It had been two weeks since the battle in the temple. Kira, though not fully healed, was stronger than ever,

  his resolve burning brighter with every passing day. Darumu, Mira, and Selvi took turns training with him,

  helping him refine his skills and push his limits.

  But questions lingered in the air. Who—or what—was Baphomet, and why had he attacked so fiercely?

  One evening, as the group gathered in Abridge’s town square to discuss their next steps, a cloaked stranger

  approached them. The figure’s voice was low and gravelly.

  “You’re the ones who faced Baphomet and survived,” he said, his tone unreadable.

  Kira exchanged glances with his companions. “Who’s asking?”

  The stranger chuckled. “A friend, perhaps. Or an enemy, depending on your choices.” He pulled back his

  hood, revealing a scarred face with piercing eyes.

  “My name is Ralven. I was once a scholar of the ancient temples. I know of the guardian you faced and the

  secrets he protects.”

  Mira stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. “Guardian? You mean Baphomet? He nearly killed us!”

  Ralven nodded. “And yet, he let you go. If he had truly wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be standing here.”

  Selvi frowned. “You’re saying he spared us? That’s not what it felt like.”

  Ralven raised a hand. “You misunderstand. Baphomet is not your enemy. He is a guardian, bound to protect

  the temple and the relics within it. His role is to ensure that only those worthy can claim the power stored

  there. And you, it seems, have caught his attention.”

  Kira clenched his fists, recalling the battle. “Why didn’t he just test us, then? Why attack us with such

  overwhelming force?”

  Ralven’s expression darkened. “Because the relic he guards is tied to the Dark God. And the orb you

  carry…” He pointed at the faintly glowing artifact strapped to Kira’s waist. “…is the key to unlocking its

  secrets.”

  That night, as Kira sat in his room, staring at the orb, it began to pulse more intensely. The light filled the

  room, and before he could react, his vision was consumed by a blinding flash.

  When the light faded, he found himself standing in a vast, shadowy landscape. In the distance, he saw

  Baphomet, standing tall and imposing.

  “You,” Kira said, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination.

  Baphomet turned to him, his crimson eyes glowing softly. “You are the one who holds the key. Why have you come to my domain again?”

  Kira stepped forward, his resolve growing. “I didn’t come here willingly. But if you’re willing to talk, I want

  answers. Why are you guarding this temple? And why did you attack us?”

  Baphomet studied him for a moment before speaking. “The temple is a seal, a prison for a fragment of the

  Dark God’s essence. The relic I guard contains a portion of his power, twisted and vile. It cannot fall into the

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  wrong hands.”

  Kira frowned. “Then why not destroy it?”

  Baphomet’s voice rumbled with anger. “Do you think I haven’t tried? The Dark God’s power cannot be

  erased, only contained. My duty is to ensure it remains bound until the one destined to destroy it appears.”

  Kira’s heart raced. “And you think that’s me?”

  Baphomet leaned closer, his towering form casting a shadow over Kira. “You are untested. Weak. But there

  is a spark in you—a potential that I cannot ignore. Prove yourself worthy, and I may entrust you with the

  relic’s secrets. Fail, and you will perish.”

  Kira awoke with a start, the orb still glowing faintly in his hand. He recounted the vision to his companions

  the next morning.

  “So, Baphomet isn’t working for the Dark God,” Mira said thoughtfully. “He’s trying to keep his power

  contained.”

  Darumu crossed her arms. “That doesn’t make him a friend. He still nearly killed Kira.”

  Selvi shrugged. “Maybe, but if what he says is true, we’re going to need that relic to fight the Dark God. The

  question is, how do we get it without dying?”

  Ralven, who had joined them for breakfast, spoke up. “There’s a way. Baphomet’s tests are not just of

  strength but of spirit. If you can prove your will and resolve, he may grant you access.”

  Kira nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “Then we go back. I’ll face him again, and this time, I’ll

  prove myself.”

  The group set out for the temple once more, their journey fraught with danger. As they navigated the dense

  jungle, they encountered new threats: venomous beasts, treacherous terrain, and even a sudden storm that

  nearly swept them away.

  One night, as they huddled around a campfire, Mira sat beside Kira, her expression serious.

  “You’re really determined to face him again, aren’t you?” she asked softly.

  Kira nodded. “If we’re going to stop the Dark God, we need every advantage we can get. And if that means

  earning Baphomet’s trust, so be it.”

  Mira placed a hand on his arm, her touch warm and reassuring. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. We can’t

  afford to lose you.”

  “I promise,” Kira said, meeting her gaze.

  When they finally reached the temple, the air was even heavier than before, the shadows deeper. As they stepped inside, Baphomet’s voice echoed through the halls.

  “You return, knowing the danger that awaits. Do you seek death, or have you come to prove your worth?”

  Kira stepped forward, his sword glowing faintly with arcane energy. “I’ve come to prove myself. And to show

  you that I’m worthy of the relic you guard.”

  The chamber began to tremble as Baphomet emerged from the shadows, his towering form as imposing as

  ever.

  “Very well,” he said, his crimson eyes narrowing. “Let the trial begin.”