Father Matthias nods in agreement. "A measured approach is wise, Priestess. Sending our best representatives will allow us to gather information and assess the situation before committing our full resources."
Isabella continues, "Prepare a group of skilled priests and holy knights. Choose those with experience in dealing with dark forces and demonic influences. They must be equipped with holy artifacts to counteract any malevolent energy they may encounter."
The council of priests begins to make preparations, selecting individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the unique challenges posed by chaotic energy and potential demonic influence. Holy artifacts, blessed by the Light Church, are gathered to aid in the protection of the emissaries.
As the group assembles, Isabella addresses them with a solemn tone, "You carry the light of the Church with you. Your mission is to aid the people of Oscana, uncover the truth behind Lord Gareth's powers, and assess any connection to demonic forces. Exercise caution and may the light guide and protect you."
The emissaries, clad in the distinctive attire of the Church of Light, depart for Oscana, ready to face the unknown and contribute to the efforts to restore order and cleanse the city from the effects of chaotic energy.
___
Oscana Mansion.
Ren, unaware of the potential involvement of the Church of Light, contemplates the unfolding events. The arrival of their emissaries in Oscana could complicate the delicate balance of power within the city.
'Wait, I forgot about the village, if the city turns into madness because my skill then the village also the same.'
Ren's thoughts are interrupted by the realization that the chaos in the city might have affected the nearby village, concern creeps into his expression as he contemplates the potential consequences of his actions on the innocent villagers.
"I need to check on the village," Ren declares, standing up from his seat.
He sends a message to Sir William 'Continue you're the efforts to stabilize the city and rehabilitate the affected residents. I need to make sure that the chaos hasn't spread to the village.' he wrote in his message.
The servant nods and hurries to deliver Ren's message to Sir William. Meanwhile, Ren prepares to visit the nearby village to assess the situation and ensure the safety of its inhabitants.
As Ren makes his way towards the village, the atmosphere around Oscana Mansion remains tense. meanwhile new wave Anti-Mages continue their training under the leadership of Sir William, Roland, and Elara, working to harness and control the chaotic energy within themselves.
___
Village.
Serilda and Darius, along with their bandit crew, approach the village on the outskirts of Oscana. As they enter the village, they hear a scream and laughter.
The once-peaceful village now echoes with chaotic sounds—screams and laughter that pierce the air. Serilda and Darius exchange concerned glances, realizing that the madness that has gripped Oscana City might have reached the outskirts.
Darius, his hand on the hilt of his sword, says, "This doesn't bode well. Prepare for anything. Serilda, scout the area and report back on what you find."
Serilda, agile and skilled, nods silently and blends into the shadows, moving swiftly through the village. As she explores, she witnesses scenes of mayhem—villagers laughing uncontrollably, others screaming in fear, and chaotic energy visibly swirling around some individuals.
Returning to Darius, Serilda reports, "Some people there are being possessed by some kind of dark energy. It's affecting the people here, just like in the city. They're losing control."
Darius frowned, "then our party that sent to this village to raid will probably already be killed by the villagers affected by the dark energy".
Serilda's expression tightens as she nods in agreement with Darius. The realization that their bandit crew might be in danger adds urgency to the situation.
Darius commands, "We need to find our crew and get them out of here before things escalate further. Serilda, lead the way. Stay hidden, and let's try to minimize any unnecessary confrontations with the affected villagers."
The two of them, accompanied by the bandit crew, navigate through the chaotic village, avoiding the areas with intense manifestations of the chaotic energy. They move stealthily, Serilda using her skills to scout ahead and guide the group away from potential threats.
As they approach the center of the village, they come across a group of bandits from their crew who seem unaffected by the chaotic energy. The bandits, armed and on edge, notice Serilda and Darius approaching.
One of them calls out, "Boss! What's going on? this entire village has gone mad!"
Darius asks the bandit. "Where is the rest of your crew?"
The bandit, visibly distressed, said. "Our party was attacked by those villagers, and some of them were killed by them, and our horse too."
Darius clenches his fists, a mix of frustration and concern etched on his face. The situation has escalated beyond a simple raid, and the bandits find themselves caught in the chaos that has enveloped both the city and now the village.
