As Valicar and Easton departed their ship and made their way towards the local temple in the island village, they were greeted by a picturesque scene of quaint thatched roof houses and buildings nestled amongst tall coconut trees and lush greenery. The village was surrounded by clear turquoise waters that gently lapped against the sandy shores.
"Why does every place we visit in this world seem like a vacation we could never afford," Mike grumbled to Sophia internally.
"I think it has something to do with the magic in this world, everything just seems so much more vibrant," Sophia explained as they admired their new environment.
The villagers were dressed in brightly colored sarongs and shirts and went about their daily routines with friendly smiles and welcoming nods toward the two newcomers. The temple itself was a magnificent structure, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Its golden roof glints in the sun and the sound of chanting can be heard emanating from within.
"Great more religion," Mike said with an exasperated sigh.
"Don't worry kid. These guys don't follow the same practices as the Empire, even so, I wouldn't say they are overly fond of mages." Easton said as they approached the main doors.
Two large muscular monks stood guard outside the doors both wearing stern expressions. Their bald heads were shaven clean, and they had thick bushy beards that were well-groomed. Their golden eyes seemed to bore into the souls of those who met their gaze.
"Halt! Only those known to the Goddess Ganshi may enter her halls." The first monk called out.
"May Ganshi's grace shine upon you brother," Easton replied. The monk's expressions softened as if some password had been spoken.
"May her light illuminate your path?" The monks parted allowing Easton and Valicar entry.
As Valicar and Easton stepped through the large wooden doors of the temple, they were greeted by a tranquil atmosphere. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, and the soft glow of candles flickered in the dimly lit space. The walls were adorned with colorful murals and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the local mythology including Averox, and the high ceilings were decorated with ornate chandeliers that cast a warm golden light throughout the room. In the center of the temple was a large altar, adorned with offerings of fruit and flowers, and surrounded by kneeling worshippers. The sound of chanting filled the air, as the monks led the prayers and rituals.
"How did you know what to tell those guards" Valicar whispered to Easton.
"Believe it or not but you learn a thing or two when you spend as much time on the sea as I have." Easton shot back as they approached the altar. "I'll create a distraction, just find that key and meet me back at the Storm Breaker," Easton said with a wink before going off on his own.
"What are you going to do?" But there was no answer as the captain snuck off deeper into the temple. Several minutes passed before an explosion could be heard several rooms away. Instead of the expected panic that would usually ensue, the monks sprung to action like an ant colony under attack. They quickly gained their feet and swarmed in the direction Easton had fled to.
"I guess kicking the hornets' nest works," Sophia said with a shrug.
"And you give me shit for my distractions," Mike said snidely
"Well, you learn from the best I suppose," Sophia said as she began casting her spell to decipher the text on the altar. "Albox Vaenlox" The words changed into something understandable to the twins. The text was simple instructions to place one's hand on the altar and push mana into it to begin a test to prove one's worth.
"Seems simple enough," Sophia commented, laying her hand on the altar.
"Let's just get this over with before those cultists come back," Mike added as Sophia began to pour her mana through the altar. A blinding light engulfed them, and when the light faded, they found themselves in a vast chamber with high ceilings and torches lining the walls. The room was filled with soft blue light, emanating from the intricate runes etched into the stone floor.
"Where the hell are we? Did we get fucking teleported again?" Sophia muttered, looking around in confusion.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"I don't know, but we're not alone," Mike replied, gesturing toward a group of figures standing at the far end of the chamber. It was several Monks with glowing golden eyes much like the ones guarding the temple entrance.
"Hello there! We are here to take your shit, so if you could point us in the right direction that would be great!" Mike called out.
"Only those worthy of Ganshi's favor may take her divine treasure. You must first take the trails of the guardian." The closet monk replied coldly.
"Can we just decide through combat?" Mike called out.
"You would dare do violence against Ganshi's children in her own house! Your impudence will not go unpunished." Golden weapons formed in the monk's hands varying from swords of light to axes and poll staffs.
"Really Mike you had to skip straight to a fight!" Sophia said annoyed as she prepared her usual roster of spells. "Iginis, Silvoria"
"What do you feel like doing more bull shit puzzles," Mike said as a frozen sword appeared in his waiting hand.
