Priest Samuel accepted the book and examined it carefully. His expression remained stern as he flipped through its pages, scanning the dark incantations and rituals described within.
"This is indeed concerning. The Blood Pact technique is a forbidden art associated with the Blood God Cult. If Baron Gareth has embraced such darkness, it is a threat to the stability of the entire region."
The mage advisors added, "We have studied the book to understand the nature of the Blood Pact technique. It seems to affect the user's mind, amplifying their bloodlust and killing intent to gain power for a few minutes."
Priest Samuel is quite skeptical about the Blood Pact technique. "But this skill only works by its user's right, so how its affected whole city or even whole barony."
The mage advisors exchanged uncertain glances, realizing the inconsistency in the information they had gathered. One of them spoke up, "It's possible that Baron Gareth has found a way to amplify the effects of the Blood Pact technique on a larger scale, affecting not just himself but the entire barony. We need to investigate further to understand the extent of his capabilities."
Priest Samuel nodded in agreement. "We must act swiftly to neutralize this threat and cleanse the dark influence from this city. Mayor Eldric, we need your full cooperation in this matter. We will work together to protect the innocent and restore order."
Mayor Eldric nodded solemnly. "You have our full cooperation, Priest Samuel. Whatever assistance you require, we will provide. The safety of our people is of utmost importance."
Priest Samuel turned to his holy knights. "Spread out and assess the situation in the city. We need to locate the source of the chaotic energy and eliminate it. Mayor Eldric, gather any information you have on Baron Gareth's recent activities. The more we know, the better we can plan our strategy."
As the Holy Knights dispersed to investigate, Mayor Eldric and his mage advisors shared all the relevant information they had on Baron Gareth's recent actions. They discussed the chaotic battles, the possessed citizens, and the ongoing clashes between Baron Gareth Force and the possessed citizens.
"So, they fight with the possessed citizens, but they can control the dark energy and subdue the citizens affected by the dark energy?"
Priest Samuel raised an eyebrow, processing the information. "It seems Baron Gareth has a level of control over the dark energy, allowing him to fight against the possessed citizens without succumbing to madness himself. This complicates matters."
The mage advisors added, "It's possible that Baron Gareth is using the dark energy to his advantage. We've seen cases where individuals with strong willpower can harness dark magic without being completely consumed by it. This might explain how he's able to maintain some level of control."
Priest Samuel turned to Mayor Eldric. "Have you observed any patterns in Baron Gareth's movements or behaviors during these battles? Any weaknesses we can exploit?"
Mayor Eldric thought for a moment before answering. "Baron Gareth uses a Blood Pact technique that increases his strength, but after using Blood Pact, they tend to be disadvantaged after the user uses this technique."
Priest Samuel nodded thoughtfully. "Exploiting the vulnerability after using the Blood Pact technique could be our key to overcoming Baron Gareth. We need to plan our approach carefully and coordinate with our Holy Knights to strike at the right moment."
As the Church of Light and the mayor's advisors continued to discuss their strategy, a commotion erupted outside City Hall. The Holy Knights who had been investigating the city rushed back with urgent reports.
"High Priest Samuel, Mayor Eldric! We've located the source of the chaotic energy. Baron force is currently engaged in a fierce battle in the slum district. The possessed citizens are converging on that location, and the chaos is escalating!"
Priest Samuel's eyes flashed with determination. "Prepare to move out, we must eliminate the source of this dark energy and bring an end to the madness plaguing Oscana."
Mayor Eldric nodded, issuing orders to the city guards to mobilize the citizens who had managed to resist the effects of chaotic energy. The mayor's advisors assisted in organizing the makeshift militia.
The combined forces of the Church of Light, the city guards, the knight, mercenary and the determined citizens marched toward the slum district, where the intensity of the chaotic energy was palpable.
___
Slum District.
As the group entered the Slum District, they were met with an unsettling scene. The narrow, winding streets were filled with possessed citizens, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly darkness.
Baron force, a formidable unit with experienced soldier, fought valiantly against the possessed, trying to hold their ground.
Priest Samuel raised his staff, emitting a radiant light that pushed back the dark energy temporarily.
Mayor Eldric, flanked by the city guards, issued orders to create a perimeter, ensuring that the chaos wouldn't spread further.
Holy Knights, Mercenaries, and Knight factions kill possessed citizens by cutting off their heads.
The battle was fierce, and the possessed citizens fought with the Baron force in order to subdue them and turn them to become an anti mage.
After fighting for a while, they were able to subdue them, and one of the Baron's troops asked. "Why did you kill them?"
Priest Samuel, still emanating a soft glow from his staff, responded to the question with a grave expression. "We did not wish to end their lives, but the dark energy had taken hold of them completely. They were no longer themselves, and the only way to stop the spread of the demonic influence was to sever their connection to it."
"Bastard!" The soldier was furious when they heard what Priest Samuel had said.
They explain how to save them. "We can save them by turn them into anti mage!"
Priest Samuel's expression remained solemn as he asked. "Anti-magician? What is that, is that kind of practice that allows mortals to be able to control such dark energy that only a demon can do such a thing."
The soldier, still agitated, explained, "Ignorant! anti mage are individuals trained to resist and any magic. It's a risky procedure, but if successful, they can retain their humanity while gaining the ability to combat any forces, it's a desperate measure to salvage those who have been corrupted by the chaotic energy."
The holy knight countered the soldier's words with a stern voice. "Chaotic energy? Is that the dark energy you people call?"
"Whatever you call it, it's heresy to use such demonic means, and you heretics who use the Blood God cult technique! do you want to turn these people into anti mage like you? heh dream on." The holy knight glared at the soldier, disdain for the proposed solution evident.
The soldier, still visibly angered, retorted, "We care about saving lives, we're not like your so-called 'Blood God cult.' we're trying to find a way to resist and neutralize this chaotic energy without resorting to unnecessary bloodshed."
The tension in the air was palpable as the debate between the holy knight and the soldier unfolded in the midst of the chaotic battle.
Mayor Eldric smirked and added fuel to this conflict, telling the soldier. "Entire Oscana Barony turn into madness because your lord practice Blood Pact technique, it's clear they were back by Blood God cult."
As the debate between the holy knight and the soldier intensified, Mayor Eldric's words added another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.
The soldier, infuriated by the accusation, responded defiantly. "You know nothing! Our lord does what he must to protect Oscana. This chaos is not of our making, and we seek a solution to end it without sacrificing innocent lives."
The holy knight, unmoved, retorted, "Protect Oscana? By resorting to dark arts and demonic practices? Your lord's actions have led to this catastrophe. We, followers of the Light, will not stand by and let the Blood God cult corrupt our city."
The soldier is angry and replies with a thunderous voice. "Our city? we don't even follow your religion, why the fuck should we listen to you, it's obvious you're working with the mayor and trying to take over Oscana Barony!"
The citizens under Mayor Eldric, fueled by his words, began to support their leader. "Mayor Eldric leads us to protect Oscana! where Baron Gareth hides in his mansion when the city needs him most."
The soldier replies, "You're fucking retarded! have you all forgotten who raised the tax, food and the knight under him didn't even patrol the road to secure the trade route".
As the heated exchange between the holy knight and the soldier reached its climax, the chaos of battle continued around them. The possessed citizens, though subdued for the moment, still lingered, and the dark energy in the air remained a palpable threat.
One of the soldiers sends a message to Sir William, Roland, and Elara that they need to send reinforcements to fight against the mayor's subordinates, outsiders such as mercenaries, and the Church of Light.