"Take us to the rest of the crew. We need to regroup and get out of here," Darius commands, his authoritative tone cutting through the chaos.
Suddenly, more than sixty people approached them, their eyes filled with bloodlust, and they were laughing too.
"Hahahahaha"
Darius and Serilda exchange a wary glance as the group of villagers approaches, their laughter echoing eerily in the chaotic atmosphere. The bandits from their crew tense, readying their weapons as they face the unexpected threat.
Darius, assessing the situation, realizes that a confrontation might be inevitable. He turns to Serilda. "Prepare for battle, get into defensive formation!"
Serilda nods, signaling the bandit crew to prepare for a defensive stance. As the villagers draw nearer, the bandits form a protective circle around Darius and Serilda, weapons at the ready.
The laughter of the approaching villagers becomes more unsettling, a cacophony of madness that intensifies the already chaotic energy in the air. Darius braces himself, eyes narrowed in focus, and urges his crew to stand firm.
The villagers, seemingly possessed by the chaotic energy, charge at the bandit crew recklessly.
Darius, with a quick assessment of the situation, realizes that the chaotic energy these villagers possessed was similar to their Blood Pact skill, even this skill didn't possess the user, but their mind felt bloodlust and killing intent.
But the chaotic energy that's affecting the villagers is much more than the Blood Pact ability ever gave, its amplified more than ordinary people can handle and turning them into madness.
Darius, recognizing the heightened danger, shouts to his crew, "Stay on guard! These villagers are not in control of themselves, but we can't afford to underestimate them. "
"Hahahaha." Corrupted villager A.
"Die!" Corrupted villager B.
The villager attacking bandit defensive formation only use their bare hand but its powerful
Darius, with his sword drawn, engages the first corrupted villager approaching the defensive formation. His movements are swift and precise, parrying the powerful strikes of the corrupted villager. Meanwhile, Serilda use her bow with remarkable precision, targeting the corrupted villagers from a distance to create openings for Darius and the bandit crew.
The chaotic battle unfolds with the bandits fighting desperately against the possessed villagers. The corrupted villagers, driven by the chaotic energy, exhibit enhanced strength, making them formidable opponents.
"Hyaa!" Bandit A.
"Die Bastar!" Bandit B.
"This for my friend that you killed." Bandit C.
The bandits attacking the villagers stab their bodies, cut their limbs, but somehow, they always heal or even regenerate new limbs.
The chaotic battle continues to escalate as the possessed villagers display unnatural resilience and regeneration. The bandits, fueled by a mix of desperation and determination, fight valiantly against the relentless onslaught.
"How the fuck are these people still not dead and what the fuck is this ability that can regenerate new limbs or even heal?"
As the chaotic battle unfolds, Darius and Serilda find themselves facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge. The possessed villagers, driven by the amplified chaotic energy, exhibit not only enhanced strength but also unnatural resilience and regeneration.
The villager uses their broken limb to attack the bandit they even bite them like a zombie.
"S-stop!" Bandit D
"No! don't come any closer." Bandit F
"Mom, help!" Bandit G
Darius, locked in combat with a corrupted villager, notices the perplexing ability firsthand as his strikes seem to have minimal impact on the relentless attacker. He shouts to the bandit crew, "Target their heads! Aim for decapitation, it might be the only way to stop them!"
The bandits adjust their tactics, targeting the heads of the corrupted villagers. Despite their best efforts, the situation remains dire as the villagers continue to press on with relentless attacks, their laughter and screams blending into a disconcerting symphony of madness.
"Tsk" Darius is furious that their bandit is being beaten by the villager.
"It seems we can only use the Blood Pact to kill them."
Darius, realizing the severity of the situation, decides to use their Blood Pact skill to counter the possessed villagers. He signals to the bandit crew, "Activate Blood Pact! We need to overpower them! and cut their head off."
"Who gave you permission to kill my people?" Ren suddenly comes to the battlefield, sees the villagers being attacked by the bandit, and shouts at them with a high tone and gives them a cold look.