Infiltrate the Sapphic cult

The tavern features a classic style with warm lighting from wall sconces. The ceiling is made of wood with exposed beams, giving a rustic and intimate feel. The floor is paved with stone, adding a sense of solidity and antiquity. On the left is a bar with bottles of liquor displayed on the shelves behind it. In front of the bar are wooden stools and several small round tables. Light from the window on the right creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for guests to enjoy their drinks. The entire space exudes a nostalgic charm, ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing experience in this environment.

A Central-style tavern, rich in Flavus culture (similar to European culture), right in the middle of Al-miraj offers a feeling of intrigue and peculiarity, a sign of cultural integration, a beautiful touch amid the other beautiful elements of this harsh world of Terre.

Zihao sits on a stool facing the window, wearing a red hanfu outer robe and a white inner ca sa robe. The Flavus bartender, with a beer belly and beard, approaches and places a wooden mug of Golden Honey Mead on the table. Zihao gives him 2 silver coins (with 1 silver coin as a tip). They exchange friendly smiles, and the bartender leaves to serve other guests while Zihao savors his drink.

A glass of Golden Honey Mead is sweet and mellow. It has the golden-yellow color of honey, a shade brighter than the golden sunlight in the forest at dusk. Zihao takes a sip, and the natural sweetness of honey blends with the earthy aromas of local flowers and herbs, creating a unique and irresistible scent. The aroma significantly influences the taste, and Zihao's taste buds seem to dance; he exhales deeply, feeling the special flavor and warmth. The warmth makes him remember the embrace of his mother when she held him close. Suddenly, he is immersed in thoughts and memories of the rural days of his ancestors in Guangdong before his family moved to Shanghai when he was five.

Not forgetting today's task, Zihao immediately takes out a piece of paper and a bamboo pen and begins writing based on the old sample reports in front of him.

In the silent annals of history, spanning from a millennium to eight centuries ago, human sorcerers begin dangerous summoning experiments using basic geometric configurations such as circles and hexagons. Out of 12,000 rituals, 75% lead to the summoners being crippled, 4% cause strange mutations, and additional disasters include magical shocks, psychological disorders, and disorientation. Only 1% successfully summon non-human entities, resulting in the appearance of notable beings such as Fleshness, which enhances human physical abilities but sometimes disappears into iron mines; Metallis, giant columns that exude a substance causing plant mutations; Corrisisk, a dangerous green slime causing severe losses to teams and evolving into Corrithians with acid-related abilities; and Compatible, an alien virus that triggers interspecies mating abilities among different human subtypes.

History records that the first human kingdom, Filesos, is established on the island of Kalmar. However, this kingdom faces a rebellion 820 years ago led by Fleshmorphs, Metallers, and Corrithians, leading to mass migrations and the fragmentation of the island. Fleshmorphs comprise 46% of the population, Metallers 38%, and Corrithians 16%. As migration spreads, new settlements emerge. The Noir settle in Deltho, living as hunters and gatherers, while the Dwarves establish new kingdoms in Valoria. The Albus and Flavus groups migrate east to Valoria, with Albus founding new kingdoms in Aurion.

A significant political shift occurs between 599 and 580 years ago when individuals from Earth increase their influence, leading to the prosperity of nations in Valoria and Aurion. This period continues even with the establishment of the Quartet of Ruin between 579 and 576 years ago, including Corrithians, Fleshmorphs, Metallers, and the Infernal Kingdom. However, true prosperity ends when this alliance wages a global war, causing widespread suffering and despair 488 years ago. During this period, much of the original Earth nobility turns into minions for the Quartet of Ruin, oppressing common people and further tarnishing the image of Earth's inhabitants.

The period from 247 to 200 years ago witnesses a major revolution and the collapse of the Quartet of Ruin, leading to severe outbreaks of disease and rendering the island of Kalmar uninhabitable.

In modern times, around 200 years ago, the global population reaches 300 million, with recent trends indicating stability. Primerose Potestas of Talimud establishes a treaty to prevent future conflicts. Notably, Mikhland becomes the first region to lift the 100-year ban on summoning, implementing regulated summoning circles targeting individuals aged 10 to 19 to ensure better control.

Having just finished writing, a sense of unease surges within Zihao. Now, he ponders over the major events and his questions about them.

"Why did Fleshmorphs, Corrithians, and Metallers revolt and seize the island of Kalmar? Why did 100% of the pure-blooded population leave?"

