Before entering the grand gates of Eldoria, the trio stood face-to-face with the towering figure that guarded its sacred threshold. The Lamassu loomed tall and ancient—its lion's body coiled with strength, wings folded like shields, and eyes shimmering with divine awareness. A guardian not of brick and stone, but of oaths and purpose.
"Whoa… You're way bigger in person," Justice breathed, circling around one massive leg. "The stories did not do you justice—no pun intended!" She reached out, patting its rock-hard limb with reverence. The Lamassu's eyes glimmered, its face unmoved but watchful. A low, rumbling voice resonated deep in their bones.
"Declare your intentions... or remain silent for all time."
Talon crossed his arms nearby, his tone sharp. "Justice. Back away. You don't pet the ancient gatekeeper of Eldoria. He is not a pet to gander upon."
She grinned, skipping back toward her team. "But it was so cool, Talon."
The Lamassu's eyes scanned the three. "You hesitate. Speak freely, for I already see the storm within your hearts."
Freedom stepped forward, planting his feet firmly before the titan. "We are the Pillars of Judgement—sent from the east, chosen by Victory himself. We seek passage. Good enough for you? Does Victory's name ring a bell for you?"
The Lamassu tilted its head. "If your claim is true… then provide proof. Proof known only to those bound by sacred authority. By the divine touch."
Freedom smirked, then turned. "Well, looks like it's your time to shine, Truth."
Truth gave a short nod. "Very well."
He stepped forward, adjusting his coat with a flourish. "Though our number is few, the pull is undeniable. This mantle chose us. It draws us to injustice like a blade to battle. Lile a devoted mage who has sworn an oath to corrupt magic."
Justice joined them, her voice calm but strong. "We don't just fight evil… we're drawn to it. Like gravity. Like fate."
The Lamassu's wings flinched. And then—the gates began to open. This situation is not attributable to him. A different, higher-ranking party has now become involved.
A voice called out from within: "That'll do."
A slender man stepped forward, silver hair swaying with the breeze. His trench coat was long and elegant, marked with gold filigree. He was not a king of brute force, but of intellect and presence.
This was Eliquin, Guildmaster of Eldoria.
"I've heard tales," he said, dragging a manacled figure beside him, suspended by floating enchanted discs. "But stories are just that. Stories." With a flick of his fingers, the discs shattered. The prisoner collapsed to the earth.
"I want proof. Real proof. You've supposedly hunted beasts and extinguished threats... but you haven't smote a soul yet, have you? Well! Here is your test. Get it done."
Truth froze. The accusation hit like ice down his spine. His eyes darted to Freedom.
"He doubts us," Truth whispered. "If we hesitate now, we lose everything. Our credibility, our footing, our calling."
"We don't have the luxury of walking away," Freedom snapped. "If we retreat now, we become wanderers again—nomads without a cause."
Justice cracked her knuckles. "I say we give the people a show. One clean strike. High risk, high reward."
Truth tensed. "And what if we misfire? Last time we tried the Smite, the backlash nearly tore us apart."
"It won't this time," Freedom said, eyes burning. "I'll make sure of it. Just trust me on this."
From the ground, the prisoner chuckled darkly.
"What's this?" he sneered. "Eliquin's little puppets doing tricks for scraps of approval? Disgraceful."
He turned his glare toward Talon.
"And you—Talon. The boy Robin once believed in. She would spit in your face if she saw this weakness! You are a joke. A shadow of the man you once were."
Talon flinched, jaw tightening. He said nothing. The name hit him like a truck.
The prisoner tried to rise, hate twisting his face. "You think they can judge us? You don't know what's coming. You don't—"
He never finished the sentence.
The trio moved in perfect formation, their bodies glowing with elemental resonance. A sign of first time successful usage. Electricity arced across the ground. Frost formed beneath their feet. Fire pulsed with rhythm in Freedom's chest. A thunderous beam of pure light erupted from the trio—unstoppable, divine, and absolute. The rebel's cry was swallowed whole as his form evaporated in the radiant blast.
The ground trembled. The air warped with residual power. When it cleared, there was nothing left but a ring of scorched earth.
Talon looked away, heart pounding. In the silence that followed, he couldn't help but think of Robin—and whether she could still be saved from whatever darkness had taken her. Wherever she was, Talon would stop at nothing until he found her.
The three Pillars stood bathed in residual light.
Their lips curled into subtle, stunned smiles. They had done it—without faltering. The trust in Freedom's confident improv had gotten them over another hurdle.
From the stairs above, Eliquin raised an eyebrow.
"…Seems I was mistaken."
"You certainly were," Freedom replied, chin high, eyes defiant.
Eliquin waved him off. "Confidence is fine. Arrogance... is not. Learn the difference, young Pillar."
He turned toward Talon. "Get them settled. They're home now."
Talon sighed. "Welcome back to Eldoria. Stay in your lane, and we'll get along."
"Are you challenging me?" Justice shot back, playful and dangerous. "Because I'm amazing under pressure."
As they passed through the open gates, the Lamassu's eyes followed Truth, its voice thundering once more:
"The one who seeks truth."
Truth stopped. He looked up, meeting the creature's timeless gaze.
"Me," he said, arms folded. "Do you have something more to share?"
The Lamassu's tone dropped, solemn and heavy.
"The man you judged... knew more than he let on. Does this alter your course?"
Truth's eyes narrowed. "Not even slightly. We have unfinished business."
"Then beware," it warned. "You chase a murderer shrouded in lies. He wears shadow like skin. What you seek is not what it seems—it is vengeance. Are you ready for what that makes you?"
Truth didn't answer. But the look in his eyes said everything.