Grand Ecstasy alongside the beastfolk are now traversing the wide interior of the temple decorated by flowers and murals painted with assortments of colorful pigments. Showcasing the culture of the tribe.

  When exploring, the group bypass the hall where Grand Ecstasy notices the scared beastfolks civilians. Mateo see some of them in catatonic state and others grieving silently.

  "W-what happened here really?" Beltrand asked.

  After some time, they finally reach their destination which the front of an indoor shrine with a throne covered by thick red curtain. The table in the front have elaborated lamps made of boness and ornaments exotic to Grand Ecstasy and full of signficance to the beastfolks.

  Sophia looks above the shrine and see the sigil of the Creaol, the God beastfolk worships and their creator. Mateo meanwhile stay focused on the red throne curtain with anticipation.

  The beastfolk captain points on the red carpet on the floor.

  "Kcneel and show respect."

  Grand Ecstasy doesn't want to stir conflict, decides to comply and kneel to show respect on whatever is behind the curtains. The beastfolks bows down to show reverance.

  "Who are they?" An elegant female voice suddenly engulfs the room.

  "Tehey're humans that wish to give assisstance on our current crisis Dear Priestess." The captain's respectful answer.

  "Why you bring humans? I specifically asked for our allied elves' help. Humans are not trustworthy." The female voice's mood is intimidating and sour.

  "I-I'em so sorry for my imprudent action dear priestess! Eiy just want to find help by any means!" Ismorela's guilty apology as she bow harder.

  "Hmmm... Fear not my dear child. I'm not mad on you. You can raise you heads now."

  Everyone feels relief and follows the command of the Priestess.

  "Humans. How you gonna intend to help our tribe?" The Priestess' serious question.

  "We can give our best to help." Mateo's stern answer.

  "You want you help us yet you have no idea about the problem you want to solve. Aren't you bold human?"

  "We're not bold, we just want to help. Maybe if we can study what causing this, we can create a solution that can end this disaster."

  Mateo recieves a sharp look from the captain as he view his casual talk as disrespect.

  "Hmmm... Very well then."

  Grand Ecstasy observe as the tip of two fluffy black thing sprouts out from the curtain and each push the red cover from the side in order to reveal what lies behind. And Mateo's eyes widen with shock after finally seeing the Priestess.

  Sitting elegantly on the comfy wide throne is a beautiful lady with her long black silky hair partnered by white highlights, the lady have a calm yet fierce mature vibe into her. She's wearing a thick dark brown robe with white undergarment, her attire also have red and black accents in form of sigils unique from the beastfolk which can also be seen etched on the curtains and walls.

  What shocks Mateo more is what's behind and on the head of the lady as he can clearly see the 9 tails swaying gently behind her and the fox ears. Mateo is in complete disbelief his eyes wide open staring on the beauty.

  "No way..." He whispered.

  Claustrine observes the astonished expression of her friend who continue to stare to the priestess.

  "Karka."

  "Yhes Dear Priestess." The captain speaks.

  "Lets bring them to the holding cell."

  "Huh?! You gonna imprison us?!" Beltrand's surprised and annoyed question.

  "Saylence! Thue priestess wants you to see one of us who currently suffering on this ailment."

  "I-I see..." Beltrand calms down a little bit.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  In the temple's basement. Grand Ecstasy, the Priestess and the beastfolks are staring on a small hexagonal cell made of hardened soil. Inside is an mad beastfolk desperately trying to reach the people outside with his arm reaching out in a hole clawing the air.

  The beastfolk watch with sadness and pity. Some can't even stomach to see the tragic state of their fellow men as they avert their gaze.

  "This is one of my children afflicted by that madness. We already know that they have some contagious disease so we did out best to reduce contact. But we still need more knowledge on what exactly caused this and the possible cure." The Priestess calmly explains as they continues to observe from a distance.

  Mateo observes the infected beastfolk. The signs of uncontrollable rage is rampant as it growls loudly while clawing the air. It's eyes are almost closed and constantly tearing up while its mouth are salivating excessively with intense foaming. Mateo is having a theory on what's causing them but he still want to believe that's not the case. Afterall, so many questions would rice if it's the case.

  Mateo asked the Priestess for something.

  "Did you try to give him water?" Mateo asked.

