📖 Chapter 46 – The Third Pillar: Faith
The temple bells of Nashik echoed in the morning air, their calm chimes carrying both peace and warning. For centuries, the great temple had stood as the heart of the city—its trust controlled land, donations, and influence that touched every household. If Raj won their support, his empire would anchor in faith itself. But if he lost, the whispers of doubt would undo all his victories with farmers and students.
The golden panel shone softly before his eyes:
[Mini-Quest: Secure the Temple Trust.]
Condition: Earn blessing of temple authorities.
Failure: Reputation loss, loss of farmer/student loyalty.
Reward: Third Pillar Complete + Citywide Influence.
Raj closed the panel and looked to his team. "This isn't just business. This is faith. We walk carefully."
Arjun grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "So we just give them free pavs, right? Who can resist that?"
Meena frowned. "It won't be that simple. Temple committees are political. They won't be swayed by taste alone."
Rohit crossed his arms. "And don't forget, Shankar won't sit idle. He'll strike hardest here."
Imran whispered nervously, "What if they say our food is unholy?"
Raj's eyes narrowed. "Then we prove our purity. Truth needs no disguise."
The Cartel's Poison
That evening, the cartel made their move. Rumors spread in the market: "Raj uses impure ingredients. His food isn't fit for temple kitchens." A priest was bribed to claim Raj's spices contained additives. In hushed tones, people said, "If the temple rejects him, how can students or farmers trust him?"
Shankar himself appeared at the temple gates, bowing dramatically before the committee. "I have always donated to this holy place," he said loudly, making sure the crowd heard. "But outsiders like Raj, they only seek profit. They feed poison in the name of progress!"
The crowd murmured. Eyes turned to Raj, waiting. Doubt spread like oil across water.
Raj's Trial
Raj stepped forward calmly. His aura flared, not in anger, but in steady confidence. He bowed deeply before the temple's head priest. "I ask only one chance. Let my food be tested here, before your eyes, before God Himself. If it is impure, I will shut my stalls and leave this city forever."
A hush fell. The boldness of his words silenced even his critics.
The priest agreed. In the temple courtyard, Raj prepared his pav bhaji. He washed every ingredient in plain view, cooked with steady hands, and served with reverence. The aroma drifted through the air, making even skeptical priests lean forward unconsciously.
Shankar's planted whispers rang out: "It smells too rich! He must use chemicals!" But the priest himself tasted the dish. His eyes widened, then softened. He took another bite. And another.
Finally, he stood and declared, "This food is clean. Pure. Honest. It carries no deceit. If such food is served in this city, then blessings follow."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Shankar's face drained of color, his lies exposed.
The Third Pillar Secured
The golden panel blazed:
[Quest Complete: Temple Trust Secured.]
Reward: Third Pillar Achieved – Citywide Influence.
System Update: "Host has unlocked Regional Command. Empire foundations complete."
Farmers, students, and now priests stood united with Raj. Nashik no longer whispered in doubt—it shouted his name with pride.
As the sun set over the temple towers, Raj stood with folded hands. He whispered, "This isn't just my empire. It's theirs too—the people who believe."
But far away, Shankar watched with burning eyes. His voice dripped venom. "If faith cannot break him… then I'll use fear."