Chapter 16: The Awakening at the Altar
I found myself standing in front of the altar once again.
Constellation altars were truly fascinating. In a country like India, where faith permeated every corner, temples were omnipresent. But not all temples became altars—only a select few, dedicated to the most powerful constellations, achieved this status. These altars served as gateways, connecting mortals to the divine beings who granted us powers beyond our understanding. Yet, so much about them remained a mystery. Did these constellations have ulterior motives? What did they truly want from us hunters? And why did they appear in our world at all? The only thing we knew for certain was that their blessings helped us in the fight against the monsters that threatened humanity.
Most altars were meticulously maintained, adorned with offerings and kept spotless by devoted followers. The altar of Hanuman constellation, however, was different. It was the only known altar dedicated to the Monkey Saint, and it had a raw, primal energy that set it apart. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, as if something monumental was about to occur.
As I stood before the altar, my entire body felt like it was on fire. After breakfast, I had gone for a walk, only to find myself inexplicably drawn to this place. The moment I stepped into the altar's sacred space, the heat intensified, burning through me from the inside out. My consciousness began to waver, and just before everything went black, I thought I saw the figure of the Monkey Saint. His expression was complicated, a mixture of emotions, but one stood out above the rest: anticipation.
Monkey Saint's POV
I gazed down at the unconscious boy before me, a sense of pity welling up in my heart. His fate was a tragic one, and he was destined to be at the center of the storm that was soon to come. He needed to become powerful—far more powerful than he could possibly imagine—if he was to survive what lay ahead.
As I lifted his limp body, I could feel the heat radiating from him, his skin hot to the touch. His veins were expanding, pulsing with an energy that was both dangerous and awe-inspiring. Nine circles were forming along each of his collarbones, glowing faintly through his skin. The circle on his chest was filling with intricate patterns, while a new tattoo was etching itself onto his back, the symbol of an ancient spear.
This boy, vijay, bore a heavy burden. The destiny that awaited him was fraught with peril, and the choices he would make would shape the fate of countless others.