Haphaestus nodded and strode through the village, his flames burning bright as he gathered the villagers. "Attention, everyone!" he shouted,his voice carrying across the village. "Ares has instructed us to prepare to evacuate the village immediately. Take whatever you need, but be quick about it. We'll provide what support we can."
The villagers looked at each other in alarm, but Haphaestus's urgency was contagious. They quickly scrambled to gather their belongings, children clinging to their parents' legs as they hastily packed what little they had.
As the villagers prepared to leave, Eris turned to Ares. "What's the plan?" she asked, her eyes scanning the surrounding area.
Ares's face was grim. "The demons won't stop coming until they're told to. I think they're being controlled by someone or something".
Eris's eyes narrowed. "You think the demons are being controlled?
Ares nodded. "I do. And I think we need to find out more about it. But first, we need to get these villagers to safety."
As the villagers began to file out of the village, Haphaestus fell into step beside Eris. "I'll take point," he said, his flames burning bright as he led the way.
The group moved swiftly, their senses on high alert as they escorted the villagers to safety. But as they walked, Eris couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched... They found another village like 20 kilometers away and the villagers welcomed them when crimson explained to them what happened,the village chief arranged houses they could stay till they're ready to go back.
The villagers welcomed them with open arms, offering food and shelter to those in need. The village chief, a wise and kind-eyed elder, listened intently as Crimson explained what had happened to their village.
The chief's face was filled with concern and compassion as he nodded. "You're welcome to stay here as long as you need," he said. "We'll do what we can to help you rebuild and recover."
The villagers were assigned houses to stay in, and the group helped them settle in. As the day went on, the villagers began to open up, sharing what little they had to make the newcomers feel welcome.
Eris and the group spent the day helping the villagers settle in and assessing their situation. They knew that they couldn't stay here forever, but for now, it was a safe haven.
As the sun began to set, the group gathered around a fire to discuss their next move. "We need to find out more about the demons," Ares said, his eyes serious. "I have a feeling it's connected to the Khragixx, we need to know what we're up against."
I think I can help with that," the village chief said, appearing out of the darkness. "We've had stories of an ancient prophecy passed down through our village. It speaks of a great evil that will rise, and a group of warriors who will be tasked with defeating it."
The group leaned in, their eyes fixed on the chief. "What else does it say?" Eris asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The chief hesitated, as if unsure if he should continue. "It says that the warriors will be marked by the gods themselves," he said finally. "And that they will wield powers beyond those of mortal men."
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Marked by the gods? Powers beyond those of mortal men? What did it all mean?
The chief continued, "The prophecy also speaks of a great sacrifice that must be made in order to defeat the evil. One of the warriors will have to give up something precious in order to save the world."
The group fell silent, the weight of the prophecy settling in. What did it mean? And what would they have to give up?
Ares didn't need to explain to them that they the warriors in the prophecy and they all knew about the sacrifice that has to be made. The chief left them and went back to work" The khragixx must not be set free". Ares said firmly and everyone nodded in agreement.
"Someone is absorbing the power from the Vivere to summon demons"Ares said "I had my suspicions when we were by that eerie river but now I'm sure"he continued "the river is a portal that allows demons to pass through and cause chaos that's where it felt that way and there something strong in the river,we have to be more careful from now on" Ares said and everyone nodded "I think we should leave the maid here with the village" Haphaestus suggested cause they could be in more danger than before " yes,she needs to be safe"Ares said "Isabelle can we use your ring to contain the carriage" Ares asked her and she nodded going to the carriage she touched it with the ring and it vanished,no one looked surprised they just felt they could have done that early and Thomas might have not died,they felt bad about it but it's in the past now" do you guys also feel like we're being watched?,"Eris as them"I felt it as well when we were in the lotus blossom forest"Crimson replied and Isabelle also nodded" we're being watched"Haphaestus said and look at Ares"you know what is watching us"he asked him.
"I'm not sure but I have an idea"Ares answered honestly and looked at everyone "Get rest we'll leave in the morning tomorrow"he said and walked away,Haphaestus followed him leaving only Eris,Isabelle and crimson alone.
Eris started a conversation with them and they talked for a while before crimson also left them and Isabelle and Eris fell asleep but still on alert.