The sun was setting as Sieg and Arcia moved westward, the land growing darker and more menacing with every step. The once sporadic monsters now emerged with unsettling frequency. Shadows darted across the barren landscape, and unnatural growls echoed from unseen corners.
“We need to hurry, Arcia,” Sieg said, gripping his sword tightly. “This is getting out of control. Soon we’ll have a full-blown invasion on our hands.”
“Yeah,” Arcia agreed, glancing around warily. “That librarian guy was right. She’s feeding on fear, and it’s only making her stronger. She’ll just keep summoning more of these creatures.”
“Right,” Sieg said. “Let’s pick up the pace.”
As they pressed on, their journey was punctuated by battles. Monsters lunged from the shadows, fiends soared from the skies, and grotesque creatures emerged from the earth. Sieg’s blade cut through the onslaught, while Arcia’s pistols fired with precision.
After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the Temple of Flame, a foreboding structure carved from blackened stone. The massive stone door was barred shut, its surface glowing faintly with heat.
“No problem,” Sieg said, stepping forward. “Blasphemy, come forth!”
The legion appeared, its destructive energy crackling. A series of bombs materialized and detonated against the door, reducing it to rubble.
“In we go,” Sieg said.
---
Inside the Temple
The air inside was blistering, the walls lined with fiery traps. Jets of flame shot out sporadically, pits of molten lava bubbled below, and pressure plates hinted at even more dangers.
“Mind your step,” Sieg warned. “Weapons ready.”
Carefully, they navigated the traps, avoiding hidden triggers and leaping over hazards. After several close calls, they reached a large chamber dominated by a sloping ramp leading upward.
Arcia tilted her head. “A ramp? Why not stairs?”
They exchanged a knowing look and said in unison, “A trap.”
Peering cautiously from behind a wall, they stared at the ramp.
“Hm, nothing,” Arcia said, narrowing her eyes.
“Alright,” Sieg said, “let’s go.”
Halfway up the ramp, the ground trembled. A massive, fiery boulder detached from the ceiling and began rolling toward them.
“Quick, run!” Sieg shouted.
Thinking fast, he summoned Thanatos and activated its Slow Motion ability. The boulder’s descent slowed to a crawl, giving them ample time to sprint back down and hide behind the wall.
Arcia panted, catching her breath. “And I thought the wind was fierce.”
“No time to waste,” Sieg said, dismissing the ability as the boulder rolled past. “Go, go!”
---
The Fire Pit
At the top of the ramp, they were greeted by a massive fire pit, its flames licking at the ceiling.
“Yeah… now what?” Sieg muttered.
Both of them scanned the room, looking for a way across. Arcia’s keen eyes spotted something glinting on the far side.
“Sieg, look over there!” she said, pointing.
He followed her gaze. “Looks like a switch. Shoot it.”
Arcia raised her pistol and fired. The shot struck true, hitting a cracked stone near the switch. A loud creak followed as a massive pillar, previously held by a lever, broke loose and fell. It slammed into the fire pit, forming a precarious bridge.
“Phew,” Arcia said, wiping her brow. “I thought it would shatter completely.”
“It’s cracked from the impact,” Sieg noted. “Move swiftly before it does.”
They hurried across the makeshift bridge, the cracks beneath their feet growing wider. They barely reached the other side before the pillar gave way, tumbling into the flames below.
Arcia glanced back, concern etched on her face. “How are we supposed to get out of here?”
“Djinn, remember?” Sieg said with a smirk.
“Right,” Arcia said, shaking her head. “Forward it is.”
---
The Main Chamber
The corridor beyond led to a grand chamber, its walls glowing with molten veins. At its center stood the final seal, glowing ominously.
“There it is,” Sieg said, drawing his sword. “Be ready for anything.”
As they approached, the ground shook violently. From a nearby lava pit emerged a massive Lava Golem, its molten body radiating intense heat.
“You shall not pass,” it rumbled, its deep voice echoing through the chamber.
Arcia blinked in surprise. “Oh, it speaks… That’s a first.”
“No time for banter,” Sieg said, summoning Thanatos. The legion launched a barrage of missiles, pushing the golem back but doing little damage.
“My turn!” Arcia said with a grin. She activated her enhanced pistols, firing a Silver Bullet Special Attack. The blast struck the golem squarely, detonating with immense force. The creature shattered into fiery puddles, its remains sizzling as they cooled.
Arcia laughed triumphantly. “Hah! Too easy!”
Sieg glanced at her, equal parts impressed and slightly envious.
“Let’s finish this,” he said, summoning Blasphemy. The legion unleashed its destructive energy, shattering the final seal.
The Fire Djinn emerged from the flames, its form radiant and majestic. Arcia explained the situation, and the djinn nodded solemnly.
“When the time comes, call upon me,” it said before vanishing.
---
Outside the Temple
They found themselves teleported outside, the fresh air a welcome relief from the oppressive heat.
“Good,” Arcia said, brushing soot from her jacket. “Just one more to go.”
Sieg nodded. “Yeah. We’d better hurry.”
Their journey was far from over, but with each step, they drew closer to confronting the Shadow and ending her reign of terror.
YOU ARE READING
Chaos Legion 2
FanfictionYears after Sieg defeated Victor Delacroix, peace returned. But trouble was brewing just around the corner. Even defeated, delacroix left behind an open portal to the dark world.
