The frustration growing within Johnny was palpable, and his anger manifested in his determined eyes.
As the Inquisitor's words echoed, the troops, eager for the plunder that would follow the conquest, resumed banging their swords against shields, creating a deafening roar that filled the air.
The desire for pillage and conquest pulsed intensely through the ranks.
The march of the troops began towards a village on the horizon.
The Inquisitor led the vanguard, followed by Derek, Lady Elyssa, and the rest of the army.
The ground trembled under the weight of coordinated steps, while the banners of the Holy Church swayed in the wind.
The village ahead was serene and unaware of the imminent threat approaching.
Smoke rose from the chimneys of the houses as the inhabitants carried out their daily tasks.
However, the arrival of the troops was about to drastically alter the tranquility of that place.
The Inquisitor raised his hand, signaling a pause in the march. "Prepare yourselves, soldiers. This village will be our first conquest! Remember your instructions and act with efficiency! The Holy Church must prevail!"
The troops, imbued with a warrior fervor, organized into formation, ready for the onslaught.
Derek, still absorbing the magnitude of his first attack, locked eyes with his half-brother, who stood beside him, sharing a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Forward! For the glory of the Emperor!" shouted Derek.
The assault began.
The sound of horse hooves and soldier footsteps echoed through the village as the troops advanced.
Under the twilight, the army moved with dazzling majesty, their armors adorned with numerous magical runes that shimmered in a symphony of vivid colors.
As the army advanced, the runes resonated in a magical chorus, the armors gleaming like shooting stars, leaving a trail of light across the battlefield.
Derek led the attack, wielding his magical authority to subdue any resistance.
Derek, with his ornate armor adorned with even more intricate runes, led the vanguard. His gestures and commands were accompanied by bursts of magical energy, directing the army with strategic precision.
As the troops approached, the village inhabitants realized the imminent arrival of the army.
Panic spread, and the poor creatures ran to their homes in search of shelter.
Johnny couldn't help but rub his eyes, as he could distinctly make out the features of the creatures inhabiting that village. They were hybrid beings, an intriguing fusion of human and scorpion traits.
Derek, observing the scene, felt a mix of emotions. While part of him still hesitated at the idea of plundering and subjugating a defenseless village, he knew his responsibilities.
The Inquisitor, noticing Derek's hesitation, approached. "Remember, Derek, that the Holy Church seeks to maintain order and eliminate any threat to humanity. Our actions, though severe, are necessary to ensure everyone's safety!"
Derek nodded, internalizing the Inquisitor's words. With a sigh, he turned his gaze to the village.
As the troops approached the village, Derek carefully observed the scene. Anxiety grew within him as he realized there was no organized defense, only a few peasants holding improvised weapons.
"Halt!" Derek shouted, raising his hand in an imperative gesture to stop the troops.
The soldiers stopped abruptly, creating a defensive line around the village.
The dust raised by the troops' steps hung in the air.
Derek approached the Inquisitor, expressing his concern in a low tone. "Inquisitor, it seems there is no significant resistance. Perhaps we should reconsider the approach and avoid causing more unnecessary harm."
The Inquisitor, however, remained firm in his decision. "Derek, you must understand that the Holy Church's order does not tolerate threats, regardless of their apparent magnitude. Our actions are aimed at eradicating any resistance, no matter how small."
Resigned, Derek nodded in agreement, accepting that his leadership was still under the influence of the Inquisitor's directives. However, he decided to modify the approach.
"Form a perimeter around the village. We need to ensure that any resistance is controlled!" Derek ordered his commanders.
The troops, following Derek's orders, began to strategically disperse around the village, maintaining a calculated distance to avoid excessively intimidating the peasants.
As the encirclement tightened around the village, Derek closely observed the peasants, who had distinct features not typical of ordinary villagers.
The peasants were not simple villagers but Girtablilu, mystical creatures often considered abominations by the Holy Church. Their bodies merged human and scorpion characteristics, creating a disturbing image.
A shiver ran down Derek's spine as he understood the truth.
The Holy Church was hunting these abominations, and the village was a community of Girtablilu.
The Inquisitor, realizing Derek's discovery, approached and whispered in his ear. "Do you see now, Derek? These creatures are abominations, a deviation from divine order. The Holy Church cannot tolerate the presence of such impure beings."
The reason behind the Excommunicatio became clear to Derek.
"Prepare for arrests! For the Emperor!" ordered the Inquisitor as the soldiers advanced towards the villagers.
The soldiers, like sinister shadows, brandished their swords in unison, inexorably advancing towards the peaceful community.
Chaos ensued as the invaders began to drive the resident creatures out of their humble homes.
Burning torches were thrown with savagery, turning the houses into flames that illuminated the night with a sinister dance.
Forced to abandon their homes, the residents ran in desperation through the streets, seeking shelter and safety.
The anguish of the Girtablilu children, unable to comprehend the brutality unfolding around them, cried desperately for their mothers. However, their cries did not reach the ears of their mothers, lost in the cacophony of conflict.
The soldiers' swords gleamed in the air, reflecting the sinister light of the flames that began to consume the natives' straw dwellings.
The burning houses cast distorted shadows on the terrified faces of the residents, while the heat of the fire danced around, consuming everything in its path.
Cruelty reached even more alarming levels as Girtablilu women were brutally dragged by their hair, forming a forced line.
The line of women, witnessing the horror unfolding before them, faced their ominous fates, and fear reflected in their eyes.
Meanwhile, the men faced the torment of spears prodding them, a brutal form of control over the population.
The once serene village transformed into a scene of desolation, where oppression and violence were the new reality.