The journey through the forest was quiet for once, save for the occasional squelch of Kazuya's soggy boots. He was still nursing his pride after the Jewel of Quacksalot debacle, while Mika and Lyria kept sneaking glances at him and snickering.
"You know," Kazuya grumbled, adjusting Lyria's oversized cloak around him, "a little gratitude wouldn't kill you."
"Oh, we're grateful," Mika said, barely suppressing a laugh. "Grateful for the memories."
"You looked like a flailing noodle out there," Lyria added, giggling.
Kazuya groaned. "This is my life now. I'm a glorified punchline."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic," Lyria said, patting his head. "Besides, the worst is behind us."
"STOP SAYING THAT!" Kazuya and Mika yelled in unison.
Arrival at the Temple
The trio soon arrived at a massive, ornate temple carved into the side of a mountain. Its golden doors gleamed in the sunlight, and strange, sensual statues flanked the entrance.
"What is this place?" Mika asked, eyeing a statue of a particularly suggestive mermaid.
"The Temple of Allure," Fergus said, appearing out of nowhere.
Kazuya jumped. "Do you have to do that?"
"It is my sacred duty to guide you!" Fergus declared. "This temple holds the next piece of the puzzle to stop the Cluckstorm."
"Let me guess," Mika said dryly. "It's cursed."
"Oh, it's not cursed," Fergus said.
The group sighed in relief.
"It's enchanted with the power of irresistible desire."
"What does that even mean?" Kazuya asked, but Fergus was already pushing the temple doors open.
The Hall of Whispers
The moment they stepped inside, the air grew warm and heavy, and faint whispers echoed all around them.
"This place feels... weird," Lyria said, fanning herself.
"That's the enchantment," Fergus explained. "The temple is designed to test your self-control."
"Self-control?" Kazuya repeated.
"Yes. It amplifies your... urges," Fergus said, coughing awkwardly.
Kazuya's face turned bright red. "Urges?!"
"Oh, this is going to be fun," Lyria said, grinning mischievously.
Mika glared at Fergus. "If you don't start explaining yourself—"
Before she could finish, the whispers grew louder, and the walls seemed to shimmer. A soft, sultry voice echoed through the hall.
"Welcome, travelers. Are you ready to face your deepest desires?"
"Oh no," Kazuya said. "No, no, no. I'm not ready for this."
The Trials Begin
The group moved cautiously through the temple, but the enchantment was already taking hold.
Kazuya found himself blushing furiously every time Lyria leaned a little too close or Mika brushed against him.
"Are you sweating?" Mika asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No!" Kazuya snapped, his voice cracking.
"Relax, Kazuya," Lyria said, trailing a finger along his arm. "It's just a little magic. Nothing to worry about."
He jumped back like he'd been electrocuted. "Don't touch me! This place is messing with my head!"
Mika rolled her eyes. "Pull yourself together. We're not falling for some cheap enchantment."
As if on cue, a section of the wall slid open, revealing a room filled with soft cushions, silk drapes, and... lingerie?
"What kind of temple is this?!" Kazuya yelled, his face turning crimson.
Lyria grinned. "A very fun one."
A Slight Misstep
Fergus, ever the helpful guide, stepped forward confidently. "This is merely a test of resolve. Watch and learn."
He took one step into the room and immediately slipped on a silk pillow, landing face-first into a pile of lace.
The group burst out laughing.
"Great job, Fergus," Mika said, smirking.
"Shut up," Fergus mumbled, his face still buried in the lace.
As they continued through the temple, the enchantment grew stronger. Mika found herself distracted by every shiny weapon on display, while Lyria seemed entirely too comfortable lounging on the various plush cushions.
Kazuya, meanwhile, was trying very hard not to look at anything.
The Mirror of Truth
The trio finally reached the heart of the temple: a massive chamber with a golden mirror at its center.
"This must be it," Mika said.
Fergus nodded. "The Mirror of Truth reveals your greatest desire. To pass this trial, you must resist its temptation."
"Easy," Mika said, stepping forward.
The moment she looked into the mirror, her eyes widened.
"What do you see?" Lyria asked.
Mika's face turned red. "Nothing."
Lyria smirked. "You're blushing."
"I AM NOT!" Mika shouted, storming away from the mirror.
"Looks like it's my turn," Lyria said, sauntering up to the mirror.
Her reflection winked at her and blew a kiss.
"I like this mirror," Lyria said, grinning.
"Of course you do," Mika muttered.
Finally, it was Kazuya's turn.
He approached the mirror cautiously, dreading what he might see. When his reflection appeared, he gasped.
"What is it?" Mika asked.
"It's..." Kazuya trailed off, his face burning.
In the mirror, his reflection stood surrounded by Mika and Lyria, both wearing—
"DON'T LOOK!" Kazuya shouted, throwing his cloak over the mirror.
Lyria burst out laughing. "Oh, this is priceless."
Mika groaned. "Can we please move on before I kill him?"
The Final Test
With the mirror trial behind them, the group found themselves in a final chamber filled with statues of overly muscular warriors and scantily clad maidens.
"I don't even want to know what the challenge is here," Kazuya said.
"It's simple," Fergus said. "You must embrace the power of vulnerability."
"Vulnerability?" Mika repeated.
"Yes," Fergus said, nodding sagely. "Remove your armor—physical and emotional—and prove that you are worthy."
"Why does this sound like a scam?" Kazuya asked.
A Hilarious (and Slightly Awkward) Victory
After much debate (and several arguments), the group reluctantly shed their outer layers and stood in the center of the chamber.
"I feel ridiculous," Mika grumbled.
"You look great," Lyria said, winking.
"Not helping!" Mika snapped.
The chamber began to glow, and a voice boomed, "You have proven your worthiness. The Temple of Allure grants you its blessing!"
A golden light enveloped them, and the Jewel of Desire appeared in Kazuya's hand.
"Finally," he said, clutching the jewel. "Can we please leave now?"
"Not before I take a mental snapshot of this moment," Lyria said, smirking.
Mika growled. "I will end you."
As they exited the temple, Kazuya sighed in relief.
"Never again," he said.
"Oh, come on," Lyria said, grinning. "Admit it—you had fun."
Kazuya glared at her. "I hate you all."