The Turning Point [Part 4]

Rain poured relentlessly, drenching the city streets as Althea and her Familia hurried towards Babel, their hearts filled with determination and concern for Ais.

Running through the pouring rain, they engaged in a lighthearted conversation, attempting to ease the tension that hung in the air.

Althea, regaining her usual quippish self, turned to Riveria with a mischievous smile and asked, "Riveria, when we find Ais, what will you say to her?"

Riveria's lips curved into a gentle smile, her stride unwavering. "Well, I will scold her for venturing into danger without considering the consequences. But then, I will remind her how much we care for her."

Finn, always the voice of reason, added playfully, "I imagine I'll give her a long lecture on the importance of teamwork and the dangers of going alone. We can't have her thinking she's unbeatable, can we?"

Gareth's deep laughter rumbled through the rain. "I'll offer her a friendly reminder that true strength lies in acknowledging our limitations and seeking support when needed. We'll be her shield."

Loki's mischievous grin widened as she interjected, "Oh, I'll tease her hardheartedly! Making her regret for leaving our sight. But deep down, she'll know it's out of love."

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as they continued their journey—finding solace in the shared bond that compelled them together.

But suddenly—

*BOOM*

A thunderous explosion shattered the tranquility, ripping through the air and jolting them out of their casual banter. Smoke billowed—temporarily obscuring their vision—and instilling a sense of urgency.

"What's happening?!" Althea exclaimed—her bewilderment mirrored in the eyes of her companions as they surveyed the chaotic scene before them.

"Stay close! We're under attack!" Finn's voice boomed—his authority resounding—as he urged the group to huddle together for safety.

As the smoke cleared, they found themselves surrounded by people dressed in white hooded robes. The tension escalated as the hooded individuals formed a tight circle around Althea and her Familia—their motives shrouded in mystery.

*clap* *clap* *clap*

Amidst the eerie silence, slow, mocking applause echoed through the air—drawing their attention to a figure emerging from the shadows. With short pink hair and piercing yellow eyes filled with aggression—the person revealed herself to them.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" the figure sneered—her voice dripping with disdain. "Seems like the Braver and his Familia came out to play."

Recognition flickered in Finn's eyes as he locked gazes with the approaching figure. "Valletta..."

The atmosphere grew heavy with tension as the presence of the menacing figure loomed over them, her smug smile sending a chill down their spines.

Althea's heart pounded in her chest as she turned to Finn, urgency lacing her voice. "Captain, do you know her?"

Finn's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "Yes, Althea. That woman is Valletta Grede, one of the leaders of the Evils. They are a dangerous group of people that pose a significant threat to the peace of Orario."

Dread and determination intertwined within Althea as she tightened her grip on her staff. Tales of the Evils and their nefarious activities echoed in her mind, but facing one of their leaders head-on was an entirely different challenge.

Valletta's gaze swept over each member of the Loki Familia, finally resting on Althea, who stood on guard—her senses heightened. Valletta's grin widened, a sadistic glimmer in her eyes, as she uttered her chilling words.

"Alright, it's time for you scumbags to suffer in agony."

The Loki Familia tensed, their wariness intensifying. However, Valletta's next words shocked them, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their minds.

"But before that... I'll allow that young brat over there to pass through," Valletta declared, pointing directly at Althea.

Confusion wavered across Althea's face, but it quickly turned into suspicion. She recognized it as a trap—a ploy to divide and manipulate them. She steeled herself, refusing to be swayed by the woman's words.

Sensing Althea's hesitation, Valletta's grin twisted into a mischievous smirk. She knew convincing the determined girl wouldn't be easy, so she decided to play her most dangerous card.

"If you don't accept our offer, then I guess your sister is going to die soon—" Valletta taunted, her voice dripping with sadistic glee.

Althea's eyes widened with fury, her voice laced with anger as she snapped, "Don't you dare touch my sister, you bastard!"

"Ahahaha!" Valletta erupted into maniacal laughter, relishing in the young girl's fierce reaction. "Now, what's it going to be, brat? Do you want to stay here and play with us adults, or do you want to save your dear sister's life?"

Althea bit her lip in annoyance, her gaze locked intensely on the malevolent woman before her. She tightened her grip on her staff, ready to unleash her magic against her enemies.

But before the situation could escalate any further, Althea felt a reassuring touch on her shoulder. She turned her head to see Finn, his gaze calm and comforting.

"It's okay, Althea. Go on without us," Finn said calmly, his voice filled with authority.

"But, Captain..." Althea muttered, her worry evident in her voice.

"Don't worry, we will catch up to you once we're done with them," Finn reassured, his words carrying the weight of their unwavering bond.

The other members of the Familia nodded in agreement, their determination shining through. Althea gathered her thoughts, taking a moment to trust in Finn's decision.

"Alright, I trust your judgment, Captain," Althea acknowledged, her voice firm and resolute. With a decided nod, she turned and began to run.

