Bells thundered through the Pantheon hall as golden banners unfurled. Incense smoke poured like waves from the altars. Rows of soldiers stood in mirrored armor, halberds gleaming under painted saints. At their head, the paladin knelt with his wings folded. His sword silver and breastplate marked with runes of judgment.

The bishop raised his hand in blessing, voice booming: “They say that The Caldera is flame and hunger. A maze of bazaars and forges! But make no mistake, the Caldera is no ordinary market - it is a crucible! Smiths hammer crowns beside daggers, relics beside toys, gamblers drink beside assassins. In that chaos hides a cult that would bow to the devils and spit on the gods. Too long have they hidden beneath that mountain of depravity. They must be found, they must be judged! Steel your faith, for flame burns body and soul alike. May the Ostranox guide your blade. In the name of Ten!”

The troop struck shields in thunderous unison, a chant rolling like war-drums as they marched out into the neon night.

When the echo of the footsteps faded, the hall shifted. Candles flickered low. From the shadows of the pillars a figure stepped into light - robes plain, eyes veiled, voice no louder than breath. An agent of the Choir of Silence.

“You send soldiers to destroy and kill the demons and their servants. When has fire quenched fire?” she murmured.

The bishop lowered from the speakers pulpit, tone now lowered, but his baritone was as sharp as a blade. “The Caldera and its denizens demand a spectacle. Only thunder and steel will root that wretched cult whom are hiding under a flame and forge. But fear not, I have use for you. The true rot lies beneath.” He leaned close, shadows warping his face. Voice even lower he added: “Beneath the streets, under our feet, they do not trade in gold or glyph. They trade in memory, in knowledge itself. Every truth they sell and every secret whispered for profit can be a seed for heresy.”

His eyes reflected the candle light like black pearls. His words hissed like cinders. “The Undercity - That is where you go. That is where you listen.”

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