Bishop Dony

"God-Emperor above, how could I dare commit such blasphemy!"

Bayev was horrified by Ron's question. He clearly held great respect for the God-Emperor and the Ecclesiarchy here.

He looked solemnly at Ron. "Without the Ecclesiarchy's help, our Palatine District would have fallen under the Heresy's assault long ago..."

Bayev told Ron about what had happened back then. At the time, the nobles had joined forces with Heresy followers and stormed the Palatine District.

They had driven the populace to Sacred Plaza, intending to use the lives of tens of thousands in a blood sacrifice to profane the God-Emperor Statue.

This was the Heresy's most common method. Whenever they conquered a place, they would profane the God-Emperor Statue and slaughter all loyal believers.

Such blasphemy was utterly unacceptable to the Ecclesiarchy, so it had mobilized every last member.

Those fanatical Chaplains and Frateris Militia had charged at the front lines, wielding Warhammers and scepters, swearing to defend the God-Emperor's Glory to the death!

In the end, the Heresy rebels were driven from the Upper Hive District, but the Ecclesiarchy suffered devastating losses and was nearly wiped out.

Now, only Bishop Dony Moore and a few clergy remained in this church.

Ron followed Bayev up the towering steps, while Carter led the Praetorian Guard behind them.

Since this was a church, they had all set aside their heavy weapons.

Before long, the group entered the church hall.

The moment Ron stepped inside, he felt a solemn, sacred aura wash over him.

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass Dome dozens of meters overhead. Reliefs around it depicted the God-Emperor leading the Primarchs against Heresy.

Children with white wings set into their backs and strips of scripture wrapped around their bodies fluttered through the air. Mechanical components could faintly be seen protruding from their flesh.

Those were the Ecclesiarchy's Cherubs.

Cherubs resembled child angels. They were artificial creations, fusions of flesh and mechanical attachments, anointed with special Holy Oil.

Their status was equivalent to that of Servitors, but they possessed a degree of independent mobility and intelligence. They served as attendants to Ecclesiarchy Priests.

Holy sunlight poured down as the Cherubs flew around Ron, chanting hymns of praise and gratitude to the supreme God-Emperor.

Ron sensed someone watching him. Turning his head, he saw an elderly Chaplain in robes.

He was the last Bishop of the Ecclesiarchy's headquarters on Earth Planet, the old Chaplain Dony Moore. He looked frail with age.

His mechanical arm leaned upon a scepter bearing an Aquila and inlaid with scripture, while his hawk-sharp eyes stared fixedly in Ron's direction.

Did he notice something? Why has he been staring at me?

Ron felt a little unnerved.

Just as he began to worry, Bayev offered a timely reminder beside him. "Bishop Dony's eyesight isn't very good..."

Bayev loudly greeted Bishop Dony. "My lord, our Governor has arrived!"

At those words, Bishop Dony's eyes suddenly brightened. His gaze softened as he hurried toward them.

"Praise the God-Emperor!"

Bishop Dony came before Ron and excitedly took his hand. "Governor, you have finally arrived."

Ron was thoroughly puzzled by the man's overwhelming enthusiasm.

What exactly is going on?

Bayev seemed quite familiar with Bishop Dony and spoke directly. "As I mentioned before, our lord was attacked by Heresy followers and needs you to examine him."

Hearing this, Bishop Dony nodded. "Of course. I have been awaiting you for a long time."

"Let us begin at once."

Bishop Dony scrutinized Ron with sharp eyes, then took him by the hand and led him before the Emperor's Shrine.

The Shrine was surrounded by lit candles, giving off a rich scent of Holy Oil.

"You may relax a little."

Bishop Dony patted Ron's hand, signaling for him not to be so nervous.

Using a mental link, he commanded the Cherubs to bring Holy Water and sprinkle it over Ron, then opened the scriptures and began to pray.

Bishop Dony closed his eyes and recited the scriptures loudly. Cherubs circled above his head, harmonizing with him.

Bayev stood behind the two of them, waiting anxiously.

He gave Carter a look. They had already prepared a contingency plan before coming here.

If anything went wrong during the examination, or if Bishop Dony made any extreme move, they would protect the Governor immediately and withdraw from the church.

Whether Ron had fallen into darkness or made a deal with a Daemon, they would follow him to the death.

Such was their unquestionable loyalty!

Midway through the prayer, Ron sensed an energy similar to Psyker Power enveloping him, probing his body, soul, and consciousness.

Sure enough, the Chaplains could use a power similar to Psyker Power.

Though they were not Psykers, their worship and prayers to the God-Emperor could evidently produce effects akin to Psyker Power.

Bishop Dony was using the God-Emperor's will to examine Ron.

If Ron had been an ordinary person, nothing about him could have remained hidden. Even a powerful Psyker would have had his secrets exposed before Bishop Dony's gaze.

No darkness could escape the pursuit of the God-Emperor's will.

But Ron had not fallen into darkness, and with the Little Sun, the Psyker Power within him far surpassed Bishop Dony's force.

Under Ron's control, the Psyker Power from the Little Sun swiftly protected his consciousness. He deliberately exposed part of Ron Grant's soul for the other man to inspect.

Before long, that force withdrew from Ron's body, signaling that the examination was over.

Bishop Dony raised his head and smiled at Ron. "The God-Emperor protects you. There are no traces of Heresy upon you, and Warp energy has not affected you too severely.

Your body and soul are largely unharmed. You are merely somewhat weak and need proper rest. You should also exercise a little restraint..."

As he spoke, he gave Ron a knowing look.

Mm...

Ron immediately understood. Bishop Dony was hinting that he had a weak kidney.

He could only nod along.

After all, he had only recently escaped the Palace of Slaanesh. He truly was weak beyond words.

"In short, you will be fine after resting properly," Bishop Dony concluded.

"God-Emperor above, it is wonderful that my lord is unharmed!"

Hearing that, Bayev finally relaxed. A smile appeared on his usually stern face. "Lord Dony, thank you beyond measure!"

"I merely follow the God-Emperor's guidance and save lost lambs."

Bishop Dony replied with a smile, then turned and stared at Ron again. "Governor, there is one matter you need to explain. You are a Psyker now, aren't you?"

Ron felt his heart tighten. He suddenly remembered that the Ecclesiarchy did not seem to think highly of Psykers.

In many ways, the Ecclesiarchy represented the Imperium itself. It united humanity through doctrine and served the Emperor and the Imperium.

The Ecclesiarchy's fundamental precepts were known as the Imperial Creed.

They included the belief that all humanity must worship the Emperor, hatred of Xenos and Heresy, and the recognition that Psykers and mutations among humanity were terrifying threats that had to be controlled.

All these precepts originated from what the Emperor had preached during the Great Crusade and were regarded as the Imperial Truth.

The Ecclesiarchy's Chaplains would generally defend these precepts with their lives in order to maintain their loyalty to the God-Emperor!

Naturally, Psykers who fell into the Ecclesiarchy's hands rarely met a good end.

Most likely, they would be imprisoned, sent aboard a Black Ship, and transported to Holy Terra for further disposal.

"Governor?"

Bishop Dony looked at Ron and pressed on. "You have not answered my question."

Thanks, Brother Emperor Rider

Thank you to the generous "Why Aren't You Thanking Brother Emperor Rider Yet" for the reward!