"Why did the Quartet of Ruin conquer the entire globe?"

"Why didn't they annihilate and replace the native population with their own people, as happened with the Americas on Earth? And why did they fail in the global uprising?"

"Why is the event of Queen Primerose purging 7.8 million Earth-born people not mentioned? What hidden truths occurred?"

"What happened to the fate of the Deltho continent after the war?"

"Why did the Federation lift the summoning ban despite international opposition? Is this not an act of retaliation, and if not, what is the reason?"

Too many enigmas, Zihao decides to stand up, quickly finish his glass of Golden Honey Mead, and step out of the tavern into the tranquil atmosphere. The blazing sunlight scorches his pale skin, and he blends into the bustling crowd, his face set in a serious expression, no longer bearing the usual smile. His mind is set on finding a place that could resolve his doubts and address the tensions with the Sapphic sect peacefully.

Meanwhile, Aldo is immersed in a completely different journey.

Aldo glides through the narrow streets like a shadow, his form blending into the mysterious invisibility of his A-causa suit—the familiar battle attire of his. The women he follows are adherents of the Sapphic cult, their steps careful and synchronized, as if each footfall creates a tedious and uncomfortable echo. The cobblestones beneath them gradually give way to rougher and more uneven ground as they venture deeper into the city. The darkness grows deeper, the air colder and more oppressive, as if the very earth is closing in around them. Aldo's keen eyes miss no detail—the way the women exchange glances, the subtle nods, the almost reverent whispers.

"A hidden base of the cult. Not surprising," Aldo thinks to himself.

Their destination becomes clear as they approach a massive stone door set deeply into the wall of a tunnel. It is a grand, ancient, and heavy structure, its surface etched with symbols that emanate a silent menace. Aldo's gaze lingers on the carvings: intricate spirals and angular lines interwoven into a complex pattern that seems to shift and shimmer in the dim light. He can't decipher their meaning, but their mere presence is enough to send shivers down his spine. The leader of the group, a tall woman with sharp eyes and an air of authority, steps forward and places her hand on the door, murmuring a phrase in a language Aldo has never heard before. The door responds with a low rumble, slowly opening to reveal the room inside.

The inscription "Constructed in 825" catches his attention.

"If this is truly a base constructed 475 years ago, the Sapphic cult must be much older."

"Does Zihao's theory that Kara is an Earthling hold true?"

"Could the cause be that the cult has transformed? Or is Kara one of the Earthlings with feminist ideals summoned to this world?"

The room emerges like a revelation—a vast underground sanctuary bathed in soft and otherworldly light. White, faintly glowing orbs float like dandelion seeds, their light dancing and shimmering as if containing some invisible energy. The vaulted ceiling high above, shrouded in darkness, is supported by columns that seem to twist and coil. Each column is adorned with more strange symbols, as if an ancient language, carved into the stone and filled with luminous paint that sparkles in the light and reflects unsettling hues. The patterns here only add to the complexity, their intricate detail evoking a sense of profound and ancient sophistication.

"Wouldn't it be better if they were like the ones in those crappy isekai? But here they even have a history spanning half a millennium."

"A common tactic of a religion pushed out by Christianity and Islam… With 140,000 adherents, I guess there must be at least 100 hidden bases."

The women disperse throughout the room, their footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor. Aldo moves cautiously, leaning against the wall, his eyes scanning the room for anything that might reveal more about this hostile cult. His attention is immediately drawn to a colossal statue dominating the far end of the room—a depiction of a woman, carved from gleaming white marble. She stands tall and regal, with a stance that is both graceful and imposing. Her features are sharp and intricately detailed: high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and eyes that seem to pierce through the soul of anyone who looks at her. Her lips curve into a mysterious smile, and her hands, delicate yet strong, are clasped in front of her chest as if in quiet contemplation. She wears a long cloak, intricately carved with symbols similar to those on the walls and columns, the fabric seeming to ripple and move in the candlelight as if it were real.

"Is that a statue of Kara?"

The eyes of the statue seem to mesmerize Aldo. He gazes intently, forgetting everything around him. Aldo blinks, suddenly coming to his senses as a voice echoes.

