On the sixth day, following the conclusion of the temple ceremony, Lyria remained amidst the gathering of devotees as they began to make way out. At that moment, the priest, with an air of gentleness, sought to engage her in conversation.

His voice, soft and inquisitive, broke the silence between them as he said, "Excuse me."

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As Lyria started walked out of the temple, disguised as a devotee, she noticed the priest calling out to her. Acting naturally, she turned around to face him. The priest approached her, and just as she was about to bow her head, he gently stopped her, his touch lingering on her body. Lyria's first instinct was to retaliate, to cut off his arm right then and there, but she restrained herself. She knew that her time for vengeance would come, now that she had caught the priest's attention.

Lyria ceased her bowing and inquired, "Priest, why did you call me?"

The priest, who had been a faithful servant in the city's temple for nearly two decades, looed at her intently. "I have known almost everyone in this city, but I have never seen you before, child. Where are you from?"

"I came from Zhine ten days ago to visit Lord Indra's temple," Lyria replied, maintaining her composure.

The priest nodded, acknowledging the arduous journey she must have undertaken. "Ah, Zhine. That is quite a distance to travel. But why did you come here? If I recall correctly, there is a branch of Templum Dionysii in Zhine."

Lyria confirmed his observation. "Yes, priest. There is indeed a branch of Templum Dionysii in Zhine. However, when I was a child, my parents received assistance from the Indra devotees. As a result, we became worshippers of Lord Indra. Unfortunately, there is no temple of Indra near our city. We were impoverished, so we resorted to praying fervently, hoping that our prayers would reach the Lord. But when I was twelve years old, our city was struck by a devastating plague. My parents succumbed to the illness, and before they passed, they expressed their final wish for at least one of us to have the opportunity to visit the temple of Indra. To fulfill their request and offer my own prayers and offerings to the Lord, I embarked on this journey, working odd jobs along the way to earn enough money for travel."

The priest's expression softened as he listened to Lyria's tale. "I have heard of that tragic incident. So many lives were lost. I am truly sorry for your loss, child."

Lyria offered a reassuring smile. "There is no need for apologies, priest. If my parents knew that I now stand in this temple, they would be overjoyed for me."

The priest's face brightened, and he spoke with a sense of conviction. "I believe that the hardships you have endured since childhood have left a lasting impression on our Lord. Perhaps, to ensure that you no longer suffer, he guided you to me."

Lyria's confusion grew, and she asked, "What do you mean, priest?"

The priest met her gaze, his eyes filled with a glimmer of hope. "What if I told you that you have the chance to see the Lord directly?"

Lyria's heart skipped a beat, and she could hardly contain her excitement. "Can I truly have that opportunity?"

The priest chuckled warmly. "Of course, my child. That is why I mentioned that our god brought you to me."

Lyria's elation was palpable as she eagerly inquired, "What should I do, priest?"

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In the house where the remaining group members Atesso, Cyrus, and Izel sat anxiously waiting, the tension was palpable. They had been waiting for Lyria, their trusted companion, who had gone to meet the priest at the temple. It had been almost two hours since the completion of the ceremony, and their worry grew with each passing minute.

Atesso, known for his impulsive nature, couldn't contain his frustration any longer. "Damn, why hasn't Lyria come back yet? What is taking her so long?"

Izel, the calm and composed member of the group, tried to reassure them. "Patience, Atesso. It's only been a couple of hours. She should have arrived by now, but perhaps there was a delay."

Cyrus, the analytical thinker, chimed in, his mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe the priest stopped her for some reason. It could be a good sign, indicating that our plan has succeeded."

Atesso's eyes widened with hope. "You mean she's still with the priest? That would mean she's made progress!"

Cyrus nodded, his thoughts aligning with Atesso's excitement. "I can't say for certain, but knowing Lyria for all these years, I highly doubt she would waste time on unnecessary matters. She's always been focused and determined, even if she can be a bit boring at times."

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Just as the words left Cyrus's mouth, Lyria entered the house, her eyes locking onto Cyrus. "So, Cyrus, are you saying that I don't know how to have fun?"

Cyrus stumbled over his words, realizing his unintentional slip. "No, no, Lyria! That's not what I meant at all. I apologize if it came across that way."

Lyria's expression softened, and she waved off his apology. "It's alright, Cyrus. We have more important things to discuss right now."

Izel stepped in between them, diffusing the tension. "Let's focus on the mission at hand. Lyria, what happened in the temple? Did you meet the priest?"

Cyrus joined them, eager for any information. "Yes, Lyria, please tell us what transpired."

Lyria, always level-headed, took a deep breath before speaking. "The priest called me to come to the temple tomorrow night."

