Untitled Draft

The scriptures being recited in the distant corridor had been steady until Bai Zhu called them annoying. Then, as if someone had clamped a hand around their throats, their rhythm suddenly became disordered.

The deacon stood before the console, his hand hanging in midair, not even daring to wipe the sweat from his face.

Two Holy Knights stood before and behind Bai Zhu, trapping him at the entrance to the lift platform.

The Holy Knight who had drawn his sword did not attack immediately.

It raised its left hand.

The palm of its armored gauntlet opened, and a black nail sprang out from within.

The nail was slightly shorter than a finger, its surface covered in fine patterns that writhed slowly.

The Holy Knight held it out before Bai Zhu.

"Verify your mark again."

Bai Zhu lowered his head and looked at the thing, falling silent for half a second.

"What's this?"

The Holy Knight's voice squeezed out from behind its helmet.

"Pierce your palm."

"Mother will confirm you."

After hearing that, Bai Zhu almost laughed.

And that thing looked disgusting as hell, okay?

And what kind of cult was this? Did they require vaccinations before hiring people or something?

He raised his head and looked at the gray-robed crowd around him.

Some of them were nervous, some excited, and a few were actually envious.

Bai Zhu nearly lost it.

Envious my ass.

That thing obviously wasn't some legitimate vaccine. After getting injected, he would probably turn into a Gundam on the spot.

The deacon swallowed and reminded him quietly.

"Golden Candle Envoy, the Holy Knight is only following the rules. You... you only need to verify it."

Bai Zhu glanced at him.

"Have you done it?"

The deacon's expression froze.

"I am not qualified."

"Then shut up."

The deacon