Xerxe's Ziggurat

As they approached the world of Sassan, the gang was in awe of its size and magnificence. The colossal world loomed ahead of them, its vastness seeming almost incomprehensible.

"Look at that towering structure, it's enormous!" exclaimed Amala, pointing towards a massive tower that seemed to scrape the sky.

The tower was taller than any mountain, its spire piercing the heavens. It looked unsteady as if it could crumble at any moment, yet it had stood for millennia. It cut through the curvature of the world, like a needle through cloth.

"Where are we supposed to go?" Yosef inquired, seeking directions.

"We're headed to the city of Babylus, where we're meeting with the head of the Perizad cult," Rufus explained.

"Making friends with one god and enemies with another, huh?" Edward chuckled.

Joan's expression turned grave as she interjected, "Let's not forget what happened with Dalai. A god has the power to wipe us out without a second thought."

Amala spoke up, her tone proud and confident, "But we have something that sets us apart. We've been granted access to the city of secrets by Al Rahman himself."

Joan countered, "But it was only Rufus who gained that access, not all of us."

~~

Yosef grunted as he strained to see through the thick clouds that surrounded them. "Can't see anything through these clouds....." he grumbled, frustration tainting his voice.

Suddenly, the sound of owl hoots filled the air, and a large flock of the nocturnal birds flew past the ship. As they emerged from the clouds, a massive stone building loomed ahead of them.

"YOSEF!" Joan's voice echoed through the ship, panic lacing her words.

Yosef's expression hardened as he gripped the controls of the golden hind, his knuckles turning white. "Yeah, I am not flying this blinded. I saw it as well," he replied, his voice firm.

The ship lurched to the side, throwing the crew and Rufus off balance. Rufus scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide as he peered over the edge of the ship. They were still high up, but what he saw below left him breathless. It was a city, unlike any he had ever seen before. A city of millions.

"Was that a flying fortress?" Amala's voice trembled with fear.

"No...It's just a building and a home. A home of a god....." Doreen's voice trailed off, her eyes fixated on the massive ziggurat in front of them. The building was a marvel of engineering, with numerous towers connected by intricate bridges. It was larger than any castle or citadel he had ever seen, and it was clear that it was built by a civilization that far surpassed their own.

Suddenly, an armored warrior leaped onto the ship, his movements as silent as a cat's. Rufus gasped as he saw the warrior's face, his eyes widening in recognition. This was no ordinary soldier. He moved with fluid grace, effortlessly dodging the crew's attacks as he made his way toward Rufus.

Rufus braced himself. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as the warrior closed in, his movements too fast for any of the crew to react.

Rufus deftly dodged the assailant's attack, but the warrior didn't back down. Before the situation could escalate, Doreen stepped forward and yelled, "Wait!" She cast a stern glance at Edward, who was still fuming. "Why are you stopping us? He was the one who started this," he complained.

Doreen bowed to this warrior.

"Step aside, Doreen," Amala said, raising her bow at the unknown warrior.

Doreen ignored Amala and pointed up towards the bridge where three other warriors, donning the same armor, stood guard. "Look up there," she said, her voice firm and commanding.

The group was momentarily confused until they followed her gaze and saw the warriors above. They quickly realized the gravity of the situation and bowed in respect.

"We are sorry we came so close to the home of your god. Forgive us," Doreen said, her tone apologetic.

The warrior's stance softened slightly, but he still demanded an explanation. "You almost crashed into the 23rd tower of Xerxes' ziggurat. Explain yourself," he said.

"We are travelers, ordered by a priest of Perizad to arrive at the temple and meet with the head of the cult of Perizad. We did not intend to do anything wrong," Doreen explained.

"Just touching the home of Xerxes is punishable by death," the warrior stated coldly.

Rufus quickly stood up, catching the warrior's attention. "We came here because I was granted entry to the city of secrets by Al Rahman the Red," Rufus spoke confidently, but his eyes betrayed his fear.

The warrior seemed taken aback. "Lies. No Sassan, let alone human, has gained entry to the city of secrets in centuries," he said, readying himself to attack.

"That is why we were called, as Perizad himself was our witness," Rufus replied, his voice calm and measured.

The warrior paused, considering Rufus' words. "And why should I believe you? I could kill you all now and not take any risks," he threatened, his posture still menacing.

"And what would you then explain to the head of the Perizad cult?" Rufus challenged.

The warrior hesitated for a moment, but then lowered his weapon. "The gravity ship harbor is that way. Do not make any more mistakes," he said before disappearing with a graceful leap back onto the bridge.

The group let out a collective sigh of relief, but the warrior's last words lingered in their minds. "Also, just so you know, we, the Ursang, do not answer to any cult leader. We answer only to the one true ruler of the Sassan heaven. We do not even answer to Arslan nor any other god," he had said.

~~

As they flew away from the massive building, the group couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The towering structures and intricate carvings that adorned the walls seemed almost otherworldly. Rufus looked to Doreen, hoping for some insight.

"Who were those warriors back there?" he asked.

Doreen took a deep breath before responding. "If they were who I think they were, then we were in deep trouble. Those were likely saints."

"Saints? What do you mean?" Edward asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"The saints," Doreen explained with a hint of caution in her voice, "are no ordinary warriors. They're chosen by the gods themselves, granted power beyond mortal capability, despite the world or heaven you are from. They're seen as the very embodiment of the deity they worship, and their followers adore them like demigods. With the strength of their faith, they can easily do many feats considered impossible. And when a god is powerful enough, a small group of saints can overthrow an entire nation with ease."

Rufus listened intently, his eyes wide with disbelief. "That sounds like something out of a legend."

Doreen shook her head, her expression serious. "I assure you, it's no legend. The saints are a force to be reckoned with, and crossing them in any heaven is a grave mistake. Even the mightiest military order, the highest noble, or the most powerful king would think twice before incurring their wrath."