The sun was beginning to set over the coast of Tamil Nadu.
The sound of waves crashing against the rocks echoed through the air as the ancient Shore Temple stood quietly against the horizon.
Its stone towers had survived more than a thousand years of storms, wars, and time itself.
Albert's team stood near the entrance.
Karthik looked at them seriously.
"This temple is one of the oldest in this region."
He pointed toward the tall stone structure.
"The head monk here… the Pandit… knows every secret of this place."
Arun nodded.
"That's exactly why we came."
Karthik looked toward Bilal and hesitated slightly.
"I'm sorry."
Bilal raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry for what?"
Karthik spoke gently.
"You cannot enter the temple."
Bilal understood immediately.
He nodded calmly.
"I know."
"No problem."
He stepped back slightly.
"You go ahead."
Albert looked at him.
"You sure?"
Bilal smiled.
"I've worked in military labs and missile systems."
"A temple gate isn't going to offend me."
The group laughed lightly.
Then Karthik turned toward the temple entrance.
"Come."
He and Arun walked inside the temple courtyard first.
The stone floor was cool beneath their feet.
Oil lamps flickered along the walls.
At the far end of the courtyard stood an elderly monk wearing simple saffron robes.
The Pandit.
Karthik approached him respectfully.
He spoke in Tamil.
"வணக்கம், ஸ்வாமி."
(Greetings, Swami.)
The Pandit looked at him carefully.
"யார் நீங்கள்?"
(Who are you?)
Karthik bowed slightly.
"நான் கார்த்திக். வெளியிலிருந்து சில ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் வந்திருக்கிறார்கள்."
(I am Karthik. Some researchers have come from outside.)
Arun stood beside him quietly.
The Pandit's eyes moved toward Arun.
"அவர்கள் ஏன் வந்திருக்கிறார்கள்?"
(Why have they come?)
Karthik answered calmly.
"ஒரு பேராசிரியர் இருக்கிறார். வரலாற்று ஆய்வு."
(There is a professor with them. Historical research.)
The Pandit remained silent for several seconds.
Then he spoke again slowly.
"இந்த கோவிலில் எல்லோருக்கும் அனுமதி கிடையாது."
(Not everyone is allowed inside this temple.)
Karthik nodded respectfully.
"எனக்கு தெரியும், ஸ்வாமி."
(I know, Swami.)
He gestured toward the entrance.
"அந்த பேராசிரியர் முதலில் உங்களைச் சந்திக்க விரும்புகிறார்."
(That professor would like to meet you first.)
The Pandit looked thoughtful.
Finally, he nodded.
"சரி."
(Alright.)
Then he added one condition.
"முதலில் அந்த பேராசிரியரை நான் பார்க்க வேண்டும்."
(First, I must meet the professor.)
Karthik turned to Arun and smiled.
"He agreed."
"But only if the professor meets him first."
Arun nodded.
"That's fair."
They walked back toward the entrance of the temple.
Outside, Li Wen, Albert, Mark, and Bilal were waiting.
Karthik approached Li Wen.
"The Pandit will see you."
"Only you first."
Li Wen nodded calmly.
"I understand."
She stepped forward and entered the temple courtyard alone.
The ancient stone walls seemed to watch her silently.
At the far end of the courtyard, the Pandit was waiting.
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Professor…"
"You came looking for the Sleeper, didn't you?"
Li Wen froze.
Because she had never mentioned that name to anyone here.