The girls from the order traversed the winding corridors of the temple, their footsteps echoing against ancient stone as they followed the head priestess through seemingly endless passages.
The scent of burning incense grew fainter with each turn, replaced by the musty dampness of the temple's depths.
"Why must we walk all this way?" Hawo's voice carried a note of exhaustion as shadows danced across the walls from flickering torches. "We could simply use the room adjacent to the meeting chamber—it stands empty."
The head priestess's robes rustled as she glanced back, her weathered face grave in the torchlight.
"Sadly, we cannot, my dear. The bunny ears may be renowned for their exceptional hearing, We require absolute secrecy."
"But their abilities are not infallible," Head priestess," Hawo pressed, her breath forming small clouds in the cool underground air, "surely we needn't descend to the underground chambers to speak. The first floor would suffice."
"There is wisdom in excessive caution when dealing with the Scouts," the priestess replied, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Particularly after witnessing the artifact they employed to create that... vision. The image was disturbingly real."
Malaliel's jaw tightened, her fingers unconsciously gripping the hilt of her blade. "They've labored on that artifact for decades, yet still cannot replicate its power."
"They may not appear impressive," Azrael interjected, her emerald eyes reflecting the torchlight, "but appearances deceive."
"The rift represents the most perilous type of dungeon one could ever encounter," the head priestess continued, her voice heavy with memory. "Not only did a KNIGHT confront it, but the Scouts attempted to harness its power. They lost countless men that day." She paused, her hand touching a worn prayer bead at her throat.
" After that Malaliel said I was stationed before the rift by order of Wnea, prepared for anything dangerous that might emerge from the rift .
Only one man survived that day—all others perished within."
"Who was this survivor?" the head priestess asked, though her tone suggested she already suspected the answer.
"None other than General Jabari. His promotion followed shortly after."
Azrael eyes widened. "I heard General Jabari was the first—and likely last—non-human to join KNIGHT. They say he endured terrible treatment within their ranks."
"There are whispers," Cathies voice dropped to a conspirative murmur, "that he slaughtered every knight within the rift, and they promoted him out of fear of his power."
The head priestess raised her hand, silencing the speculation.
"None can deny General Jabari's service to Heaven Port, nor question his devotion to protecting all citizens regardless of their race.
The knights maintain their position as the premier unit under his command, their importance growing with each passing day."
At last, they reached the secluded chamber.
The head priestess sealed the door behind them with a soft click that seemed to reverberate through the stone walls.
The sudden confinement transformed the atmosphere—tension crackled in the confined space.
Azrael composure shattered.
"So, Cathie," she snarled, her voice cutting through the chamber's stillness, "explain yourself. What do you mean by 'we're going to help the Scouts'?"
Malaliel stepped forward, her silver hair catching the lamplight as she nodded in agreement. "Yes, Cathie. We still need to reclaim control of the waypoint. Have you forgotten?"
"I haven't forgotten," Cathie replied, her voice steady despite the accusatory stares. "By assisting them, we might obtain information before—"
"Information about what happened to the waypoint?" Malaliel interrupted, her fists clenching at her sides. "It's baffling—no one understands what occurred. Even helping them could lead us to uncover the truth about what befell Madan."
She began pacing the small chamber like a caged predator.
"The Scouts commissioned Madan to investigate the ship disappearances at sea.
Then we lost all communication with her.
Malaliel answers by "If they possess information we require, we'll extract it by force if necessary."
"Head priestess," her tactical mind already working, "we've attempted that approach before, to no avail. The only method to acquire the information we seek is reciprocal exchange."
"Azrael interjected, Even so," she continued, her brow furrowing with concern, "do we possess sufficient personnel to accomplish both objectives simultaneously?"
The head priestess straightened, her authority filling the room.
"You three must undertake this mission.
Cathie will accompany me to prepare the children for the harvest festival in Rosalie Colony."
Cathie stepped forward "Azrael, I need you to oversee the Red Light District. Given the HEN's influence, that location will suffer the most severe effects. I'll dispatch a group of priestesses to assist with purification."
She turned to Malaliel, whose agitation was evident in the rigid set of her shoulders. "Malaliel, your destination is Fort Skywatch and The Great Watchtower. Their proximity makes securing both locations manageable. The remainder of our priestesses will join your mission."
Hawo shifted nervously, her ears twitching with anxiety. "What about me?"
Cathie's expression softened as she placed her hand on Hawo's shoulder, feeling the younger woman trembling beneath her touch. "I need you to assist the bunnies in their search. It's your first solo mission—I realize it's too soon , but we have no alternative."
"We'll require at least ten priestesses for the ritual," the head priestess announced, her voice carrying the weight of command.
Malaliel's eyes flashed dangerously. "You may select from my priestesses—I won't need them. Being an angel has its advantages."
"Cathie told the Head priestess to "instruct the priestesses to prepare and divide into three groups. We'll inform the bunnies of our decision while you coordinate."
The head priestess' response came in unison as she bowed before departing the chamber.
The girls returned to the bunnies, but their expressions revealed immediate displeasure at the news.
"Enedina said we've explained the situation's urgency. We may require our entire team.
Cathie answered by As we've stated, we have pressing matters demanding our attention—this is all we can provide. We hope you understand."
Fabiola's fingers wound through her pristine white hair as she leaned back in her chair, her movement fluid and predatory. "It's not that we don't comprehend the circumstances. We simply hoped you'd send one of the angels, or at minimum, accompany us personally. Sending a novice will prove... less than useful."
The air in the room grew thick with tension. Cathie's jaw tightened, her diplomatic façade cracking slightly. "She is one of my team members. I trust her completely—she wouldn't be here if she lacked the capability to fulfill her duties. Don't force me to reconsider our assistance."
Fabiola's gaze lingered on Hawo, appraising and calculating. Without warning, she delivered sharp slaps to both Enedina and Yunuen's ass . The two women gasped but remained silent, their reactions suggesting this behavior was commonplace among the Scouts.
"Let's move, girls," Fabiola announced with a predatory smile, her hands remaining possessively on her companions' bodies.
Hawo instinctively covered her ass and maneuvered cautiously away from the group of Scouts awaiting their commanders outside the temple. As the bunnies emerged from the sacred doors, the gathered scouts snapped to attention, their salutes crisp and synchronized.
Fabiola returned the salute with practiced precision before positioning herself at the group's head. Together, they departed, leaving the Temple of Light's hallowed grounds behind them, their footsteps echoing into the uncertain darkness ahead.