43 The game
The name reverberated through the church, echoing off the walls like a mantra that instilled respect and submission.
The crowd, now silent and attentive, turned towards Inquisitor Adrian Silver, whose figure remained in the shadows at the church's entrance.
Inquisitor Adrian Silver began to walk slowly out of the shadows, revealing his black cassock like midnight, adorned with sacred symbols that emitted a subtle glow in the church's dim light. Over it, he wore a red velvet cape that billowed dramatically with each step, giving him an aura of dark authority.
The cassock was adorned with embellishments indicating a position of ecclesiastical authority, but also suggested a darker and more militaristic purpose. The Inquisitor seemed to be a guardian of the boundaries between the sacred and the profane, an unyielding defender of the faith.
As the Inquisitor moved, Mia, standing near Johnny, whispered with an expression of apprehension, "By the holy emperor! We are going to have an Excommunicatio!" Fear and concern were evident in her voice, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Each step of the Inquisitor seemed to echo like a sentence, and his intense gaze met the eyes of specific individuals in the crowd.
These looks were like silent judgments, enveloping those present in an atmosphere of discomfort and apprehension. There was a restlessness in the air, a concern that the Inquisitor's keen gaze could penetrate beyond appearances and unveil hidden secrets.
Uncertainty hung in the air as the Inquisitor continued to stare at the congregation with an undisturbed expression, as if he were discerning the deepest secrets of those present.
Johnny's heart began to beat faster, feeling shivers running down his spine. The idea of an "Excommunicatio" indicated a severe divine judgment. After all, Johnny, an infiltrated alien, feared that the penetrating gaze could reveal his secrets.
Father Cícero, in the face of the imposing presence of Inquisitor Adrian Silver, raised his voice in a solemn proclamation that reverberated through the church. Even in the face of the challenge posed by Lord Kaloch and the Inquisitor, his eyes reflected respect and submission to the authority of the newcomer.
"Welcome, great Inquisitor! The great left arm of the emperor!" - announced Father Cícero, his words echoing like a courteous greeting.
Inquisitors, holders of unparalleled power within the Holy Church, represented one of the greatest forces of the Holy Church. By being designated as the "left arm" in Father Cícero's proclamation, it was clear that their functions were essential for maintaining order through the use of military forces.
Adrian Silver clicked his tongue, emitting a sharp sound that echoed through the church, silencing any remaining murmurs. His eyes, piercing and determined, roamed the crowd as he stopped abruptly in the center of the sacred enclosure.
Inquisitor Adrian Silver's golden staff, until then a majestic ornament, descended with calculated force, echoing a metallic sound that reverberated through the church walls. The reverberation of the beat seemed transcendental, as if each note resonated with authority and divine will.
The impact of the staff was not just auditory but also visual. The candles, which had emitted a soft and comforting light, were abruptly extinguished, plunging the church into deep darkness.
In the somber silence that followed, a sinister presence began to emerge from the center of the church. A horrifying creature, as if from a Lovecraftian nightmare, began to take shape. Its twisted anatomy defied logic and human understanding, with tentacles that twisted in unpredictable directions and gleaming eyes that seemed to contemplate dimensions beyond mortal perception.
The creature, a nightmare manifestation, cast a grotesque shadow on the church walls. The faithful, now in panic, could barely comprehend what unfolded before them. The presence of the Inquisitor, once seen as a figure of authority, now merged with the horror that unfolded, creating an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty.
Johnny felt a firm grip on his arm, momentarily interrupting his observation of the terrible creature emerging. Turning, he saw Cecilia, hiding her face in her trembling hands, as if fearing that the sight of the creature could consume her sanity.
The Inquisitor remained impassive, his gaze fixed on the manifesting creature, as if he were controlling or summoning that frightening manifestation.
Each Inquisitor, invested with broad powers and autonomy, was tasked with the crucial duty of investigating and eradicating any threat that could compromise humanity's safety. They could take extreme measures, including summary executions and the condemnation of entire populations to purification, an action known as Excommunicatio.
In addition to their vast powers, Inquisitors had an extensive range of resources at their disposal. Often operating outside the normal constraints of the Holy Church, Inquisitors acted independently, making quick and drastic decisions to ensure humanity's survival in a universe permeated by threats and heresies.
"Prepare for war!" shouted Sir Aldric, his voice echoing like thunder.
Instantly, each soldier raised their blades, sparking in the cathedral's golden light.
The inquisitor smiled with grim satisfaction, performing intricate martial arts with his hands.
Then, the cosmic horror shuddered, moving one of its black tentacles and opening a portal to a distorted reality.
"Honor the name of the emperor!" shouted Father Cícero, his voice echoing with sacred fervor.
Lord Kaloch's troops roared in a frenzied frenzy, their swords clashing against shields like thunder in a stormy sky.
The portal completed its gradual opening, revealing a breathtaking panorama of a green world. Myriad shades of green dominated the landscape, with lush forests, vast fields, and mountains covered in exotic vegetation. The air seemed to pulse with the vitality of life, while strange and colorful creatures moved among the foliage.
