The entrance to the temple was adorned with massive stone pillars, weathered by time and encrusted with sand. As the group crossed the threshold, a cool breeze carried the faint scent of earth and ancient wisdom, a refreshing respite from the desert's relentless heat.
Inside, the temple unfolded into a series of interconnected chambers and hallways, illuminated by soft, natural light streaming through carefully crafted skylights and small, intricately designed windows. The walls bore murals depicting desert landscapes, geologic formations, and the interplay between light and shadow.
A grand altar dedicated to the Earth Spirit commanded attention in the main chamber. Carved from a single, colossal block of sandstone, it embodied the strength and resilience of the earth. Intricate patterns etched onto its surface told tales of creation and balance. At the same time, offerings of precious gemstones, vibrant flowers, and rare minerals adorned its base.
The air within the temple carried a sense of grounding and stability as if the very essence of the earth permeated every breath. Coolness emanated from the stone floors, providing a welcome relief from the desert's scorching heat. The silence that enveloped the temple's interior seemed to amplify the vibrations of the earth, lending an almost meditative quality to the space.
The earth spirit didn't say much before talking with them and soon entered Vaeral's body. Before leaving, the group stood in the presence of the Temple of the Earth Spirit; a moment of tranquility was shattered by a sudden, unsettling sound. Vaeral's laughter echoed through the sacred halls, his laughter carrying a hint of madness and malevolence.
His laughter grew in intensity, a manic reverberation that filled the space and sent shivers down the spines of his companions. Wide-eyed and stunned, they exchanged worried glances, unsure of what had come over Vaeral.
Suddenly, Vaeral's laughter ceased, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. He looked at his companions, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion. With a playful tone, he proclaimed, "I finally have the power to take over the world!"
The group recoiled, their eyes widening in disbelief. A wave of unease washed over them as they tried to process Vaeral's words. Doubts and fears began to cloud their minds, questioning the true intentions of their comrade.
But just as quickly as the declaration left his lips, Vaeral burst into laughter once again, his tone filled with amusement.
"Hahaha! Just kidding, I was just joking! I couldn't resist pulling doing this!" Vaeral said, unable to contain his amusement.
"What a retard…" Aion thought while feeling like facepalming.
"Let's punch him until he regrets his nonsense and starts crying like a little girl," Ailen said.
"Great idea," Malon said and then cracked his fingers.
Vaeral tried to fly away from Malon and Ailen, but before he could gain speed and leave the building, those two grabbed his legs and began to spin him around in the air. To use the magic of the spirits, he needed a lot of focus, and he couldn't do that while he was dizzy.
"More and more, I believe that you guys are crazy for thinking that you can face my father," Siora said and then facepalmed.
"It is better that they act like this now and then instead of letting their dark feelings control their heads all the time," Ervan said and then sat down on the floor. "They tried to hide that from you in order to not make you feel bad, but their parents, friends, and others were killed by one of your father's grunts. Cailena also lost her mother… it might be crazy the plan that we have in mind, but it is the only way for us to seek closure.``
"... They had the relics that sealed him, right?" Siora asked. "That explains why they are trying to do this… it doesn't change the fact that it is madness. My father's strength is way beyond what humans can understand. He had hundreds of years to cultivate his magic and physical prowess to become the strongest. Not only does he have talent, but he is also knowledgeable, more than anyone else. He was sealed once, but it won't happen again. He never makes the same mistake twice."
"No person made of blood, flesh, and bones is invulnerable," Ervan declared.
Siora wanted to agree with that, but the little she knew about her father made her think that he was the only exception to that rule. In any case, after they made Vaeral repent for his stupidity, they left the temple. The sun was already setting, so they decided to fish the dinner and set their camp there.
"Shit, I can't fast-forward now…" Aion thought and then sighed. "It seems that something important is about to happen."
Once they caught some fish and began to cook them, Vaeral, Malon, and Ailen began to train together. Vaeral wanted to practice the magic of the Earth spirit, so that was a good chance for all of them.
Malon gripped his sword tightly, its gleaming blade reflecting the glint of determination in his eyes. Vaeral took a deep breath, his palms outstretched towards the ground, connecting with the elemental energy coursing through the earth.
With a focused gaze, Vaeral conjured numerous earth bullets, shaping them with his will and launching them toward Malon in rapid succession. The projectiles shot forth like miniature boulders, hurtling through the air with formidable speed.
Malon's instincts kicked in as he swiftly brought his sword into action. His movements were precise and fluid, his blade acting as an extension of himself. With each incoming earth bullet, Malon expertly deflected and parried, his sword meeting the projectiles with resolute precision.
The clash of steel against earth resounded in the area, creating a mesmerizing symphony of power and skill. Malon's movements were so swift and seamless that it appeared as if his sword had a will of its own, dancing effortlessly through the barrage of earth bullets. All of them had come a long way since their village life...
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