In the northern part of the Empire, within a secluded village, the townspeople mechanically spurred their twisted bodies into action, beginning their day's labor as usual.
They diligently farmed, fed livestock, and transported goods...
The village was a scene of extreme busyness, but everyone's movements seemed somewhat stiff.
A middle-aged man who looked like a blacksmith robotically swung his hammer, repeatedly striking a glowing red sword blade.
His leaning body suddenly jerked, and his round, bulging head broke off, falling onto the hot sword blade. Yet, the blacksmith did not notice, continuing to hammer down, embedding the flesh and brain matter into the red-hot steel.
By noon, this serene village welcomed a group of uninvited guests.
Ivina led a team of Divine Punishment Knights into the village, but the moment she stepped in, she sensed something was amiss.
