Several figures stood hidden among the gathered followers, their black robes completely concealing their bodies so that not even a trace of their appearance could be seen.
Just as Vog had finished casting the Holy Light of Life, the robed figures suddenly tore away their garments. Beneath, they wore deep yellow robes robes with a distinctly Eastern style.
If Jason Kin had been present, he would have recognized them instantly. They were mages from Kamar-Taj.
At their head stood none other than Kaecilius, the traitorous former disciple of the Ancient One.
Kaecilius had abandoned Kamar-Taj years ago, lured by the power of the Dark Dimension. A formidable and troublesome dark mage, he was not to be underestimated.
Striding quickly toward Vog, Kaecilius raised a hand and made a sweeping motion. A glowing magic circle appeared at his fingertips, and a golden magical whip materialized in his grasp.
With a vicious snap, he lashed the whip toward Vog, clearly intending to bind him.
Once, as an ordinary man, Vog would have been frozen in shock at such a sight, quickly ensnared in fear. But now, he was no longer ordinary. He was a devout follower who had felt the divine majesty of the Lord of Life.
He was a priest of Jason Kin.
[Priest]: Vog
[Rank]: Tier 3 Priest
[Divine Arts]: None
[Strength]: 39
[Constitution]: 52
[Agility]: 45
[Spirit]: 39
His combat power was more than triple that of a normal human. Even a dark mage like Kaecilius could not dismiss him entirely.
As the whip lashed toward him, Vog burst backward, narrowly evading the strike.
"Who are you people? How dare you run wild in the Lord of Life's temple? You're courting death!" Vog's voice burned with fury.
As a fanatical devotee and priest of the Lord of Life, nothing enraged him more than seeing the Lord's majesty defiled. Any who dared offend it must die.
Kaecilius gave a low, sinister chuckle.
"The Lord of Life? I've never even heard of such a being. To shout in my presence you're the one courting death. Such pure life force in your body… what a waste. Give it to me, let it nourish my strength, and I, Kaecilius, shall become even more powerful!"
He didn't take Vog seriously at all. And why would he? Kaecilius was a former disciple of the Ancient One, a seasoned mage who had studied magic for decades. He dared even to challenge his master. To him, a mere Tier 3 priest was hardly worth the effort.
"Impudent! How dare you blaspheme my Lord's name you're dead!"
Vog's expression twisted in rage as he lunged at Kaecilius. His enhanced physique made him move like a hunting leopard blindingly fast.
In a blink, he was before Kaecilius, clawed hand swiping straight for the mage's eyes. Startled, Kaecilius stepped back just in time to avoid the strike only for Vog to surge forward again, closing the gap once more.
Both fists roared out like cannon fire, slamming solidly into Kaecilius's body.
The sheer force sent the dark mage flying, crashing into a temple pillar before sliding down in a rather sorry state.
"Dragon Nation Kung Fu?!" Kaecilius muttered, patting the spot where he'd been struck, a look of surprise flashing across his face.
"Hmph! Too late to realize it now. With that pitiful skill, you dare speak so arrogantly against my Lord's divine majesty? You don't know life from death! My Lord could crush you with a single finger!" Vog sneered, drawing a dagger from his belt, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
Any who profaned the Lord of Life had only one fate death.
Kaecilius laughed mockingly.
"You think a few fancy moves are enough to defeat me? How naïve! Form up capture him alive!"
Even after taking Vog's blows, Kaecilius stood unharmed. The resilience granted by the Dark Dimension was nothing to scoff at.
At his command, his disciples quickly formed seals, golden magical whips appearing in each of their hands. They lashed out in unison, whips striking at Vog from all directions.
Vog's heart sank. He had expected Kaecilius to face him one-on-one, but the dark mage shamelessly resorted to a group assault. Still, he did not falter.
Dagger in hand, he charged at the nearest mage. He knew all too well that the only way to beat a mage was in close combat.
But he was alone, and they were many.
In just a few exchanges, he had taken the worst of it, magical whips tearing into his body and leaving it covered in wounds.
At last, exhausted, he staggered back behind the ranks of the temple's followers.
Seeing their priest under attack, the followers surged forward to shield him, throwing themselves at Kaecilius's disciples. Though weak, their sheer numbers stalled the dark mages, keeping them from breaking through at once.
Seizing the moment, Vog dropped to his knees before Jason Kin's statue, bowing deeply.
"Great Lord of Life, evil ones have come to desecrate Your temple and profane Your majesty! Your humble servant Vog is not strong enough to repel them. I am willing to offer my life in exchange please, O Great Lord of Life, descend Your divine wrath and destroy these wretched invaders!"
His voice trembled with devotion as he prayed fervently.
But before any divine response could come, a golden circular portal of swirling light appeared behind him.
Kaecilius's mocking voice rang out, chilling and cruel:
"Kekeke… seems your so-called Lord of Life can't even hear your desperate prayers."