The next chamber they entered was vast and eerily silent. The glow of the runes illuminated a massive altar

at the center of the room. Statues of twin women stood on either side of the altar, each holding a different

weapon—one a bow, the other a staff.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Kira muttered, gripping his sword tighter.

Darumu stepped forward, her chi flickering faintly around her fists. “Stay alert. We don’t know what we’re

walking into.”

As they approached the altar, a voice echoed through the room, soft yet commanding.

“Who dares disturb the sanctuary of the twin guardians?”

The statues began to glow, and moments later, two figures emerged from the shadows. They were identical

in appearance, with long silver hair and piercing blue eyes. One held a bow, while the other carried a

glowing staff. Both wore ornate armor that hugged their figures, emphasizing their striking forms.

The one with the staff spoke first, her voice calm yet firm. “I am Mira, acolyte of the Twin Goddesses.”

The archer raised her bow with a smirk. “And I’m Selvi. Try anything funny, and I’ll put an arrow through

your heart.”

Kira raised his hands in defense. “We’re not here to fight! We’re just passing through.”

Darumu crossed her arms, unimpressed. “You sure about that, newbie? They don’t look like the ‘friendly’

type.”

Mira stepped closer, her gaze softening as she studied Kira. “You… you carry the Orb of Shadows.”

“How do you know about that?” Kira asked, startled.

“The orb is a relic of the Dark God,” Mira explained. “We’ve been tasked with guarding this temple and

ensuring it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

Selvi narrowed her eyes. “So, tell us, kid—are you one of the Dark God’s pawns, or are you here to stop

him?”

Kira hesitated, but Darumu stepped forward, her voice sharp. “We’re here to stop the Dark God. And trust

me, we’ve faced plenty of his pawns already.”

The twins exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable. Finally, Mira lowered her staff. “Very well. If

you truly oppose the Dark God, then we’ll help you. But be warned—the path you’ve chosen is dangerous,

and the enemies you face will only grow stronger.”

As they prepared to leave the chamber, Kira found himself walking beside Mira, while Selvi chatted easily

with Darumu.

“So,” Kira began awkwardly, “what’s the deal with you two? Why are you guarding this temple?”

Mira smiled faintly, her calm demeanor putting him at ease. “Selvi and I are orphans, much like your

companion. We were raised by the followers of the Twin Goddesses, who took us in and trained us toprotect this land from the Dark God’s influence.”

Selvi glanced over her shoulder, adding with a grin, “And let’s be honest—I’m the fun one. Mira’s all about

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

duty and rules. I’m here to make sure we don’t die of boredom.”

Mira sighed. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

Darumu smirked. “You remind me of someone,” she said, giving Kira a playful nudge.

Kira blushed, muttering, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

As the group traveled deeper into the temple, they encountered a series of puzzles and traps. Mira’s

knowledge of ancient magic and Selvi’s keen eyesight proved invaluable, allowing them to navigate the

challenges with surprising ease.

At one point, a collapsing bridge forced them to work together. Kira used his Arcane Strike to clear debris,

while Selvi fired arrows to trigger hidden mechanisms. Mira channeled her healing magic to support

Darumu, who held the bridge steady with her chi.

By the time they reached the temple’s final chamber, the four of them were breathing heavily but grinning

triumphantly.

“That was almost too easy,” Selvi said, twirling an arrow between her fingers.

Darumu snorted. “Says the one who almost fell into the pit.”

“Details,” Selvi replied with a wink.

That evening, the group camped just outside the temple. Kira found himself sitting by the fire, staring into

the flames.

“You’re quieter than usual,” Mira said, sitting beside him. Her silver hair shimmered in the firelight, and her

soft smile made him feel oddly calm.

“Just thinking,” he replied. “About the orb, the Dark God… everything.”

Mira placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’re carrying a heavy burden, but you don’t have to face

it alone. We’re here for you.”

Kira nodded, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Mira.”

Meanwhile, Selvi and Darumu were off to the side, deep in conversation.

“So,” Selvi said with a sly grin, “what’s the deal with you and the newbie? He seems… attached.”

Darumu rolled her eyes. “He’s just a kid trying to find his way. Don’t make it weird.”

Selvi raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on. You’ve gotta admit he’s got potential. And he’s kinda cute in that

clueless way.”

Darumu didn’t respond, but the faint smile on her lips didn’t go unnoticed.

The next morning, the group set off for Abridge, the nearest town. The journey was long and treacherous,

with the looming threat of the Dark God’s forces always present. But with their new allies, Kira felt arenewed sense of hope.

As they walked, Darumu fell into step beside him. “So, Arcane Swordsman, what’s the plan when we get to

Abridge?”

Kira thought for a moment. “First, we resupply. Then, we figure out what the orb wants us to do next.”

Selvi grinned from behind them. “Sounds like a party. I hope Abridge has a good tavern.”

“And maybe some answers,” Mira added, her expression thoughtful.

With their bonds growing stronger and their resolve unshaken, the group pressed on, ready to face

whatever challenges awaited them.