"Sisters," the leader's voice rings out, clear and authoritative, breaking the silence. The women turn to her, their expressions shifting from reverent quiet to focused attention. The leader steps forward to stand before the statue, her eyes fixed on the face of the stone woman. "We gather here in the presence of Her, the Guiding One, the embodiment of our strength, love, and purpose. It is through Her that we find the courage to fight, to resist, and to uphold the truth of our path."

"An older woman, yet still quite beautiful, with wrinkles, standing 1.78 meters tall, with a well-toned and slender physique, wearing a golden belt instead of nothing. She wears a medal and silver rings. She must be a high priestess."

A murmur of agreement rises among the women. Aldo notices that their cloaks, which he initially thought were simple, are in fact not so. Each cloak is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, made from luxurious fabrics with a soft glow. The base color is deep purple or pale pink, but this is merely the backdrop for the intricate patterns decorating them. The designs vary between cloaks—some covered in bold angular patterns in deep red and crimson, reminiscent of lightning bolts or jagged shards of glass, while others feature delicately interwoven vines or gentle waves in gold and silver. The symbols on the cloaks match those on the walls, but here they are embroidered with sparkling thread in the candlelight, adding a layer of depth and movement to the fabric.

Aldo observes the smallest details of the purple cloaks and concludes, "They use belts and patterns to differentiate roles and ranks."

"Angular, bold patterns in deep red or bright red. They might resemble sharp lightning bolts, stylized or jagged lines running from shoulder to hem. The leather belts, suited for carrying knives, swords, and other weapons. These individuals likely have offensive roles. Similar to those who tried to ambush me earlier."

"Subtle patterns, interwoven with black or deep purple, resembling shadows or delicate vines. These designs should be understated, blending into the cloak. A thin, stylish belt with a hidden compartment for tools or poison. Very practical for assassins."

Aldo, with an impassive face, realizes with wide eyes that these individuals have attire similar to the ones who ambushed him in Samel.

"Elegant, symmetrical designs in gold or silver thread, such as interlocking circles or intricate borders. Belts in purple, matching the cloak. Wearing silver or gold rings. They must be the diplomats dealing with enemies or allies."

"Looks like a cult specializing in burning villages and seducing women also needs to use peaceful methods sometimes," Aldo muses.

One of the women steps forward, her voice trembling as she speaks to the leader. "High Priestess Selene, we have brought the new sisters as you instructed. They are eager to learn, serve, and love as She who guides."

Selene, the High Priestess, is the name of the woman, turns to look at the speaking woman, her expression softening. "You have done well, Sister Lyra. Our Diafotisi numbers increase, and with them, our strength. Each new sister brings us closer to our goal—closer to the day when we can live openly, without fear, without oppression. The Guiding One has chosen us, and it is our duty to spread Her message to all who wish to hear, to liberate this world of suffering."

"Sapphic... they call themselves Diafotisi!?" Aldo frowns.

Calmly, he glances at the Novices. This is not just a gathering of like-minded people—this is a cult with a clear objective. He watches as Selene approaches a pair of newcomers, who are still young, looking at their simple cloaks. They stand there, awkwardly, lacking confidence, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and anticipation. Aldo is completely shocked when he recognizes familiar faces from when he was in Samel. Aldo sighs to control his rising anger.

"The Novices..." Aldo mutters.

"Do not be afraid, my sisters," Selene says gently, placing her hand on each of their shoulders. "You are among family now. Here, you are safe. Here, you are loved. But you must also be strong. The world outside does not understand us, and they will try to destroy and tear us apart. But we will not let them. We will stand together, united in love, faith, and our sacred mission."

The newcomers nod, their simple cloaks different from the more intricate designs of the other women—who all wear belts or sashes. Fear gradually gives way to timid confidence and illusion. Selene guides them through a series of teachings, each explained and instructed carefully. The other women watch with a mix of pride and longing, as if reliving their own initiation through the eyes of the newcomers. Aldo observes the ceremony closely, noting how the women move, how they place their hands, how they speak in reverent tones. Every gesture, every word, is filled with meaning, part of a larger picture that Aldo is just beginning to understand.

"Lies, when repeated with sufficient frequency, can be considered truth. Heretical doctrines, no matter how extreme, once ingrained in the subconscious, prove incredibly difficult to eradicate. Moreover, such extreme behaviors can be enforced to erase these beliefs, acknowledging that such measures may lead to collapse within an individual's psychological and subconscious framework..." Aldo sighs again, struggling to contain his mounting anger.

