Perfect Avatar-Chapter 208: New Worlds

Approaching the ancient city, their curiosity swelled in the midst of a mysterious and tense atmosphere that enveloped the area. It seemed almost supernatural as if the city had been frozen in time for centuries. Even the nearby buildings exuded a strange vibe as if the very stones held a secret within them.

The streets paved with cobblestones, bore the marks of time’s passage, their once resplendent glory now diminished. The houses, though still standing tall, lacked the tender care and attention they once commanded.

The residents, cloaked in an air of unease, moved with a blend of suspicion and caution, their actions and expressions veiled in secrecy. A few scattered shops offered a glimpse of commerce amidst the desolation, while the towering spires of ancient temples loomed in the distance, dominating the cityscape. In this realm where the soil was ruled by red sand, Dora and the girls pressed forward, their hearts heavy with concern.

Silence enveloped them, as Mercy struggled to maintain her composure. They were in the lair of a legend among the monsters. As they stepped forth, with Dora leading the way, they realized their insignificance in this vast world.

A sense of unease washed over Lilith as she felt the weight of the gazes that followed their every move. She couldn’t help but steal a few glances around her, expecting to find curious bystanders in this ominous city. Yet, to her astonishment, it appeared that no one took notice of them, despite their weapons and the blood on their bodies.

The atmosphere resonated with the noise of pushcarts, footsteps, and snippets of conversations between traders and consumers. Dora observed the air, his yellow eyes capturing the sight of red particles dancing around them. In a swift motion, he turned his head to the left and paused.

"Let’s go to this alley."

With a subtle gesture, he indicated a secluded, gloomy street that lay ahead. It was a narrow path, devoid of any signs of activity, making it an ideal spot for a potential trap. Intrigued yet wary, they stepped into the place, their footsteps echoing against the walls. As they progressed, he suddenly came to a stop, his gaze sweeping the area meticulously, ensuring their safety.

"Very good, I feel this energy everywhere, with greater concentration. There is no doubt, Wrath is there. Now, for the next steps, I need to check something. First, you know we’re on a bomb here, right? We don’t know this civilization, maybe we’re just in a trap and maybe Wrath knows we’re here. You know the legends about him so you know that the only one here who wants to keep you alive is me. Betraying me or running away would be suicide."

A meaningful glance was shared between the girls, and in that moment, Morgiana’s fists clenched tightly, her trembling betraying her inner turmoil. Her eyes remained firmly fixed on the ground.

"Why say it? We have no choice here...And it’s only a matter of time before you become our murderer, we already know that."

"I’m just making sure you don’t compromise my plan, that’s all. I want to waste as much time as possible before fighting him, so for now, we’ll stay hidden in this town."

He opened his left hand, glowing white.

"I’m going to create a spell to adapt us to their language so we don’t stand out. I’m also going to put a checkpoint on you, so I can reach you at any time if you’re in trouble...or if you’re crazy enough to run away."

The light focused on his fingertips and with a snap, a burst of light enveloped the surroundings. The four girls observed their surroundings, waiting for a change, but nothing transpired. Dora nodded and pivoted to confront the opposite end of the alley.

"We’re going our separate ways. Your goal is to find a clue about Wrath. Don’t ask stupid questions, listen and act like regular customers. If anyone needs help, take advantage of it. If you’re having trouble, call my name in your head, or meditate, like you used to do with Sloth, Iris."

With a nod of agreement, the girls dispersed, forming two separate pairs and Dora alone. Iris, and Mercy on one side, and Lilith and Morgiana on the other. Meanwhile, in a distant corner of the continent, Freya’s group encountered a curious gathering of elves. The elves’ eyes sparkled with intrigue as they observed their new visitors, as though they were witnessing a surreal vision come to life.

"Let’s go." Nefertari interrupted. "The Queen wants to speak with the intruders."

Freya glanced over at her, feeling her anxiety intensify.

"Does she want to talk? So... she knows we’re here? Does she know we come from another continent?"

Whispers started to spread among the team, and Nefertari responded with a sly smile, gently rubbing her nose in a teasing manner.

"Oh? Surprised? You know about us and our Queen but you are surprised that she knows you? Let me teach you something: there is no place in this world that the eye of Apophis cannot see. Our Queen..."

"Our Queen need not wait any longer." From a distance, a voice resonated through the air, interrupting her near the temple’s grand entrance.

In front of the entrance, a gathering of elves, adorned in monk robes behind a young dark elf with short yellow hair. With hands clasped and a serious countenance.

Nefertari shifted her gaze away, her smile fading as she turned around to face her.

"I’m just teaching the intruders where they are, Isis, I’m a warrior with some decency."

Isis, with her emerald eyes, observed the group closely, scanning each face until her gaze settled on Eryl. Their eyes met from afar, holding a silent conversation for a brief moment. She then closed her eyes and turned away slightly.

"I will take it from there. Foreigners, you are invited to an audience with our Queen. However, for security reasons, only a few people are allowed to join us."

Surprised gasps and frustrated sighs filled the air among the group, particularly from the volunteers who knew their position in the hierarchy. Freya exchanged a knowing look with her fellow comrades. Even though they were feeling hopeless, she realized that this moment presented the best chance they had encountered yet.

"We will proceed as you decide, thank you very much for giving us a chance." She said with a gracious smile.

Isis didn’t react, her eyes scanning each person again.

"Let’s get started, may advance: you, the leader of the group... the pale-skinned elf... the girl in the back with a sword and white hair, and the girl next to you with this strange animal that swings on her clothes... and the boy with black hair and a greatsword on his back."

Upon hearing those words, a mixture of excitement and nervousness washed over Freya, Eryl, Liliana, Marie, and Hope. The weight of everyone’s gaze bore down on them, signaling that the long-awaited moment had arrived.

Without hesitation, Freya stepped forward, paving the way for Eryl and the others to follow suit. Meanwhile, Cid lingered behind, emitting a slight grunt alongside the fellow emissaries, silently acknowledging the significance of the situation.

As they approached the momentous occasion of meeting the Elf Queen, it felt like the pinnacle of their history, not just for themselves but for all of humanity. Freya’s excitement grew, eager to confront the issue of the Twilight of the Gods and grateful for Envy’s support, her pace quickened.

However, Eryl struggled to keep up, slowing down their pace. She desperately wanted to convey a message to Freya before they entered the temple, but the circumstances were not ideal for a discreet conversation.

Looking back, Eryl made eye contact with Marie and Liliana, who both nodded in comprehension. Lost in her determination to solve the world’s problems forever, Freya briefly overlooked the fact that she had already seen the Queen before, and that was almost at the cost of loss of their lives.

Through the vast corridors, they treaded, descending the ancient stairs, their journey unraveled the enigmatic architecture of the elven village. Within, a captivating sight awaited them, for it resembled not a temple, but a thriving village.

Houses, skillfully hewn into the walls, whispered tales of elven craftsmanship. And as they marveled at their surroundings, their eyes were drawn to the walls adorned with peculiar patterns. These intricate designs depicted the graceful forms of elves, fantastical creatures, and the celestial dance of stars.

Their relentless march persisted, carrying them forward for what seemed like an eternity, until at last, they arrived at the concealed recesses of the temple. Standing sentinel before them was a formidable group of elven warriors, safeguarding a colossal door embellished with cryptic symbols and an exquisite portrayal of a crescent moon. In this momentous encounter, Isis came to a halt, her gaze unwavering as she turned to face them, her visage remaining stoic and enigmatic.

"We have arrived. Consider yourself now in the most sacred place in the world, and therefore the most dangerous: the chamber of Queen Apophis."