POPE AURELIUS IX

The weight of my position had never been as overwhelming as at this moment.

I found myself in my private study, surrounded by ancient tomes and ancient relics that normally brought me comfort. But today, not even these symbols of my power and authority could calm the storm that stirred within me.

My hands, which had blessed kings and commanded armies, trembled slightly while holding the newly arrived report. The words danced before my eyes, each one a blow to the stability I had fought so hard to maintain.

"The Forest of Dreams has been destroyed. There is evidence implicating the Holy Church."

—How could this happen? —I muttered, my voice barely a whisper in the stillness of my study.

"No, no, no. This cannot be. Who would dare to commit such an act? And why implicate us?"

My mind raced, analyzing every possibility, every ramification of this disaster. The elves would not take this lightly, especially their queen. I could feel the threat of an imminent conflict.

"Is this a trap? A conspiracy to overthrow the Holy Church? No, there must be something more..."

And then, like lightning, realization struck me.

"What if I am the target? What if someone seeks to dispose of me?"

The idea was as absurd as it was terrifying. Who would dare to defy God's will in this way? Who would dare to tarnish the most sacred position in our land?

"Don't be naive, Aurelius. You know well that power attracts the ambitious like honey attracts flies. Even in the most sacred halls, corruption can take root."

I shook my head, trying to clear these dark thoughts.

Suddenly, a deafening thunder shook the cathedral, tearing me from my musings. I jumped to my feet, my cape billowing behind me as I approached the window. What I saw made my blood freeze in my veins.

The sky darkened over the divine mountain of Ishtar, where the Holy Church rose majestically.

I watched with growing unease as clouds swirled in the sky, turning an ominous black. The air itself seemed charged with a sinister energy that made the hairs on my neck stand on end.

"Could this be divine punishment for our sins?"

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No, I couldn't allow such thoughts. I was Aurelius IX, The Great Pope, the voice of God. My duty was to maintain faith, to be the beacon of light in the darkness that loomed over us.

A green lightning bolt crossed the sky, illuminating my study with a spectral light. I approached the window, my hands trembling slightly as I pulled back the heavy curtains.

And then I saw him.

Eternal Lionheart, the strongest of the elves, and possibly, the strongest being on earth, floating in the center of the storm.

"How dare this heretic defy divine will?" Anger boiled within me, mixing with a fear I refused to acknowledge.

—Guards! —I shouted, my voice resonating off the stone walls— Have the Radiant Pillars battalion prepare! We are under attack!

As the hurried footsteps of the guards retreated, I turned to the altar that dominated a corner of my study. I fell to my knees, —Oh, Almighty Lord —I murmured, the words of prayer flowing from my lips with the ease of decades of practice— Grant me your strength, guide my hand to punish the infidels and protect your flock.

I stood up, feeling how divine magic flowed through me. With a gesture, my white and gold robe transformed into a shining armor, symbol of my position as one of the Sacred Knights.

"It's time to show that arrogant elf the true power of faith."

I left my study, my cape billowing behind me as I descended the tower stairs. The cathedral hallways were full of frantic activity, priests and guards running in all directions.

—Your Holiness! —a young paladin knelt before me, his face pale with fear— The Radiant Pillars are taking positions, but... but the enemy...

With no time to listen to his complaints, I went out to the great plaza in front of the cathedral, where the Templar Paladins were already formed in perfect rows. Their armor shone under the unnatural light of the storm, their faces a mixture of determination and fear.

And there, floating above us all, was Eternal Lionheart. His presence was overwhelming, his power so palpable it made the air itself seem to vibrate.

—Eternal Lionheart! You cannot invade God's house like this!

—God is not here, this is just an empty box.

—God is in all his Churches. I have fulfilled his will, the work of my life has been in his name.

His mocking laughter resonated like thunder, making the very foundations of the cathedral tremble.

—The work of your life disgusts me.

—In the name of God and the Holy Church, I order you to cease this madness.

—Order me, you say? —his voice was deep, charged with a power that made my own words seem insignificant— You, a mere mortal playing at being god, think you can give me orders?

"How dare he... How dare he mock divine authority like this?"

Anger burned in my chest, threatening to consume me.

—You have come seeking vengeance for the destruction of the Forest of Dreams. But I assure you, we were not responsible for that atrocious act.

Eternal descended slowly, his feet barely touching the mountain ground. Up close, his presence was even more impressive. His red eyes glowed with an internal fire, and his golden mane that resembled that of a lion seemed to move with a life of its own.

—Lies in the house of your God? —he growled, his voice laden with contempt— I have seen the evidence with my own eyes, Aurelius. Your corruption, your hypocrisy... everything will be exposed today.

"Corruption? Hypocrisy? How dare this heretic question the sanctity of the Church?"

—Your accusations are unfounded, Eternal —I responded, trying to maintain calm— If you have evidence, present it before a fair tribunal.

—A fair tribunal? —Eternal laughed, but there was no humor in his laughter— Under your authority? No, Aurelius. The time for words has passed. Today, justice will be served by my hand.

—Paladins! —I shouted— Protect the cathedral! Let the Holy Inquisitors prepare for combat!