Izel raised an eyebrow. "Why tomorrow? Didn't he ask that woman before to come to the temple on the same day she received help from him?"

Lyria explained, "The priest mentioned that tomorrow is the day of a festival, and he wanted to ensure there were no distractions before the event."

Atesso groaned in frustration. "I can't wait any longer! We've been on this mission for two months already."

Izel looked at Atesso, his gaze firm. "We've waited this long, Atesso. We can wait for one more day. Remember, patience is key."

Cyrus added, "I understand the anticipation, but rushing into things could jeopardize the entire plan."

Lyria, appreciating their concern, reassured them. "We have no choice but to wait. Tomorrow night, when I enter the temple, after about 20 to 30 minutes, you can start the attack on the guards. I will take care of the priest."

Cyrus couldn't help but express his concern. "Are you really sure about this, Lyria? It's a risky move."

Lyria met his gaze with determination. "I am sure. We've come too far to turn back now. Trust me, we can do this."

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The next day dawned with an air of excitement and anticipation. The city was alive with vibrant celebrations, as the festival day had finally arrived. The streets were adorned with colorful banners and streamers, fluttering in the gentle breeze. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, as people bustled about, preparing for the festivities ahead.

The temple, the epicenter of the celebrations, stood tall and majestic. Its grand architecture seemed to reach for the heavens, its intricate carvings and shimmering golden accents catching the sunlight. The temple courtyard was a hive of activity, with people bustling around, setting up stalls and decorations. The aroma of incense wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers.

The sound of music and drums echoed from the temple, captivating the hearts of the people. Melodies filled the streets, lifting the spirits of those who had toiled tirelessly throughout the year. The rhythmic beats of the drums reverberated through the city, infusing it with an infectious energy.

Children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing joyously. They wore colorful attire, their faces painted with intricate designs, adding to the festive atmosphere. Street performers entertained the crowds with their acrobatic feats and mesmerizing dances, drawing cheers and applause from the onlookers.

Food stalls lined the streets, offering a tantalizing array of delicacies. The aroma of freshly cooked treats filled the air, enticing passersby with their mouthwatering scents. People indulged in traditional dishes, savoring the flavors that were only enjoyed during this special occasion.

Inside the temple, the priest oversaw the preparations with a sense of pride and devotion. He guided the temple workers, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the grand celebration. The flickering candlelight illuminated the sacred space, casting a warm glow on the ornate statues and intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.

As the day progressed, the excitement grew, reaching a crescendo as the sun began to set. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting the city with shades of gold, orange, and pink. The temple bells chimed, signaling the start of the evening ceremony.

The people gathered in the temple courtyard, their faces filled with anticipation. The priest, dressed in resplendent robes, stood at the altar, ready to lead the rituals. The atmosphere was electric, as the crowd awaited the moment when they would connect with the divine.

As the people thronged towards the temple, their joyful singing and dancing filling the streets, Atesso couldn't help but be captivated by the scene unfolding before him. The vibrant colors, the infectious laughter, and the sense of unity that permeated the air seemed to contradict everything he had been taught. He turned to his companions, Lyria, Cyrus, and Izel, with a perplexed expression on his face.

"Seeing these people, sometimes I can't help but wonder," Atesso began, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, "Are these temples really the source of suffering and torment that our leader has told us?"

Lyria, her eyes filled with a mix of compassion and wisdom, looked at Atesso and spoke gently, "Atesso, what you see in front of you is just a facade, a carefully constructed illusion. It's easy to be swayed by the surface-level happiness and festivities, but there is often a deeper truth hidden beneath."

Cyrus, the analytical thinker, sighed and chimed in, "Atesso, you must remember that appearances can be deceiving. Just because people seem happy on the surface doesn't mean that everything is as it seems. There is a saying that goes, 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' We must look beyond the surface and seek the truth."

Atesso's brow furrowed as he tried to process their words. "But... how can we be so sure? How can we know what lies beneath this seemingly joyful exterior?"

Izel, a man of few words but deep insight, spoke up. '' You have only recently joined our group, so you may not fully understand the darkness that lies beneath the surface. While we may not know every detail, we have seen enough to know that there is a price to pay for this apparent happiness."

Lyria's voice carried a note of concern as she continued, "Atesso, I say this for your own good. Don't question yourself or your beliefs just because of what you see in front of you. The world is complex, and there are forces at play that we may not fully comprehend. It's important to remain vigilant and not be swayed by illusions."

Atesso took a moment to absorb their words, his gaze shifting from one companion to another. He realized that they spoke from experience, from the knowledge they had gained through their own journeys and encounters. He nodded slowly, understanding he spoke without thinking

'You're right," Atesso finally admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of humility and determination. "i will try not be swayed by these things."