Chapter 39

As Astaroth and Lalitha approached the grand facade of the Whispering Willow, their gazes locked onto its impressive structure, confirming the accuracy of Nick's recommendation. The inn's walls, adorned with intricate carvings, seemed to whisper ancient tales of adventurers long gone. The flickering lanterns lining the entrance cast dancing shadows that beckoned them inside.

The inn owner, a delightful woman in her late sixties, greeted guests with a warm smile. Her figure boasted a slight plumpness, adding to her welcoming demeanor. Her ash-gray hair, neatly tied in a bun, hinted at a life filled with stories and adventures. In her prime, she had been an esteemed adventurer who had traversed distant lands, but now she had found solace in Ravenspire, managing this bustling inn.

As Astaroth and Lalitha stepped through the inn's entrance, they were immediately enveloped in a lively atmosphere. The ground floor housed a bustling lounge area and an inviting dining space, where patrons enjoyed lively conversations over hearty meals. A symphony of laughter and chatter filled the air, blending with the tantalizing aromas of culinary delights. The inn truly buzzed with energy.

Astaroth strode up to the grand reception counter, his eyes scanning the opulent surroundings. With a swift request, he secured a luxurious room for their upcoming two-day stay. As they settled into the lavish accommodations, Astaroth turned his gaze towards Lalitha, his voice filled with anticipation.

Astaroth looks at Lalitha and said, "We have some time before dinner, tell me what you have known about Sanctavia." Lalitha gracefully seated herself on the plush bed, her expression a mix of nostalgia and determination. "In my youth," she began, her voice carrying a hint of mystery, "I had ventured into Sanctavia alongside my teacher. My mentor, a master of spells, held little regard for the land, dismissing it due to his lack of faith. The country was under developing back then but I doubt much progress has taken place since then."

Lalitha paused, her eyes shining with remembrance. "My teacher had wanted me to learn all types of spells so he brought me to Sanctavia to meet with this priestess, a very remarkable woman. She possessed a wisdom that surpassed the boundaries of ordinary mortals. It was she who graciously shared with me the sacred art of white magic, which now courses through my veins." Lalitha smiles as she recalls the time she has with the priestess.

"Sanctavia, It's a mystical land ruled by the powerful High Priest, known as the Pope. Their formidable army is comprised predominantly of skilled templars, and fierce warriors devoted to their cause. But what truly sets Sanctavia apart is its populace. Every resident, whether born and raised here or drawn by their fervent faith, is a devout believer, their hearts and souls aligned with their god."

With a bittersweet wave of nostalgia washing over her, Lalitha sank onto the bed, her body taut with a mixture of anticipation and unease. Vivid memories surged through her mind, igniting a fierce glimmer in her eyes that reflected both longing and intensity. "Sanctavia," she mused, her voice laced with a hint of regret, "a land of kind-hearted people, but one where I always felt like an outsider. It seemed as though every corner held an incessant symphony of prayers, turning the entire country into a colossal temple rather than a mere nation."

Lalitha's brows furrowed in deep thought as she recalled her encounter with the enigmatic priestess, who had sought solace in the outskirts of the city. Perhaps even she had felt the stifling weight of the city's oppressive rules. The memory of that fleeting meeting with the priestess stirred a desire within Lalitha, an unquenchable thirst to understand more about the forbidden depths of Sanctavia.

"My time within the city was brief, Master Astaroth," Lalitha confessed, her voice tinged with regret. "That singular meeting with the priestess was the sole glimpse I had into the heart of Sanctavia. Since I departed, I have never returned."

"I understand, Lalitha. Let's not burden ourselves with that. I shall personally investigate Sanctavia when we arrive. But for now, how about we indulge in a delightful dinner?" Astaroth's voice dripped with intrigue and anticipation. With their decision made, Astaroth and Lalitha descended into the grand dining hall of the Inn, their footsteps echoing against the opulent marble floors.

As they settled into their seats, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, stimulating their senses. The food that Nick had recommended proved to be nothing short of exceptional—each bite a symphony of flavors that danced upon their palates. Astaroth couldn't help but appreciate the exquisite culinary craftsmanship, as every morsel seemed to transport him to a world of pure gastronomic delight.

Midway through their meal, a sudden tension gripped Astaroth's senses. He leaned in closer to Lalitha, his voice a mere whisper that resonated within her mind. "Did you notice the three-man team from this morning, the one that exited the Adventurer Guild as we were entering? They're here now, lurking in the shadowy corner. Their gazes have been fixed upon us since our arrival."