As the Novices are led through the ceremonial steps, Aldo's attention is drawn to the niches carved into the walls. Each niche is a small shrine dedicated to different aspects of the cult's doctrine. The first niche he approaches contains a collection of books and scrolls, their covers etched with symbols similar to those on the walls and columns. Aldo reaches out, his hand passing through the illusionary veil that conceals him from view, and carefully retrieves a book. Its cover is made of dark, soft, well-worn leather, and the pages inside are filled with dense text and diagrams. These are the doctrines, the guiding principles of the cult, and Aldo knows that within these pages lie the keys to understanding their beliefs.

[Kara, the Guiding One, our revered Goddess. She came from a distant land to this world, empathizing with the suffering of women and the helplessness of being an ordinary virgin. She has endured the sharpest thorns to become a Deity, a being who will watch over every step and free us (the women) once and forever.]

The next niche contains an array of intricate tools, each meticulously crafted from silver and gold. There are elegantly curved knives, exquisitely engraved chalices set with precious stones, and strange, multifaceted orbs that seem to emit a faint inner light.

Aldo picks up one of the orbs. A sense of familiarity arises. This is the first orb he saw when he was summoned to this world. Unpleasant memories resurface. During his exploration, he discovers a piece of paper clearly explaining the function and meaning of the colors.

[Oh, the sorrowful fate of those with gray colors. They are the hopeless slaves.]

[Those with chaotic colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple are also ours. Their love is crushed under the Federation's brutality. Their lives are stripped away.]

[Those marked with black judgment colors become the Federation's puppets.]

"Those with the orb showing gray have not retained much power after the summoning process, unlike those with the orb showing black. As for those with chaotic colors... compared to how Mikhland discriminates against homosexuals and bisexuals, these are likely homosexuals and bisexuals..." Aldo concludes.

"Such a pity, if only... again, it's unexpected that Sapphic and our group share a common enemy yet oppose each other just because of their religious doctrines..."

Aldo's exploration is interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He quickly places everything back in its place and retreats into the shadows as Selene enters the niche. She reaches out, gently caressing the edge of one of the orbs, her expression contemplative.

"Sisters," she calls, her voice strong and resonant, "we have much work to do. The world outside these walls is full of those who wish to destroy us. They fear what they do not understand, and in their fear, they seek to control us, binding us to narrow definitions of what is right and true. But we are stronger than they know. We have the truth on our side, the truth that She Who Guides has revealed to us. We must be vigilant, for our enemies are many and powerful. But we are stronger. With the blessings of Her fortune, we will rise above all."

"So the Sapphic's religious blessings increase fortune," Aldo nods.

The women respond with fierce agreement, their voices rising in unison. "For Her name, we stand united! For Her name, we shall triumph!"

Selene nods, satisfied. "We are the chosen ones, those who uphold the sacred bond that connects us. It is our duty to protect this bond, nurture it, and spread it to all who are worthy. We will teach the world the truth of our path, and in doing so, we will change it forever."

Aldo's anxiety deepens as he listens to their words. This is not just a religious cult; this is a movement, a movement intent on reshaping the world according to its extreme vision. The fervor in their faith, the zeal in their voices, the strength of their resolve—everything points to a dangerous fanaticism that cannot be ignored.

He watches as Selene leads the women in another ritual, one more complex than the previous. They gather around a statue, their hands raised in prayer as they chant in unison. The words are unfamiliar to Aldo, but their meaning is clear—a prayer, a plea for guidance and strength. As they chant, the symbols on the walls and columns seem to glow, growing brighter with each passing moment until the entire room is bathed in blinding light.

Aldo shields his eyes, squinting against the intense light. When it finally fades, the women lower their hands, their faces calm and satisfied. Selene turns to them, her eyes flashing with a strange, almost fanatical light.

"We are ready," she says, her voice barely audible. "The time is near, sisters. The time when we will take our rightful place in the world, when we will show them the true power of She Who Guides. We must prepare ourselves, for the days ahead will be filled with trials and challenges. But we will face them together, as one."

The women nod, their determination unshakeable. Aldo can see the fire in their eyes, the steadfast belief driving them. This is not an ordinary cult—it is a force that must be eradicated, a force that cannot be allowed to grow out of control.

