Chapter - 60
With the directions to the temple given by the grateful villagers, Jacob, Elara, and Seraphina set off once more. The path was rough and narrow, cutting through dense forests and over rocky terrain, but it was quicker and avoided the main routes to the temple that might be watched by enemy eyes.
As they emerged from the dense forest, the temple loomed before them, an imposing structure carved into the hillside. Two colossal statues of Liora, the Goddess of Temperance, flanked the gate. One statue stood tall and unscathed, depicting the serene goddess holding a tome, a symbol of wisdom and restraint. The other statue lay broken and shattered, a stark contrast to its pristine counterpart.
No guards were visible at the gates, so the trio moved forward cautiously toward the entrance.
As they approached, Jacob suddenly felt an invisible barrier blocking their path. He raised his hand and touched the barrier, trying to gauge it, but found the barrier dissipating instantly. Jacob was confused by what happened, but dismissed it as a minor inconvenience and continued onward, with Elara and Seraphina following close behind.
The interior of the temple was a stark contrast to its exterior. Shadows danced along the walls, and an oppressive energy hung in the air. The once sacred ground, now felt tainted. They advanced deeper into the temple, their senses heightened for any sign of danger. The faint sound of chanting grew louder with each step, drawing them toward a grand hall.
The hall's high ceilings were adorned with ancient symbols and flickering torches casting eerie shadows. In the center of the hall, a circle of more than a dozen dark mages stood, their chants resonating through the chamber. Runes etched into the floor beneath them shimmered with an ominous purple light, casting an unsettling glow on their faces.
Seraphina's eyes widened with recognition and fear. "It's a summoning ritual. Jacob, we have to stop them. I don't know what they're summoning, but it won't be anything good."
Jacob assessed the situation quickly. "Alright, we'll attack together. Use your most powerful attacks and kill as many as possible while we still have the element of surprise. Seraphina, stay behind and focus on your light magic. Elara, protect her. Don't rush into the enemies; let them come to you. Make sure Seraphina can deal damage safely. I'll try and draw most of the enemies to me to ensure you don't get overwhelmed."
Jacob took a deep breath, his revolver at the ready. With a nod, he signaled the start of their assault. Elara positioned herself near Seraphina, her stance defensive, ready to protect her companion. Seraphina began to chant, her hands weaving intricate patterns as she prepared to unleash a torrent of light magic.
Jacob moved swiftly, using the shadows and pillars for cover as he moved toward the other side of the hall. Taking adequate cover, he took aim at the dark mages who were busy chanting their incantations. Jacob fired his revolver, the sound echoing through the hall. The dark mages reacted with surprise and confusion, their ritual momentarily disrupted.
Seraphina's light magic erupted in a blinding flash, targeting the mages who had been drawn towards Jacob's gunfire. The clash of energies created a chaotic battlefield, with the dark mages scrambling to regroup. They quickly put up their defensive barriers, black smoke starting to cover most of their bodies.
Jacob continued his assault from the other side of the hall, drawing most of the enemy's attention away from Elara and Seraphina