Only then did Alvin finally notice the unusual pendant hanging around Winnie's slender, snow-white neck.
It looked more like an insignia. Unassuming, with very plain decoration, it seemed utterly ordinary.
But anyone who knew what that insignia meant would likely be scared out of their wits.
Its distinctive "I" shape, a skull symbolizing humanity's purity stamped in the center, and wing-like designs on either side—it was none other than the infamous Imperial Inquisition's "Rose Knot," issued to every Inquisitor as a symbol of power and status.
Any Inquisitor bearing a Rose Knot could sign an Extermination Order, provided they had a suitable reason and solid evidence.
They represented the Emperor's will, burning billions upon billions of souls!
It had to be said: facing an "Inquisitor" was far more intimidating than Alvin had imagined.
A formally appointed Inquisitor of the Imperium could make almost anyone submit to their will and call upon nearly any Imperial resource. They bore the authority and responsibility to purge heretics, drive out Xenos, hunt Daemons, and destroy worlds.
To sum up an Inquisitor's authority in plain terms: execute first, answer later—with the Emperor's special dispensation!
Alvin knew perfectly well that Extermination Orders were subject to a rigorous approval process.
But one thing was undeniable: every year, the Exterminatus Conclave under the Inquisition dealt with a number of Inquisitors who had signed Extermination Orders without sufficient justification.
Of course, the main reason they were executed was that the Extermination Orders had already been carried out.
Alvin pulled his thoughts back and let out a quiet breath, his emotions settling once more.
By the window, Winnie sat with her legs crossed, regarding Alvin with a scrutinizing gaze.
Her eyes were beautiful, like a clear, bright blue sky—pure and limpid.
If he had to describe her another way, Alvin