As she passed through the group of white-robed mages, Althea silently glared at Valletta, engraving her face in her memory.

Valletta met her gaze with a twisted smile, savoring in their current battle of wills. She watched as the girl disappeared into the night.

"Now then, where were we?" Valletta declared, her voice laced with malicious intent, as she turned her attention back to the remaining members of the Loki Familia.

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The echoes of battle faded behind her as Althea sprinted towards the towering structure of Babel. Determination surged through her veins, propelling her forward with unwavering resolve. She charged into the dungeon entrance, leaving the chaos and clash of steel behind.

Inside the dungeon, Althea found herself in the vast spiral staircase area. Time was of the essence, and she couldn't afford to waste a single second.

Without hesitation, she leaped through the middle of the staircase, bypassing the winding steps entirely, defying the pull of gravity.

Althea, fueled by her power and unwavering resolve, chanted her wind magic, harnessing the power of the elements.

"Zephyr!" she cried as a gentle gust enveloped her, slowing down her fall until she landed gracefully on the dungeon floor.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she continued her mad dash, navigating the dimly lit hallways. Each step echoed through the empty space, intensifying the urgency of her mission.

As she raced forward, Althea's eyes caught sight of a trail of shattered magic crystals scattered along the path.

Ais had been here—fighting with all her might, leaving behind a mark of her relentless battles.

The sight of the crystals evoked a whirlwind of emotions within Althea. She could feel the depth of her sister's love, the sacrifices she was willing to make for her sake.

"Ais..." she whispered, her voice filled with resolve and affection. "Your efforts won't be in vain. I will find you, and together, we will conquer any obstacle that stands before us."

Yet, a haunting voice echoed within her mind, attempting to sow doubt and despair.

[You will never reach her in time.]

The voice, cold and indifferent, wanted to discourage her, to extinguish her flickering hope.

Althea shook her head, refusing to yield to its deceptive whispers. She knew she had to press forward.

[It's pointless to keep going. Turn back.]

The voice persisted, its tone dripping with pessimism, trying to shatter her spirit.

Althea's grip on her staff tightened as she pushed against the doubts that threatened to consume her.

"No," she said firmly, her voice filled with resolve. "I won't let your words discourage me. I will find Ais, no matter what."

For a brief moment, Althea felt a chill as she passed through a ghostly figure that look like herself. The figure had a distant look on her face, as if her gaze could freeze anyone who saw it.

[Then you're just a mistake. I should have never accepted your soul.]

Althea paused for a moment, looking back, but the figure quickly disappeared. It was an unsettling experience, but she has no time to dwell on it.

She continued running, determined to reach her sister. Each floor passed by in a blur until she finally arrived at the twelfth floor.

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Upon arriving at the floor, a white haze drifted around Althea. The area was covered in a light fog, reminiscent of an early morning mist. Countless bare trees, their branches twisting into nature's weapons, surrounded the room.

In the middle of the eerie scene stood Ais, her body battered and bruised. She leaned on her sword for support, breathing heavily. Althea's gaze shifted between her sister's worn state and the conflicting voices in her mind.

'She has been through a lot. I couldn't help but feel proud of her.'

[No, that's not enough. She needs to be stronger than that.]

The voices, both belonging to Althea, contradicted each other. The flame in her eyes burned cold yet powerful as she stared at Ais.

Almost unconsciously, she moved towards her sister. Ais noticed her approaching and asked, her voice cautious yet gentle, "Althea? What are you doing here?"

"We need to get out of here, Ais. It's too dangerous," Althea declared, prompting her sister to come with her.

Ais furrowed her brows and picked up her sword, a mix of confusion and resolve etched on her face. "No, you told me you would not interfere with my goal."

"I know, but this time it's different. Finn and the others were being attacked by Evils, and we need to get out of here before they discover us," Althea explained, urgency lacing her words.

Ais's gaze wavered for a moment, torn between her determination and concern for her companions. The fatigue on her face showed the toll her battles had taken.

"You two look lost, little ones..."

""!!""

Both Althea and Ais were surprised, their attention snapping towards a solemn yet seductive voice that reverberated through the room.

A single shadow rose from the white mist, revealing a figure dressed in black robes. Long dark-purple hair cascaded from the deep hood, framing the bewitching features of the newcomer's face. Their licentious aura sent shivers down the sisters' spines.

'...A god? What is he doing here?'

Althea's suspicion grew as she observed the figure's appealing demeanor and otherworldly presence.

However, something felt off, as if he was missing something that would mark his divinity. Althea could assume the person was suppressing their divine will to infiltrate the dungeon undetected.

The god noticed Althea's cautious expression and smiled suspiciously, closing the distance between them. Then shadows materialized behind him, ready to defend their master.

"I knew it.... It's a trap all along," Althea whispered to herself. She turned to her sister, prompting her, "Ais, get behind me."

"Why? What's going on?" Ais asked, her voice filled with confusion.

"Don't worry, let me handle this," Althea reassured her sister before facing the god.