Cardinal Romulus stood at the head of a long, marble table. Massive bronze braziers were dotted around the otherwise dark room, causing an eerie glow to send shadows dancing across the unyielding white walls.

“Brothers, you know why you've all been called, so let's not waste time.” Second only to Pope Augustus in both age and rank, Romulus loathed wasting time.

“It has been many years since Epimetheus-sama disappeared. Since then, The Church has done nothing but cower in the citadel since that day. We cannot put off our decision any longer without serious repercussions.”

A white hooded man from the left side stood up, clearing his throat gently. Romulus immediately recognized him as the leader of the Faithful faction, Cardinal Brutus.

In the 10 years since their god had mysteriously vanished, two main factions had risen to power inside the church:

The Faithful believed that their god would some-day return, rewarding their unwavering faith.

The Abandoned believed they had been cast aside, devoting themselves towards unifying the continent and establishing a grand theocracy.

“Brother Romulus” Cardinal Brutus nodded in respect as he addressed the room. “It has been a long time, no-one will deny that. However, I still firmly believe that we should work towards stabilizing our own nation foremost, while trying to keep the peace. If Epimetheus-sama ever returns, we would be rewarded for our piety, not for our bloodshed.”

While many nodded at his words, another voice broke out from across the table.

“That may be true, but we can't ignore the movement from the eastern and southern nations! The barbarians are up to something and the elves are suspicious as well. Unification will solve many of the security issues we're facing!”

While no-one saw who said it, many openly agreed. The table grew rowdy with mutterings.

“We'll put it towards a vote, then. All in favour of unification?”

The right side of the table raised their fists, while the left sat in silence. It was easy to see the rift in the church. As he counted the votes, Romulus sighed, visibly frustrated at the results.

“Once again, it seems we are split...”

Seated upon a large marble throne behind Romulus, Pope Decius Augustus the 5th firmly announced his intentions.

“Hear me. I support unification. Starting immediately, The Church shall begin preparations for unification! If Epimetheus-sama ever returns, he won't be angry if we've converted even the heathen races to worship. 6 years hence, we shall wage a holy war across the continent. Any hedonism among the troops will be heavily punished. We must do this righteously, or we risk losing any hope for redemption.”

Every head present bowed in respect, hiding the many faces twisted in anger or despair.

“As Your Holiness says.” Cardinal Romulus ended the meeting and immediately marched to the side of the pope, standing at attention. After a half minute, he impatiently tapped his foot. The few remaining stragglers quickly ran for the door. Most men here feared his wrath.

With a heavy sigh, Romulus turned elegantly, bowing towards the throne.

“One more thing, Your Holiness. It's about that boy, Abe Haruki.”

“Ooh?” Pope Augustus had once heard tale about the boy, many years ago. It came from a low ranking priest who had been present for the birth. He firmly claimed that the child had been pulled from the womb wearing a blue and gold ring, emblazoned by a beautiful woman.

While it was certainly interesting, it had never been more than a passing curiosity to the pope.

'Perhaps he's an emissary for another god? What if he has information about Epimetheus-sama? Regardless, I'd like it if he joined us...'

As Pope Augustus stared blankly at the wall, lost in thought. Romulus briefly cleared his throat, before continuing his report unphased.

“He passed the academy test with flying colours, but his affinities... He has both light and dark...”

Pope Augustus froze, his brow beaded with sweat. “Is he perhaps an enemy?” he muttered under his breath. “Light and dark? How does his soul not tear itself apart!?”

Rising quietly from the throne, he dawdled over to the exit, still lost in thought. As his hand reached for the door, Augustus turned back to look Romulus in the eye. His steely gaze came with somber words.

“Brother Romulus, watch over the boy as he studies. If by his age of ascension, you can't turn him, end his family line. If he continues to be resistant, break him. If you can't break him, dispose of him somewhere dark. I'd rather not risk that child becoming a monster. Especially after the recent rumours that the boy's mother is a Blood Witch... Make sure you send an appropriate force when the time comes.”

“Yes, Your Holiness.” Cardinal Romulus bowed deeply as the pope vanished into the night. With one more thing now piled on top of his already wavering plate, he grumbled his way towards the kitchen, hoping to find a pot of herbal tea to carry him through the long night ahead.

Arriving at his private study, Pope Augustus collapsed heavily onto his bed and groaned from exhaustion. His bones were getting old, but unless he was murdered, he was guaranteed to live at least another 90 years. It was because of a special boon given to the highest mortal power. Bestowed by god himself every 100 years, even the calendar was heavily influenced by The Church.

'In a perfect world, that boy could have lived a happy life. But here, even Epimetheus-sama has enemies in the darkness. Such a child is nothing but a liability now. A shame, if not for his darkness affinity, he could have easily been a candidate for the next pope...'

Deep in thought, Augustus reached for a nearby chalice of wine. Draining the bitter red in a single gulp, he turned back to the mountainous pile of paper currently bowing his desk. After downing a second helping of wine, his pen finally touched paper.

With a single stroke, the first stone had finally been paved on the long road to unification.