As Famias descended closer to the people, a magnificent blue orb that exuded a divine energy caught everyone’s attention.

Noticing their interest in the orb, Famias said,

“Ah yes, this is Carceris. This orb will bring about the beginning of your evolution. Today, you will be born anew, and be given abilities far beyond your wildest dreams. Now in order for you to receive these abilities, we must initiate you imbeciles in a special ritual of ours called Potenris.” 

He paused, surveying the crowd, making sure he had everyone’s undivided attention. 

Famias continued, 

“From this ritual, each of you will be given 5 new abilities, 1 from each of the 5 tiers. The tiers are Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Once you truly grasp the potential of your new abilities, you and your plebeian-like skills will be completely transformed into one-man armies!”

Zane listened intently as the Pope unfolded their destiny. He didn’t understand why the pope was obsessed with “making everyone powerful”. Was everyone going to have to fight with one another? And what was this “glorious purpose” he mentioned? 

However, amidst the pope's sermon and Zane’s train of thought, a few of the summoned individuals attempted to flee, a desperate bid for escape. One of the deserters said,

“I never asked to be here! I must return home to my family, no matter who stands in my way!”

Other people started to murmur to one another in agreement, and just as it seemed that the deserters had managed to find an exit, a wall of condensed magic, constructed by the hooded figures, thwarted the escapees’ efforts, propelling them backwards.

Tension now rippled throughout the crowd, their confusion compounded by this now apparent entrapment by this “Church”. 

Before the bystanders could even fathom the situation, the blown-away figures vanished, leaving behind only an outline of the bodies and a sliver of magic.

As these events unfolded, Pope Famias stood amidst the palpable unease, his voice now resonating with an uncanny authority that sent shivers down the spines of the assembled. 

"I understand that all of this may seem a bit disconcerting," he declared, his gaze piercing through the uncertainty.