The journey is underway, with our friends marching toward their destination. After Dante shared his story, they press forward along the path, soon spotting a massive Inca-style city off in the distance. What awaits them now?
Upon spotting the overwhelming city, our friends quickly duck into cover to discuss their next move.
DANTE HERALDI: What should we do now? How can we know if this entire town is hostile toward us? What do you suggest, guys?
QUETZALCOATL: Um... how about sending MALEKIN to investigate? He's a demon, so I doubt those beings would want to attack him.
MALEKIN: I'm not opposed to the idea. After all, if anything goes wrong, I'll call you.
REX: Be careful, MALEKIN.
ELENA: Go carefully; we'll back you up if anything happens.
QUETZALCOATL: We've got your back if necessary.
Our friend MALEKIN goes to scout ahead. We see him stopped at the gate, where guards speak with him. After a short while, MALEKIN returns and tells the group they can enter, as the town is independent and does not serve any god. Without hesitation, our friends head toward the town, where they are greeted by a humanoid creature with the head of an iguana, who introduces himself.
DEMI-HUMAN: Hello, I am the mayor of this town. My name is EVY. What brings you to our settlement?
DANTE HERALDI: Hello, EVY. My name is Dante, and these are my friends. We are on our way to see the god of death, and...
EVY: Wait... you want to go to him? I don't know what your intentions are, but he will not grant you eternal rest.
MALEKIN: Hello, I'm MALEKIN. What do you mean? He grants peace to everyone, doesn't he?
DANTE HERALDI: Um, please tell us what you know.
EVY: Take a closer look around you.
Our friends take a more thorough look at the town, noticing creatures of various species—animals, demons, humans, and demi-humans—populating the city. They are stunned by the sheer diversity of characters gathered in this place.
DANTE HERALDI: This is incredible... I hadn't realized how diverse this city is. But what happened? Please, tell me more.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: I will tell you what actually happened.
Out of nowhere, a human wearing a conical straw hat enters the scene, dressed in a yukata. Most curious of all, his face is wrapped in bandages, revealing only a single eye, and he carries a katana.
DANTE HERALDI: And you are...?
MYSTERIOUS MAN: My name is ISAMU (勇), and I have been in this place for over 50,000 years. Let me tell you, it's not what they say it is. That so-called god doesn't grant you eternal rest; he devours your soul for himself. Allow me to tell you my story—but let's move to a better location. You agree with that, right, EVY?
EVY: Fine by me. Follow us to the palace.
Our friends exchange glances, nod, and head towards the city palace. Along the way, they notice that everything is made of stone, there are shops, and the coins they carry are traded here. After a while, they arrive at a beautiful palace made of stone and go to a large hall where they sit down and discuss the matter.
ISAMU: Well, ladies and gentlemen... judging by your appearance, I don't think you're seeking that skin-and-bones bastard just for peace. What is your true objective?
DANTE HERALDI: You're quite intuitive. Yes, the truth is we want to defeat him and escape this place.
ISAMU: (surprised) Is that even possible? Long ago, I would have loved to leave this place, but I've already established a life here. Still, I could lend you a hand.
DANTE HERALDI: We could really use your help. We don't know how powerful he truly is. By the way, you were going to tell us your story—could you share everything with us? Having more information would be extremely helpful.
ISAMU: Of course. As you may have noticed, I am not from around here.
MALEKIN: I've never seen clothes like yours before.
REX: Hi, I'm REX! I actually saw clothes like that in magazines back when I was alive.
ELENA: Hello, my name is ELENA. Those are Japanese garments... Are you Japanese?
ISAMU: Yes! You know my country—that's great. Luckily, in this place, I met a man who taught me your language, though learning the demonic language was tough; it's full of strange symbols. But yes, I am from Japan. Um... and who is he?
Everyone turns to look at Quetzalcoatl, who had transformed into a man. Before anyone can speak, the god interrupts.
QUETZALCOATL: Ah, heh, my name is HUTE. I'm a friend of theirs, and I'm also traveling to see the god of death.
Dante whispers into Quetzalcoatl's ear.
DANTE HERALDI: (whispering) What happened? Why do you look like that again?
QUETZALCOATL: (whispering) They have issues with the gods, so it's best we keep it this way.
