"Everyone, the elders entrusted me with a top-secret order for this trip to the Hall of the Gods."
Jim raised his voice slightly.
The group slowly gathered around the campfire, looking at him like a pack of hungry wolves eyeing a lamb awaiting slaughter.
"Jim, do you remember something I told you when you joined the team?"
The captain interrupted Jim.
A cold wind swept through the valley. Jim froze for a moment and instinctively pulled his clothes tighter around himself, seemingly feeling a little cold.
"Captain, swearing loyalty to the Gods happened decades ago. Forgive my foolishness, but I can't remember."
"Fine. Then today, I'll repeat it."
"The mortal world is the pasture of the Gods. They graze living beings here. Even our ancestors were nothing more than their pets. When gods come, humans must yield. When gods come, humans must kneel..."
The tall, straight-backed captain spread his arms and recited those words with an utterly devout expression.
Jim seemed to remember as well and chanted along.
"When gods come, humans must follow. When gods come, humans must submit..."
"Jim, it seems your faith in the Gods is still devout. Then don't do anything foolish. The Gods are supreme above all. As their apostles, how could we abandon our faith over the lives of a mere handful of living humans?"
The captain stood up then and spoke while staring straight at Jim.
Everyone else stood up as well, gazing eerily at Jim. Even Old John, the kindest person in all of Divine Spirit Valley, now looked like a ravenous demonic wolf, his gaze sending chills down Jim's spine.
Jim froze, then shuddered violently.
"You... all of you..."
Only then did he notice something wrong with them. Their faith was far too fervent, almost burying the last traces of their