Aric stood at the edge of the platform, gazing up at the ever-growing silhouette of the Sky Island as the airship ascended through the thick clouds. The floating landmass, home to the Church’s headquarters and the Ecumenical Council, was an awe-inspiring sight. Towering spires and vast stone structures jutted out from the island, connected by sprawling bridges and courtyards that defied gravity itself. The base of the Church loomed ahead, and somewhere in its heart resided the Patriarch.
As the airship leveled with the island, Aric could feel the weight of the energy emanating from it—a constant, subtle pulse of power that made the air hum. His Link stirred slightly, reacting to the charged atmosphere, but he kept it suppressed. Now was not the time to be reckless.
The Subdeacon, Giselle, was standing nearby, her gaze focused ahead. She had been silent for most of the journey, likely steeling herself for what was to come. The members of the Church who had accompanied them moved swiftly, preparing for the docking as the island's towering stone docks appeared before them.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Giselle finally spoke, glancing at Aric.
Aric nodded. “I didn’t expect it to be this... vast.”
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“The Church’s power has expanded over centuries,” she said. “This is the heart of it. Few ever get to step foot here.”
The airship slowly came to a halt as it docked at one of the stone platforms that jutted out from the island. As the gangplank was lowered, Aric and the others disembarked. The weight of the place felt oppressive, the very atmosphere charged with history and power.
Giselle motioned for him to follow, and together they walked through the towering halls of the Sky Island’s central cathedral. The stone walls were adorned with murals and tapestries, depicting the history of the Church and the legendary Bearers of the past. Statues of long-dead heroes lined the corridors, their expressions stern and vigilant as if guarding the sacred grounds.
“You’ll rest here for now,” Giselle said, stopping in front of a heavy wooden door. “The Council will meet with you soon, but for now, you should recover from your... ordeal.”
Aric nodded, his mind already turning toward the meeting. As much as he wanted answers, he knew he needed to be patient. The Church was not a place that tolerated impatience or recklessness.
“Rest well,” Giselle said, her voice softening slightly. “You’ll need your strength for what’s to come.”
Without another word, she turned and walked down the corridor, leaving Aric alone.
Stepping inside, Aric found the room surprisingly simple. It was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the cathedral’s exterior. A single bed, a small desk, and a washbasin were the only furnishings. Aric set his belongings down and sat on the edge of the bed. His body still ached from the battle on Mount Morris, but more than that, his mind was heavy with questions.
What had taken over his body? How was it able to use the full power of Khaos? And why did it seem to be connected to the Church in some way?
Aric lay back on the bed, closing his eyes. There were no easy answers, but one thing was certain: he would have to face the Ecumenical Council, and they would not be easy to deal with. But if it meant understanding what had happened to him—and how to stop it—then he would endure whatever trials they put in his path.