Chapter 24: Shadow of the Desert
Dante and Kaelene reached the first point on the map, the Desert of Dawn. This seemingly endless desert was not just heat and sand; it held mysterious traps and dark energy at every corner.
After traveling for days, they saw the silhouette of an ancient temple behind the dunes. The temple was guarded by Ignis, aka the "King of the Desert", who had stood for centuries and was the second member of the Council.
Kaelene shivered as she looked at the markings on the temple. "These symbols represent an ancient magic. Ignis is not only a physical force, but also a master of magic."
Dante replied calmly as he checked his pistols. "Physical or magical, it doesn't matter. In the end, there will only be a corpse."
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The Hallways of the Temple
As they entered the temple, they felt a heavy energy in the air. The walls seemed to echo the tortured screams of Ignis' victims. With every step, a shadow or illusion from the past would appear.
Kaelene tried to protect Dante by creating a field of light with magic. "These illusions are trying to take over our minds. Be careful."
However, Dante was stopped dead by a vision among the illusions. Ryker was in front of him, looking at him weakly, covered in blood.
"Dante… you couldn't save me," Ryker's image said, placing a dark weight on Dante's mind.
Dante clenched his fists and tried to push the image out of his mind. "This isn't real. Ryker is dead. This is a game."
Kaelene called out to Dante, bringing him back to his senses. "Focus! This is his trap."
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Ignis Appears
When they reached the center of the temple, they came across Ignis sitting on a massive throne. He was clad in golden armor and held a flaming sword. He looked at the two with a haughty smile on his face.
"So Dante, who defeated the Dark Lord, has come to confront me," Ignis said. "But alas, you have come to the end of your rope here."
Dante stepped forward, aiming his pistols. "Stop talking and start fighting. Don't waste my time."
Ignis suddenly slammed his sword down. The floor of the temple cracked, revealing giant flaming creatures. "Don't be so hasty, Dante. Have fun with my army first."
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A Fierce Battle
The creatures Ignis summoned set the whole place on fire. While Kaelene tried to stop the creatures with magic, Dante aimed with his pistols. However, the creatures would not be destroyed by ordinary bullets.
Kaelene shouted a warning to Dante. "These creatures are protected by magic. We must break their armor with my spells first."
Dante lowered his pistols, looked at Kaelene for a moment, and nodded. "I understand. Give the signal, I will open fire."
Kaelene created an energy field around the creatures with magic. "Now, Dante!"
Dante took out the creatures one by one with silver bullets from his pistols. However, Ignis was watching with pleasure as he sat on his throne.
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Dante and Ignis's Battle
After the creatures were destroyed, Ignis raised his sword and challenged Dante. "It looks like I'll have to deal with you myself."
Ignis quickly attacked. His burning sword was limiting Dante's range of motion. Dante responded with his pistols, but Ignis deflected the bullets with his fire.
"Your pistols are no match for me," Ignis said mockingly.
Kaelene launched an attack with magic to distract Ignis. However, Ignis easily dodged the spell. "You can't stop me with such weak magic."
Dante noticed a gap in Ignis's defenses. He turned to Kaelene and made a plan. "Can you stop him for a moment?"
Kaelene used her last energy to cast a spell that slowed Ignis' movements. Dante took the opportunity to drop his pistols and take the spear Kaelene had given him.
"Come on, king. Try to reclaim your throne," he said, and thrust the spear into Ignis' chest.
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Ignis' End
Ignis fell to his knees under the impact of the spear. The fire was slowly dying, the temple was cooling. "Do you think the council can't stop you?" Ignis asked in a weakening voice.
Dante replied calmly. "I will take you all down one by one."
Ignis left a message as he took his last breath. "You have accomplished nothing by killing me. The leader of the council awaits you. And his power is beyond your imagination."
Dante and Kaelene quickly made their way out as the temple began to collapse.
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One Step Closer
Dante and Kaelene knew that with Ignis's death, they were one step closer to the leader of the Council. However, each victory brought a greater danger. Kaelene spoke as she looked at the map. "The next point is the ice-covered mountain. But we must prepare more to get there."
Dante looked up at the sky silently, feeling the weight of the battles he had gone through. "When this is over, we will be the ones who decide who survives."
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