  "You must be kidding? That's a very unkind of you human." The Priestess frowns.

  "Sorry for asking such stupid question." Mateo realized his dumb inquiry. But still.

  "Apology accepted human. But why you asked?"

  "I think it's better if we just test it. Dear Priestess, please allow us to throw some water bubble into him as a test."

  "Wuhat the... Yhou starting to piss me off human. Maind what's coming on your filthy mouth." Karka's mad warning.

  "Calm down Karka. Human, let me do it then. I don't want you to disrespect us even further so prepare yourself if this request of you is just an insult on us."

  After saying that. The Priestess open her right palm and above it appears a blob of water deforming and moving slowly.

  "Then what?"

  "Slowly bring the water near him."

  The Priestess then gently manipulate the blob of water towards the caged beastfolk only for it to act extremely terrified and tries to escape the water for some reason.

  "What's the meaning of this?" The Priestiess confusedly asked as she continues to hover the orb of water towards the beastfolk inside the cage who runs away in circles just to get away.

  Mateo sighs out of stress.

  "This is worse than what I thought it could be."

  "Speak human. What knowledge do you have?"

  "I don't know how but from what I see, your citizen contracted some form of mutated rabies virus. The signs are very clear."

  "Ray Beast? Isz that a monster that controlling them? Tehen we can just kill that Ray Beast and all of this would end." Karka's optimistic assessement but he got met by Mateo's sad slow shake of his head.

  "This is not magic but truly a plague that spreads by unknown means. And there's no possible cure."

  Ismorela, Karka and the healthy beastfolks are shocked and terrified after hearing Mateo's conclusion. Mateo looks on the infected beastfolk who resumes its attempt on reaching them behind the cage.

  "Once infected. They're more better dead than struggling on such horrifying fate with not even a sliver chance to survive."

  After hearing Mateo's words. Karka snaps as he madly walks aggressively towards Mateo and held him on his collar. Mateo's friends got alerted and armed themselves, the soldiers also do the same with the Priestess also getting triggered on Mateo's remarks.

  "AIRE YOU SAYING WE SHOULD KILL MY FELLOW MEN?! AIRE OUR LIVES REALLY THAT WORTHLESS ON YOU HUMANS?!" Karka's anger. Mateo looks at him not with a stare of equal wrath but a sad and empathetic understanding.

  "I'm so sorry but this is the only way to end their suffering. I wish you can trust me."

  "Turust you say?! Wuhat can makes us trust you when you humans can also be the possible cause of this?! Dis is suspicious!"

  "If that's the case, we're not gonna stay on this place in a prolonged amount time as this plague also affects humans."

  "Eiveryone please! T-

  Tihis is not the time for pointless fighting!" Ismorela's loud plea but her begging are drowned by the tension inside the room.

  "I've warned you human. Now you have done it. Humans are really scums on this world." The Priestess' words are full of scorn.

  "Ok this meeting is botched." Beltrand almost try to push forward but he got stopped by Mateo's hand.

  "Please don't move."

  Beltrand looks at Mateo and see that he retains his composure. Beltrand calms a little and step back.

  Mateo stares at the Priestess.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "Please trust us. We're not your enemy."

  "Enough human. Speak more and I'll kill you. Karka, put them inside a seperate cell." The Priestess' genuine warning then she walks away.

  "Yeas Dear Priestess."

  "Mateo... Do something..." Claustrine speaks as she hold her staff while giving side views on Mateo.

  The soldiers surounds Grand Ecstasy and ready to apprehend them when...

  .

  .

  "Abura-age."

  Mateo's friend stare at him, confused.

  "What the fuck are you saying?" Beltrand asked. But Mateo ignores him and continues to speak, now louder.

  "Abura-age!"

  "Japan!"

  "Nippon!"

  "Yamato!"

  Mateo recieves a slap from Karka who still holding his collar.

  "Eynough! Shtop speaking nonsense! Yoa'll offended us enough and we're of this blatant of disrespect!" Karka's wrathful shout and ready to slap Mateo again.

  "STOP!"

  Karka and his troops halt their advance when they hear the loud command of their Priestess. Everyone looks at the Priestess who's staring on Mateo. Her expression is an absolute astonishment.

  "W-why... Why you know those words?"

  "Dear Priestess?"

