Chapter 5
Saint Agnes Basilica, Sancta Vertica
The Chancel
Micah settled into a finely carved wooden chair, his posture as rigid as the wood itself, as he faced Ecclesiastical Captain Daniel. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, punctuated by the imposing silhouettes of two figures across from him. The first, a dark-skinned man with a polished bald head, was adorned in the church's deep blue uniform, complete with a flowing white cassock and a striking red sash emblazoned with crossed swords. Beside him stood a woman of striking beauty, her golden cassock glinting under the light, her blonde hair framing a face that exuded both authority and an inscrutable intensity. Between them, a mahogany table gleamed beneath the intricate stained glass mural of Archangel Michael, his wings spread wide in a divine gesture.
Micah's eyes darted back and forth between the figures.
"Why am I here?"
"Micah, these are representatives from the head church," Daniel replied, his tone clipped, his expression serious.
Micah's gaze settled on the woman. "High Inquisitor Riya and Inquisitorial Captain Ezra. You could've sent representatives, instead of coming all the way here"
"Being here in person should convey the matter's utmost importance," Riya stated, her voice a chilling whisper that seemed to slice through the thick air of the chancel.
Micah narrowed his eyes, locking onto Daniel's. "Let me guess this is about Jeremiah?"
Ezra's mouth tightened into a grim line, the shadows deepening around his features. "We can start with that."
Micah's fingers drummed on the polished surface of the table. "Jeremiah is under my care. If he defects, I'll handle it."
Ezra's brow furrowed, disapproval etched into his sharp features. "Don't let your reputation cloud your judgment. You lack the grace of one of the Four Major Families. How do you plan to exorcise the Father of Lies?"
"My results speak for themselves," Micah replied, his gaze unwavering.
Riya's lips curled into a sardonic smirk, her amusement cutting like ice. "You never cease to amaze me, Micah Orchard your stubbornness that is"
"It's been a long time since I've heard that name," Micah replied, his voice flat, as though the name were a ghost he wished to forget. "I no longer go by it."
"Why abandon your surname?" Riya's tone dripped with a mix of curiosity and disdain, a tantalizing lure for secrets.
"I'm a reject, remember? Your father expelled me because of your highness," Micah said, bitterness tinging his voice.
Just then, the heavy door swung open with a resounding bang, revealing Karlee, who burst into the room, her breath ragged and eyes wide with panic. She leaned against the doorframe, hands resting on her knees as she gasped out, "Jerome… Jerome is missing."
Micah's brows knitted together in alarm. "Missing?"
"He didn't return from his last mission. I sent a scouting team, and they found signs of battle outside the spiritual barrier."
Micah's gaze flicked to the button Karlee tossed onto the table. The emblem of the Insidious Church glared ominously up at him, a dark portent.
"The Insidious Church," he muttered, a chill running down his spine.
Riya's eyes were cold and piercing, her demeanor unyielding. "I almost forgot your incompetence is consistent. The Prelate might not care for the boy, but even he wouldn't want him dead or missing. What's your move, Micah?"
"What I do best," he replied, his voice a quiet storm.
Daniel's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Micah, don't act rashly."
"Of course not." Micah winked at Karlee, who subtly shook her head, worry etching lines across her forehead.
Insidious Covenant Church, Sancta Veritas
In a bare room where the air hung heavy with neglect, a lone wooden chair faced a table cluttered with rotting food. Water dripped rhythmically from a crack in the roof, echoing through the silence. Jerome sat in the chair, defiance etched across his features as he glared daggers at his captors.
Henri inspected the food with evident disgust, his lip curling. "This hasn't been touched. It's beyond salvage."
Veyan swatted the plate from Henri's hand, a look of irritation flaring in his eyes. "We don't waste food here. This isn't a charity."
Jerome's eyes flashed with defiance, and he spat, "What do you want from me?"
Veyan's lips twisted into a sardonic smile, a predator sizing up its prey. "Nothing of consequence. Not that it concerns you."
"Then why keep me here?" Jerome shot back, suspicion threading through his voice.
