Raigor and Veran looked around, still shaken by their sudden journey. The city before them was immense, with golden towers stretching towards the sky and streets paved with luminous stones that shone like stars.
The air was thick with mystical energy, and an ancient power flowed through every single stone of the ancient metropolis.
"This place…" Veran whispered, his voice shaking.
Raigor gritted his teeth. "It can't be… are we really in the City of the Gods?"
The sound of footsteps interrupted their thoughts.
From the end of the main street, a figure wrapped in a silver cloak advanced gracefully. Her eyes shone like twin moons, and a divine aura surrounded her.
"You were brought here by the Dark Phoenix, the guardian of the cycle of life." His voice was calm, but filled with unquestionable authority. "And now you must face your next test."
Raigor crossed his arms. "We have fought enough. Why are we here?"
The figure stared at him, as if it could see into his soul. "Because you two are the only ones who can end this endless war."
Veran clenched his fists. "If this city is inhabited by gods, why don't they fight this battle?"
A hint of sadness crossed the figure's face. "The gods are no longer as you imagine them. Their essence is fragmented, reduced to relics, to legends. The only power left in the world… is yours."
Raigor exchanged a look with Veran. They had traveled through time, faced legendary creatures, awakened forgotten powers… and now they had arrived here, in the heart of the mystery.
"What is our test?" Raigor asked, his voice firm.
The figure raised a hand, and the sky suddenly darkened. A giant stone door rose from the ground, carved with images of divine battles.
"You must step through this door and face the Keeper of Balance. Only those worthy can receive the key to defeating the Greater One."
Veran swallowed. "And if we fail?"
The figure turned, whispering words that chilled the blood of the two warriors.
"Then, the world will be doomed."
Raigor did not hesitate. He gripped the hilt of his sword and stepped toward the portal. "Then we must win."
Veran smiled, letting the adrenaline rush through him. "As always."
With one last look at the golden sky above them, the two warriors stepped through the door.
And the true judgment began.