Chapter 8: The Gathering Storm
The grand hall of the Cathedral of Eternal Light buzzed with activity. The Church, having received the report from the second expedition team, had reached a grim conclusion. The island was no ordinary land corrupted by darkness. It was a festering wound that needed to be eradicated before the infection spread.
The council chamber was packed with bishops, archbishops, and commanders, all deep in heated debate. The highest-ranking member, Cardinal Amadeus, raised his hand to silence the room. His presence alone demanded respect, and the discussions ceased instantly.
"Brothers and sisters," Amadeus began, his voice solemn but resolute, "we face a threat unlike any we have encountered before. Twice now, our expeditions have returned with warnings of a darkness that defies comprehension. We cannot risk allowing this shadow to grow unchecked. We must act with the full might of the Church."
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The Second Expedition's Report
The leader of the second expedition team, High Paladin Lysandra, stood before the council, recounting her findings.
"The island is no mere stronghold of an Evil God," she began, her tone grave. "The land itself seems alive with malevolence. We scouted as deeply as we could without jeopardizing our lives. The fog is thick and pulsating with energy, and it grows heavier the closer you get to the island's center. We found signs of dark rituals and what appear to be shadow constructs—inhuman entities born of the darkness itself. These creatures do not move, but they watch."
Gasps filled the room, and murmurs spread among the gathered clergy.
Lysandra continued, "This island is no ordinary blight. It is a fortress. A place of power that cannot be cleansed with minor efforts. It requires the full might of the Church."
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The Council's Decision
Cardinal Amadeus turned to his advisors. "We can no longer afford half measures. We must send an army—not just any army but a force strong enough to wipe out this darkness entirely. It must be a crusade of unprecedented scale."
Archbishop Valerius nodded. "We shall commit half the Church's power in this region. Thousands of warriors, hundreds of our strongest clerics, paladins, and mages. We will consecrate the land with divine artifacts and unleash the full fury of the Light."
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Preparation for the Crusade
Over the next weeks, the Church mobilized its forces. The cathedral's halls turned into bustling centers of preparation. The air was thick with chants, prayers, and the sound of metal being forged into weapons of divine power.
Divine Relics: The Church's vaults were opened, and ancient relics were retrieved. These were weapons and artifacts imbued with the essence of the Light, capable of smiting even the strongest of Evil Gods. Among them was The Sun's Wrath, a golden sword that burned with the fire of a thousand suns, and The Aegis of Radiance, a shield that could repel the darkest of curses.
Specialized Units: The army was divided into several specialized units, each trained for a specific role:
Paladins of the Dawn: Clad in golden armor, these holy knights wielded weapons blessed by the Light. They were the vanguard, meant to strike fear into the heart of darkness.
Clerics of Purity: Masters of healing and protective wards, their role was to keep the forces alive and dispel curses.
Magisters of the Flame: Elite battle mages specializing in destructive magic, their fire spells could incinerate even the strongest of shadow constructs.
Rangers of the Silver Moon: Stealth operatives trained in scouting and sabotage, they would infiltrate the island to gather intelligence.
Rituals of Blessing: Massive rituals were conducted to bless the troops and their equipment. Divine symbols were etched into their armor, and holy oils were applied to their weapons. The priests led prayers to invoke the favor of the gods, asking for guidance and strength in the battle to come.
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Discussion Among the Ranks
While the Church's highest echelons strategized, the soldiers and lower clergy whispered among themselves.
"Do you think this is truly the work of an Evil God?" asked a young acolyte, his voice trembling.
An older cleric shook his head. "If it were, we'd have seen more direct signs. This... this feels different. Like something ancient and unknown."
A paladin polishing his sword chimed in, "Whatever it is, it bleeds. And if it bleeds, we can kill it." His bravado earned him a few nervous chuckles, but the tension was palpable.
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Allen's Growth
Meanwhile, within the heart of the Void, Allen—now embodying the template of Null—sat in quiet contemplation. His power had grown from 0.13% to 0.14%, and the change was profound. The increase, though seemingly minor, was exponential. Each fraction of a percentage brought new abilities and a deeper understanding of the Void's infinite nature.
He flexed his will, and the shadows around him twisted into monstrous forms. With a wave of his hand, they disintegrated into nothingness, only to reform moments later.
"The mortals prepare their armies," Allen mused. His voice was a deep rumble that resonated through the Void. "Let them come. Their light is but a flicker in the face of the eternal darkness."
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The Calm Before the Storm
As the final preparations were made, the Church's leaders gathered one last time.
Cardinal Amadeus addressed the room. "We march at dawn. This is not just a battle—it is a war for the soul of this world. Remember, the Light is with us, and no darkness can withstand its power."
The army, now 50% of the Church's regional strength, was a sight to behold. Thousands of warriors stood in formation, their armor gleaming under the moonlight. Banners bearing the symbol of the Light fluttered in the wind.
From the island, Allen watched with amusement. The Void whispered to him, feeding his amusement and anticipation.
"Let them come," he said, his voice a chilling echo. "The Void hungers, and I will feed it well."
The stage was set. The Church's might would clash with the primordial force of the Void. Neither side knew the full extent of the other's power, but one thing was certain: the world would never be the same.