---
The Aftermath of Battle
The village they had saved slowly came back to life as the fires died down, and villagers began to clear the rubble, showing resilience despite the horrific attack. JoJo, Emilia, and Crusch's forces helped where they could, providing aid and reassurance to those still shaken.
As JoJo moved through the crowd, he felt a tug on his coat. A young boy looked up at him, eyes wide with awe. "Are you a hero?" the boy asked, his voice filled with wonder.
JoJo smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "I just do what needs to be done. You're the brave one for holding strong through all of this."
The boy nodded, a look of pride flashing across his face. It reminded JoJo of why he was here, why he continued to fight despite the overwhelming odds. Every person in this village was someone worth protecting, a life worth saving.
---
Planning the Next Move
Back at Crusch's estate, JoJo, Emilia, and Crusch gathered in the strategy room to plan their next steps. They knew Petelgeuse's defeat had bought them time, but it also meant the Witch's Cult would retaliate sooner rather than later.
"We can't underestimate them," Crusch warned, her voice as steady as always. "Petelgeuse was one of their leaders, and his loss will force them to act. But they'll be unpredictable and even more ruthless."
JoJo nodded, leaning over the map of Lugnica. "They'll be on high alert now. We need to be careful and hit them before they regroup. If we can find and take out their strongholds, we might have a chance to weaken them further."
Crusch considered this, her sharp eyes calculating. "We'll need information on their locations and numbers. It's a dangerous task, but I have a few informants who might be able to help us."
JoJo looked at Emilia, noticing the exhaustion that lingered in her eyes. She had been pushing herself hard, and it showed. "Emilia, you should get some rest. You've been through a lot."
Emilia shook her head, her expression determined. "I want to help, JoJo. The people of this kingdom are counting on us. I can't just stand by."
JoJo admired her spirit, but he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Taking a break doesn't make you weak, Emilia. We're all in this together, but we can't do it alone. Rest tonight—you'll need your strength for what's coming."
Reluctantly, she nodded, giving him a small, grateful smile before heading to her room. JoJo turned back to Crusch, his face set in determination.
"What about you?" Crusch asked, studying him. "Will you rest too?"
JoJo shook his head. "I've got something to work on. I'll meet with you and the informants in the morning."
---
Hermit Purple's Vision
As the night deepened, JoJo sat alone in his room, focusing his energy into Hermit Purple. He had realized something crucial in his previous battles—his Stand might hold the key to finding out the Witch's Cult's plans. The thorned vines of Hermit Purple glowed with a faint light, and he willed them to connect with the spirit of this world, to show him the Cult's next move.
In a flash of purple light, a vision appeared in his mind.
He saw an ancient, crumbling fortress hidden deep within the mountains, cloaked in shadow. Cultists moved through its halls, carrying weapons and chanting rituals in twisted devotion. At the heart of the fortress was a dark chamber, where another sinister figure stood—a man with an eerie calmness, his face hidden beneath a hood, his aura exuding a cold, ruthless power.
The vision faded, but JoJo was left with a sense of dread. This man, whoever he was, was even more dangerous than Petelgeuse.
---
Morning Revelations
The following morning, JoJo shared his vision with Crusch and Emilia. He described the fortress, the cultists, and the hooded figure, painting a clear picture of the hidden stronghold he had glimpsed.
Crusch's eyes narrowed as he listened. "That must be one of their higher-ranking leaders. If we strike now, we might catch them off-guard."
Emilia nodded, her resolve unwavering. "We have to stop them before they gather more strength. If we let them regroup, they'll only become harder to defeat."
JoJo looked at the two of them, feeling a sense of purpose and unity. They had all come together to face this threat, putting their lives on the line for a chance to free Lugnica from the shadow of the Witch's Cult.
"All right," JoJo said, his voice filled with determination. "Then let's take the fight to them. We'll use every bit of power, every ally we have."
