The Spread of Corruption

Deep within the secret Underground Palace headquarters of The Sleeper Cult in Typhon.

Archbishop Yuri, dressed in white robes and possessing a refined demeanor, led a group of priests briskly through the deep, lengthy corridor.

The Magic Crystal Lamps along the corridor cast a bright glow, yet they seemed unable to dispel the gloom gathered on the archbishop's face. His expression was dark, his gaze exceptionally stern, and the sound of his boots striking the floor echoed through the ancient corridor like a rapid drumbeat, pounding in the hearts of every accompanying priest.

Amid the faint friction of mechanical devices, the Magic Gate leading to the deep prayer hall opened to either side. Yuri Charvin entered a semicircular hall whose walls were covered in all manner of mysterious ancient runes, his gaze swiftly sweeping across the room.

Dozens of priests in white robes or dresses sat scattered across the cushions throughout the hall. They were all young priests, yet powerful magical energy surged around them, visibly and somewhat uncontrollably. Every one of them appeared listless, as though they had suffered varying degrees of mental injury, and each had someone at their side caring for them.

A Sleeper priest waiting inside the hall noticed Yuri's arrival and immediately stepped forward. "Archbishop..."

Yuri raised a hand to cut off the greeting and spoke quickly. "How is the Psionic Choir?"

The Sleeper priest who had approached glanced back at the scene in the hall, his tone worried. "Every member of the Psionic Choir has disconnected from the network and returned to the real world. They're all here. The good news is that no one was injured. The bad news is... they suffered Mental Corruption while covering the vanguard's retreat."

Archbishop Yuri's brow instantly furrowed. "Mental Corruption? Every one of them?"

The Psionic Choir's