Chapter 200: Steps inside the temple

With each step Isabella took, the soft, rhythmic tik-tak noise of her cane echoed through the silent night.

It was a subtle melody, a testament to her ability to navigate the darkness despite her apparent blindness.

The mystery of how she moved with such confidence, guiding me effortlessly without stumbling or losing her way, intrigued me.

The woman before me seemed to defy logic, and I couldn't help but wonder about the secret behind her uncanny spatial awareness.

Despite her lack of sight, Isabella maintained a precise pace, leading me forward with an assurance that belied her condition.

It was difficult to fathom how she accomplished this feat, but the subtle energy of divinity that surrounded her hinted at a unique source.

It appeared to be a form of improvised mana sense, utilizing divine energy rather than conventional mana to perceive the world around her.

"...."

"...."

The atmosphere between us was thick with an unusual combination of quietude and chilliness.

Although we didn't have much to discuss, the silence grew increasingly awkward as we traversed an unfamiliar path.

The journey seemed to stretch on endlessly, raising questions about just how far she intended to take me.

We had entered a location unfamiliar to me, the surroundings shrouded in darkness.

Peering into the distance, I could still catch a glimpse of the grand cathedral, indicating that we hadn't ventured too far.

Yet, the passage of time felt distorted, as if we had been walking for an hour or more.

Our journey through the mysterious night led us to a sudden halt as we arrived at a garden.

The ethereal beauty of the white flowers that adorned the surroundings created an enchanting ambiance, their gentle aura contrasting with the eerie mist that veiled the entire area.

The garden, once vibrant and alive, now took on a ghostly appearance in the silence of the night.

Isabella, seemingly familiar with the place, approached the gate and delicately touched it. The vines that had kept it locked squirmed under her touch, yielding to an unseen force.

With a loud rustle, the gate swung open, revealing an entrance to a realm hidden from ordinary eyes.

"Please follow me carefully, Sir Hero," Isabella instructed, extending her hand as an unspoken invitation.

Surprised by her gesture, I asked, "Do you want to hold hands?"

"It would be better if we held hands, Sir Hero. The path inside can be a bit tempting to the mortal mind, and once you're tempted, your mind may be lost forever," she explained, her words taking an unexpectedly ominous turn.

Ok now this was getting a bit scary when did the whole genre turn into horror?

I nodded in agreement with Isabella's suggestion and gently held her hand. Despite the black gloves that covered her delicate fingers, I was surprised by the unexpected firmness beneath.

There were calluses forming underneath, suggesting a history of intense training, possibly with a weapon like a sword.

it caught me off guard because, given her fragile appearance, I hadn't anticipated Isabella to have a warrior's background. It was a reminder not to judge a book by its cover.

Isabella, her smile embodying both pride and tranquility, gestured for me to follow her.

"Come," she beckoned, releasing my hand gently before proceeding forward.

....

Stepping into the hallowed halls of the temple, my senses were overwhelmed by a scene so surreal that it seemed to transcend the boundaries of reality.

The sheer magnitude of the spectacle before me was something I had only encountered in the realms of video games, novels, and cinematic marvels.

Towering over me were colossal statues, each standing at an imposing 15 meters in height, crafted from polished marble that radiated magnificence and beauty in its purest form.

In the sacred chamber, nine statues commanded attention, each a testament to unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship.

The marble sculptures seemed to come alive, embodying a divine presence that transcended the limits of mortal creation.

Each figure stood as a guardian of the sacred space, exuding an aura of power and grace.

At the very heart of this assembly stood a statue of breathtaking beauty—a woman seated on a majestic throne, her gaze fixed upon the celestial expanse as if in communion with the sun itself.

It didn't take long for me to recognize the subject of this awe-inspiring sculpture—the primordial goddess of this world, revered and worshiped through the ages of this world.

'The bitchy goddess'

It was annoying seeing her looking arrogant even through a statue,

Alongside her throne were statues, each depicting a different deity, forming a pantheon of gods silently overseeing the sacred space.

Which was surprising I had been under the impression that the Church of Light adhered to a monotheistic belief system, focusing solely on the primordial goddess.

'So, they secretly worshipped 8 more gods?'

"Sir hero...." Isabella's voice rang out, her call breaking the stillness of the moment. However, this time, surprise etched itself across my face as I turned to her.

The black blindfold that had concealed her eyes on our entire journey was conspicuously absent, revealing her eyes in all their natural glory.

The beautiful pink hue that emanated from them sent a slight tremor through me, captivated by the unexpected unveiling of her gaze.

With her eyes exposed, the true beauty of Isabella's face became strikingly apparent. It was as if a veil had been lifted, showcasing a level of grace and elegance that transcended the physical realm. In that moment, I found myself caught in the captivating allure of her presence.

"What do you feel about this place?" Isabella inquired, her question accompanied by a gentle smile.

Her eyes held an intensity that made me instinctively gulp, sensing that something was amiss.

The air around us seemed to thicken with an unspoken tension, and the once serene atmosphere took on a subtle undercurrent of uncertainty.

She only asked one simple question yet I knew something was extremely going wrong.

Isabella was slowly becoming more beautiful in my eyes.

Badump...!

'Shit....'