Crusch called for her elite forces to prepare for the journey. JoJo and Emilia would lead the assault with Crusch's warriors, using the element of surprise to infiltrate the fortress and confront the hooded leader.
---
The Journey to the Fortress
The trek through the mountains was long and grueling. The air grew thin and cold as they ascended, their path winding through rocky cliffs and dense forests. JoJo and Emilia moved with caution, ever vigilant for signs of ambush.
As they traveled, JoJo noticed how Emilia's confidence had grown. She no longer hesitated, her ice magic wielded with precision and force as they encountered small groups of cultists along the way. He could see the fire in her eyes, a newfound strength that inspired everyone around her.
One night, as they rested around a campfire, JoJo turned to Emilia. "You've come a long way, Emilia. When I first met you, you were strong, but now… it's like you've awakened something new."
Emilia smiled, her gaze thoughtful as she looked into the fire. "I guess… being with you, seeing the way you fight for others—it's made me realize I can be strong for those I care about too. I won't let anyone suffer if I can help it."
JoJo nodded, his respect for her deepening. "That's why we're going to win this fight. Together."
---
The Fortress Assault
At dawn, they reached the edge of the fortress, hidden beneath the shadow of the cliffs. Crusch's forces fanned out, silently surrounding the entrance as JoJo, Emilia, and Crusch led the charge inside.
The cultists within were caught off-guard, their chants turning to cries of panic as Crusch's soldiers stormed the fortress halls. JoJo moved through the shadows, using Hermit Purple to silently dispatch any cultist in their path.
As they pushed deeper into the fortress, they encountered stronger resistance. Cultists wielding dark magic attempted to block their path, but Emilia's ice magic neutralized their attacks, encasing them in crystal before they could even strike.
Finally, they reached the heart of the fortress—the dark chamber JoJo had seen in his vision. There, standing at the center of the room, was the hooded man. He slowly lifted his head, revealing sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to cut through the darkness.
"So," he said, his voice as cold as ice. "You're the ones who defeated Petelgeuse. I must admit, I expected more."
JoJo stepped forward, his fists clenched. "And who are you?"
The man smiled, a chilling expression devoid of warmth. "I am Regulus Corneas, the Sin Archbishop of Greed. And I am unimpressed."
Regulus raised his hand, and a powerful shockwave rippled through the room, knocking several soldiers to the ground. JoJo felt an intense pressure emanating from Regulus—it was like facing an unstoppable force, a power that felt absolute.
But he didn't back down. He looked to Emilia, who stood ready at his side.
"We'll take him down together," JoJo said, his voice steady.
Emilia nodded, her ice magic gathering around her in a brilliant aura. "He won't lay a hand on anyone else."
---
The Battle with Greed
The clash with Regulus was unlike anything JoJo had faced. Regulus moved with shocking speed and strength, his attacks precise and devastating. JoJo had to rely on every ounce of his strength and cunning, using Hermit Purple to counter Regulus's strikes and keep him at bay.
Emilia joined the fight, her ice magic creating barriers and shields to protect them from Regulus's relentless assault. Together, they pushed back, matching his attacks with a synchronized rhythm.
But Regulus's power was overwhelming. With a flick of his hand, he shattered Emilia's ice shield, sending her stumbling back.
"Emilia!" JoJo shouted, lunging to defend her. But Regulus was faster, his hand reaching out to strike her.
In that moment, JoJo summoned Hermit Purple, wrapping its vines around Regulus's arm and holding him in place. He felt his energy draining, but he didn't let go.
"You may be strong," JoJo said, his voice filled with defiance. "But we're stronger together."
With one final burst of power, Emilia unleashed a torrent of ice, freezing Regulus in place. JoJo summoned all his strength, shattering the ice and sending Regulus crashing to the ground.
The battle was won, but JoJo knew the war was far from over. They had struck a blow against the Witch's Cult, but the shadows of this world still loomed large.
As they stood in the shattered remains of the fortress, JoJo looked at Emilia, his resolve stronger than ever.