章 13: Judgment Of Mortals
Dune's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding as he gasped for air. His hand flew to his chest, where he still felt a lingering ache.
How was he still alive? He vividly remembered Matiane's blade piercing his heart alongside his brother Ned and Atlas.
As his breathing steadied, Dune slowly got to his feet, looking around with confusion and disbelief. The sight before him was overwhelming, people everywhere, some bewildered, others talking or fighting.
They were inside a massive building that seemed to stretch endlessly upward, its upper floors hidden in darkness.
The ground beneath them was covered in grass, a stark contrast to the imposing structure. Ahead, ten gigantic statues sat on throne-like seats, each about thirty meters high.
The dimly lit surroundings glowed with an eerie red light from enormous torches, casting long shadows.
Dune stood in awe and uncertainty, unsure of what to make of this surreal scene.
Nearby, he noticed a girl lost in thought.
She stood motionless, her brown skin glowing with a warm radiance. Her bright orange eyes, framed by long black hair, reflected a fiery spirit.
Her face was strikingly beautiful, exuding grace and strength. Clad in sleek black battle attire, she looked every bit the formidable warrior, her presence magnetic and commanding attention.
Approaching her cautiously, he asked, "Hey, excuse me... can you tell me where we are? Or what's going on?"
The girl glanced up at him, her expression bitter. "Another newbie, huh?" she said. "I'm Nely. Been here longer than you, apparently."
"I'm Dune. Do you have any idea what or where this place is?" he asked.
Nely looked at his scarred eye and smirked. "Nice to meet you, shorty. This place is either a prison or a test. Thousands of us are trapped here with no escape. And there is no way out."
"Shorty… we're literally same height? Guess I've been called worse," Dune thought.
Nely continued, "everyone here is Zeten and i've been here for… probably six hours, and you've been asleep for a few. Nobody can escape this place. Some have tried to approach that giant door or the statues, but an invisible barrier stops them."
After a few minutes, Dune decided to take a walk, and Nely followed. As they navigated the temple together, Dune broke the silence. "Why are you following me? And what's your power?" he asked.
"It's better to team up. Can't you see everyone else is doing the same thing? Who knows what will happen? As for my power, I can control fire.
Nely replied with a hint of regret. "But don't expect me to save you if you get in over your head," she added, masking her vulnerability with a smile.
"What's your plan for getting out of this mess, Shorty?" she asked.
"This again? Really?" Dune sighed. He then asked, "did you die before coming here?"
"Yeah… how did you know?" she replied, confused.
"I died too. If that's the case, then my friends and brother could be here somewhere. I have to find them," Dune realized.
Before he could make a move, a voice boomed from the statues, causing one to rise from its throne. Whispers rippled through the crowd as thousands of people gazed up at the towering 30-meter-tall statue.
Its imposing figure cast a shadow over everyone, with only two glowing red eyes and a mouth visible in the darkness of its face.
As the other statues followed suit, revealing their crimson eyes, tension filled the air. The central statue began to speak, its voice echoing with commanding presence.
"Mortals, humans," it boomed, dripping with disdain. "You lowly beings, striving to eke out your pitiful existence. Weak and pathetic, unable to best even the weakest apostles of the gods. Your frailty is a curse."
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the god continued, "But today marks a turning point. The gods, in their benevolence, have decided to answer your prayers. Ten of you, chosen by fate, will be blessed by ten gods."
The god's words instilled awe and fear in the hearts of the mortals below. "Though you may receive only a fraction of our power, it will elevate you beyond your wildest dreams.
Be grateful, mortals, for the gods have deemed you worthy. Praise the one true God, the Lord, the arbiter of justice and fairness."
As the god finished speaking, silence fell again, only to be shattered by mockery and insults from the humans below. "Gods? Don't make me laugh!" they jeered. "Let us go, you pieces of shit!"
Amidst the chaos, a figure in a black robe and mask raised both hands. In an instant, shock rippled through the crowd as humans began to explode, their heads bursting one after another.
Panic swept through the masses, but the god's voice boomed, commanding attention. "Enough!" it thundered, freezing everyone in place. "You poor things brought this upon yourselves by disrespecting the gods' kindness."
With grim satisfaction, the god proclaimed, "Now the gods will revel in the spectacle. Remember, I only need ten of you."
The figure in the black robe raised his hands again, enveloped in a purple Neba. With a gesture, he summoned hundreds of deadly creatures, some taller than him, others as tall as the god itself. They crashed against the barrier surrounding the crowd with thunderous force.
"In one minute, the barrier will deactivate," the god's voice boomed. "Then the creatures will feast on all of you."
Shockwaves of fear and desperation swept through the crowd. Some ran, others cried, while some stood frozen. Amidst the chaos, voices rose, pleading for guidance.
"What do we do?!" cried one terrified soul.
The god offered only one word in response: "SURVIVE."
As people scattered, a massive gate swung open, revealing a sprawling landscape beyond. The fleeing masses surged toward the open gateway. Amidst the chaos, Dune searched frantically for his friends.
Nely grabbed his arm, shaking him from his thoughts. "Wake up shorty! We need to run!" she urged.
They sprinted forward, but Dune struggled to keep up, falling behind Nely. "Why are you so slow?" she questioned, then bowed, gesturing for Dune to climb onto her shoulders.
Hesitant but with no other choice, Dune climbed on. Nely propelled them forward with astonishing speed.
"How are you so fast?" Dune asked.
"How are you so slow, ugly and short?" Nely shot back.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
They reached the edge of the land, where the building sat atop a floating island. Below was another vast island covered in dense forest. With resolve, Nely leaped from the edge, plunging toward the forest below.
Holding on tightly, Dune watched in awe as they descended. Despite the dizzying drop, Nely landed gracefully, unscathed. Dune realized the extent of Nely's bravery and her zeten power.
Speechless, Dune could only smile gratefully at Nely as they stood amidst the forest's lush greenery. Thousands of Zetens leaped from the main island, desperate to survive.
Suddenly, a figure emerged, wielding an axe crackling with green Neba. With quick reflexes, Dune dodged the attack and punched the assailant's gut, but it had no effect. Nely swiftly intervened, kicking the attacker into a nearby tree.
"Damn it! They are already attacking each other."
With the immediate threat gone, Nely and Dune pressed on, hearts pounding. They reached the banks of a huge river. Nely conjured a boat from her green Neba, leaving Dune in awe.
They boarded the makeshift vessel and pushed off into the swift current, determined to survive. Though uncertain of their destination, they were united in their resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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