The True Flame Awaits
After passing through the portal—a sensation I hadn't felt in a long time—I found myself standing alongside those who had entered before me. They stood frozen in place, as if rooted to the spot.
When I followed their gazes and lifted my head, I too held my breath, captivated by the sight before me.
Within an impossibly vast cavern that could have swallowed an entire plain, a single temple stood—beautiful and majestic beyond words.
Though we stood too close to see its full form, the entrance, sections of the outer walls, and towers that nearly touched the ceiling radiated an overwhelming sense of grandeur and beauty that momentarily made me forget our dire circumstances.
The sacred and imposing gates bore the insignia of Urshus alongside ancient inscriptions praising him. On either side of the gates, along the towering spires, and across the walls, massive flames blazed fiercely enough to illuminate the entire cavern.
Those heavy flames continuously infused the temple and the cavern with a dark vitality. Shadows danced endlessly across the ceiling and walls, swaying like dancers obeying a king's command.
For an instant, I felt as though I had returned to the moment I stood before the Demon King's castle. That fortress, built from the Demon King's mana, had been much the same—beautiful enough to overwhelm and terrify all who beheld it.
Suddenly, the massive gates began to open. With a sound suggesting they hadn't moved in over a thousand years, the doors parted, revealing a long corridor adorned with flame-etched carvings.
“O great Urshus!”
Olsidra cried out in rapture.
Be honored. Many have been permitted entry to El Nergavil, but all previous visitors arrived through portals and teleportation arrays. This gate has opened only twice since the temple's construction—including today. Urshus himself extends this welcome.
“Ooh!”
Olsidra and several others looked ready to fall to their knees, their faces filled with emotion and joy. To them, Urshus showing favor was an immense honor. Yet to me, Alsh Unak's words felt directed solely at me, not at the group, filling me with unease.
Come. Urshus awaits.
Alsh Unak led the way. The beautiful corridor stretched straight toward the temple's center—an unbroken path with no branching routes or side doors in sight.
Even without seeing the temple's full exterior, its immense scale was obvious. Given its structure, this corridor alone could not account for all its space.
Other chambers surely existed behind these walls. Yet no doors or alternate paths appeared. It seemed as though only forward movement was permitted.
The others remained entranced by the beauty and the fact of standing in El Nergavil, but I understood exactly what this design implied.
The Demon King's castle had been built the same way. By emphasizing its splendor while forcing intruders to advance in a straight line, it neutralized any tactical maneuvers.
Back then, the Demon Commanders and elite soldiers had waited at key points. Only when we grew accustomed to the structure and let our guard down did Denatel's trap activate.
I didn't expect the same here, but I couldn't afford to relax.
We walked deeper and deeper until, at last, the corridor's end came into view.
Show your respects.
At the end stood a massive black flame. Though smaller than the one from my morning dream, its dark crimson blaze dwarfed any torch or lamp. It seemed to gaze down upon us all.
“O great Urshus!”
Olsidra and the others dropped to their knees in unison. Yes, it truly felt as though Urshus was watching. But that was merely an illusion created by the arrangement of inscriptions, sculptures, and structures behind the flame.
Though the blaze was composed of intense mana and spells, it had nothing to do with Urshus himself.
While bowing along with the others, I carefully scanned my surroundings. No traps or snares were visible, nor any places suitable for an ambush. Still, I couldn't relax. Alsh Unak's occasional glances toward me were far too deliberate to ignore.
Alsh Unak continued speaking, but his words were nothing more than pleasantries—empty of sincerity. As his speech neared its end, doors behind the flame opened, and several figures emerged. They wore crimson robes symbolizing the Dark Priests, similar yet distinct from those I'd seen in old texts.
Now go to your assigned positions and prepare to receive the impure intruders.
At Alsh Unak's command, the Dark Priests approached one by one, gesturing for people to follow them.
“It's been a while, Olsidra.”
“Indeed. Several months, isn't it? So you've finally earned the crimson robes as well.”
“Yours are prepared too.”
Olsidra's exchange carried a note of familiarity, suggesting he knew the speaker.
“Come. You lot, follow me.”
Soon after, a Dark Priest approached me as well. Those who had been standing before me had already gathered around their assigned guides, while others followed different priests. I slowly rose to my feet. Though I wanted to observe longer, I had no choice but to comply.
Then—
Wait. That one will come with me to the Chamber of True Flame.
Alsh Unak's words drew every gaze toward me. The Dark Priests in crimson robes and Olsidra in particular looked utterly shocked. Even as I forced a calm expression, my mind filled with nothing but dismay and confusion.
What are you doing? Rise and come here.
Had I been discovered? No, there was no “had.” His demeanor and tone made it clear—I had been found out. But how much did he know? That I wasn't a Dark Priest? Or that I was the Hero's companion?
He was a high-ranking demon. Even if he hadn't participated in the last war, he might still know about the Hero and his allies.
Did he also recognize Granbipra?
And why isn't he dealing with me now? Is he worried about harming the others?
My thoughts raced, but no answers came easily. I stood with the most composed expression I could manage and walked to his side.
Should I attempt a surprise attack? Would there be time to summon Irshagas? Or would it be better to call the demon insects and flee?
Every scenario I considered ended poorly. The situation favored him. I wanted to believe Granbipra had followed, but some spell might be blocking his approach.
“……”
I felt the others' stares—filled with jealousy and suspicion. It had been quite some time since I'd experienced this familiar sensation. Back at the academy, and when Rowell first gained some fame, most looks directed at me had been exactly like this. Only after we became overwhelmingly famous had the jealousy faded. Though questioning glances still followed me even now.
Then follow me.
Without any sign of suspicion or caution, Alsh Unak turned and began walking.
Well, fine. I'll follow for now.
I decided to trail behind him. Even if a fight broke out, this wasn't the place to start one. Whatever his intentions, there was no need to take unnecessary risks while he still appeared amicable.
……
He said nothing more. Watching his bat-like wings and back as we passed through corridors and staircases, I felt the urge to summon my beasts and check Granbipra's location. Still, I held back.
There was no guarantee I could defeat a high-ranking demon in one strike, and his relaxed confidence suggested he had reasons for it. Perhaps he hadn't noticed anything at all. Like the others, he might simply be treating me specially because of the dark light of my soul. Of course, I couldn't be certain this path didn't lead deeper into a trap.
Here we are.
After passing through countless rooms and stairways, we finally stopped before a door. From the distance we'd walked, this chamber lay at the temple's deepest point—and it looked the part. Given the name “Chamber of True Flame” I'd heard earlier and the others' reactions, its importance was undeniable.
The real question remained why I had been brought here. But Alsh Unak gave me no time to think. He reached for the doorknob at once. I braced myself. I didn't know if Granbipra was nearby or what waited inside, but I had no choice.
“……!”
The moment Alsh Unak opened the door, an overwhelming force burst forth like a breaking dam, sweeping over me. I couldn't help but stop in my tracks.
I knew this energy. It pierced through my entire body from head to toe, as if binding my very soul. Yes—I knew this power.
In the past, within this same force that felt as though stars themselves were burning and my consciousness might scatter, I had desperately endured. Before an even fiercer flame—one that threatened to incinerate my entire soul—I had raised my voice. My sun is not you, I had cried.
Welcome, Summoner of Deception! The great Urshus has been waiting for you!