That said, the mission weighed heavily on their minds. This was sothing their training had never prepared them for.
"The commander said that demons would stoop to anything to save themselves. Even use innocent lives as shields. If there are demons... then we need to..." Kevin did not complete his sentence.
While on their way here, they had witnessed many such scenes play out. At first, they thought of trying to step in. However, when they realised that the Fairy Water was releasing black smoke on those citizens and heard their grating cries, they realised how stupid and naïve they were.
"See, this guy agrees. Rather than wait for those potential demons to take hostages, we break in and drag them out."
"Sigh... Elder Sister Silvia just told everyone not to act rashly. Don’t you boys understand? Look around; people are afraid. If we also start becoming heavy handed, it will only add to the chaos."
Around them, the streets had already turned chaotic. While most people willingly followed the knights, there were so who scread. Others resisted, uttering nonsense like "arrest" and so shut their doors, refusing to open.
They had been briefed that things would turn out this way. Nevertheless, seeing things play out with their own eyes still made them feel as if their bodies were extrely heavy.
"So, care to tell what we should do then?"
Their orders were clear: no demons should be left within the walls by nightfall. The sun was already setting, dying the sky in an orangish hue. They did not have ti to waste.
Silvia bit her lips; she had no answer. She knew that if a demon slipped past them... dozens could die. That thought alone was enough to cause her hand wielding the sword to tremble.
.
By the ti the knights herded the first thousand civilians to the plaza, tension felt like a physical fog. People were whispering frantically.
"Is this a purge?"
"No, I heard demons infiltrated the palace and the capital. The knights are trying to find them."
"I heard sothing big went down in the royal palace. It has to be related to the mysterious sleeping event."
"They have closed the gates; are they planning on inspecting each and every person in the capital?"
"How are you guys so calm? Don’t you find this suspicious? They’ll kill us!"
"Quiet! The knights won’t do such things."
So were optimistic; others radical. The views of the citizens were varying. The hubbub was at its peak when suddenly everyone quietened. In front of them, at the centre of the plaza, stood a single knight.
Decked in radiant gold and platinum armour, he was shrouded in a halo that inspired others. Moreover, he exuded a presence that dispersed all doubts and negativity.
As his eyes fell on the crowd, the plaza froze.
"Everyone, this is a matter of grave importance. Demons have managed to infiltrate us. They are cunning and have disguised themselves as humans, integrating with our society. Polluting and corrupting it from within. They are the vile creatures responsible for plunging the capital into this ss"...
"They are the very scum of earth who took away all of your happiness. The living parasites responsible for your loved ones leaving you, the reason behind all your illnesses, the losses you suffered all year round, your girlfriend cheating on you, and the reason behind you being unable to get a job. But fear not; today is the day these vile creatures will all be purged."
His words of demon hatred, when backed with his divine presence and [Voice of Providence], made all the people in the plaza nod their heads as if it were the most natural thing.
They did not doubt his words and started putting all the bla for the misfortune they suffered, even the ones caused by their own negligence, on the demons. They did not care if so of it did not make sense; it was the fault of the demons, no questions asked.
Reinhardt’s extre demon hatred rubbed off on the citizens.
"Now, everyone, pass through the Trial of the Willows. Don’t worry; none of you will be hard unless you carry corruption. Innocence has nothing to fear." The Divine Paladin pointed towards the tunnel of fire.
His words, which should by all ans cause mass panic among the crowd, failed to elicit even the slightest negativity. After all, he was telling them to throw their bodies into the fire. Anyone in their right mind would question the words.
However, the skill [Voice of Providence] demanded absolute obedience. Not only that, it also dispelled all doubts and uncertainty from the listeners.
And so, they stepped towards the trial without any fear. Rows and rows of people entered and exited out of the trial, their bodies bathed in warm Fairy Fire. None of them were hard.
Of course, if all of them were innocent, there would have been no need to carry out this trial. There were bound to be so demons mixed in with the crowd.
A well dressed man, possibly a rchant, stepped into the fire.
Whoosh... The mont he stepped into the tunnel, a pillar of twisting green and crimson erupted, swallowing him whole. The man scread; his twisted voice indicated that he wasn’t human. In a matter of seconds, he was turned into ash.
The crowd, who had only just relaxed, suddenly froze at that mont.
"DEMON! He was a demon?!"
"Gods... what is happening. There are demons within us?!" Disorder spread among the masses. Of course, the knights responded tily to settle them down.
Those who had proven their innocence were taken to a safe place and were given food and warm drinks to settle their minds.
Back in the plaza, it was still a sea of hubbub. To see a demon walking and masquerading as their friend was enough to rattle anyone.
"That man... he sold fruit at the corner standfor the ast five years. I saw him every morning..."
Soone from the crowd spoke. It was not just him; many from the crowd recognised him, and many were even friends with him.
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