The group stood before the imposing structure of the temple. Its towering spires were shrouded in shadow,

and the air around it was thick with an ominous energy. The orb in Kira’s possession pulsed faintly,

resonating with the temple’s dark aura.

“This place feels… wrong,” Selvi said, her voice trembling as she gripped her bow.

Darumu nodded, her chi flaring protectively. “Stay close. Whatever’s in there isn’t going to make this easy.”

Kira stepped forward, his determination shining through despite the unease. “We have to do this. The orb

brought us here for a reason.”

With that, they entered the temple.

The deeper they ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The temple’s halls were lined with

crumbling statues and walls etched with eldritch symbols. At the center of a vast chamber, they found a

towering figure: Baphomet, a demonic beast with the body of a man, the legs of a goat, and burning

crimson eyes that seemed to pierce their very souls.

“You dare trespass in my domain?” Baphomet’s voice rumbled like thunder, shaking the ground beneath

their feet.

The group immediately prepared for battle. Selvi fired arrows that seemed to vanish before reaching the

demon. Mira cast protective wards, while Darumu charged forward, her fists blazing with chi.

Kira followed, his newly forged Arcane Swordsmanship techniques glowing with energy. “Let’s take him

down together!”

But Baphomet was no ordinary foe. With a wave of his clawed hand, he unleashed a torrent of dark energy

that sent the group scattering.

Kira charged again, aiming for the demon’s heart. “This is for everyone you’ve hurt!” he shouted, unleashing

Arcane Cleave.

The attack landed, creating a flash of light that illuminated the chamber. For a moment, it seemed like they

had a chance—but Baphomet barely flinched.

“You are nothing,” the demon growled, striking Kira with a devastating blow.

Kira was flung across the chamber, his body slamming into the wall. Blood spilled from his wounds as he

crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

“KIRA!” Darumu screamed, her voice raw with anguish.

The group froze, their morale shattered. Baphomet’s laughter echoed through the chamber. “Run, mortals.

Run while you still can.”

Darumu didn’t hesitate. She rushed to Kira’s side, tears streaming down her face as she checked his pulse.

He was alive, but barely.

“We have to go,” Mira said, her voice shaking. “We can’t fight him like this.”

Selvi nodded reluctantly. “Darumu, let’s go!”

Darumu lifted Kira onto her back, her chi flaring to give her strength. “I won’t let you die,” she whispered,

her voice breaking.

The group fled the temple, Baphomet’s mocking laughter following them into the night.

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As they ran through the jungle, Darumu’s footing slipped on a muddy slope. She tumbled down, still

clutching Kira tightly. They landed in a shallow ravine, the fall knocking the wind out of her.

“Kira…” she whispered, cradling his unconscious body. Blood stained his clothes, and his breathing was

shallow.

Tears streamed down her face as she held him close. “Don’t you dare die on me,” she sobbed. “You’re too

stubborn to leave us now. You’re… you’re supposed to protect us. Protect me.”

Darumu’s voice broke as she buried her face in his chest. “I can’t lose you. I… I won’t.”

Mira and Selvi caught up, their own expressions grim. Mira knelt beside Darumu, her hands glowing with

healing magic. “We need to get him back to Abridge. I’ll do what I can to stabilize him, but we have to

hurry.”

Selvi placed a reassuring hand on Darumu’s shoulder. “He’s tough. If anyone can survive this, it’s Kira.”

Darumu nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then let’s move. I won’t let him die here.”

The group stumbled into the healer’s quarters in Abridge just as the sun was rising. The healer, an elderly

woman with kind eyes, quickly assessed Kira’s condition.

“He’s gravely injured,” she said. “But with time and rest, he might pull through. Leave him to me.”

Darumu refused to leave Kira’s side, sitting vigil by his bed even as the others tried to convince her to rest.

“You should get some sleep,” Mira said softly.

“I’m not leaving him,” Darumu replied firmly, her eyes never leaving Kira’s face.

Selvi crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. “He’s got some strong women looking out for him, huh?”

Mira smiled faintly. “He’s worth it.”

Days passed, and Kira’s condition slowly improved. One evening, as Darumu sat beside him, his eyes

fluttered open.

“Darumu?” he whispered, his voice weak.

She gasped, tears welling up in her eyes. “You idiot,” she said, half-laughing, half-crying. “Do you know how

close you came to dying?”

Kira managed a faint smile. “Sorry to worry you.”

Darumu shook her head, wiping her tears away. “Just don’t do it again, okay? I don’t think my heart can take

it.”

Kira’s gaze softened. “Thanks for saving me.”

“You saved me first,” Darumu replied, her voice trembling. “I just returned the favor.”

As Kira regained his strength, the group gathered to discuss their next move.

“We can’t take on Baphomet again, not as we are,” Mira said. “We need to grow stronger and learn more

about the Dark God’s forces.”

Selvi nodded. “Agreed. But we can’t keep running forever.”

Kira, still recovering but determined, clenched his fists. “We’ll get stronger. Together. And we’ll take him

down.”

Darumu placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes fierce. “We’ll make sure of it.”

As the group steeled themselves for the challenges ahead, the bonds between them grew stronger, forged

in the fires of battle and the depths of despair.