DANTE HERALDI: (whispering) Ah, I get it. Well, friend ISAMU, tell us your story.
ISAMU: Well, as your friend mentioned, I come from Japan—specifically from the feudal era. I was a samurai and died in battle against the Mongols. It must have been around 1200, I think... I can't quite remember, but it was during the KAMAKURA period. What matters is that I woke up in this place of torture, bound alongside comrades who were tortured for many millennia. Ironically, they used our own katanas to torture us. Then, one random day, we managed to break free. It seems those demons aren't all that sharp—no offense intended, of course (glancing at Malekin). After that, we wandered aimlessly, fleeing from every creature that tried to devour us. Countless years seemed to pass, and eventually we discovered an entrance labeled 'El Mictlán.' That was when we realized this wasn't our culture. We simply kept moving forward as time passed, growing stronger in this realm. We were no longer weak, and we managed to overcome every trial. We gathered many allies along the way to reach the king of all the dead; however, great was our shock when we finally reached the end. The monster—that so-called god—instead of giving us a sermon to finally rest in peace, told us the truth: he stated that we were going to serve as food to empower him so he could ascend.
Everyone in the room is left utterly shocked.
QUETZALCOATL: WHAT?! But that's impossible! He is supposed to grant peace to the dead! What does he mean by 'ascend'?!
DANTE HERALDI: Calm down, QUETZ... I mean, HUTE. It's true—legends say he gives rest to the dead. What is the meaning of all this?
ISAMU: You're right. I heard that from many people we encountered and helped along the way, but nothing could be further from the truth. After reaching the end, we fought him to try to find another option. After enduring so many trials, we were thoroughly disappointed. As we fought, he kept repeating the word "ascension," leaving us with no choice but to retreat. During our escape, several of my comrades were devoured by the god, making him even stronger. In the end, he unleashed a kind of black fire that burned my face, which is why I am bandaged. The healing properties of this realm grant me recovery each day, yet cannot fully heal this wound. So much time has passed, and it has only healed a fraction. That monster's attacks are unique.
MALEKIN: This is mind-blowing. What a tragic waste for you all to discover this at the very end of your journey.
ISAMU: Yes, it was a massive blow. I barely managed to escape and established myself in this location. Back then, this area wasn't nearly as large, and I killed the guardian of this place—who was a jaguar warrior. But every day a new warrior would appear, and the routine began. Fighting them brought me to a level of power far greater than what I originally possessed. Then, one day, the terrain expanded immensely into what it is today, and a god descended from the heavens. I remember it clearly: the red clouds parted, and a god descended, declaring war on me for all the jaguars I had slain. I fought that god and managed to drive him away from this place. I have no idea how long I fought him and his lackeys, but driven by hunger, I ate the jaguars, gaining even more power in the process. Eventually, that god backed off. Later on, I encountered a human who had come here for the same reason I once had: seeking peace. But I stopped him, desperately explaining what had happened using drawings in the dirt with a stick due to the language barrier. That's when it occurred to me: if I built a city to protect future souls arriving here, I could stop them from granting him more power, and one day take my revenge on him. Since I knew nothing about construction—being merely a fighter—I explained my idea to the other human. Inspired by my vision, he decided to help me. It took time, but we both learned each other's language and communicated better. As it turned out, he was an Inca builder, which is why the city looks like this; I didn't particularly care for the style, but it made no difference to me. Over time, many people, animals, and thousands of beings started arriving, and we settled them here. We learned various languages and improved our communication. Eventually, my friend passed away—slain by one of the jaguars that attack from time to time. We managed to complete the city thanks to a mysterious merchant.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, MALEKIN... by the way, how come you know my language?
MALEKIN: Remember, I'm half-demon. I have the innate ability to understand all languages.
DANTE HERALDI: Aaah, right.
ISAMU: Over time, we discovered that we possessed various types of powers, making it much easier to pick up languages. The rest, as you can see, is history. That god who descended from the heavens hasn't shown his face around here in a long time.
QUETZALCOATL: And that guy you mentioned... what did he look like?
ISAMU: Um, let me think. It's been a long time since he last showed up. Oh, right—he wore garments similar to yours, and one of his legs was made of obsidian stone.
