1 Prologue

Temple of the Goddess of Virtue.

Light so bright and virtuous streamed in through open archways, illuminating and casting warmth over a party stood below, decked in armours and magic's, ready for what was required of them.

They stood still, their weapons hung casually from their sides. They had no need for them here.

From the very air around them, a voice emerged, soft and delicate, like a warm summer breeze it embraced them.

"My champions…nay, Heroes."

"You have served the world of Kiburat well, but I must charge you with a great and difficult task, one that I am hesitant to ask, even of you."

"We will all follow your dreams our goddess, for you are the light that banishes all evil from this world. We would do all that you ask."

Striding forth was a man decked in metal armours that flashed and surged with light, evidence of its unearthly power and capabilities. With a relaxed breath, he took to one knee as his fellow compatriots and heroes behind too took to their knees.

Bowing to their goddess and showing worship.

"Thank you my dear Heroes. You are the few that are brave enough to face all foes, to conquer the demons that threaten this world as well as others. I am proud to house you under my wing."

Practically shaking with fervour the Hero that took the lead to kneel was crying with tears of joy as his Goddess's voice filled him, he would live and die for her.

"The task that I would ask of you is to enter a new world. One full of darkness that twists and turns. One where a very ancient evil dwells, sat upon his mountainous throne, surveying the world beneath as he mockingly twists life."

"I ask you… would you vanquish this great evil that threatens us all?"

Without a moment to think a chorus of agreements and shouts of exhilaration escaped from the Heroes lips.

"Yes!"

"Anything for you."

"My life for the cause of the Goddess."

Her voice taking a more solemn tone the Goddess spoke again, wrapping her Heroes with protections as she empowered them for the fight to come.

"I grant upon you the power of virtue. To stand steadfast in the terrors of death, to never be shaken or swayed before any that seek your demise, to carry a light that will forever burn strong."

Through the bodies of the heroes coursed a power that they recognised, it was the power of their Goddess but in quantities they had never experienced before.

It was a reward for their faith.

"Now go my heroes. Enter the portal before you and strike down this evil. Free the land under him, return it to the light so that it may spring to life once more and all will bask in the knowledge of your deeds."

Before the heroes appeared a fold in space, as light tore open a doorway, one that was shining with a pure white radiance, yearning for them to enter as they could not see what lay beyond.

But they were prepared, for their Goddess was always with them.

With strong steps they entered the portal, not watching as it closed behind them, never seeing the faint shimmer of an incorporeal body as it had floated above them, beyond their means to see.

It was their goddess, watching from above, as she clutched her robe tight, her teeth digging into her bottom lips.

Her thoughts a mystery, that was not for the heroes to know.