As the pontiff’s words echoed out, the island trembled. Numerous temples shook violently. Among them were nine that glowed with bright light. They were organized into a chart of nine stars.6

Because of the nine suns shining overhead, the area had already lost its brilliant crimson color. Only Crimson Mother’s mortal husk retained that color, as did the pontiff himself. But now, nine beams of red light appeared. They emerged from those nine temples, and all seemed profoundly ancient. Blood flowed like rivers and baleful auras erupted.1

Nine figures emerged.1

The first was a four-armed nonhuman. It was impossible to tell if this being was male or female. It was only possible to see that they had long, withered hair, and emanated a sensation of time and rot. Of the nonhuman’s four arms, three were bound and rotting. However, the fourth arm was dark gray and gripped a long spear, the tip of which dripped with blood.1

The second figure was human. He wore a blood-colored suit of armor, and inside his armor burned bright red eyes. He also had a long spear in hand.3

The rest included humans...2