collapsing.

Arjun leaned against the wall, catching his breath. “Wow ... It wasn’t fun.

“Get used to it,” Vikram said, already moving on. “This is just the beginning.

Ritual Room

The corridor opened into a spacious chamber, its roof disappeared into darkness. In the center of the room was a large, glazed observance carved into the floor, pulsating with red and black energy.

Around Sigil, a group of hooded figures chanted in an ancient, guttural language. His voice echoed unnaturally, filling the chamber with a sense of dread.

“Cultist,” whispered Radhika. “They’re calling something.

Vikram’s grip on his spear became stronger. “We can’t let them get over. Get them out quickly.

As they came to the position, the cultists sensed their presence. One of them raised his hand, and the chanting grew louder. Sigil flared up, and from his center, a monstrous figure began to rise - a huge asura with four arms, each wielding a different weapon.

“Well, that’s not good,” Arjun muttered.

The battle begins

As the Asura fully emerged the cultists disintegrated, its glowing eyes locking on the intruders.

“You’re too late,” it roared, his voice shaking the room. “This place is hell now!”

“No, if we have anything to say about it,” Vikram replied, moving on.

The battle was chaotic. Vikram and Radhika concentrate on the panthis, cutting off their chanting and disrupting the ritual, while Arjuna encounters the Asura.

The creature came across a massive mace on him, sending shockwaves through the impact room. Arjuna rolled out of the way, deflecting his sword barely striking the next.

“Arjuna, take his attention!” shouted Radhika, shooting an arrow at a cult.

“Working on this!” shouted Arjuna, dodging another swing. He struck the asura’s leg, the blade glowing as it was attached. The creature roared in pain, stumbled slightly.

“Keep it off balance!” shouted Vikram, throwing his spear at one of the remaining cultivators.

Asura quickly recovered, his four arms moving in a blur as he attacked. Arjuna felt overwhelmed, each blow pushing him closer to Sigil’s edge.

“Focus, Arjun!” called Radhika. “Use the energy of the sword!”

Arjun took a deep breath, centering himself. He let the energy of the sword flow through him, its radiance spreading throughout his body. As soon as Asura reappeared, he tampered with a force he didn’t know he had, sending the effect to the creature.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Arjuna jumped forward, stabbing a sword into the Asura’s chest. The creature let out a deafening roar as cracks of light spread across its body.

With one final burst of energy, the Asura exploded, the force knocking Arjuna to the ground.

Triumph and Revelation

When the dust settled, Sigil was dark, its power was extinguished. The peasants were defeated, and oppressive energy began to spread in the air.

“You did well, baby,” said Vikram, helping Arjun to get back on his feet.

Arjuna saw the remains of the Asura, a mixture of exhaustion and pride.

“Is it going to be like this forever?” he asked.

“Probably worse,” Radhika said with a smile.

As they exited the temple, Arjuna felt a strange sense of accomplishment. For the first time, he began to believe that he might be able to handle the challenges ahead.

But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning — and that the worst was yet to come.

Please read it now on Google Books:.https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=7zc-EQAAQBAJ

Chapter end