Night had fallen over the village, and the temple remained silent. Inside, Jotaro waited, sitting with a serious expression, while Aiko and Kira stayed hidden among bushes and trees, keeping watch over the path leading to the sacred place.
– Do you really think someone will come? – asked Kira, arms crossed. – It's dangerous to be outside at this hour.
– I don't know... but maybe someone will – Aiko answered calmly. – You always have to have faith.
– Yeah, but...
A rustle in the undergrowth interrupted Kira. She tensed immediately.
– Aiko... did you hear that?
– Hear what?
– Voices... – said Kira, moving slowly toward the source of the sound.
From her hiding spot, she spotted five people walking along the path to the temple. Her eyes widened in surprise.
– Seriously?
– It seems they have come – said Aiko, relieved.
– Yeah, but... it's only five... – Kira replied, lowering her head, disappointed.
Then, Aiko shouted:
– Kira, look!
Kira raised her head. Behind the first five figures, a crowd emerged from the forest. It was everyone. The villagers, one after another, moved forward with determination.
– Did they really... all come? – Kira asked in awe.
– Looks like it – Aiko replied with a smile.
– I didn't think people would actually come...
– You didn't believe in your friend's idea? Shame on you, Kira.
– Hehe – she chuckled softly.
Suddenly, alarmed screams shattered the atmosphere. Kira and Aiko ran toward the source of the noise.
When they arrived, they saw a huge ogre attacking the villagers. Without wasting time, Kira raised her hand.
– Fireball!
A sphere of fire shot out, hitting the ogre square in the face, blinding him temporarily.
Aiko didn't miss the opportunity. She clasped her hands together and summoned a more powerful spell.
– Fireball!
The flame, much larger than Kira's, struck the monster's chest and, upon touching its skin, spread and engulfed its body completely.
Kira stared, mouth agape.
– How did you do that?!
– You mean throwing the fireball? – Aiko asked.
– No! I mean how you managed to set him completely on fire just by hitting his chest.
– Hmm... I guess it's because I've been an adventurer for longer. My magic has gotten stronger.
– So, to do what you did... I need more experience?
– Yeah, I think so.
Kira looked thoughtfully down the path.
– I hope Jotaro is ready to receive them...
Inside the temple, Jotaro sat on the floor, thinking about his entrance.
– Hmm... what could I do? I could just walk out and greet them... but that would be boring. Maybe... something flashier?
At that moment, Jotaro heard voices outside the temple. He approached the entrance and opened it just enough to peek out with one eye. A crowd was waiting for him.
Jotaro stayed silent, surprised.
– Seriously? Are they... all here? I wonder if they're mad at me for leaving... Although, judging by how that guy reacted when he recognized me just by looking at me... maybe they're not. But... maybe some are. If only I had been here when the monsters attacked...
Suddenly, a couple noticed him and turned toward the temple door. Jotaro quickly slammed it shut.
Worried, Jotaro thought,
– Did they see me?! I don't think so, I shut the door quickly. But... just to be sure, I should take another look.
Jotaro opened the door again to make sure no one had seen him. Seeing that the couple was no longer there, he relaxed and closed the door with a sigh.
– I thought they were going to catch me!
He sat back down, but soon heard something being said. He moved closer to listen.
– Are they... saying my name?
The villagers were chanting his name over and over.
– Demigod Jotaro, we want to see you!
Jotaro was stunned.
– They want... to see me, now?
He stood up, ready to go out, but then hesitated.
– Wait! I still don't know how to make my entrance... What should I do?
He thought quickly.
– Hmm... I've got it!
Outside the temple, the villagers kept chanting. Aiko and Kira had sat down under some trees, a bit farther away.
– I wonder when Jotaro will come out – said Kira.
– Maybe any moment now – Aiko replied.
The night, which had been clear until then, suddenly darkened. Kira stood up, confused.
– Huh? What's happening?
– What's wrong, Kira?
Lightning started striking around the temple. Aiko let out a small scream and hid behind a tree.
– Aiko? Are you okay?
– Ah! Well...
Another bolt of lightning fell, and Aiko screamed again.
– Are you afraid of lightning? – Kira asked.
– Wh-What?! Of course not!
Another thunderclap. Another scream.
– Really?
– Really... – Aiko said with a nervous smile.
– I'm not going to laugh, Aiko. Don't worry.
– Really?
– Very seriously.
– Well... yes. I'm scared of lightning.
An even louder thunderclap shook the forest. Kira looked up and saw the lightning beginning to form a huge circle in the sky, closing in around the temple.
– Are they... forming a circle? And the temple... is right in the middle?
The bolts narrowed more and more toward the center... Until one, gigantic, struck the temple directly.
Silence fell over everyone.
And then, as the light of the lightning faded, a figure appeared on the temple roof, exactly where the bolt had hit.
It was Jotaro. Smiling confidently, he spoke firmly to all the villagers gathered below:
– How have you all been, my friends?!