As we ventured deeper into the dark chamber, our footsteps echoed ominously, reminding us of the danger that surrounded us. Fear gripped my heart, and I clutched my sword tightly, knowing that retreat was not an option.
In the depths of my being, I silently pleaded to God, "
Please, save us from this plight."
The Priestess, sensing my unease, placed a reassuring hand on my arm.
"Fear not, Grand Pontiff. We walk this path with faith in our hearts, and the power of the divine guides our steps. Trust in the strength that has been bestowed upon us."
Her words provided a measure of solace, and I drew upon my resolve to continue. As we advanced, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive, as if the very air weighed us down.
The walls seemed to close in on us, pressing against our bodies with an unseen force.
But there is something that caught my eye, as the light slowly illuminated the chamber, flesh and blood covered the whole chamber, revealing a macabre sight.
The room was strewn with broken machinery and remnants of what appeared to be failed experiments.
Tubes and wires dangled from the ceiling, swaying eerily in the stagnant air. The rusted metallic surfaces seemed to weep, dripping with an oily substance that stained the floor beneath.
Torn flesh dangling around the pipes, blood dripping around it , I feel a bit sick but I have to steel my resolve, after a while of walking as the light illuminated we are greeted with impaled bodies that are on a kneeling position, the carcasses are torn and maimed to pieces faces are unrecognizable, the torso has been ripped apart that it reveals its intestine, its armor is torn apart, the white cape around the bodies is dyed with blood, holes poked around the eyes sockets its like something has taken them, some of the bodies are holding a cross made of flesh.
The bodies smell are like the combination of blood and oil mixed.
The priestess then said while looking at the bodies
"These are some of the Templars, I wonder how many of them survived?"
While she is pondering uncaring of how the bodies are maimed and twisted but this grotesque scene, my eyes can't take it, I looked away I ran to the back of the magi squad and I puked so much that I feel my throat is burning.
"Uwaaagghhh"
As I puked my body is shaking my sight is fading as I thinking what the fucking hell happened here.
I puked more until priestess walk around me and casted her healing spell, her cold yet beautiful eyes bore through me like she found this sight of me amusing, I tried to ignore the way she looks at me, but why is she smiling?
After the healing spell take its effect I calmed and reassured myself that everything is alright, the sight of those people it didn't happen to us, we just need to escape this hellhole and we will be alright.
The priestess then interrupted my thoughts and said.
"Are you alright now grand pontiff? The grotesque always has a way of killing its victims, like it has habits in its past life that those who are turned into a grotesque will retain its habits and action and they use it to kill its victims".
"Can they understand us priestess? I-I mean that since they will retain its intelligence they are bound to understand us right? Their bodies are different but surely they can communicate".
"While some of the grotesque can talk grand pontiff, but they are so deluded to their thoughts and desires that their souls are corrupted beyond redemption, they will always engage in combat first, even rarely they try to talk but it is just basically insults or just noises they try to slur."
I tried to gain more information but the priestess cut me off.
"Enough talk".
The priestess then shows a cold face to all of us and stares at the gruesome sight her calm voice resonated towards the chamber.
"Magi squad burn all the bodies, let us give prayer and purify this Templars who have fought to pave a way to the shortcut". As I solemnly looked at the bodies an incantation then can be heard loudly reverberating the room.
"God assesses us according to our actions, not the coat we wear: that Truth is above everything, but truthful life is much greater. Know that when we love, we achieve God, and only that victory continues, as a result of which no one is defeated."
The bodies then are burned, cackling through the torrent of fire, the smell of burning flesh permeate throughout the chamber, some of the Magi are shaking like they know those Templars. While the Priestess only coldness is visible no emotion is present on her beautiful face.
After a while the Priestess led us with unwavering determination, her steps unwavering despite the treacherous terrain. We followed her closely, our senses heightened, and our weapons ready to strike at any moment.
The Magi remained vigilant, their eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement.
Suddenly, a low, guttural growl reverberated through the chamber, echoing off the metallic walls.
The sound sent a chill down my spine, and I instinctively tightened my grip on my sword. The growl grew louder, more menacing, as if it originated from a creature of immense power.
The Magi swiftly formed a defensive circle around the Priestess and me, their scepters raised, ready to unleash their arcane might. The tension in the air was palpable as we awaited the grotesque's approach.
Then, from the depths of the chamber, emerged a lone Templar standing in the hallway it didn't face us, only staring to the walls. It wears an white armor draped in a white cape, Holding a sword imbued with metallic pipes on the handle.
The Templar then faces us showing us his mask only a large cross to the center of the face, and a cross on its torso, It also wears a golden bracelet , one of the magi slowly approached, only his step can only be heard.
"Brother? Is that you? Are you all right, what happened here?".
The Templar then is shaking all of its body as it tries to grab the Magi, its mask fell off only revealing its grotesque face, its face is full of eyes gushing blood, its hand is shaking trying to grab the magi.
The thing then responds in guttural voice.
"BroTher! dO yoU remember tHe TiMe We TrAined Together? It hUrts that FaTher!!! OnLy ReCognize YoUUUUUU! I SEEE iT On My EyeSs He Only giFts yOu, HE OnLy! LaVishes yoU BeCause of Your Magik!"
The grotesque then rushes at the Magi in a unprecedented speed, trying to slash the magi. Without hesitation, all of the Magi squad unleashed a barrage of spells, hurling bolts of energy and conjuring elemental forces. The grotesque retaliated, its monstrous limbs lashing out with blinding speed trying to slice the magi, deflecting the spells with an unnatural grace. It moved with an intelligence that belied its monstrous appearance.
"AlL oF you shAll Perish MagI scCum!".