QUETZALCOATL: Without a shadow of a doubt... that's TEZCATLIPOCA.
ISAMU: Who is he?
DANTE HERALDI: A god.
QUETZALCOATL: Just like me.
ISAMU: (surprised and enraged) What did you say?!
In a split second, ISAMU leaps from his seat and draws his katana, poising himself for combat.
DANTE HERALDI: Wait! She isn't evil! She's a god who helped us reach this place, and she wants to defeat the god of death just as much as we do!
QUETZALCOATL: What DANTE says is true. My intention is to defeat him and uncover the truth behind all of this. It seems that despite being a deity, there are still things hidden from me, and I intend to find out.
REX: Trust her, she's one of the good ones!
ELENA: Mr. ISAMU, please, she's good!
ISAMU: (sheathing his katana) What do you mean 'she'? He's clearly a man.
QUETZALCOATL: Allow me to introduce myself properly: my name is Quetzalcoatl (transforms into her female form), and I am a deity.
ISAMU: Impressive... a woman who is a god. Though I notice you don't seem to hold that much power.
QUETZALCOATL: Actually, I'm much stronger in this form. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I can change back into a man.
ISAMU: No need. In my time, women fought on the battlefield as well, so I will place my trust in you. You women are essential to the cycle of life. My apologies if I offended you.
QUETZALCOATL: Heh, no offense taken. Everything you've shared sounds deeply intriguing. I don't know what my brother is planning with all of this, but we have to put an end to it.
ISAMU: Your brother... haha. In every story, there is always a betrayal—and the worst part about betrayal is that it never comes from an enemy. Very well, I will aid you in this. We must prepare. How about we set out in a few days? I need to coordinate city affairs with the mayor first; as the protector of this realm, I can't simply abandon my post.
DANTE HERALDI: That sounds good to us.
Our friends bid farewell and set off to find an inn. Along the way, they notice various shops and manage to locate lodging. Later, they discover a local guild where they can take on hunting quests—tracking down rare beasts and slaying supernatural creatures in the forest to accumulate gold.
Several weeks have passed, Rex and Dante are strolling through the streets. On one of their walks through the city, almost at the exit, they find a striking and very peculiar shop. Inside, they find Mors and approach him to ask a question.
DANTE HERALDI: What the hell...? How on earth are you here?!
MORS: Greetings, my little mortals! How are we doing today? hahaha! Today I bring you something new... Care to take a look at my wares?
REX: Hey there, MORS.
DANTE HERALDI: Hey, don't dodge my question! How did you get here?
MORS: Don't be such a party pooper! I show up wherever I smell gold—and you, my friend, seem to have plenty of it right now.
DANTE HERALDI: You're spying on me! How do you know I made a lot of gold?!
MORS: I have far better things to do than spy on you. I'm omnipresent, remember? I am everywhere—I am Death itself, after all.
Through a twist of fate, ISAMU makes an appearance.
ISAMU: Hello, Mr. DANTE. I see you are acquainted with our most capable merchant!
DANTE HERALDI: ISAMU, you know this guy?!
ISAMU: Of course I know him! Didn't I mention him in my story? Many years ago, he helped us build this very city.
DANTE HERALDI: Aaah... so that's who you meant by "mysterious merchant"... (glares suspiciously at Mors) Wait, aren't you Death? What are you doing saving people?!
MORS: Hey, everyone needs a hobby! Do you think I don't get bored harvesting souls all day? I have a life too, you know... pfft, hahaha! What an irony.
REX: You've gotten quite funny, Mr. Mors!
DANTE HERALDI: (sarcasm) Yeah, hilarious... Friend ISAMU, I don't know if he ever mentioned it to you, but he is literally Death in the flesh.
ISAMU: Is this true? MORS, I thought you told me everything when we first met!
MORS: Come on, don't overthink it. At the end of the day, I helped you build this city, didn't I?
ISAMU: Well, you do have a point there.
DANTE HERALDI: (sighs) Right then. What brings you here, ISAMU?
ISAMU: Oh, right! The preparations are complete. I heard you've accomplished great feats at the guild, and we want to launch the mission to slay the god of death as soon as possible. Head over to the palace whenever you're ready. See you around!
DANTE HERALDI: Got it. Alright, MORS, what else do you have for us?
