God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

There was no doubt about it. These things had to have been built by gods. However, Cain wasn't particularly interested in their beauty. Instead, he was making plans on how to storm the temples and destroy the alters hidden within them.

The trial could be completed either of two ways. One was helping the Revolutionaries destroy the alters of the Celestial Beings within the Temples, while the other was fighting the Devil Horde back and getting rid of the Revolutionaries.

There was no right or wrong in this scenario. The only way to win was by going with the situation that would favor him and his comrades best.

Standing beside him was Steve.

Cain mentally counted down before eturning to Steve,

"Alright. You're up."

Steve sighed. What Cain wanted him to do was very dangerous. Doing it was going to bring the wrath of the entire city down on their heads.

"Are you sure about this? That bastard Vince might be talented, but he has more that a few screws loose if you know what I mean..."

All this has been Vincent's idea, so Steve very much intended to drag him through the mud.

Cain waved his hand, "Just do it. We don't have any more time to waste."

The first day was almost coming to an end. If they wasted an entire day without locating the rest of their comrades, it would be a very huge waste.

Steve sighed. Stretching his hands out, both his index fingers began to glow with a golden hue. He began etching some sort of ancient arcane script into the air. These strange words and letters hing in the air without dissipating.

Cain nodded. Nowz it was go big or go home. If they failed, chances were that someone was going to lose their life again. Cain wasn't sure he would be able to stomach it. This meant they had to win at all costs.

***

Duskmore City, Palace of the Silver King.

If the outside of the palace was majestic, the inside looked more fit for a god than a king. Ornate decorations and sculptures littered the premises.

A faceless effigy of a strange being made from some silver-like metal stood at the far end of the hall, just behind the throne.

Seated on the throne, was a woman dressed in a beautiful flowing silk dress that looked more like water than actual clothing. It hung to the curves of her body, showing off things that could make the hearts of even the most stonefaced men skip a beat.

Her body was peerless, and her facial figures were even more so. Like a deity turned mortal, she sat languidly on the silver throne. This was the Silver King. Most of the people of the realm had no idea that their King was actually female. This was because she rarely appeared before ethe common folk, possessing many skilled subordinates that could do so for her.

Despite how beautiful she, was, her eyes were frigid and cold, like a piece of silver. An air of noble exaltation hung around her like a shawl. Her eyes showed very well that she held the lives of those she deemed beneath her in low regard.

Kneeling beneath the steps that led to the throne, was the guard commander, T'jane. As a Guard commander, he was one of the most powerful and revered people in the realm. Yet, he cowered before the Silver King's majesty completely.

A beautiful, yet cold, almost emotionless voice rang through the empty halls of the throne room,

"Just a handful of heretics, and you come here to face me? Are you tired of your position, Commander T'jane?"

A bead of sweat crept down the Guard Commander's spine,

"Your Majesty... I've met with Lord Crimson, and he said I should report directly to you. He said this matter is of utmost importance?"

The Silver King's eyebrows rose up,

"Crimson said that?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Apparently, these Heretics aren't your run of the mill. I can attest to that. One of them managed to hold myself, Commander Vivane and Vulture off on his own."

A wave of plantinum blonde hair cascaded off the back of this enigmatic beauty. Resting her chin on her hand, she seemed a bit intrigued,

"Someone that strong should be impossible to hide for so long. And you said a bunch of guards captured him?"

"Perhaps it had been orchestrated by the enemies from the beginning. I can only guess as to what their end goal is."

The Silver King shut her eyes as she pondered. Indeed, this matter was not as simply as it seemed.

After a few seconds of pondering, she opened her eyes. They were like the edge of a sword, gleaming with a lustre that could slip through flesh and pierce the heart,

"Issue a command. Have the entire guard moving. I want these wretched rats forced out of their hiding places. Tell Crimson to come see me."

T'jane bowed even lower, before walking out of the throne room.

The Silver King sat there silently for what felt like an eternity. Suddenly, the air before her seemed to undulate with waves.

A figure dressed head to toe in a fiery crimson red armor stepped out of the twisted space.

Despite his imposing look, the words coming from the helmet seemed too light to be taking as threatening,

"You asked to see me, your Grace?"

"Cut the bullshit, Gabriel. Tell me what I need to know."

Gabriel Crimson, the strongest man in the entire realm, and the leader of all military forces. Ignoring the Silver King's harsh words, he spoke like he was meeting a long lost friend,

"Come on now, you Grace. When was the last time we had a chance for tea?"

Seeing as the Silver King didn't reply, he let out a depressed sigh,

"Always so serious... Ehem! First of all, it seems the Heretics have gotten bolder. They will most likely use the incoming Devil Horde attack as a chance to try attacking the temples."

The Silver King raised a brow, "Is their leadership so stupid?"

Lord Crimson shook his head, "Quite the opposite, really. They've survived all this time for a reason. They probably have a way to over come the restrictions."

The Silver King's eyes were cold, "They exist solely because I allow it. I can crush them any time I please."

"Of course, of course... There is no one as mighty as the Silver King in this realm."

The King snorted, "Still, these Heretics are quite troublesome. Having to flush them all out might be a bit difficult."

The Crimson Lord chuckled. Although this King was an illustrious figure. The truth was that she was still a young maiden, unsullied by the evils of this world. She was strong, yes, even stronger than himself. However, she lacked experience and cunning. That didn't mean she wasn't smart.

Her parents were both dead, leaving her to fill in the role of the Silver King at an early age. She had to become smart and intelligent for herself and her people

Gabriel sighed, "Your Grace... The Devil Hordes are mounting another invasion. Although we are strong, we can't battle on two fronts comfortably. I suggest we use all our resources to destroy these Heretics once and for all."

Aurora, or the Sliver King didn't seem to think about it too much,

"Consider it done then. None of them will be leaving this city alive. I give you a day to give me results."

"Your wish is my command." Gabriel said, lowering hinself as a sign of deference.

***

What Steve had to do was not complicated. There were two parts to the plan. One was making their presence known to their comrades that were most likely locked up somewhere in the city.

Cain was sure that since the others weren't dumb, they would find a way to communicate back to them all they needed to do was buy time.

Cause a commotion, then wait until they were discovered. However, that was easier said than done. In doing so, they were inviting the wrath of Duskmore on their heads.

Cain had split them up into three teams. He and Steve were one team, while the rest were divided into two.

Once the other two teams got any feedback from either one of the two other groups missing, they would immediately spring into action. Since looking around would consume too much time, and sneaking was not advicable, this would be much more efficient, albeit more dangerous.

Cain's eyes were as cold as the bottom of a lake. There was no hesitation in his words at all,

"Let's begin."