He slips out of the niche and back into the shadows, his mind whirling. There is still so much he does not understand, many questions that need answering. But one thing is clear: the Sapphic cult is a threat, a threat he cannot ignore. He will have to proceed with caution, learning as much as he can without revealing his identity. The cult is dangerous, but so is he. The official statistics on the number of deaths in the uprising led by Aldo is 143, but in his heart, Aldo knows that is not even a third of the actual number.

As he returns to the entrance, Aldo takes one last glance at the room. The statue of She Who Guides stands in the chamber, her stone eyes seeming to follow him as he moves. He wonders what she represents, what she truly embodies for these women. Is she a symbol of hope, strength, rebellion? Or is she something darker, something even her worshippers do not fully understand?

Aldo's footsteps echo through the labyrinthine corridors of the underground complex. The air is thick with the scent of incense, mingled with the damp, earthy smell of the walls. He has abandoned the initial ritual to search for something more revealing, and his instincts have led him in the wake of the leader through a network of passages. The twists and turns of the maze seem deliberately designed to confuse any intruder.

He arrives at a heavy, intricately decorated door, its surface engraved with intricate symbols that shimmer faintly in the dim light. The leader pushes it open with a decisive motion, revealing a large room illuminated by the warm glow of flickering torches. The room is a stark contrast to the previous rituals. Here, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of clear purpose.

Aldo slips inside and melds into the darkness, his Neo-fleshmorph senses heightened. The room is adorned with large tapestries, each depicting strong, assertive women in various stages of triumph. The golden light dances across the polished stone floor, highlighting a large round table in the center of the room. Around it, a group of women sits, discussing earnestly, their voices blending excitement with determination.

As the leader enters and takes her seat at the head of the table, Aldo overhears fragments of their conversation. The faces of the women are animated, their expressions a mix of excessive pride and strategic calculation.

"We have succeeded in connecting with five noblewomen," Selene's voice carries a note of satisfaction. She, seated at the center, wears an elaborate golden belt adorned with a sapphire, and a cloak with intricate layers of colors (purple, pink, gold, and silver) and important symbols or patterns that indicate high rank, which Aldo assumes she is the Grandmaster of the cult, standing only behind Kara. "Our alliances have proven to be solid. The resources and influence of the nobility allow us to operate with increasing freedom."

The leader nods in agreement, her fingers tracing the edge of a scroll. "Indeed, our work with the nobility has been crucial. They are the key to our lofty missions and survival. Their connections grant us access to a trove of resources and security."

A woman, her face partially obscured by a hood, leans forward, her voice low but fervent. "Our connections with the midwives and herbalists have also solidified our position. These women not only provide us with vital medical knowledge but also serve as a bridge to other potential recruits. Their skills are indispensable."

A woman with a sharp gaze, sitting near the leader, interjects. "And let us not forget the peasant women. They have been invaluable in rural areas, providing us with local support and gathering crucial intelligence. Their loyalty is unwavering, but we must continue to cultivate these alliances to prevent any potential betrayals."

The conversation shifts to a map spread across the table. It is marked with various symbols and annotations detailing their activities in different regions. The leader's finger traces a path on the map, highlighting key areas of influence and recent operations.

"We have also made significant progress with our more covert efforts," the leader says, her tone turning more serious. "The Gender Bender magical rites have been successful. We have effectively recruited the boys we have transformed into our ranks. Their former identities are now buried beneath layers of magical and psychological reinforcement from the Gender Bender spells."

The room falls silent for a moment as the declaration is made. The women exchange knowing glances, their expressions filled with pride and determination.

"And what about the new recruits?" a woman asks, her voice tinged with concern. "Are they fully committed? We cannot afford to overlook any weaknesses."

The leader's gaze hardens. "The recruits are bound by oaths and rituals. They are committed, but we must remain vigilant. Any signs of resistance or weakness must be dealt with immediately. We have had to handle some who tried to leave. Their fate serves as a warning to the others."

The cult's methods are brutal, and their power is growing unchecked. Aldo senses the tension in the room, a taut thread of confidence and latent danger. He takes another deep breath.

The conversation shifts to recent attacks and sabotage. One woman speaks with a hint of excitement in her voice.

"Our recent actions in isolated villages have been very effective. The chaos we create is causing beneficial disruptions. By targeting those who oppose or resist us, we weaken their resolve and strengthen our own."

Another woman, younger and with a fierce light, almost fanatical in her eyes, adds, "The attacks have been successful, but we must be cautious. The last thing we want is to attract too much attention. We have successfully abducted some promising individuals, but we need to ensure their loyalty when they join us."

