The group studied the figures in front of them, each one representing an aspect of love and compassion.
The mother with a child in her arms emanated an aura of protection and sacrifice; the man embracing the flag of a nation represented patriotic love and dedication to the greater good; the woman on her knees, embraced by a demonic figure, conveyed tragic love, full of pain and redemption.
Kaizen, with his attentive gaze, was the first to speak.
"The mother with her child in her arms... This is pure, unconditional love. The sacrifice a mother is willing to make for her child is one of the most sincere forms of love there is."
Jayaa agreed, her eyes fixed on the scene. "I agree. A mother's love is universal. It's instinctive, protective. She deserves our compassion and respect."
Andrew, who always remained serene and observant, directed his gaze to the figure of the kneeling woman. "This woman... She's in deep anguish, but the demon embracing her... doesn't seem to be hurting her. There's something else there, something we can't see at first glance."
Bloody Lily, with her soft voice, added. "Love and compassion aren't always obvious. Sometimes they manifest themselves in the darkest and most desperate moments. The woman seems to be in pain, but perhaps there is a redemption, a greater purpose in this demonic embrace."
Xisrith looked at the two scenes thoughtfully. "If these two scenes are the right ones, it means that love can manifest itself in both purity and darkness. Perhaps we should choose those two."
The soft, gentle voice echoed again, this time closer, almost like a whisper in each of their ears. "You understand the true nature of love. It is not limited to the obvious or what is easily understood. True love manifests itself in sacrifice, redemption and compassion, even in the darkest situations."
With this confirmation, the gate of love slowly began to open, revealing a soft, welcoming glow on the other side. The group prepared to go through, but before proceeding, Kaizen turned to his companions. "We're almost there. Remember, no matter what we find on the other side, we will face it together, with the same spirit of unity that brought us here."
Og'tharoz nodded, his face serene but determined. "Right. Let's continue together and support each other, as we have done so far."
Xisrith, always curious, asked. "And what should we do now?"
The Guardian of Virtues raised a hand, and a soft light emanated from it, forming a luminous path before them. "You can choose to stay or follow this path of light that will lead you to the Second Circle of Hell. The choice is yours."
Og'tharoz put one hand on his chin and said:
"The Second Circle of Hell is Lust. We will be placed in the middle of a maelstrom of souls and we will have to cross it."
"That shouldn't be a problem for you, who have already faced several trials here in Limbo," said the Guardian of Virtues.
Bloody Lily looked around, taking in the beauty of the Valley of Virtue. The soft glow of the light, the rustling of the leaves in the wind, and the sweet scent of the flowers created an almost ethereal atmosphere. She exchanged a glance with Kaizen, who was standing next to her, feeling the tension in her shoulders gradually ease.
"Come on, then," said Kaizen, his voice firm but with a gentle tone. "We have a way to go."
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Og'tharoz led the group, advancing along the path of light that stretched out before them. Each step seemed to be absorbed into the ground, as if they were walking on clouds. The Guardian of Virtues watched them go with a serene smile on her lips.
"Kaizen," called out Bloody Lily, breaking the silence. "Do you think we're ready for what comes next?"
"Yes, I believe we are. No matter what we face, we have each other. And that's what really matters."