Inquisitorial Headquarters

Chancellor Alistair sighed deeply, the sound barely audible above the distant clanging of swords and the low murmur of the spectators. His gaze was fixed on the training ring where Haziel, stood over the lifeless body of her latest victim.

Her rapier was slick and glistened with fresh blood, and her eyes held a wild, crazed glint as she surveyed her handiwork. Alistair's attention shifted momentarily as he brought a hand to his mouth, stifling a cough that echoed briefly in the otherwise tense silence.

The sound snapped Haziel out of her trance-like state. She blinked a few times as she turned to face the Chancellor, her posture straightening in a semblance of respect. "Chancellor," she greeted.

Alistair's eyes flicked to the fallen bodies around her. "Haziel, may I ask why you killed all of your sparring partners?"

"I sensed demonic taint in them. Even the smallest hints of demonic taint must be extinguished before it spreads." Haziel said.

Alistair resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He sighed again, shaking his head slightly. "First of all, you are an inquisitor, not a butcher. And killing people too quickly can actually be detrimental to future missions."

Haziel's grip tightened on her blood-streaked rapier. "I reserve no mercy for the wicked."

"Haziel, I can't allow you to leave for the mission unless you get a better handle on yourself."

"Apologies, I'll try to exercise more control in the future,"

"Have you at least managed to recover your abilities?"

"To be completely honest, I'm still finding it difficult. It may take me quite a long time to regain my strength."

Alistair turned away as he walked away. "Follow me, the acolytes have prepared something to help you."

Haziel sheathed her rapier, the blade sliding into its scabbard with a soft hiss. She fell into step behind Alistair, boots echoing softly against the stone floor as he led her through a labyrinth of narrow corridors until they reached a set of heavy brass doors.

Alistair pushed the doors open with a creak, revealing a dimly lit chamber with a massive, black, leafless tree at the center. Haziel's breath hitched as she took in the sight. The tree's bark was rough and gnarled, deep grooves and scars marring its surface. Metal bands encircled the trunk at irregular intervals, pulsating with a faint glow.

The tree's roots spread out like dark veins, snaking across the ground and embedding themselves into the stone. Some roots were studded with crystalline shards that emitted a soft, otherworldly light, their glow reflecting off the wall.

"Do you remember this tree?" Alistair asked, his voice echoing slightly.

Haziel shook her head slowly. "No, I don't. What… is that thing?"

Alistair sighed softly. "I'm not surprised you don't remember. This tree is a repurposed wild dungeon core, we've managed to transform it into something we can use for our own purposes."

"And what do you want me to do with it?"

"You are to change out of your uniform and stand with your back facing the tree. The acolytes will do the rest."

Soon, an acolyte entered the room, carrying a set of pristine white robes. The acolyte bowed his head slightly in respect as he extended the garments towards her.

Haziel accepted the robes, feeling the smooth texture of the fabric against her fingers. "Will the tree really be able to help me?"

Alistair stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on Haziel's shoulder. "This tree has been modified to help you channel and control your abilities. The process is demanding, but it will strengthen your connection to your power and aid in your recovery."

Then, he stepped back, casting a brief gaze toward her. "I'll be waiting in a different room. Good luck, inquisitor."

With that, Alistair pivoted and strode from the chamber, his acolytes trailing obediently behind him. The heavy brass doors swung shut with a booming thud that resonated through the cavernous space, the echo slowly fading into a silence that pressed down on Haziel.

Once alone, she drew a deep breath as she moved towards a small alcove tucked into the chamber's side. The inquisitor quickly shed her inquisitor's uniform and changed into the pristine white robes.

The new garment clung to her form, the unfamiliar texture leaving her feeling slightly vulnerable. Once her uniform was neatly folded and set aside, Haziel took another steadying breath. She turned then, her gaze drawn to the tree at the center of the chamber.

The metal bands wrapped around its twisted trunk pulsed rhythmically as Haziel positioned herself with her back to the tree. The rough bark pressed through the thin fabric of her robes, grounding her in the present moment.

Suddenly, the once-placid roots of the tree twisted upon themselves with a sickening, serpentine life. A tremor of apprehension coursed through Haziel, breath hitching in her throat as a primal sense of danger set her nerves on fire.