Six monks were rushing forward weapons raised, but something was wrong with them. They moved so fast that it was as if they were gliding over the floor without ever touching it. They attacked in perfect unison two attacking high and another two low while the rest flanked to prevent Valicar's retreat. However, she had no reason to retreat when she could go through the monks. "Moriv" The four men unlucky enough to get caught in this attack were sent flying backward into the wall hard enough to crack the stone. The two who were flanking brought their weapons of light down only to be parried expertly by Mike. With a flick of his wrist, he took off one monk's weapon hand off at the elbow and then took the other one’s leg out right below the knee. The monks writhed in pain clutching at their broken and missing limbs.
"Well thanks for not killing them but still did we have to leave them crippled for life?" Sophia said looking at their handy work with distaste.
"They will be fine, I'm sure they can grow them back with holy magic eventually and the ice will stop them from bleeding out, so let's get out of here before more show up," Mike said without remorse.
As Valicar passed the groaning men she found a large stone door with more of the same text she had found on the altar. "Albox Vaenlox" The text read" Only those that can channel magic into the shape of the sacred weapon Blue Dawn may be able to pass this point. For only its flames may burn away the filth of the mortal world.
"Fuck this is gonna take a lot of mana." Sophia groaned at the thought of how hot her flames would have to be to imitate Blue Dawn.
"This wouldn't be a problem if you hadn't given our sword away," Mike said bitterly.
"I wouldn't have had to waste that mana fighting these assholes if you hadn't mouthed off Mike! We have to take the stupid test anyway!" Sophia said annoyed.
"Just get on with it," Mike said as his sword of ice melted away.
"Binloval Geroxy Mertimora!" A small blue flame appeared in Valicar's hand. Small at first but grew larger until it was roughly the same size as Blue Dawn. Sweat falling down her brow from the exertion and heat Sophia drove the blade into the door. The runes shot to life as something clicked and the doors swung open.
Sophia stumbled forward, panting heavily from the strain of channeling so much mana into her flames. Her hand shook as she wiped the sweat from her forehead, feeling the exhaustion set in. As she caught her breath, she looked up and saw a gleaming piece of leather armor sitting on a pedestal inside the vault.
"I'm gonna be running on low for a while, Mike," Sophia said with a shaky voice. "But at least we found it."
"Let's grab it and dip," Mike said as he made their way up the stairs.
Valicar walked towards the pedestal and picked up the armor, feeling its weight in her hands. It was intricately designed, with golden runes etched into the leather and plate mail that seemed to glow softly in the dim light of the vault.
"It's ... So light, but it's strong like metal..." Mike said as he tested the new equipment. Sliding the armor on they were suspired to feel it shrink to fit their small frame, it quickly changed shape to be a perfect fit around Valicar's chest, providing substantial protection but staying flexible enough to not hamper their movements.
"Wow. Check out the new drip." Sophia said as she admired the armor.
"What does it do tho..." In that moment a bolt of light shot forth from one of the downed monks striking Valicar in the back. But the bolt simply vanished as if the armor drank it. Erasing the attack from existence in a moment, saving the twins from being impaled.
Mike quickly jumped to the monk kicking him in the face causing blood and teeth to be sent flying as the man was sent back to unconsciousness.
"Fuck that was close!" Sophia said with alarm.
"Well, at least we know what it does now," Mike said with a smile on his lips. "Just the kinda edge we needed." Another flash and they were back at the altar, surrounded by dozens of pissed-off monks.
"Shit. Time to run..." As they wove in and out of foot traffic their armor had already proven itself invaluable. Any holy magic that got too close to it was absorbed instantly. However, this did little to protect their exposed heads, arms, and legs. By the time they made it back to the ship with half the town chasing them, they were covered in cuts and bruises on the exposed parts of their body.
"PULL THE ANCHOR! WE HAVE TO GO NOW!" Valicar yelled with the town hot on their heels. She made it to the ship with one final leap just as it left the dock.
"What took you so long?" Easton said as he sat in the corner of the ship, a cup of whisky in his hand and a smile on his face.