MORS: Well, I brought more Lifesaver and Mana potions—one of each, to be exact.
REX: Is that it? You're being kind of lazy this time, buddy!
DANTE HERALDI: The dog's right. Come on, I doubt you showed up just for that. Show me something good.
MORS: Easy now, I'm getting to that! Take a look at this.
Mors reaches into his pocket and pulls out a brilliantly glowing reddish orb laced with black veins.
MORS: Behold... "The Soul Stone." With this artifact, you could extract the weapon that bastard sealed inside you. It works by unleashing anything bound to your soul that remains hidden... and I figured he concealed a weapon within you, didn't he?
Dante reminisces and recalls a bit of the fight he had with Mammon when his evil self-drew the "Abysal Sword."
DANTE HERALDI: That's right... that sword... Could I really unleash it with this? Um... (narrowing his eyes) Now, how much is that going to cost me, MORS?
MORS: A thousand gold coins, heh! Quite cheap for you, my friend.
DANTE HERALDI: (sighs) Don't you think you're overdoing it a bit?
MORS: Come on, it's a legendary sword! Please, isn't a thousand gold worth spending?
DANTE HERALDI: Fine, only because I don't feel like arguing. Here, hand that thing over. By the way, can you upgrade my sword?
MORS: Sorry, but this time this is all I've got. Don't think it was easy to get, either—that old man didn't want to let go of it so easily.
REX: What old man?
MORS: An old friend of mine. Faust, I think his name is.
DANTE HERALDI: The old man!
REX: The old man!
MORS: You knew him? Hmm... now that I think about it, as soon as I told him it was for a very capable kid, he smiled and let me take the orb.
DANTE HERALDI: I owe that old man another one. I hope I run into him again someday.
MORS: You know, he is practically a true god.
DANTE HERALDI: What do you mean by 'true god'?
MORS: I've said too much already. Further down the road, if we meet again, I'll tell you. You almost have the power required to possess that knowledge anyway. You just swallow that thing when you're ready, and the sword will appear. Focus on its name and shape if you can. Now, get lost!
Mors hands them the items, and they proceed to leave. Walking quickly toward the palace, Dante ponders what Mors said about the true gods. Deciding not to overthink the matter any further, he puts it out of his mind for the time being.
A few meters later, they reach the palace and meet up with MALEKIN, QUETZALCOATL, and ELENA, making their way to the meeting hall to gather with ISAMU, EVY, and several warriors of various species.
EVY: Alright, guys. We've done some recon work, pinpointing the location of TEZCATLIPOCA's castle. It lies a few kilometers to the south, and scouts report that just behind the castle is the exit you're looking for, Mr. DANTE.
DANTE HERALDI: Thank you for finding all of that out. Now, what's our plan of attack?
ISAMU: It's simple: invade and slay that damned god.
QUETZALCOATL: Sounds easy enough, but do not underestimate him. That god is immensely powerful, and I am currently far from my full strength; that bastard sealed away some of my powers, so I'm not at 100%.
MALEKIN: Don't worry, we'll back you up. We've been training during these weeks we've been here, right, ELENA?
ELENA: Of course! Don't worry at all.
QUETZALCOATL: Thank you, guys.
EVY: Well then, all that's left is to charge straight ahead. I doubt they have enough jaguar warriors to take us on, and besides...
Suddenly, a soldier bursts into the room.
SOLDIER: My lord, forgive the intrusion, but I bring urgent news!
EVY: Speak quickly!
SOLDIER: Reports indicate that roughly a million jaguar soldiers are assembling south of here, just a few meters away! We estimate they will attack within the hour!
Everyone in the room is left utterly stunned. Swiftly, DANTE leaps out the window, activating his "Levitation" skill—which currently allows him to fly for up to an hour. He dashes toward the city gates, landing at the highest point of the main gate. In the distance, he beholds a colossal sea of jaguar warriors. Commanding the army from afar stands a towering figure with an obsidian leg, clad in the divine vestments of an Aztec god.
DANTE clutches "The Soul Stone" tightly in his right hand, squeezing it, realizing he will have to use it much sooner than anticipated.
Now that war is upon them, what will become of our friends? How will this massive conflict unfold? We will find out very soon—a large-scale battle is about to begin!