Lalitha discreetly stole a glance towards the corner of the hall, her gaze locking with the trio's intense stares. She sensed a sinister energy emanating from them, an air of mystery and potential danger. With each passing moment, a thickening tension gripped the atmosphere.

Just as Lalitha was about to relay her suspicions to Astaroth, a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance of the dining hall. The heavy doors swung open, revealing a disheveled figure bursting in, their breath ragged. It was Nick, his face etched with fear and desperation. His eyes searched for familiar faces for help.

"Help! I implore you, someone, anyone! The adventurer guild is engulfed in flames," Nick's voice echoed through the hall, quivering with urgency. "We desperately need a spellcaster capable of wielding water magic. Please, we need your aid!"

His desperate plea found its mark as his eyes locked with Astaroth and Lalitha, like a drowning man clinging to a lifeline amidst the tempestuous waves. Nick dashed towards their table, his voice trembling, "Ah, Mister Astaroth, we are in dire need! The guild master is gravely injured. I beg of you, lend us your abilities!"

Lalitha frowned at the man's pleading eyes, her brows furrowing in concern. Despite her master being the dreaded demon king, possessing unparalleled strength in this world, they had registered as a warrior and an archer earlier that morning with Nick. Why would he ask her master to extinguish the raging fire?

"Ah, Nick, I comprehend the urgency of the situation," Astaroth spoke, his voice commanding yet laced with an undercurrent of worry. "However, Lalitha and I cannot wield water magic. Nevertheless, we shall accompany you to aid the injured."

With those words, Astaroth rose from his seat, Lalitha swiftly following suit. They ventured out of the dining hall alongside Nick, who was joined by a few other intrepid adventurers. The moment they stepped outside the inn, their eyes beheld a sight that pierced the darkness of the night—a conflagration blazing fiercely, illuminating the surrounding landscape with an infernal glow.

The crackling flames danced like wild spirits, consuming everything in their path with an insatiable hunger. The acrid scent of smoke filled the air, mingling with the panicked cries of terrified villagers. Lalitha's heart pounded in her chest, her senses heightened as adrenaline surged through her veins.

Astaroth once again employed telepathy to communicate with her, the words resonating in Lalitha's mind. "The trio that has been watching us is tailing us closely, but their actions betray their intentions. They don't appear to be in a hurry to intervene. I suspect they are merely observing our every move. It would be wise for us to conceal the full extent of our abilities."

Comprehending Astaroth's instructions, Lalitha replied with determination, her voice infused with resolve. "Master Astaroth, your words have been heard and understood. I shall release Ezio, to blend in among them and ascertain their clandestine motives. Ezio, heed my command! Infiltrate the shadows and uncover the purpose of these three spies. Remember, no harm must befall them; seek only the truth."

As Lalitha spoke these words, her shadow began to stir beneath her, a fragment detaching itself from the darkness and darting off with astonishing swiftness toward the unsuspecting trio of men. Ezio, shrouded in mystery, vanished into the night, leaving behind an aura of anticipation and suspense.

The shadow glided with remarkable swiftness, blending seamlessly with the surroundings as it closed in on its targets.

As Ezio stealthily approached, he observed the trio through narrowed eyes. Their gazes darted nervously, their expressions etched with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. Something was amiss. He needed to uncover their motives, their allegiance. Silent as a ghost, Ezio trailed the men, staying out of sight while eavesdropping on their hushed conversations.

By the time they reached the guild house, flames had ravaged most of the once-sturdy building, mercilessly devouring its walls and structures. A chaotic scene unfolded before Astaroth and Lalitha's eyes as they emerged from the smoke-filled streets. A group of valiant adventurers, their faces etched with determination, desperately conjured water magic in an attempt to quell the inferno's wrath. Yet, to their astonishment, the flames raged on with an unyielding fury, defying their every effort.

Amidst the chaos, Astaroth's sharp gaze caught sight of a towering figure, held captive by a cluster of menacing men. A glint of urgency and concern painted their faces as they struggled to restrain the behemoth. Without a moment's hesitation, Nick who was with them let out a startled cry and dashed towards the unfolding spectacle. Astaroth and Lalitha, their hearts racing with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, followed suit, their minds brimming with questions.