  "Answer me?! How do you know those words?!"

  The Priestess rush between Mateo and Karka. She held Mateo tightly and pleads as she shakes him.

  "Answer me! Please!"

  Mateo gives a mildly surprised look but he compose himself and he makes a calm smile.

  "Perhaps we can all calm down first and talk in a more peaceful manner Dear Priestess?"

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  After calming down. Everyone returns on the shrine area.

  "Karka."

  "Yees Dear Priestess."

  "Can you give us privacy? I want to talk to him personally."

  At first, Karka stare for a moment then just give a nod as he commands everyone to leave including the rest of Grand Ecstasy.

  "My friends also know it so there's no point for them to leave." Mateo's words which cause his friends to stare at him as despite his statement, they genuinely have no idea what he's talking about.

  "Very well. Karka leave them alone."

  "Yaes Dear Priestess."

  The thick door makes a loud thud as it close down. Grand Ecstasy and the Priestess are left alone on the barely lit room.

  "Now human be honest on me. Are you from... Earth?"

  "Yes."

  The Priestess almost faint on the revelation as she slump down on the chair.

  "U-unbelievable... How you get here?"

  "It's a long story but the short gist of it is I have an entrance that makes us jump between the two worlds."

  The Priestess jolts up on her chair and rush towards Mateo.

  "Wait!? You can still travel back on Earth?!"

  "Yeah that's right."

  "That's... Unfair."

  Grand Ecstasy stand silent as they watch the Priestess show slight frustration and agitation, different on her collected and refined stature earlier. Then she calms down and focus on the group again.

  "What's your name?" The Priestess asked.

  "Mateo, my name is Mateo Agbayani."

  "Heh... Yeah you're really from Earth. And the others?"

  The rest introduce themselves properly which make the Priestess curious.

  "Beside Mateo, all of you are from this world right? Especially you the elf."

  Everyone nods.

  "True. They just travel on Earth with me. They're quiet a spoiled bunch to be honest." Mateo smile while closing his eyes.

  "Hoy." Sophia is not amused.

  The Priestess chuckle.

  "I see. Then I gonna introduce myself. My name is Natsuko and base on Mateo, he probably know that I'm a Kitsune right?"

  "Yes that's correct. But I'm also surprised to see a Kitsune here in all places."

  "Mateo... What's a Kitsune?" Sophia asked.

  "They're magical beings in Japanese folklore Sophia."

  "Ohhh..." That's why you're so surprised when you saw her." Claustrine's comment as she smack her palm with her fist.

  "Japanese? What Japanese?"

  Mateo are mildly surprised on Natsuko's confused question which make him asked something.

  "Wait... How long since you got transported here Natsuko?"

  Natsuko thinks for a moment then makes a pained smile.

  "I'm here for a thousand years now."

  Grand Ecstasy went silent after hearing Natsuko's answer.

  "My god..." Mateo's surprise.

  "Why everyone is so shocked?"

  "Because I got transfered here 4 years ago. There's a very huuuge gap here. No wonder you don't know what Japan is."

  "Is Japan... the name of my country now? How much are exactly changed since my transfer here?"

  "Hmmm... I'm not really well verse in history but what I can say is... So many stuff happened and changed on that thousand years time."

  "I-I see..."

  Natsuko is pondering for a moment. Then she calms down.

  "That disease called Rabies... It came from Earth right?" Natsuko's inquiry.

  "For some reason, yes. But I think it's more than that. It's still rabies but worse."

  "What do you mean, worse?"

  "Rabies is supposedly only cause the common symptoms. Intense drooling, muscle spasms, fear of water and mild aggression. But this one, it have the basic sysmptoms but it also extreme aggression and the desire to attack anything that moves. Did you find how fast it takes effect after someone got attacked?"

  Natsuko ponders a little bit.

  "The one we held in the cell. He got bitten by one of the infected and afyer 20 minutes, he turned mad. Before that, he experienced tremendous and anxiety like he knows something bad is going to happen."

  "N-no way... That fast?" Mateo is disgusted.

  "You have any ideas Mateo?" -Natsuko.

  "I'm afraid we dealing with a lab grown and improved rabies outbreak here."

  "Grown?" Natsuko's question.

