"The sun has awakened from its eternal slumber. Glory once again shines upon the universe. I prostrate myself before the dawn and praise the great light!"
Countless believers prostrated themselves fervently upon the ground. Before them stood a colossal golden statue.
Every day, the first rays of dawn would shine upon it, and the golden light they reflected could illuminate the entire plaza!
Today was yet another day repeated countless times over. As they did every day, the people prostrated themselves and sang praises to their god.
Yet today, this morning hymn, which had been performed countless times, was different in some way.
The most devout maidens prostrated themselves in the inner circle. It was said that the thing life loved to drink most was the fresh blood of maidens, and every few years, they would conduct a sacrifice.
In this fanatical world, no one considered this persecution. In fact, many people would resort to all kinds of means to compete for such a place.
A maiden chanted a song passed down from ancient times, her forehead pressed against the golden bricks. Just as her mind had gone blank, a sudden sound beside her ear brought her back to her senses.
A small golden fragment fell before her.
Just as she wondered where the golden fragment had come from, another small golden fragment fell before her—and before many more people as well.
The believers in the innermost circle raised their heads amid their anxious yet surging emotions. Numerous cracks had appeared on the pure-gold statue.
Some people were uneasy, while others were ecstatic.
When a large golden fragment fell from the statue's face, the people erupted!
The god had awakened!
The High Priest waved the scepter representing divine authority and roared loudly!
"The moment to offer ourselves to the god