Chapter 114
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Chapter 114: Title
All eyes were fixed on Nilora, or more accurately, on the Golden Lotus glowing upon her forehead. The crowd’s gazes burned with varying intensities – some smoldered with envy, others flickered with jealousy, while darker looks carried barely concealed malice.
Nilora shrank beneath their scrutiny, her bewildered eyes reflecting complete incomprehension of the divine choice.
"Nilora! Come to your father!" barked a disheveled middle-aged Indian man, his alcohol-reddened face contorted as he brandished bony fists at the murmuring crowd. "Scram! All of you!"
The gathered masses retreated slightly, though their eyes remained glued to the dark-skinned girl. They’d all witnessed the celestial proclamation – this diminutive slum dweller’s destiny had been irrevocably altered, despite her grime-streaked face and tattered clothes that still mirrored every other Shudra child in the alleyways.
Instead of obeying, Nilora recoiled. Neighbors exchanged knowing glances – the entire community understood the horror behind those peeling walls. The alcoholic patriarch routinely squandered his wife’s meager earnings on country liquor, his drunken rages punctuated by the sickening thuds of flesh striking flesh.
As Shudras, the lowest rung in India’s caste hierarchy, their existence was circumscribed by ancient edicts. Scriptures claimed Brahma fashioned Shudras from his feet, destined to serve higher castes. Modern India still shackled them to this fate – over half the nation’s laborers came from these ranks, descendants of Dalits subjugated by Aryan conquerors millennia past.
"Defying me, girl?" The father’s bloodshot eyes narrowed as snickers rippled through onlookers. He lunged suddenly, calloused fingers closing like manacles around his daughter’s wrist. "I’ll beat the disobedience out of-"
The threat died mid-sentence. With an instinctive jerk, Nilora wrenched her arm free.
What happened next froze the crowd mid-breath.
The grown man flew backward as if hurled by divine wrath, crashing through a mudbrick wall that collapsed in billowing dust. A collective gasp echoed through the suddenly silent street. Terrified onlookers stumbled backward, their superstitions confirmed – the meekest among them now radiated dangerous, unfamiliar power.
It was the primal fear of lambs witnessing a sheep transform into a lion.
Amidst settling debris, the Golden Lotus at Nilora’s feet pulsed gently. Staring at her trembling hands, the girl felt surreal calmness permeate her being. Had she truly done this?
The luminous blossom seemed to beckon. Kneeling reverently, Nilora cradled the Golden Lotus – formed from the deity’s sacred rain – and gasped. Its beauty surpassed earthly goldwork, glowing with inner radiance.
Knowledge flooded her mind as petal touched palm. Without hesitation, she sprinted homeward, clutching her miraculous bloom.
"Why can she touch them?" erupted from the crowd. Dozens reached greedily for nearby lotuses, hands passing through golden petals as if grasping moonlight.
The divine flowers persisted in their ethereal bloom, untouchable visions mocking mortal greed.
On the other side.
"General Cooper, I require your assistance," Neh stated, observing the middle-aged officer approaching in crisp military attire.
"Whatever it is, we’d be glad to assist," General Cooper affirmed with a nod.
India possessed numerous extraordinary individuals, though most remained decidedly second-rate. Many eschewed national service entirely, preferring lucrative contracts with deep-pocketed conglomerates.
As India’s preeminent extraordinary being, Neh maintained an unofficial advisory role despite refusing formal government ties. His mere presence compelled respect from other supernaturals encountering India’s special departments.
"You heard Prithvi’s divine proclamation earlier. We must locate her chosen representative in the mortal world."
"The Golden Lotus bearer?" Cooper inquired.
"Precisely. That golden radiance will guide our path. Follow its trajectory and clues shall reveal themselves," Neh confirmed.
The general hesitated before probing, "Mr. Neh… have you no direct communion with Prithvi?"
"Regrettably not," the extraordinary shook his head.
"Prithvi embodies benevolent order – a mighty protector who saved our nation. Shouldn’t her deeds be proclaimed to our people?"
Cooper maintained diplomatic silence, recognizing this decision exceeded his authority. He acknowledged the suggestion with a curt nod before redirecting: "These Golden Lotuses… why can’t our personnel interact with them?"
"The goddess works through mysteries. Specific conditions likely govern their handling," Neh replied, recalling how the lotuses dissolved beneath his touch after initial absorption.
"Then let’s convene elsewhere. This incident demands urgent consultation – the international community watches closely…"
Though disappointed about the untouchable lotuses, Cooper found solace knowing rival nations faced identical limitations.
Within their secure vehicle, surrounded by trusted aides, Cooper’s demeanor hardened. "Another development – recent disturbances in the northwest."
"The northwest? Elaborate."
——————
Northwestern India, prior to Prithvi’s manifestation.
The crimson-and-ebony gown clung to Lilith’s willowy frame as she adjusted ruby earrings cascading along her neckline – every movement accentuating her lethal grace.
Ye Linlang’s consciousness bifurcated seamlessly: while her primary form lingered in slums, the witch persona materialized northwest. Seki’s expulsion from India became imperative – the nation couldn’t withstand another abyssal outbreak, nor would she permit premature emergence of eldritch powers.
Appearing midair above her target, Lilith’s casual gesture conjured an immense binding circle that froze Seki mid-stride.
The witch descended like falling rose petals, blackened talons gleaming with crimson lacquer and floral patterns. "How tedious, making me chase you across continents," she purred, tilting Seki’s chin with a bloodred nail.
Seki strained against arcane shackles, her current strength hopelessly outmatched. Despite meticulous precautions – stimulating abyssal mutations then fleeing before detection – this predator had tracked her.
"Identify yourself!" Seki snarled, meeting Lilith’s mocking gaze that mirrored a panther eyeing cornered prey.
Lilith traced a finger down the immobilized girl’s face, ignoring the demand. "Fascinating… a mortal willingly bargaining with abyssal forces. Tell me, child – does your dark patron reward such devotion?"
Seki’s pupils dilated – how could this stranger know her most guarded secrets?
"Your confusion amuses me," the witch chuckled. "By decree of the Demon King himself, I’m retrieving hell’s fugitive. That escaped abyssal aspect you serve? Its freedom ends today."
This was partially theatrical – Ye Linlang had no intention of capturing Seki. But recent provocations demanded corrective intimidation. A clever girl like Seki would curb her activities knowing infernal forces pursued her.
"Resist and my irritation shall become… tangible," Lilith warned. Her clenched fist transformed the magic circle into glowing restraints.
As Seki thrashed, desperation fueled by fanatical resolve, Ye Linlang’s lip twitched imperceptibly. Proximity forced awareness of the girl’s frantic thoughts – typical zealot’s quandary about unfinished divine service.
"Count yourself fortunate," Lilith interrupted Seki’s building power surge. "India lacks direct infernal conduits. Our journey requires transit through the United States."
The revelation disrupted Seki’s focus, her gathered energies dissipating involuntarily.