Before she could even flinch, razor-sharp black roots burst from the tree and pierced her back. Agony exploded within her, a searing, white-hot pain that tore through muscle and sinew, radiating outwards until her entire being was consumed by it.

The intense agony warped Haziel's vision into a blur. A guttural scream ripped from her throat, echoing through the chamber like a wounded animal's cry.

Yet, amidst the agony, a strange, pulsing energy began to emanate from the tree. The rough bark pressed against her back seemed to come alive, glowing with a deep, ethereal light. Haziel's skin responded as a radiant light spread across her body. The tree reacted to her, the metal bands and crystalline shards pulsing in sync with her heartbeat.

Magical power surged through Haziel, a searing torrent that coursed through her veins like liquid fire. Muscles quivered, bones groaned, and her back arched involuntarily as the magic reached a fever pitch.

Then, from the points where the roots pierced her flesh, a shimmering blue light emerged. Ethereal feathers made from pure magical energy unfurled rapidly. The wings grew at an astonishing pace, their edges sparkling like freshly cut gemstones as they gradually extended outward.

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At the same time, red lightning crackled across her skin, tracing a network of incandescent veins that pulsed with raw power. Each flicker of the lightning sent a jolt through her body that brought both exhilaration and agony.

Soon, the roots that had impaled Haziel began to slowly retract. Haziel collapsed to the ground, her legs buckling beneath her while her wings folded awkwardly behind her.

She panted heavily, each breath a laborious effort as her body struggled to adjust to the immense power it had just absorbed. The red lightning that had crackled around her dissipated, while her wings slowly dissolved into ethereal wisps before vanishing completely.

The heavy chamber door swung inward with a drawn-out groan, breaking the silence that had enveloped Haziel. Chancellor Alistair strode into the room, flanked by a retinue of acolytes. Each attendant carried various trays containing salves, bandages, and an array of medicinal tools.

Alistair approached Haziel, filled with a deep concern that belied his otherwise stoic demeanor. "How do you feel?"

The inquisitor's gaze flickered up to meet his, breath still hitching slightly. "I... feel like I've been torn apart and put back together."

The acolytes swiftly surrounded her and helped her sit up. One of them brought a soft cushion, placing it behind her back for support. Another began to apply a cool salve to the wounds left by the roots, the soothing balm easing the burning pain.

"You did well," Alistair said, kneeling beside her. He watched as the acolytes worked, their hands moving with precision and care. They cleaned her wounds, applied more salves, and wrapped her injuries with clean bandages. "This process was necessary to unlock your potential, but it was also incredibly taxing. Your body needs time to recover."

Haziel winced as an acolyte pressed a cloth soaked in antiseptic against a particularly deep wound. She felt the sting, but the pain was bearable compared to what she had just endured. "I understand, Chancellor."

One of the acolytes offered her a small vial of liquid. "Drink this, it will help with the pain and aid in your recovery."

Haziel took the vial with trembling hands and drank the contents. The liquid was bitter, but she forced it down, feeling its warmth spread through her body. It took a few minutes, but gradually, the pain dulled as it was replaced by a soothing numbness.

After a few moments, Chancellor Alistair stepped closer, his eyes fixed on Haziel with a mixture of concern and expectation. "Haziel, try to manifest your wings again."

Haziel closed her eyes and focused on the new power within her. She could feel the residual magic from the tree's infusion pulsing through her veins. Slowly, she visualized the wings emerging from her back, their shimmering blue light growing brighter with each passing second. With a concentrated effort, she extended them fully, the wings unfurling in a radiant display.

Opening her eyes, Haziel saw the ethereal wings spread out behind her. She turned to Alistair, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for restoring my strength, I finally feel whole again."

Alistair nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You've made great progress, but we still have much to do. Follow me."

He turned and led her out of the chamber, the echo of their footsteps fading as they entered a different room lined with shelves. Each one was filled to the brim with all manner of scrolls and books.

Alistair approached one of the shelves, fingers trailing across the spines of the books until he selected one with a worn leather cover. "There's one last step for you, Haziel, you need to be conditioned again."

