[Team Right coming in. We've located and captured the target. We're leaving the premises immediately.]
[Wait! We can't leave yet. You can sense it to, can't you?]
[...]
[The spirituality of the sewers is being absorbed into a single point deep within the labyrinth. There's a high possibility that this "Father Gregory" figure is planning on enacting a ritual that could kill hundreds of people.]
[What are we supposed to do about that? I can't connect with half of our forces, and it seems like you're already injured. I can tell from your labored breath.]
[That isn't important right now. We still have THAT trump card. The monster that Favio McLoren built specifically for slaughter.]
[Are you talking about that Solari? That thing is certainly strong. It could almost contend with a Rank 4 Devotee, but do you really think that's enough to stop this? We don't know how many more strong cultists are surrounding their leader, nor do we know how strong the leader himself is.]
[We don't exactly have any options left besides confrontation. Besides, it'll be a good source of experience. His name was...Derrick, wasn't it?]
[So you do know his name...just who are you? Why would someone like you care about his growth? Isn't he just a customer to you?]
[Oh, it's nothing really nothing. I'm just a private detective after all. It's in my nature to investigate mysteries.]
[Well my trust for you certainly isn't high after such a confession.]
[I don't need your trust, I just need your cooperation.]
[You aren't here for Rowley, are you...]
[Is it really the time to press this issue? Just get to the leader and aid in his neutralization. Oh, and before you go, I'd like to offer you something.]
[Such as?]
[Don't tell this to Derrick, but ■■]
Ying's eyes widened upon hearing Naoto's words. […I'll consider it.]
-BLEEP-
Ying disconnected the line as he stood in utter shock. How could someone like him know about what happened back then…this is all too suspicious.
He turned around abruptly and approached his companion. "Our next stop is the ringleader behind this mess." He then focused his gaze on Reed Rowley. "You're going to guide us to him."
"O-Okay! I'll do whatever you want!"
They left the room and navigated the decadent halls of The Cathedral. It's cryptic and nonsensical pathways made it nearly impossible for the average person to navigate the halls, but Reed was the lantern in the darkness.
The group stopped at a small metal door that seemed completely ordinary. There were no locks on the door, nor were there any signs of wear and tear. It's appearance truly was that of a normal door, but a lingering madness told a different story.
"It's just past here. This is his work study."
Without a moment's notice, Ying kicked down the door. The metal hinges flew off the walls and hit the floor with a thunderous wave of sound.
"Shouldn't we be a bit more discreet?" Derrick criticized.
"It's fine. I can't sense anyone within our vicinity. It's likely that all of the cultists have evacuated already."
Derrick Foster descended through the void created by the devastating slash of the Demon Sword "Life-Span." The dark energy constructs, remnants of the blade's power, dissipated into the air as the team landed gracefully on the lower level. The room they entered was cavernous, dimly lit by the eerie glow of purple crystals embedded in the walls.
Thick roots...and they aren't made of ordinary wood. Can a tree even grow down here? Derrick's piercing gaze swept the surroundings, his senses heightened by the mythical blade's connection to spirituality.
As the team advanced through the ominous chamber, Derrick took the lead. His every step exuded determination, and his eyes glinted with an unyielding resolve. The mythical blade in his hand hummed with energy, eager for the impending confrontation. The team faced waves of cultists, clad in dark robes and armed with twisted weapons that seemed to resonate with malevolent power.
"Shit, we don't have time for this. I'll end this all in one attack."
Derrick moved with unparalleled agility, his strikes swift and precise. The Demon Sword "Life-Span" danced in his hands, leaving a trail of black and purple arcs as it cleaved through the cultists. Ying fought valiantly alongside him, their coordinated efforts a testament to their strong camaraderie.
Reed, on the other hand, used his illusion magic to hide from the ensuing battle.
What a useless guy...Derrick lampooned.
As they ventured deeper into the cultist stronghold, they stumbled upon a vast chamber adorned with ethereal wind currents. At the center stood Naoto Gan. His figure was silhouetted against the swirling breezes that danced around him, an embodiment of both tranquility and power.
"Naoto!" Derrick called out, his voice cutting through the ambient sounds of the cavern. Naoto turned, his eyes gleaming with recognition and relief. The wind currents seemed to respond to his emotions, swirling with increased vigor.
"Derrick!" Naoto exclaimed, a mixture of gratitude and urgency in his voice. "We don't have anymore time! There's less than 20 minutes before the ritual begins!"
"..." Ying glared at the suspicious detective in silence.
The reunited team moved forward, Naoto at their side, his wind powers intertwining seamlessly with Derrick's spiritual prowess. As they progressed through the labyrinthine passages, the air around them seemed to respond to Naoto's command, creating a path forward and warding off the malevolent energies that lingered in the cultist stronghold.
Together, the group faced additional challenges – traps and ambushes set by the cultists. Naoto's wind manipulation proved invaluable, guiding them safely through treacherous terrain. Finally, at the threshold of the cult leader's sanctum, Derrick took a deep breath. His mind contained a strange mixture of anticipation and fear. The overwhelming madness surging past the steel door was enough to make him shutter, but Ying reassured Derrick. "Calm down. In situations like these, there is no room for hesitation. Cast aside your doubts and open that door with confidence."
He stood silently for a moment, steeling his resolve for the battle ahead. "Thank you, Ying." He pushed the door open with a strong determination.
That's right, I'll choose the right path. There's no going back!