As the flames began to swirl around Baro, he braced himself, expecting the searing pain that had tormented the others. Instead, the fire enveloped him like a warm embrace. It was comforting, like a soft blanket on a cold night, and filled him with an inexplicable sense of peace.
Baro blinked in surprise, glancing down at the golden glow dancing across his skin. "Why… why does it feel so nice? Everyone else screamed in agony," he muttered under his breath.
The flame-woman smiled, her fiery form softening as she spoke. "You feel no pain because I have chosen to bless you, Baro. Not for your own sake, but as a parting gift to the great one, Furfur."
Baro looked down at Furfur, who tilted his head and let out a soft bark of curiosity.
"I cannot pet him," she continued, her voice tinged with regret. "I am made of flame, and my touch would harm his holy presence. But I can offer you this."
She stepped closer, raising her hand. The fire around Baro's right hand intensified, its glow brightening until it became almost blinding. A gentle warmth settled deep into his skin, radiating through his fingers.
"From this moment on," the flame-woman said, her tone reverent, "your hand will carry my blessing. It will always feel warm and soothing—a touch meant to honor and comfort the great one. Each pet will remind him of my respect and admiration."
Baro stared at his glowing hand, awestruck. "So… my hand's been enchanted? Just for better pets?"
"Precisely," the flame-woman replied with a small, amused smile. "It is the least I can do for one so divine."
Furfur barked again, his tail wagging enthusiastically as if he understood the gesture.
The flames slowly receded from Baro, leaving him unscathed and glowing faintly. The flame-woman stepped back, her form flickering back to those of wild flames as she turned to address the priest.
"Four remain," she declared, her voice ringing with finality. "They have proven themselves worthy."
Baro looked around. Including himself, only four blessed remained standing. Among them was Orynn, his piercing gaze scanning the others with a mix of exhaustion and determination. The rest of the room was eerily silent, the absence of the fallen a sobering reminder of the trial's cost.
The priest nodded solemnly. "It is done," he said. "You have passed the second trial." He turned and gestured toward a large set of double doors at the far end of the room.
"The final trial awaits," he announced, his voice heavy with anticipation. "Follow me."
The remaining blessed exchanged wary glances but obeyed, their footsteps echoing through the now-empty chamber as they followed the priest. The double doors creaked open, revealing another grand room bathed in golden light.
Inside, an enormous statue of the goddesses loomed, their expressions serene yet stern. The air was thick with divine energy, and the walls shimmered with intricate carvings that seemed to move as if alive.
The priest turned to face the four survivors, his expression grim. "This will be the greatest challenge yet," he said. "Your final trial will test not only your faith but your very essence. Only one of you may ascend."
Baro clenched his glowing hand, glancing down at Furfur. "No matter what it is," he thought, "we'll face it together."
Orynn stepped forward, his sharp eyes fixed on the priest. "What must we do?"
The priest's lips curled into a faint, smile. "You will see soon enough."