"Are you saying you are a Hostage?" Veyan chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "You're a guest. We provide food, drink, and even entertainment if you wish," Cedric added, his sly smile unsettling.
"If I'm not your target, then who is?" Jerome pressed, suspicion thick in the air.
"Micah Orchard," Veyan said, his eyes glinting with ambition, the name rolling off his tongue like poison.
"Micah? Why?"
Veyan leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "After the worlds were separated, seven holy artifacts were scattered. Micah has one of them, and I want it. Imagine the power, the glory, if I could reunite the worlds and find the Tree of Eternal life. It's the church's ultimate goal. I'd be a god, as I was always meant to be," Veyan said, his laughter echoing with delusion
"You're delusional," Jerome spat, his disbelief palpable.
Veyan ignored him, turning toward the door. "Henri, feed him. I don't want to leave a bad impression." He and Henri exited, leaving Jerome alone with Cedric.
"Shouldn't you leave too?" Jerome snapped, irritation bubbling.
Cedric molded a chair from the floor and settled into it, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. "Not quite. I'm curious about what it's like to be a reject."
Jerome's eyes narrowed, anger igniting. "What did you say?"
Cedric shrugged, his smile infuriating. "I was born strong, powerful, noble. You, despite your noble blood, lack strength."
Jerome's frustration boiled over. "Do you want to test me?"
Cedric's eyes glinted with dark amusement. "You're free because you're weak."
With a surge of anger, Jerome hurled the table aside and lunged at Cedric. The earth beneath him shifted, and he skidded to the far end of the room, crashing against the wall. A dark figure materialized beside Cedric, shadowy and foreboding.
"You stood no chance before. With my bond to my demon, you stand even less," Cedric said, as rocks from the wall formed shackles that wrapped tightly around Jerome.
Cedric stepped closer, his expression cold and calculating. "I don't buy into Veyan's vision, but it would be entertaining to see it unfold. I need that Fruit of Eternal life to regain my humanity. Power corrupts, turning one into a demon. Well…" Cedric's hand clenched tightly as he spoke, his resolve clear.
He turned and made his way to the door, pausing to look back. "I need strong allies. Your father might overlook you, but I see your potential." His eyes glowed with a dangerous light, a promise wrapped in menace.
Saint Agnes Basilica, Sancta Vertias
The Chancel
Ecclesiastical Commander Daniel stood before four exorcists, the air crackling with anticipation. Karlee stood by his side, her expression tense, while Micah, among them, seemed detached, lost in his thoughts.
"You're the best we have. This mission is twofold: retrieve Jerome Michael and gather Information on the church. You know each other, so no need for formalities," Daniel instructed, his voice firm.
Micah's eyes roved the room, indifferent, almost dismissive. "I've forgotten some names."
A blonde woman stepped forward, her hand extended in greeting. "Inquisitorial Captain Hana.
Micah reluctantly shook her hand, his grip firm but uninterested. "Kaiky Uriel. Pleasure to meet you," a young boy chimed in, his cyan hair and bright eyes stared at Micah his grip firm
Micah raised an eyebrow, skepticism flickering across his face. "A kid? He's a captain?"
Hana's tone was sharp, a clear warning in her voice. "You were young too when you graduated. Deal with it."
Micah rolled his eyes, the impatience evident in his posture.
A dark-skinned woman lit a cigarette, defiance etched into her features. "I don't see why I should care about decorum."
Karlee's frustration was palpable as she turned to the woman. "Fiona, you're in the Chancel."
A deep, resonant voice interrupted from the doorway, cutting through the bickering. "Disorganization is to be expected from a church like this." The door creaked open, and an imposing figure with long ginger hair strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention. Karlee's eyes widened, and she instinctively drifted closer to Daniel, while the other exorcists exchanged wary glances.
"Tyrell Michael we weren't expecting you," Daniel said, suprised
Tyrell's smirk was predatory, his intentions veiled beneath a layer of charm. "Let me join this mission. I'm bored out of my mind in the capital."