"But why? I've already undergone the ritual with the tree."

"An order is an order, inquisitor. You will not question me."

Haziel lowered her head. "Apologies, Chancellor. What must I do?"

Alistair gestured towards a nearby wall. "Stand there."

The inquisitor slowly moved towards the wall. The stone felt cold against her back as she pressed herself against it, bracing for what was to come.

Soon, Alistair began to read from the book, his voice a deep, resonant baritone that filled the chamber. "By the will of the Lizerian Crown, let your spirit be tempered to better serve the greater good."

As Alistair's voice washed over her, Haziel felt a peculiar warmth spread through her chest. The words seemed to vibrate within her, resonating with a deep part of her being. She closed her eyes and allowed the sound to envelop her.

"With each breath, embrace your purpose, with each heartbeat, align your soul to the will of Lizeria."

Haziel's breathing slowed, her heart rate steadying as she focused on the cadence of Alistair's words. She felt a gentle pull, a tether drawing her deeper into a state of calm and obedience.

"Let the bonds of doubt and fear be severed, let your spirit be a vessel for the Crown's will."

Her muscles relaxed, the tension in her shoulders melting away. A serene placidity settled over her, dulling the sharp edges of her thoughts. She felt detached from her surroundings, yet acutely aware of the purpose being etched into her mind.

"Embrace the destiny that has been chosen for you, serve without question, for your path is clear."

Haziel's mind felt light, the burdens of uncertainty lifting as the chancellor's words guided her. Nothing else mattered; there was only the here and now, and the unwavering loyalty she owed.

Alistair closed the book with a definitive snap before stepping closer to Haziel. "What is your purpose?"

The inquisitor opened her eyes slowly, her expression placid and her voice devoid of emotion. "My purpose is to serve Lizeria and the Lizerian Crown."

"Good, now we can finally move on."

The Chancellor turned to one of the nearby shelves and retrieved a set of documents, neatly bound together. He then approached Haziel, holding the documents out for her to see. "Your next mission, Inquisitor, is of utmost importance. You are to investigate the disappearance of Prince Leo and his expedition."

Haziel's eyes, though calm, reflected a keen interest. "What are the known details of the mission, Chancellor?"

"Prince Leo departed on his expedition approximately one month ago with the goal of exterminating the last wild dungeon in existence. It was meant to be a simple event to boost morale at home, but of course, it has now turned into a disaster."

"What is the current hypothesis regarding their disappearance?"

"The ongoing hypothesis is that something or someone must have awakened in the last wild dungeon and managed to eliminate Prince Leo and the expeditionary force."

Haziel's brow furrowed slightly. "Why is that the conclusion you've reached, Chancellor?"

Alistair sighed, rubbing his temples as he gathered his thoughts. "We have considered and ruled out several possibilities. There has been no ransom demand, which would be expected if bandits or mercenaries were involved. Furthermore, there are no signs of struggle or ambush along their route, eliminating the likelihood of a surprise attack by local brigands. Additionally, the dungeon area has been scouted multiple times since their disappearance, and no traces of an external threat have been found."

"So, you believe that whatever happened to Prince Leo and his men occurred within the dungeon itself."

"Precisely, given the nature of wild dungeons, it's plausible that an ancient entity or powerful creature was dormant and has now awakened, posing a threat that Prince Leo and his force were unprepared for."

"I will need to review all the information myself to draw a comprehensive conclusion. Is there a place where I can set up an office for this investigation?"

Alistair nodded, gesturing towards another corridor. "Yes, there is. Follow me."

He led Haziel through the labyrinthine corridors of the Inquisitorial Headquarters until they arrived at a door marked with intricate symbols of the Lizerian Crown. Alistair pushed it open to reveal a spacious, dimly lit room. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and scrolls, and a large wooden desk sat in the center, illuminated by a single lamp.

"This will be your office for the duration of the investigation," Alistair said, his voice echoing slightly. "You will have access to all the resources you need here. The documents detailing Prince Leo's expedition as well as records of past dungeon explorations are all at your disposal."

Haziel surveyed the room briefly before nodding. "Thank you, Chancellor. I will begin my work immediately."