Devotion - 15
Edge stood alone on the desolate island, a castaway in a virtual world with no hope of escape.
His futile attempts to access the logout option only served to remind him of his dire predicament.
Somehow, he had survived the encounter with the monstrous sea creature, only to find himself stranded on this isolated island, cut off from civilization.
His desperation grew with each passing moment.
The logout option, usually a lifeline, was dimmed out, a cruel tease that taunted him. Edge knew he had to find another way out, a portal, an exit, anything that would transport him back to reality.
What unnerved him even more was the eerie absence of life on the island.
No chirping insects, no scampering animals, not even a single fish near the shore.
The silence was overwhelming, and Edge couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.
Suddenly, a rhythmic thumping sound reverberated through the air.
Thump, thump, thump.
Edge's heart raced, and he instinctively turned in the direction of the mysterious sound. It seemed to echo from deep within the lush forest that lay ahead.
The closer he got, the clearer the sound became, as though guiding him like a beacon. Edge realized that whenever he strayed from the path, the thumping grew louder, compelling him to stay on course. It was no coincidence; the island itself seemed to be directing him.
Breaking through the dense foliage, he entered a clearing, and there, in the heart of the jungle, stood an awe-inspiring, temple-like structure.
Covered in moss and vines, it had an ancient, mystical aura about it. The size of it left Edge in wonder, as it dwarfed everything else on the island.
The thumping sound persisted, now louder and more pronounced. With every step, it felt as if the vibrations resonated within Edge's chest, his own heartbeat synchronized with this otherworldly rhythm.
A sudden warning flashed across his field of vision – an abnormal heart rate detected. Edge was on edge, and his thoughts raced.
Access to his inventory was blocked, adding another layer of unease to the situation.
Drawing from his deeply ingrained Hindu beliefs, he whispered a fervent prayer, "Protect me, Lord."
Summoning his courage, he ventured further into the unknown, the path ahead dimly lit by an eerie, greenish glow.
He could see only as far as his next step, the tunnel's length shrouded in obscurity.
As he continued, his foot suddenly sank into a stone depression. Edge braced himself for the worst, but instead, the action triggered a chain reaction.
Torches lining the passage burst to life, casting an eerie glow that illuminated the tunnel's expanse. Without hesitation, Edge broke into a sprint, unnerved by the mysterious path ahead.
The tunnel eventually gave way to a vast cave, and at its center lay a platform that exuded an ominous presence.
Edge's apprehension intensified; it felt as if something momentous was about to unfold, though he couldn't decipher whether it would be for good or ill.
Edge knew of platforms like this, where individuals often faced perilous challenges. His thoughts drifted to a particular anime he'd watched, where unfortunate souls met their demise on a similar platform. It was a scenario far beyond his expectations.
Fate had a different plan for him. As he stumbled and fell onto the platform, a sudden tremor rippled through the cave.
On one side, the stone wall cracked open, revealing a statue of a divine being. It had four arms, and its head was that of an elephant, a majestic representation of Lord Ganesha, the Destroyer of Obstacles.
On the opposite side, a statue even more massive emerged, seated with four arms, one wielding an axe and the other a mace. This was Chiranjeevi Mahabali Hanuman, the immortal son of the wind god, his muscular physique and simian visage exuding power.
Edge found himself trapped between these imposing beings, their presence radiating immense energy.
Uncertain of how he had come to this peculiar juncture, he felt as though his fate was hanging in the balance, judged by these ancient deities.
As the statues pulsated with energy, Edge couldn't help but wonder if this was a divine trial or something else entirely.
An overwhelming sensation washed over him, as if the statues were scrutinizing his every thought and deed.
Seeking solace, he turned his attention to a wall before him, where a book rested. It was titled "Ramcharitmanas," a name he had heard but never delved into. With no other options, he picked up the book.
The pages began to glow with an ethereal light as he leafed through them. To his amazement, the text was in Sanskrit, a language he had studied only until the eighth grade. Despite his limited proficiency, he managed to decipher the ancient script.
As he immersed himself in the verses, Edge lost track of time and his surroundings. The statues' presence faded, and his focus was solely on deciphering the sacred text.
When he reached the final page and closed the book, it transformed into a cascade of light particles that streamed into his eyes.
The statues trembled once more and then vanished, their purpose seemingly fulfilled.
A pathway materialized behind Edge, leading him deeper into the cave. He followed it until he reached the edge of a serene lake nestled in the cave's recesses.
A tablet nearby provided instructions.
Edge stripped off his shirt and applied an orange-red powder to his upper body, following the directions meticulously.
As he descended the steps into the crystalline waters, the lake began to glow, casting a warm golden hue that dispelled the cave's darkness.
He noticed a familiar phrase etched into the tablet: "Jai Shree Ram." Recalling his earlier prayer, Edge felt a surge of confidence.
He immersed himself in the radiant waters as the cave quaked once more, and with unwavering faith, he whispered the words of devotion.
The cave trembled, and the world around him seemed to shift.
As Edge closed his eyes, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him beyond this profound encounter with ancient deities and sacred texts.
And thus, Edge's extraordinary journey continued, filled with mysteries, challenges, and the indomitable spirit of faith.
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