Ch 47: To the Demon Lord's Temple

The group left early in the morning with Leith still in a deep slumber. There was a bit of concern that the villagers would do something to her but they couldn't bring her along.

When Mathys woke up, he was still in a minor manic state. He was more than enthusiastic to hunt down Sathanas. Over and over he mumbled to himself about being called to heroism.

Based on Fiam and Kyriake's estimations it should only take them eight days to get to the valley where Sathanas had his major temple. The two of them were born and raised in the mountains.

Fiam's nest was on the borders of the inner passes and central peaks. She wasn't strong enough to travel through the central peaks for food, so she had a good grasp of the valley's in the area.

She only left her nest because a high priest led a group of cultists to steal her feathers. They were able to wound her and the high priest was able to get away by sacrificing his subordinates.

The phoenix followed him and recklessly attacked. After a fierce battle the high priest had the upper hand. That was when Nilo arrived and saved her. She joined him on his quest to take care of those responsible.

Kyriake's village was destroyed a few decades ago by the cult for a ritual. A young Kyriake was able to escape by hiding in her people's Mana crystal mines. After that she wandered the inner passes as a huntress, while secretly gaining information on the cult.

The elf recently made a mistake while gathering information from a woman that passed her intel about her village. The followers of Sathanas tried to capture her and were chasing her when she came upon Nilo and Fiam.

They were able to capture the high priest that had been tasked with capturing the troublesome elf that had been gaining information on them. It was that high priest that eventually gave them all the information they needed.

It was at the end of the second day after they left Murfen that they shared their stories with the group.

"You got some luck there kid." Sigurd said as he eyed the two women that were sitting very close to him.

"And what do you mean by that?" Haydn asked with fake anger.

"Well.. he.. Stumbled upon two people who had knowledge about the cult and they're both strong." Sigurd said.

"Of course that's what you meant." Haydn teased.

The group continued to talk as the night set in, getting to know each other.

"Hey, Baldeur. Can I ask you something?" Aisling said.

"Sure, what's on your mind." Baldeur replied.

"After you came out of the shrine, there was… I just thought I noticed some Infernius energy coming off of you. I was just wondering how that was. Do you have an enchanted item or something?" Aisling said.

"No, I think it might have been the dokunpal blood that I was covered in. Those things are magic beasts specific to Infernius energy." Baldeur said.

"I was wondering if you had a magic item as well. You cast that Fear spell so quickly." Haydn said.

Baldeur was hoping that no one noticed any of that. He was caught up in what was going on and shortened the chant as much as possible. Which was half the length that someone of his level should be able to do.

"Well that is one of my best spells. Why fight when you can make your enemies run away." Baldeur said.

"Ha, you're full of strategies to avoid fighting aren't you?" Sigurd joked.

"That is the best way to fight." Baldeur said.

"That sounds just like you. Lazy." Aisling rolled her eyes.

They talked and joked throughout the early evening before Piaras ordered them to bed.

It was on the third day that things became difficult. They ventured into the area with the beast tide.

"Do you think we can go around them?" Derbail asked.

There were two lion like beasts with six insect legs and antennae along with five wolf like beasts with large incisors that walked on scythe-like feet. The were in a pass between villages that contained a few ravines.

"We can't let those vile beasts continue to terrorize the area. We have to kill them." Nilo said.

"Yes. We are heroes. We must fight." Mathys was pulling out his sword as Sigurd stopped him from rushing in.

"Do we want to take an unnecessary risk?" Sigurd asked.

"If they were ordinary magic beasts, I would be all for avoiding them to save time and energy. But these things will only get stronger with each kill so let's get rid of them." Piaras said.

"So what's the plan?" Baldeur asked.

"Haydn, Fiam, and you will start with area attacks before focusing on ranged attacks where needed. Sigurd, Aisling, and Nilo will take on the lions. There's less of them but they look stronger. Kyriake will support them. Mathys and I will hold down the wolves until you kill the lions. Derbail will provide healing and buffs where necessary." Piaras said.

After the plan was given out everyone moved into position. A Palm of Air was followed by a Pillar of Flames that was accompanied by Phoenix Fire.

The lions didn't last long and the three soon joined Piaras and Mathys to take out the rest of the monsters.

Unfortunately for the group, their battle was heard by a few other dokunpal monsters. Dozens and dozens of rabbit-like monsters started to come out of the nearby ravines.

They were all near the size of large dogs but had various insect parts. Some had multiple thin legs, long incisors, curly antennae, or geometric eyes.

"Still happy with your decision to attack?" Sigurd asked.

Piaras just groaned in reply.