Chapter 25: Heart of Ice
After escaping the Desert of Dawn, Dante and Kaelene set course for the next point marked on the map, the ice-covered Snow Mountain. The journey was as challenging as it was physically challenging. When they reached the foot of the mountain, the cold air was piercing her lungs, freezing Dante's face with each breath.
Kaelene wrapped her cloak around her shoulders and examined her surroundings carefully. "This is not just a mountain, it is a living trap. There is magic in the atmosphere. It is trying to test us."
Dante murmured as he looked at the dark shapes visible from beneath the ice. "Let him keep testing. I only came here to get results."
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The Gate of the Mountain
A massive ice gate stood at the entrance of the mountain. The gate gave off a mystical air with the intricate symbols carved on it. Kaelene studied the symbols and tried to unlock it with a spell.
"This is no ordinary temple," Kaelene said. "This is a place to confront the past and confront your fears."
Dante waited silently, touching the silver-plated pistols on his back. But when the door opened, it wasn't just a cave that greeted them. Beyond the door was a deep, dark passage, with a roar echoing around every corner.
"Dante," Kaelene warned, "This place will try to consume you. Be prepared."
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Internal Wars
As they entered the passage, Dante suddenly realized he was alone. Kaelene's voice had vanished, and he could only hear the echo of his own footsteps. Suddenly, his younger self appeared before him. This was an innocent Dante, who had not yet been involved in war or loss.
"What have you become?" asked the young Dante. "Do you think you can solve everything by killing? You couldn't save Ryker, Sienna, or even yourself. You're only causing more death."
Dante shouted at the image, clenching his fists. "Their deaths are not my fault! I only fight to live."
Young Dante disappeared smiling. However, this confrontation left a deep wound inside Dante.
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Kaelene's Trial
Kaelene was also facing her own nightmare. The family she had lost in the past appeared before her like shadows. Her father spoke with a harsh voice that echoed in her imagination.
"Someone like you can never be a leader. You have only brought failure."
Kaelene stood tall despite the tears streaming from her eyes. "I am here to avenge them. I will repay them."
She managed to disperse her dreams by strengthening her magic. However, this trial had drained her strength greatly.
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Snow Lord: Eira
When they reached the end of the passage, the third member of the Council, Eira, was waiting for them sitting on a giant ice throne. Her white hair and cold blue eyes were like a silent symbol of death. The sword made of ice in her hand seemed to control the air of the temple.
"So you are the ones who defeated Ignis," Eira said, rising from her throne. "But here you have come to the end of the road. These lands are under my control. And only cold rules here."
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Battle with Eira
As Eira slammed her sword into the ground, huge pillars of ice rose from the ground. Dante and Kaelene tried to dodge the attacks, while Eira's speed and precision kept them pinned down.
Kaelene tried to melt the pillars of ice with magic, but Eira easily neutralized her magic power. "Are you using magic against me?" Eira taunted. "This is my realm. Your magic won't work here."
Dante drew his pistols and aimed at Eira, but the ice sword easily shattered the bullets. "Your pistols are useless, Dante," Eira said. "You won't win this time."
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Final Move
Kaelene gave Dante an idea in a last-ditch effort. "Eira is based on her own element. We can trap her with her own ice."
Dante understood Kaelene's plan. He provoked Eira to distract her. "Do you want to show how powerful you are in your own realm? Show me!"
Eira attacked Dante in anger. However, Dante quickly retreated, anticipating the sword's movement, and pulled Eira into the ice pillars he created.
Kaelene gathered all her strength and shattered the pillars with a spell. Eira was defenseless with this trap. Dante took this opportunity to draw one of his pistols and shot Eira in the chest with an ice-coated bullet.
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Eira's Collapse
Eira fell to her knees under the impact of the blow. Her eyes looked at Dante, and she had a surprised expression on her face. "You... can't just be a human."
Dante replied in a cold voice. "Being human is enough to defeat the darkness."
Eira said one last sentence as she closed her eyes. "The leader of the council... is waiting for you. But when you reach him, you will regret it."
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New Questions
With Eira's death, the ice temple began to melt. Kaelene struggled to her feet and approached Dante. "This is getting much more difficult. We are facing stronger enemies with every step."
Dante replied calmly. "No matter how strong they are, I will end this war."
They now had only one goal in mind: to find the leader of the Council and end this war once and for all.
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