Chapter 32: Confrontation at Dawn

Dune stared out of the carriage window, his mind racing with questions. What is King Aramir's motive? Why would he want to kill Matiane? He mulled over the possibilities. This is confusing.

I don't have enough information, but if gods can watch us, the blessed by them, then apostles, who have a deeper connection to gods, shouldn't be exceptions either.

His thoughts continued to churn. Gods have many apostles, so they can watch humans. Does King Aramir want to operate without being seen by the gods?

If Matiane is dead, he can maneuver without the God of War's oversight. This makes sense. If King Aramir killed Matiane himself, the God of War would retaliate, sending other apostles to Sanatria.

But if we kill Matiane, nothing changes. We're already targets, so we'd just be giving them more reasons to hunt us.

A bitter smile crossed Dune's face. It's kind of funny. Even now, I can't do anything to change this. Do I need to become strong enough to defy the gods' will? Is that even possible?

I don't like this feeling of being controlled, my decisions merely pawns in the games of gods and kings."

I want... I want to be free. And to be free, I need to become stronger. I need to kill and protect what's mine. Only then will I achieve freedom.

With his resolve hardened, he leapt from the carriage. His white sword glinted in the sunlight as he decapitated three soldiers in a single, fluid motion.

Blood sprayed, contrasting starkly with the pristine blade. Dune landed lightly on his feet, his eyes cold and determined.

The twins, Ezra and Liam, followed suit. Ezra's hands crackled with red Zeten as he unleashed a torrent of red flames, engulfing a group of soldiers.

Their screams filled the air as they burned. Liam, with his enhanced strength and agility, darted through the chaos.

Atlas and Ned were not far behind. Atlas's Purple neba glowed fiercely as he cut through the ranks, his blade moving with a speed and accuracy that spoke of his god-given abilities.

Ned, using his unique shielding neba, deflected attacks aimed at his comrades, "oh so you can use it to protect other people too? That's cool" Exzra and Liam shouted together.

Dune's mind remained sharp amidst the chaos. I need to reach Cadogan. He's the key to our plan. He pushed forward, slashing and dodging, each movement calculated and efficient.

he cut down another enemy, his enhanced senses picking up every detail of the battlefield.

The soldiers, despite their numbers, were no match for the combined might of the blessed. Bodies littered the ground, the air thick with the smell of blood and the sounds of battle.

Dune's eyes scanned the area, locking onto the cage where Cadogan was held.

There he is. Dune's heart pounded as he made his way toward the cage, cutting down anyone who stood in his path. He could see Cadogan inside, bound but alert, his eyes burning with determination.

With a final, powerful strike, Dune cleaved through the last soldier barring his way. He reached the cage, panting slightly from the exertion but fueled by adrenaline and purpose.

Dune approached the carriage cage where Cadogan was imprisoned. Cadogan shouted through the bars, "You can't cut it with Neba! This thing is made from neba and can absorb both Neba and Zeten!"

Dune chuckled, a glint of confidence in his eyes. "Well, lucky me." He swung his sword, the blade slicing cleanly through the carriage bars.

Cadogan was speechless. "How?" he asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.

"This sword can absorb Neba and Zeten too, but it's not made from either. It's an artifact," Dune explained.

"I see," Cadogan muttered, his mind racing to process this new information. "What are you guys planning?"

Dune's expression softened slightly. "I'm just gonna pay you back. You saved me twice: once when I was a kid and again when you protected us from Matiane.

So, I'm gonna pay you back, Cadogan. If we kill Matiane, you can run. We'll arrive in the city as the survivors of your supposed slaughter."

Cadogan chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Not bad, not bad at all."

At that moment, the others arrived. Atlas was the first to speak, his voice grim. "Everyone is dead. All 85 of them. But we can't find Matiane."

Dune sighed, frustration evident in his features. "Damn it, where did he go?" They took a few steps forward, their senses heightened, when they saw him.

Matiane was sitting calmly in front of them, resting his hands on his legs and meditating. He looked serene, a stark contrast to the chaos around them.

When he noticed their gazes, he smiled and whispered, "Give me your blessings of power, God of War Atreus."

The crew took a battle stance, their determination palpable in the air. Dune's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and strategies, but his resolve was unwavering.

They were ready to clash, ready to face Matiane with all their might.

The tension was electric, the air thick with anticipation as they prepared for the fight that would decide their fate.

This moment marked the calm before the storm, a brief silence before the inevitable clash.

They knew this battle would not be easy, but together, they felt a glimmer of hope, a chance to change their destiny.

As Matiane rose to his feet, a smirk played across his lips, his eyes ablaze with determination. "Finally something happened, i was getting bored ," he said, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the air.

Dune tightened his grip on his sword, his muscles coiled with tension.

With a swift movement, Matiane lunged forward, his fist crackling with energy. Dune ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the blow, his sword flashing in the dim light of the battlefield.

As Matiane summoned towering creatures forged from the fiery depths of Red Neba, a collective gasp escaped the lips of Dune's companions. Cadogan's command sliced through the chaos,

"Take these giant golems!" Cadogan's voice rang out, a mixture of determination and urgency. "I'll handle Matiane."

With a nod of understanding, the group split off, each pair confronting their own massive adversary.

Ezra and Liam exchanged a silent vow before charging towards one of the looming golems, their determination etched into every line of their faces.

Meanwhile, Atlas squared off against another of the towering monstrosities, his sword poised for battle as he prepared to clash with the creature before him.He launched himself into the fray, his movements a whirlwind of strength and agility.

Across the battlefield, Ned and Dune faced off against the third golem, their swords drawn and ready as they prepared to engage their towering foe.

With a shared glance, they charged forward, their determination unwavering as they braced themselves for the coming clash.

And amidst the chaos and destruction, Cadogan stood his ground against Matiane, his gaze steady as he faced off against his formidable opponent.

"I'm still surprised you're alive," Matiane remarked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Your ice healing ability is better than I thought."

Cadogan met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "I'm here for the rematch. But this time, the ending will be different."

"We'll see," Matiane replied with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he prepared to clash once more with his determined adversary.

As the battle raged on, each member of the group fought with a fierce determination, their movements a testament to their unwavering resolve.

And amidst the chaos and carnage, they fought on, their fates intertwined in a struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.