65 Invasion (2)

"How many of us made it through here?" Artemis asked one of the guards stationed near the entrance of the monastery of Champions.

"Not enough... We got no time to waste. Go in. Hurry! The abbot is expecting to see you." The guard ushered the duo in before locking the gates once again. 

Artemis expression grew graver when she saw the pile of corpses scattered around the monastery. They hadn't been killed there, but had been brought there as per their tradition. However, not everyone was fortunate enough to get the last rites in order. There were dozens upon dozens of corpses outside the monastery, waiting to touch the sacred grounds for one last time. Only their last wish would never come true, and among those people were her parents and brother.

"We'll avenge them. Each and every one of them. But for now, we need to go and let low for a while." Lopt tried to console his partner as she pursed her lips together, "Survive to fight another day, remember?"