The air hung heavy as Alex and the others blinked their eyes open, emerging into a vast hall. Towering statues of deities lined the walls, their expressions solemn and watchful. One, unmistakable, bore the likeness of Goddess Mea, patron of their world. Others, male and female, presumably represented a pantheon yet unknown.
An expectant hush filled the chamber. Figures materialized - some clad in gleaming silver armor, others draped in flowing robes. The former, wielding swords and spears, exuded an air of vigilant protection. The latter, led by a woman of ethereal beauty, radiated reverence. Her blue hair cascaded down her back, mirroring the azure depths of her eyes. A gentle smile graced her lips as she addressed the newcomers.
"Welcome, Otherworlders," Her voice resonated with melodic authority.
"The prophecy of Goddess Mea foretold your arrival. I am Priscilla, High Priestess of this sacred temple. We are humbled by your presence. Though fatigue must weigh heavy upon you, rest assured, comfortable chambers await. We shall convene tomorrow to discuss your purpose in this land. Please, follow me."
With a gracious gesture, Priscilla began to weave through the hall, and the companions, stirred by curiosity and apprehension, fell into step behind her. Soon, they were ushered into individual rooms, each adorned with simple elegance - a bed, a desk, a chair, and a private bathroom.
Alex traced the unfamiliar fabric of the bed, finding it surprisingly similar to what he knew back home. A moment of pensive silence stretched before a soft rap on the door startled him. He approached, cautiously opening it to reveal a young woman with verdant hair and eyes like emeralds. Her beauty, by Earthly standards, would have been undeniable.
"Esteemed guest," She bowed respectfully,
"-would you desire your evening meal now, or perhaps later?"
Alex, momentarily lost in thought, shook his head.
"Thank you, but I find no hunger at present. Should I require anything, I shall not hesitate to summon you."
With another bow, the young woman glided away, leaving Alex once more alone with his swirling thoughts.
He sank back onto the bed, the door clicking shut behind him. Silence filled the room, broken only by the hum of his thoughts. After a few minutes, he reached out, willing his Gift into existence. A familiar weight materialized in his hands - two guns, cold steel glinting in the dim light.
Curiosity gnawed at him. He hadn't noticed anything unusual during his first encounter with them. Now, with a murmured excuse - "Just wanted to see if I could break the seal," he muttered - he began a meticulous examination.
The silver pistol, reminiscent of a Desert Eagle, bore an intricate carving on its grip. A cross, devoid of its central figure, stood out starkly. Religious symbolism? He had no idea what it meant, but a spark of hope flickered. He pricked his finger, letting a bead of blood fall onto the carving. Nothing. Disappointment settled in his gut.
Undeterred, he shifted his attention to the black revolver, a Taurus Raging Hunter, its dark form radiating power. He repeated the blood test, but again, met with silence. Dejection threatened to engulf him. How could he survive in this strange new world without his Gift?
His mind drifted to swords, a more tangible weapon. Perhaps later, he thought, pushing the thought aside for now. There would be time to explore alternatives. But for now, his focus remained on unlocking the secrets of his sealed Gift. He wouldn't give up hope.
A shiver snaked down Alex's spine as he examined the black gun's grip. Carved there, with chilling clarity, was a skeletal figure draped in a black robe. A scythe clutched in its bony hand, the other beckoned closer, a reaper straight from some infernal realm. An omen, or a morbid reminder? He sent the guns back with a tremor in his hands, the unsettling image seared into his mind.
Sleep offered little solace, his thoughts churning with the day's events and Maria's words. Dawn arrived, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange. Alex rose, stretching the stiffness from his limbs with light exercises. A refreshing shower later, he donned the clothes left by the maid – surprisingly good quality, he noted. Time to explore.
Stepping out, he surveyed the temple's vastness. Rows of identical rooms stretched beyond his own, each holding an unknown story. A few minutes of walking brought him face-to-face with Maria and Sakuya. Luna was absent.
"Hi, Maria," he greeted, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
"How'd you sleep? Any strange dreams ?"
Maria's smile faltered for a moment, then returned, warm and reassuring. "Good, thanks for asking. You? I know your Gift's been on your mind, and what Leonardo said. Don't worry, Alex. I believe in you. Even without your Gift, you'll find your way. It's not useless, just... different. You'll grow stronger, I have no doubt."
Alex appreciated Maria's attempt to lift his spirits, even if he suspected her words might not hold deeper meaning. Still, her encouragement warmed him.
"Jealousy breeds fear," Sakuya chimed in, her voice laced with amusement. "Those who fear the unknown tend to lash out."
Alex nodded curtly, dismissing their judgment.
"Their opinions hold no weight with me. My path is already set."
Sakuya's eyes gleamed with competitive fire.
"Then let's test your resolve sometime. A friendly duel, perhaps?"
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Agreed, but on one condition..."
"Oh?" Sakuya quirked an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips.
"Intrigue me."
A enigmatic grin spread across Alex's face.
"The details remain shrouded for now. But let's not keep the others waiting any longer."
Maria, catching the playful banter, couldn't help but smile. Sakuya, however, pouted playfully, feigning annoyance. They exchanged amused glances before following Alex towards the grand hall, where Priestess Priscilla and the others awaited their arrival.