Chapter 289: Crisis of Faith (2/2)
[Looks like there are five of them. All living, breathing humans. How surprising, I didn't think my enemies were so bold as to attack me in broad daylight. I'm going to have to give Tal credit for predicting it.] He thought with some amusement before getting serious.
Moving quickly, he closed the gap between himself and one of the ambushers, appearing behind him with a hissing bar of fire held threateningly in front of his face. The man stiffened, but otherwise maintained his composure. Something that was quite impressive, given the circumstances.
”Now then, let's start with the basics. Who are you, and why are you preparing to ambush me?” He asked quietly. He could tell that the other members of the ambush group were probably aware of his position, but they'd evidently decided to not take any action at the moment.
The man remained silent, so Mike used Appraise on him.
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Robert
Age: 34
Race: Human
Class: Inquisitor
Title: Devout
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[...I can safely say I didn't expect this, but I suppose that's the point. Jokes aside, if he's an inquisitor, I assume he's affiliated with the church in some capacity. If that's true, this could be a bit awkward.]
”So, Robert,” He started, earning a flinch from the ambusher, ”let's try this again. What reason does an inquisitor have to lay in wait for me.”
The man flinched, and then hissed under his breath, ”Devil…”
”Oh? What was that?”
Suddenly full of raw anger and hostility, Robert rounded on him, gaze blazing with rampant hatred. ”Devil! Monster! You are an abomination before the Gods!”
For a second Mike was taken aback. As far as he was aware, he'd never done anything to the church that would warrant such a response. Perhaps the surprise showed on his face, since the man took the opportunity to break free from his grasp. Not quite ready to commit a massacre just yet, Mike let him go and waited patiently as the rest of the ambushers revealed themselves and surrounded him.
A quick scan with Appraise told him that they all held similar classes and titles.
[Based on their armaments and obvious skill, I take it they are some kind of covert squad belonging to one of the churches.] He thought before turning his attention on the one that had the best chance of being their leader, a lanky and almost sickly looking man whose greying, blonde hair had been tied back in a ponytail.
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Harold Greyson
Age: 47
Race: Human
Class: High Inquisitor
Title: Divine Scourge
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”Alright, I've been patient, but I'm beginning to get agitated. Explain what all this is about right now.” Mike commanded, making sure to project both confidence and irritation as he did so. He even added a little mana to drive his point home.
Apparently, though, he'd underestimated the potency of his abilities following his ascension to Tier 4, and the force of his voice created an almost visual disturbance in the air, which spread out from him in a wave of barely perceptible energy.
As his words rolled over the street, the effect of his Communication Magic became immediately obvious. The four regular inquisitors, who'd been watching him with burning gazes, faltered under the force of his projected will, and began to look a little uncertain.
Harold, for his part, flinched under the onslaught, but was able to maintain his hostility. ”Threaten us all you want, devil, you will not be able to shake the hearts of the truly faithful. For the sin of your existence, you've been sentenced to death. Surrender yourself to the mercy of the goddess, and you will be shown leniency. Resist, and your suffering will be endless.”
Mike sighed, and resisted the urge to rub his forehead. He had a feeling that this would be annoying.