29. Verification of Divine land

As they left, Sambh's eyes wandered over the scattered papers at his feet until they landed on a small robot dangling from a golden bracelet. Two officers, secured by an iron chain, held the robot in place. With a mix of curiosity and resignation, Sambh murmured,

"So, this is the jury here."

Almost immediately, the robot stirred. It rose from the room and moved toward him, its metallic voice clear and measured,

"Please, follow me."

Without hesitation, Sambh trailed behind as the robot led him toward the second floor. As they walked, Sambh couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He asked it without hesitation looking at him silently.

"Can you please state your purpose for time traveling? No one sacrifices themselves without a reason, and time traveling is no different."

The robot's sensors flickered momentarily before it replied in an even tone," Your purpose is noted."

"But tell us more about, why did you risk your journey?"

"What drove you?"

Sambh's voice softened as he responded," I heard that my dad was ill."

"I only wanted to meet him—I never expected to end up here."

The robot's optical sensors swept around as they reached the second floor—a vast, empty space that stretched before them. Shock edged Sambh's tone as he questioned," Why does this place look so empty?"

Before the robot could answer, a subtle shift occurred at the far end of the hall. A portal flickered open, revealing a lively crowd beyond its shimmering frame. A calm voice, seemingly emerging from the void, remarkably.

"So, you time travelled to meet your dad."

The voice paused, then added," I hope you can meet him soon—and that he is safe, waiting for you."

Sambh absorbed these words as the robot resumed its instructions. After a moment of deep contemplation, it informed him.

"There are three procedures every time traveller must pass. First, your entire body will be examined. Next, you will be moved to the trial room for verification by the Divine Army. Finally, you will proceed to the jury."

The robot gestured toward an entrance ahead. Beyond its threshold, the room teemed with life: creatures that looked like two-legged foxes, turtles, and other beings conversed busily among themselves.

Yet, off to the left, a solitary door beckoned—isolated and quiet. Pointing at it, the robot explained in a soft voice calming the situation.

"That is the room for time travellers. Your authentication will proceed there. Notice the sign above—it boldly reads 'TIME TRAVELERS.'"

Sambh hesitated and then asked," Aren't you coming along with me?"

The robot replied firmly," No, this is your registration. You must follow the protocols without assistance."

Accepting his fate, Sambh stepped toward the lonely entrance. As soon as he reached the door, it slid open silently, enveloping him in darkness. Once inside, the door closed behind him, leaving him alone in a small, dimly lit room.

Inside, two robots stood guard near a huge mechanical box. A female robot stepped forward and beckoned with a soft word welcoming him.

"Sir, please come here."

She pointed toward the metallic contraption, and almost simultaneously, another robot activated a switch that caused the box to unfold.

"What is the purpose of this box?"

The female robot's voice was calm yet insistent as she replied," Please, sleep in this box."

With little choice, Sambh climbed inside. As he lay down, a soft cotton fluff covered his eyes, and the box closed securely. Time passed in a gentle, undisturbed lull until the box reopened with a soft hiss. A robotic voice announced it.

"Status checked. Body examined. Reported as human."

Shortly afterward, another robot addressed him," Please proceed upstairs; you will reach the trial room."

Sambh left the chamber and ascended a narrow staircase. On the next floor, he found himself surrounded by a mesmerizing display: magical instruments and futuristic technology arranged in a circular formation. In the centre, a long pillar glowed with a warm yellow light, its surface intricately adorned with ancient scriptures. Standing before Sambh.

"Isn't there anyone here?"

A soft, almost ethereal voice emanated from the artifacts in the centre of the circle," Place your palm upon the pillar nearby."

Tentatively, Sambh pressed his hand against the cool surface. In an instant, the entire room burst into radiant light, and a resonant hum filled the space. The pillar and surrounding artifacts began to crack, sending fine fissures racing along their surfaces.

Before he could comprehend the sudden transformation, an old man emerged from the shadows behind him. With a swift, protective motion, the old man pulled Sambh back and demanded,

"Why does all this technology resonate with you and welcome you so warmly?"

Sambh caught off guard and stammered.

"I—I'm not sure what you mean."

The old man's eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a cautious tone," Are you a spy here?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Sambh's heart pounded as he searched for the right words to answer. Had his journey through time led him to a new trial—one that might decide his fate entirely?

As silence enveloped the room, the old man stepped closer, his expression inscrutable. The ambient light flickered ominously, and the ancient machinery continued to pulse with energy around them. Sambh's mind raced with conflicting thoughts: his desperate need to see his father, the daunting procedures he had already endured, and now this unexpected interrogation.

In that suspended moment, the corridor behind them darkened further, and the air grew thick with uncertainty. The old man's next words were measured and deliberate,

"Your arrival has set many wheels in motion, Sambh. But this is only the beginning. There are forces at work here that you cannot yet understand."

Before Sambh could muster another question, the old man leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you ready to face what lies ahead?"

The glow from the pillar dimmed as if reflecting the weight of his inquiry. Sambh's pulse quickened, and for a long, breathless moment, he considered the path before him—a path fraught with trials, hidden agendas, and mysteries that defied time itself.

Then, just as the tension reached its peak, the old man's eyes flashed with an unreadable emotion. The machinery behind him buzzed to life, and in that instant, a resounding alarm echoed through the chamber. The intricate network of lights and sounds converged into a single, urgent message that threatened to shatter the fragile calm.

Standing at the crossroads of destiny, Sambh's next step would not only determine his future but also unravel secrets that could change the very fabric of time. With a final, unresolved glance at the old man, he realized that the true trial had only just begun—one that might force him to confront the hidden depths of his own purpose.

In that heart-stopping moment, as the question "Are you a spy here?" echoed in his mind, the chamber plunged into darkness.

He grew numb at the moment.