The leader's voice becomes stern. "Indeed. We cannot afford mistakes. Every action must be calculated, every step meticulously planned. Our enemies are numerous and powerful. We must continue to operate in the shadows, maintaining our concealment and expanding our influence."

As the meeting continues, Aldo observes the other women, likely not Novices but Adepts, their faces reflecting satisfaction and resolve. The leader remains, her posture relaxed but her eyes scanning the room with a vigilant gaze.

Aldo waits until the room is empty before slipping out, his mind reeling with the revelations he has just witnessed. The Sapphic cult's activities are far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined. Their ability to manipulate and control, combined with their magical power and strategic alliances, makes them a formidable force.

As he moves through the winding corridors, Aldo is driven by the need to gather more information and a sufficiently compelling reason. The cult's survival and growth heavily depend on their ability to maintain secrecy and influence, and Aldo knows how to undermine that…

Outside the underground complex, the night air is cool and crisp. Aldo takes a deep breath, trying to calm his mind. The shadows of the surrounding buildings seem to whisper secrets, and he knows that the information he has gathered will be crucial in the days to come. The power of the Sapphic cult extends beyond what he had imagined, and he is determined to uncover the full extent of their influence and power.

And without stopping, Aldo continues.

Aldo's exploration into the Sapphic cult's operations reveals a complex network of secret activities. His investigations into hidden bases and resource-gathering methods uncover the cult's survival and expansion strategies, highlighting their sophisticated and formidable operations.

In a forest 12 km from the city, Aldo arrives at a cult base leading him to an ancient, deep forest where the entrance is concealed by thick vegetation, leading to a series of interconnected treehouses and underground tunnels. The treehouses are elevated platforms accessible only via hidden ladders and retractable ropes, while the tunnels, carved into the earth and shielded by dense foliage, have been carefully chosen for their isolation and natural defenses. The entrance is protected by a combination of warding spells, accessible only to those with the proper knowledge to gain entry.

On a mountain, Aldo discovers a mountain base, an old monastery that appears to be abandoned. The site is chosen for its desolation. Inside, Aldo finds a network of tunnels and rooms repurposed as the cult's headquarters. The walls are reinforced with magical stone, providing both protection and sophisticated camouflage. Hidden entrances, disguised doors, and false walls, combined with intricate locking mechanisms requiring specific magical symbols, ensure the base's security.

Aldo continues to wander further and encounters the cult's mobile camps, demonstrating their adaptability and strategic vision. He witnesses the rapid dismantling of a camp in a remote valley, including tents enchanted to conceal and shelters that are easy to assemble and disassemble. The members, adept at setting up and tearing down quickly, leave no trace of their presence. The camp's equipment includes magical maps and mobility devices that help them maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Aldo sneaks into a camp and collects valuable information, including undeniable evidence:

[Financially, the cult has attracted funds through various channels. Aldo discovers a network of noblewomen (specifically, five unnamed noblewomen) secretly acting as patrons, providing financial support and political protection. This support is funneled through a complex network of intermediaries, including fake charitable organizations. Funds are transferred through encrypted messages and secret transactions, with financial documents meticulously stored in hidden compartments to avoid detection.]

[In the villages they burn, the cult loots property, livestock, and supplies, transferring them to hidden bases. Seized assets are channeled into the cult's underground network and sold through black market channels. Additionally, evidence of property certificates and transaction records is kept in a secure base, showing the systematic way the cult handles acquired assets.]

[The cult's involvement in the black market also includes illicit markets where they trade rare herbs, stolen treasures, and magical artifacts. Transactions in the area are well-protected, keeping their operations hidden from authorities. Furthermore, the cult provides intelligence and sabotage services, negotiating contracts under the guise of legitimate business dealings.]

[To foster loyalty, the cult provides protection and magical power. They offer protective spells and charms to patrons facing threats, and senior members receive advanced training and magical artifacts. The cult's rituals create interdependence between patrons and members, with binding ceremonies linking their fates symbolically and magically. Oaths of loyalty, enforced through magical means, ensure severe consequences for betrayal.]

As he begins his journey back, Aldo's resolve grows stronger. The cult's schemes are a threat that cannot be ignored, and he is prepared to face any difficulties ahead. Whether as a pragmatic and unyielding figure or a silent hero's façade, both are screaming one word: "Exterminate."