The grotesque eyes redden, its have become faster, to the point, that it slice a magi half, revealing all of its intestines, one of the Magi screams. Running full speed to the grotesque.
"Only in death there is respite!
The magi body explodes directly to the grotesque cutting a portion of its body and yet it still stands guttural voice only can be heard through its eyes.
"DiE yOu All oF shaLl Die, I WiLl rippEd all of Ur eYezz AnD mAKe you bLeed MaGi SCum!
Ripping the head of Magi and mocking us by waving the head of the magi on its hand, only its laughter heard. As the battle raged on, I observed the Priestess. Her voice resonated through the chaos, guiding the Magi with her unwavering command. She channeled the divine energy within her, casting powerful healing spells to mend the wounds of our allies and bolster their strength.
The Magi fought with unparalleled skill and determination. They moved in perfect harmony, their spells complementing each other, creating a symphony of destructive power. Fire engulfed the grotesque, lightning crackled across its misshapen body, and gusts of wind battered it from all sides. But still, it persisted, its twisted form refusing to yield.
Driven by a surge of courage, I stepped forward, my sword gleaming with divine radiance. With a battle cry on my lips, I struck at the grotesque, aiming for its eyes. The creature roared in pain as my blade pierced its flesh, its dark blood oozing onto the floor.
The Magi, fueled by my actions, intensified their assault. Bolstered by the Priestess's healing and protective spells, they channeled their arcane powers with renewed vigor. Arcane sigils danced in the air as they unleashed a torrent of magical energy upon the grotesque, determined to vanquish it once and for all.
The grotesque fought back ferociously, its twisted limbs thrashing about, smashing into the defensive barriers erected by the Magi. The clash of steel and magic filled the chamber, a symphony of chaos and destruction. But even as the grotesque showed signs of weakening, it refused to yield, its resilience fueled by its dark and corrupted essence.
Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy emanated from the Priestess. Her eyes blazed with divine light as she channeled the purest form of holy energy. With a voice that echoed through the chamber, she invoked a sacred incantation, calling upon the divine forces to smite the abomination before us.
"Oh, Almighty One, we humbly offer ourselves as your loyal guardians and devoted followers. We seek liberation from the shackles of ignorance, insincerity, arrogance, and dishonesty. Grant us the wisdom to recognize and overcome the destructive forces of animosity, spite, and rage, along with the impurities that corrupt our souls. Guide us away from the path of heresy, so that we may walk in righteousness and purity. Hear our prayer and lead us towards enlightenment and redemption.
A blinding beam of radiant energy erupted from the Priestess, engulfing the grotesque in a holy inferno. The creature howled in agony as its twisted form disintegrated, consumed by the divine wrath. The intense light subsided, leaving nothing but a charred and lifeless husk in its wake.
The magi then kneeled to the carcass and said.
"I am sorry brother I didn't know, please forgive me".
Clutching to the golden bracelet, but in my eyes there is whirling darkness around his body, I don't know what this means but I should be careful around him.
After a while silence descended upon the chamber, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing and the crackling of residual energy. The Magi lowered their staves, their spells dissipating into the air. We stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, victory tinged with a sense of loss.
The Priestess approached the remains of the grotesque, her expression a mix of coldness and determination . "May your tortured soul find peace in the embrace of the divine," she whispered, a final prayer offered for the fallen creature.
As we caught our breath and regrouped, the Priestess turned to me, her gaze filled with unwavering resolve. "Grand Pontiff, we have prevailed against this grotesque, but our journey is far from over. There are still grotesque roaming, each harboring their own horrors. We must press onward and find a way to escape."
I nodded in agreement, the weight of our mission pressing upon me. "You are right, Priestess. We cannot falter we should reunite to the Templar and escape here."
With renewed determination, we continued our exploration of the chamber. The spell of light cast by the Magi illuminated our path, revealing more broken machinery and remnants of failed experiments. Each step forward was accompanied by a sense of foreboding, as if the very walls themselves whispered tales of suffering and despair.
As we moved deeper into the chamber, we discovered a series of interconnected corridors, each one more ominous than the last. The air grew heavier, and the stench of decay filled our nostrils. Shadows danced along the walls, their shifting forms giving birth to haunting illusions that tested our resolve.
Undeterred by the horrors that will assail us. The Magi unleashed their spell of reconnaissance, deploying the birds throughout the interconnected corridor, we have waited, the darkness of this place seems to swallow us, we keep waiting until the magi finally speaks.
"Priestess many anomalies detected, the path to the shortcut is the right path but the birds detect some life out there, I believe that these are the surviving Templars".
"Very well all Magi prepare yourself we shall burn all of the grotesque that we encounter. Prepare all defenses and don't die.
All of the Magi responded with unwavering faith.
"Yes Priestess. Only in death there is respite!"
The priestess then set her eyes on me, the way she looks at me like she wanted to hunt me down like a small little prey.
"Grand Pontiff our destination is near, once we escape you may ask all of the questions that you want to be answered.
Her face is creating a beautiful smile, and yet I felt fear and coldness because of the way she smiles at me. I questioned myself a bit should I just run, something is not right on her.
I then snapped out and said.
"Thank you priestess, that will be much appreciated".
I smiled at her to calm myself, I should not question it, all of the Magi and her saved me from this hellhole, heck many of the magi died I should be thanking them.
I then looked at the interconnected corridor and said.
"We should move out time is wasting!".
All of the respoded with will and determination.
"Yes Grand Pontiff, Only in death there is respite!.
I keep thinking about the grotesque that we encountered, and how many will die just to save me. Only guilt is harbored through my mind, I then snapped out and slowly walk forward to the endless darkness.