Elliot waved a hand.
A Machine Priest immediately stepped forward and took out a dangling metal object. On closer inspection, it was a spherical censer.
The gears on the censer turned, and the whole thing began to click. Small ventilation flaps rose from its sides, making it resemble a machine at work.
"In the name of the great Furnace, let the Reforging Flame burn away all filth!"
An icy, mechanical voice rang out. Though utterly flat, it carried an audible fanaticism.
The priest began to pray devoutly, his buzzer emitting rhythmic ticks.
The other Machine Priests began praying in unison.
"Inject the fuel, apply the holy oil, consecrate the bullets!"
Several priests carrying thick tubes stepped forward and formed a line. Behind them, the other priests deftly lifted metal covers and rhythmically fitted ammunition belts and oil tanks onto their bodies as they prayed.
As though sensing the threat here, the monsters outside the hatch roared in unison and began frantically pounding the walls and hatch.
The hatch had already been on the verge of giving way. After only a few blows, it was smashed off and flew over the priests' heads.
Yet not one of them even looked up. They simply surrounded Elliot and prepared for combat at an unhurried pace.
The hatchway was narrow, particularly for the hulking monsters. Even with it open, they struggled to squeeze through.
It took a while for two of them to squeeze inside and charge at the Machine Priests.
The priests' bullets were already chambered, but their prayers were not yet finished. Their hands rested atop the receiver covers as devout electronic voices sounded from their speakers.
But the monsters were already upon them!
"Look out!" Allen gripped his dagger, his spirituality stirring as he prepared to strike, but Elliot gently patted