  "In our world. Humanity learns the ability to manipulate diseases. And I feel that this one is purposely created by someone." Mateo gritted his teeth.

  "That's... Unbealivable." Sophia, well verse on diseases feels dread on the thought.

  "Mateo aren't you digging to much on your thought process?"

  "That's the only explanation that I can think of Claustrine. To be real, I don't want that theory to be the case as I'm scared of the implications." Mateo sweats as he imagined the scenario.

  "Who knows. This can just be an undiscovered disease in my world that just happened to have similar symptoms with rabies? You know? Like a constant between worlds?"

  "Rabies is a very common illness in my world with history spanning thousands of years. Did you known a disease that acts similar to that here?"

  Claustrine went silent, as much as she read many books. He can't refute Mateo's question. It's the same with Sophia who despite being a cleric who sees different diseases, she also didn't encounter such ailment before.

  "You see my point now?"

  "Y-yeah..."

  "S-still... There's must be a cure right? Afterall it's a disease that you known so much."

  Mateo sigh.

  "To be honest Natsuko, I lied about Rabies not having a cure."

  Natsuko's mood lighten a bit. But she see Mateo avert his gaze and now have a sad gloomy mood.

  "It can't cure the already infected for a long time as it's a medicine for prevention. Stopping the infection before it spreads. Besides, this is something a vaccine would never fix as it's an entirely different entity."

  Natsuko's heart sank.

  "Then... The only method is..."

  "Yes Natsuko. The only thing we can do is to end their suffering."

  The shrine room went eerie silent. The flames on the alter flicker melacholically as it gives dim brightness around.

  "Everyone."

  "Yes Natsuko?" -Mateo.

  "Can you all leave me alone for a moment? Meet Karka outside and say that we going to have a meeting."

  Mateo nods.

  "Yes. We will return with everyone and gives instructions."

  "Appreciated. Thanks."

  Mateo signs his friends for them to leave. Natsuko left alone on the shrine room staring on the shrine with blank expression until the door closes.

  .

  .

  .

  Grand Ecstasy exits the temple with Karka, Ismorela and the soldiers waiting intensely.

  "Wuhat the fuck you just did human?" Karka's stern question.

  "We just talked. She just want to be alone for a moment."

  Karka stares at Mateo for a moment as if he's testing if Mateo is lying but he gives a nod of understanding.

  "Luook humans. I still don't trust all of you but if the Sacred Priestess is fine in your presence, I have no right to object so be sure you don't do anything funny." Karka's warning is solid and threatening.

  "I understand."

  "Tuhen what now?"

  "We wait for her to call us back and after that, we proceed on planning."

  "Plaunning for what?"

  "You gonna recieve a clear explanation later."

  Karka just close his eyes and agree on the humans' words. Everyone stands still outside the temple. Watching the scenery beyond of the cage which slowly getting flooded back by the infected beastfolk.

  As they wait. Raindrops suddenly falls from the sky which slowly become stronger despite the weather being sunny and bright.

  "Sunshower?" -Sophia.

  "May Elders says that when a sunshower happens, something good is surely gonna happen. Pherhaps this is a sign that we can fix this tragedy." Ismorela's positive outlook.

  Mateo just stare blankly on the scene of the rain washing everything except the ailment that infesting the village they currently staying.

  .

  .

  .

  The rain last for 5 minutes. Everyone still waits for the call until the audible sound of bell is heared.

  "Tihe Sacred Priestess is calling us."

  And with that. Everyone goes back inside the temple and there, Natsuko is standing in front of the shrine with a determined and clear look on her face.

  "O Sacred Priestess why you call us?" Ismorela's question.

  Natsuko makea a deep weighted sigh.

  "I have decided. We going to end our fellow beastfolk's suffering as fast and gentle as we can."

  The Beastfolks are shocked on the decision as the two beastfolks- Karka and Ismorela gives booming objections.

  "B-Bhut Priestess that's cruel!" Karka's denial.

  "Tihere must be other way Sacred Priestess! Prease reconsider this!" Ismorela begs.

  Natsuko sadly and slowly shake her head. Seeing that their divine leader is serious on her decision, Ismorela slumped on the floor and weep.

  "This is a decision I choose with great delibiration. We can only give our fellow men a dignified end."

  Karka glares at Mateo.

