The King's declaration was like throwing a torch into a barrel of oil. Across the human kingdoms, a fire of righteous fury erupted. In every city, priests gave sermons. "Demonic heretic" Edward Ross and his army of monsters. Bards, paid well by noble families, sang songs of Seraphiel's past glories. And the coming holy crusade. The world, fractured by the fear of dungeons, was now united against a common enemy.
For the Holy Inquisition, it was a golden age. Their power, once held in check by royal politics and rival guilds, now swelled. Their coffers overflowed with gold from the crown and "donations" from nobles. More importantly, their ranks grew. High-ranking hunters, once proud and independent, were now conscripted by royal decree. A simple choice. Join the Crusader Army or be branded a traitor. Thousands joined. Some with patriotic fire. Others with resentment simmering beneath a mask of obedience.
But this new, massive army was not the Inquisition's most dangerous weapon.
