(Elena POV)
"We have no choice. We must seek the help of at least one champion, along with several sacred knights. This cult must be eliminated." The words cut through the chamber like a blade.
My hands froze mid-polish, heart skipping a beat before I forced myself to continue cleaning. Inside, I prayed desperately that the other high-ranking members would reject such an extreme measure.
Champions and sacred knights - the mere thought of such powerful figures targeting our faith filled me with terror.
In my years serving the Solarus Temple, I'd always regarded champions with awe and admiration. Their power was legendary - a single champion could level entire city blocks if they wished. The stories of their feats had once thrilled me. Now, hearing them discussed as weapons against our faith, that same power turned my blood to ice.
"I believe that is our only choice." High Inquisitor Thaddeus's agreement confirmed my worst fears.
"While we're mobilizing such forces," High Priest Eryndor added, "perhaps we could request the champion's aid in dealing with the other troublesome cults in our city as well."
Thaddeus shifted in his seat. "We must be cautious in how we approach this. Champions are proud, easily offended. Still..." he paused thoughtfully, "I will make the request and see what can be arranged."
The other priests and templar elders murmured their gratitude, praising Thaddeus's wisdom and dedication to purging heresy.
The moment I could slip away, I rushed to my chambers, hands trembling as I summoned my sacred scroll.
Kneeling before it, I clasped my hands in urgent prayer, spending 3 Faith Points to send warnings through the divine network to all scroll-bearing followers.
After confirming the message had sent, I collapsed against my bed, heart racing. "Please," I whispered to the empty room, "let our brothers and sisters escape before the champion arrives."
The church's dungeons held many dark secrets - I'd heard enough whispered stories during my years as a sister to know what fate awaited cultists who fell into Solarus's hands. The thought of our followers facing such torments made me sick with worry.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Two days after the Elder Bane Asylum incident, Horn City's initial panic had begun to subside. With no signs of the feared patient rampage, citizens gradually returned to their normal routines.
Meanwhile, Arthur's divine power had surged dramatically - 528 new Divine Points flowing into his reserves. The Faith Point reward system had proven remarkably effective, motivating followers to not only expand their numbers but deepen their own devotion. Even recent converts were showing stronger faith after experiencing the sacred scrolls' benefits firsthand.
In his office, Arthur browsed the Divine Shop's extensive catalog, considering his next investment carefully.
[Divine Shop
Foundational Divine Items:
Soul Collection Vase (2,000 DP)
- Stores excess divine energy
- Preserves follower prayers
- Emergency power source
Mind Link Mirror (3,000 DP)
-Connects to multiple followers simultaneously
- Shows follower locations
- Enables mass communication]
[Divine Tools:
Authority Crown (4,000 DP)
-Strengthens divine commands
-Increases follower loyalty
-Improves blessing effectiveness
Domain Crystal (5,000 DP)
- Establishes divine territory
- Creates worship zones
- Strengthens local influence
Sanctuary Sphere (8,000 DP)
- Creates undetectable safe zones for followers
-Doubles divine point generation during prayer
-Shields against Lesser Exalted Mortal detection
-Automatically conceals divine energy signatures
-Generates basic sustenance for inhabitants]
Arthur leaned back in his chair, considering his options. With 528 Divine Points currently available, he couldn't afford any of these items yet. However, the rate of point generation suggested he might reach the required amount sooner than expected.
"I need that Sanctuary Sphere before the champion arrives," Arthur muttered, closing the divine shop interface. Elena's warning about an incoming champion had complicated matters significantly.
Based on the information, this champion is approximately at the 'Exalted Mortal' level, a ranking Arthur had only learned about a few weeks ago.
According to Elena's reports, champions who reached this level could devastate entire city blocks with their power. While their exact capabilities remained uncertain, the threat was serious enough that Arthur believed the Sanctuary Sphere could provide crucial protection - at least against champion at the lesser stage of this level.
Arthur had already ordered his followers to evacuate Angel City where possible. While hundreds had departed, many remained bound to the city.
Levi Strauss couldn't abandon "Levi Pictures" in the middle of producing "Cool Hand Jake." Others were equally tied down - established careers, ongoing missions, and stable Faith Point income kept them rooted in place.
Shaking these concerns from his mind, Arthur focused on tomorrow's milestone. July 7, 1274 would mark the launch of his company's first video game console.
The Hellfire Entertainment System - H.E.S. for short - had been teased just a week ago. The commercial on Hellfire Network had given viewers only tantalizing glimpses of what was to come.
His game team had completed their flagship title, "Music Legends Quest."
They'd also enhanced several Hellscape Center arcade favorites - "Tetris," "Space Invader," and "Ping Pong" now featured improved graphics beyond their arcade versions.
***
At 11 AM, the Hellfire press conference began. Camera flashes illuminated Arthur as he stood on stage beside a sleek black console and television set.
"Today, we launch an entertainment product that will revolutionize how people experience their TVs," Arthur announced, gesturing to the H.E.S. on the presentation table. "Think of it as a specialized computer, though more focused in scope. While it can't match a computer's versatility, it offers something entirely unique."
Major network cameras tracked his every movement as he lifted a small rectangular cartridge from the table. "This may look simple," he said, holding it up for all to see, "but inside lies an entire world—"
"What do you mean?" a journalist called out, pen poised over notepad.
Arthur's smile held a hint of mystery. "Let me show you." He slid the cartridge into the H.E.S. with a satisfying click.
The television screen flickered to life. First came the Hellfire logo, drawing curious murmurs from the assembled press.
The words "New Game" appeared as a familiar melody filled the air - a stripped-down version of Queen's "We Are The Champions," its notes transformed into simple electronic tones that somehow retained the original's triumphant spirit.
The assembled journalists stared at the screen with a mix of confusion and skepticism. The technology might be novel, but its purpose remained unclear.
"What exactly are we looking at? Seems like a low-quality cartoon," one journalist called out, adjusting his glasses dismissively.
"Those familiar with our arcade machines will recognize this," Arthur explained, lifting the controller. "This isn't just animation - it's a video game. You control what happens on screen."
To demonstrate, he pressed start and selected James as his character. The simple electronic melody of a transformed Nirvana song filled the room as James wielded his guitar against approaching enemies, the colorful pixels dancing across the screen with each attack.
The press corps fell silent, their earlier skepticism giving way to curiosity as they watched the character respond to Arthur's commands. The home viewers, visible through the live broadcast monitors, leaned closer to their screens.
"Entertaining, isn't it?" Arthur asked, met only with contemplative silence. He chuckled, recognizing their struggle to process this new form of entertainment.
"You, sir," he pointed to a journalist in the third row. "Why don't you try it yourself? Tell us what you think."
The chosen reporter approached cautiously, accepting the controller with visible uncertainty. "What do I do with this?"
Arthur guided him through the basics - which buttons made James jump, attack, move. After a minute of fumbling, something clicked. The journalist's posture changed, his initial stiffness melting away as he became absorbed in the game.
When his character finally fell to an enemy, Arthur reached for the controller. "Your thoughts?"
The journalist hesitated, his professional detachment warring with unexpected enthusiasm. "I... well... it's quite..." He cleared his throat. "I had... more fun than I expected."
His fingers lingered on the controller as Arthur tried to take it back. "Actually, how much does this device cost?"
Arthur suppressed a knowing smile. The first conversion to video games had begun.
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