  "Wihat did you speak to our Priestess you human?!"

  "Enough Karka. He didn't do anything wrong. Let's just focus on the funeral of our friends and love ones."

  Karka gritted his teeth in a bitter acceptance of the situation.

  "I'm sorry if things end this way." Mateo's saddened apology.

  "Don't apologize. Just do your job and tell us what you want to say." Karka answers, avoiding staring at Mateo eye-to-eye.

  Grand Ecstasy observes the pain of the beastfolk, feeling their suffering and hopelessness knowing that they can't do anything to cure their friends, family and comrades.

  Mateo see the defeated expression of the Beastfolks but it's not the time for required grieving knowing the looming threat just outside of their safe shell.

  "Mateo... You should start now." Claustrine's reminder.

  "Ah right."

  Mateo stand beside Natsuko and face everyone.

  "This must be heartwrenching for everyone but this is the sad truth you guys need to face. Still, we can't just let them suffer any longer so as the survivors, we should end their pain in the gentliest way. So listen carefully"

  Mateo then explains the basic gist of the disease they going to face. Hearing the details, the beastfolk slowly understood the threat it possessed.

  "Tahat's disgusting..." Karka grimaced.

  "This disease spread throught bites. Their saliva is a some kind curse that spreads inside your body and take control of your conciousnes. Don't fight them in close combat and if it can't be avoided, ensure that you don't get bitten or don't let their saliva reach your eyes, mouth and other vulnerable areas."

  "Suo we going to eliminate my fellow men from a distance?" One of the soldier asked.

  "Exactly. And it's on our advantage as the infected doesn't have will of their own and rely on their hearing. Does anyone of you have range capabilities?"

  "Ey have earth magic, Ismorela here can cast fire, our Priestess can use water. Aind there's also few archers on our rank." Karka's serious answer.

  "But my fire magic is not suitable for fighting." Ismorela's sad admittance.

  "That's still good."

  "This should be easy enough." Beltrand's confident remarks.

  "No Beltrand. We're not going to join."

  "Huh why?"

  "This is a funeral. We should give them the honor of sending them with respect."

  "I see..." Beltrand understands.

  "But we going to be needed once the situation got worse so be combat ready as always everyone."

  "Okay Mateo." -Sophia.

  "Noted." -Claustrine.

  "Yes. I'm always ready."

  "No Shirna. I have other job for you."

  "Eh? What is it Mateo."

  "I need your Elven immunity and knowledge of this land. I want you to run on the jungle and find the nearest Elven village and explain them the situation then ask for assisstance."

  Shirna nods seriously.

  "Good. Nat... I mean Sacred Priestess. Can you do it?"

  Natsuko makes a pained expression.

  "I can't. My apologies."

  "I understand. Then lend us your power when things goes south."

  Natsuko shows a determines look. Mateo understands that Natsuko will do what's needed to be done.

  After Mateo gives further instructions. The Beastfolks and Grand Ecstasy comes out of the temple inside the dome.

  "Shirna..."

  "Why Mateo?" Shirna innocently asked.

  "Can you lend me your bow for a moment?"

  Shirna at first is perplexed on the sudden request but he didn't hesistate to give Mateo his trusted bow and some arrows which he pulled from his BoS.

  "Please handle it with care Mateo." Shirna smiles.

  "I will. Thanks."

  Karka makes a small opening on the dome where Shirna can leave and everyone waits for the Elf to run away in silence and out of their sight before going back to their objective.

  "It's time. Are you ready?" Mateo directly asked the Beastfolks.

  "Yes." Karka's short answer.

  "I'm not asking about your fighting capabilities."

  Underatanding what Mateo meant. Karka and his soldiers becomes melancholic for a moment before coming back to their senses.

  "It needs to be done." He answered again.

  Inside the temple. Natsuko enters the hall where the remaining Beastfolks stays for safety. They're the women, the sick, elderly and kids who have no capabilities to fight their enraged kind outside. She can see the anxious look of everyone who wait for something good to happen.

  One of the children run towards Natsuko and look at her with curious and scared eyes.

  "Beig sis... Is everything okey?" The kid asked innocently.

  Natsuko almost gives a sad look but she fights it and instead shows a reassuring smile.

  "Worry not dear child. Everything will be fine as the heroes would do their best."