As the trio walks, Duke regales Ian and Layla about his exploits during his time fighting against the forces of Horus.
"...and then I said to her, 'Not until the ancient wizards finally legalize deathweed!'" Layla chuckles at his tale.
"What a crock of shit," teases Ian. "You killed 300 mercenaries all by yourself? Not even the ancient heroes could do that!"
As they walk through the golden field, they spot their destination in the distance. "So what's this town called anyways?" Asks Layla.
"This is the town of Destruir," says Duke. "Odd name, I know. Apparently they call it that because its founder invented some mysterious black powder that could explode when it made contact with fire."
"That sounds a lot like the stuff that the lady in the underground bunker was putting into her weird weapon," notes Ian.
"Aye, I noticed that too. Perhaps the old story is true?"
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As the three enter the town, they are greeted by a pair of guards with spears. "Halt, travelers! State your business!" They say in unison.
"We're here to pray to the shrine of Rhea." Explains Ian.
"The shrine does not open until sunset. I'm afraid you'll have to wait." Says one of the guards.
"If you don't mind, it's a bit urgent." Says Duke.
"Sorry, the only exception the high priest of the shrine makes is for those who have proof they must urgently use it. Explain your circumstances!" The guard says. Ian looks down at Layla, who looks back at him knowingly.
"Is this proof enough?" She says. The guards jump when she says this.
"What in the hell? Did that beast just speak!?"
"Impossible! They truly must have divine sponsorship! Let them in at once!"
The gates open for them, and the townsfolk scrambles back into their homes at the prospect of danger as the duo of guards escorts them to the shrine. The younger guard knocks on the door, and after about 15 seconds a bald man in colorful robes opens the wooden door. "What do you want? Do you have any idea how early it is? We're not even close to being ready for a service!" He says.
"Sir! These three have very important business inside of the shrine!" Says a guard. The bald man rubs his eyes.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Oh? What proof do they have?" The group is silent for a moment.
"...Hi?" Says Layla. The bald man screams and slams the door shut, which prompts the guards to continue knocking and asking if he's okay. Duke chuckles and looks at Ian, who is not as amused. A few minutes later, the door opens again.
"Forgive my outburst, but you startled me. It's been nineteen years since I last saw a divinely gifted beast. What are your names?"
"I am Ian, this is Duke, and the one who scared you is Layla. We're on a mission to kill Horus."
"I am Regalis," says the bald man. "I am the head priest of this shrine. Did you say you want to... kill Horus? But how? The demon is completely immortal! He shrugs off weapons like they are nothing!"
"With this," says Ian. He draws the spear from his back and holds it up for Regalis to see.
"Holy fuck... is that... the primal cutter?"
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"What did you call it?" Asks Ian. The trio is now sitting inside of the shrine on its pews, along with Regalis.
"There are ancient tales of a legendary spear lost to time. In all truth, some great-great-grandfather of mine served a powerful man. A very powerful man. One said to exist beyond time and space. Before he died, it is said he saved his master's spear and brought it to this land, his homeland, to keep it safe. That is truthfully all I know of it. The man he served remains a mystery to his descendants, and why he chose to save the primal cutter eludes us to this day." The group sits in stunned silence for a few moments.
"Thank you for telling us this, but we must pray to Rhea as soon as we possibly can. Even as we speak, Horus could be sending his agents to kill us." Says Duke.
"You are right. Come right this way, to the foot of the statue." Ian looks up, and he sees what is apparently the visage of Rhea. That is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
"We must begin the praying ceremony immediately. If we are lucky, she will hear our pleas and respond to us," says Regalis. The four of them stand in a circle and begin chanting whatever Regalis is. What language even is this?
The group prays and chants for what feels like hours; sunset creeps its way through the windows of the shrine, illuminating it with an orange glow. Just when they have almost given up hope, the statue begins to glow with a bright power. "She's coming! Keep praying!" Shouts Regalis.
Their chanting picks up in intensity with their excitement. Could this actually work? With the last word of their chant, the statue is completely enveloped in a divine yellow glow as it transforms into a gorgeous woman. "Hello, I am Rhea."
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Ian, Duke, and Regalis all kneel to the goddess, and Layla sits down. "You have done well to guide them this far, Layla." Says Rhea. She is a pale woman with long, dark hair and an almost perfect form. Holy shit. She's hot.
"I know why you have summoned me, Ian. Your hatred for Horus is almost as strong as my pity for him. The poor man is so blinded by power that he will never know anything but anger and hate." She chuckles. "You may stop bowing now." The three lift their heads.
"Thank you, your holiness. Please, tell us where Horus is." Ian pleads.
"Now's not the best time for that. In a few seconds his three warriors will come through the door. I can't directly help you fight them off, though; I have pledged to never directly interact with the world." Ian, Duke, and Layla all hurriedly turn to face the door.
"What's going on?" Asks Regalis. Before anyone can make another move, someone crashes through the shrine's window and impales Regalis's head with a rapier.