Crusader's Academy, Sanctum of Faith, Hall of Vows
I stood amidst an assembly of Initiates—all wearing grey cassocks. We all stood in orderly files, about 40 of us in four columns and ten rows, and we all looked towards the platform beyond.
It was a large hall, having four tall brown walls that rose and curved upwards, leaving a circular opening in the ceiling. Golden rays of sunlight peeked through, shining down on us. I could see the sunlight reflecting off a bald Initiate's scalp.
There were glowing sigils inscribed on the walls, and occasionally I'd watch them in a daze. One was a sword crossed with a quill, another was a shattered chain laid across what seemed like a rising sun. There was also a triple flame emblem, a shielded star, and an ascending winged sword.
Each of the sigils represented historical legends that were constantly taught to us at the Academy. However, I had of course…forgotten them all.
This was the initiation rite. To me, it was an introduction ceremony. Here, we would swear our oaths as Crusaders and be officially registered as one.
Before us was a dais, and a bald man in a black cassock stood on it, having an altar positioned ahead, and a white banner with a red cross hung behind. On his left and right were two other people in black cassocks, having the appearance of dignified figures. I could easily make out their features even though I was in the third row—which due to the spacing, was quite far.
The central figure had a stern, composed demeanor and a double chin even though he wasn't chubby. Whilst he was quite large, I could tell that it was as a result of high muscle definition and not obesity.
Anyone could—he had the physique of a tanker.
The colour of his cassock was black, so he was a Warden, a third ranker of the Exorcist Path.
Just like the Missionary Path, there were 6 ranks, the sixth being 'Cardinal'. For the Exorcist Path, it started from 'Initiate'—the first and lowest, then Purger, Warden, Sanctifier, High Exorcist, and finally ended with Cardinal.
The ranks were named differently for the missionary path. Since the nature of their tasks was different, it was only natural.
For the Missionary Path, the rankings were; Initiate, Preacher, Envoy, Shepherd, and High Envoy.
I was an Initiate of the Exorcist Path. And so was everyone else in here.
The Warden swept his gaze around, glancing at everyone but no one in particular. Black bags were sagging beneath both of his eyes and it looked like he hadn't slept for a while.
But no one dared to speak about it. Silently we stood and watched.
The man spoke in a loud voice.
"Welcome, seekers of the Light." He said. "Today, you step beyond mere faith and into a life of duty, of vigilance, and of sacrifice."
…ok…
"You enter not as wanderers, but as Crusaders." He continued. "You shall all become guardians against the shadows that hunger for the world of men."
The man paused for a second and then he resumed his speech.
"Within these walls, you will learn, you will endure, and you will be tested. The vows you take today bind you not only to your comrades, but to the cause itself."
"Your strength will be measured not by the battles you win, but by the courage to act when fear stands before you, and by the purity of your heart when temptation whispers."
The Warden stretched out both his arms, gesturing at the sigils on the walls.
"Look upon this hall, the legacy of all who have come before you. Their oaths echo here still, and now yours will join them. Speak your vow with clarity and conviction, for once spoken, it carries weight beyond your mortal understanding."
AH, it's time…..
I spent all night memorising this…
The moment the man stopped talking, everyone put their hands on their chest and I did too. And then we made our vows in one accord, and in one voice.
"I dedicate myself to the Light and to the path of the Crusaders. I will act with courage, uphold justice, protect the innocent, and remain steadfast in my duty. My heart will be true, my hands ready, and my spirit unwavering, as long as I live."
Phew…I didn't fumble it.
The Warden nodded in satisfaction and withdrew. Then the warden on his left took his place. Unlike the first one, he had a more relaxed expression on his face. In fact, he seemed laid back.
"Now that all is said and done.." he said with a smile. "Permit me to drop my formality. It's kinda stressful."
"....."
The hall went silent, and I felt like I could hear everyone's thoughts.
The first speaker was a man who looked like he hadn't slept for 3 years. And now we had a man who seemed to have overslept, or was still asleep.
On the good side, every bit of tension disappeared the moment he came forward.
"Anyway…" The man ruffled his curly, black hair. "I'm Father Michael, and I'm going to be your leader."
"...."
The man looked similar to Father Azrael, except he had slightly larger eyes, curly hair, and blue irises.
"Hmm…what else..?...Ah yes! There are actually two of us here, so two divisions. You can choose anyone you want..hmm…so how do we do it?"
"...."
What's he on about?
The bald warden came close to Father Michael and said something to him.
"I think you should brief them on the structure first." He advised.
Father Michael's eyes lit up in understanding, like someone who had suddenly remembered a lost item.
"Yes, of course…." Then he fixed his gaze on us. "My bad guys. I forgot something. Must have had y'all real confused."
You bet.
"Just as you all know…there are ten Sanctums in our Sanctuary. If you don't know the names of them all, do not bother…I don't either." He chuckled slightly.
"But here's what you MUST and should know. This is the Sanctum of Faith, and currently we have the fewest number of Divisions as there are only 9."
Divisions were simply subcategories in a sanctum. Each division had approximately 300 Exorcists and 1500 Missionaries.
Sanctum of Faith had 9 divisions and every Division was led by a Warden. Although not every Warden led a division. For example, Father Azrael.
Father Michael pointed at the bald warden with his thumb. "This is Father James. He leads the fifth division."
Then he directed the thumb to his chest. "And I'm Father Michael in command of the seventh division."
He stretched both of his arms outwards. "You will now choose which Division you intend to join. 7th or 5th?"
"Fifth to the left, and seventh to the right."
….
Hmm
Yeah, I'm joining the seventh.
But won't everyone want to join the seventh? I mean…look at him…
Involuntarily, I glanced at Father James. He still had that miserable countenance.
He was probably the type to make you train till daybreak. There was not a single pulse of life in his eyes either.
No thanks, not risking it.
Everyone seemed to think the same way as I did. Literally everyone.
All 40 people moved to the right, including me. One half of the hall was now empty.
Whoa…
I had expected a few—however minuscule—even just three or four, to go left. Father Michael now had 40 recruits while Father James had none.
I felt kinda bad for him.
…..
Should I..?
…..
No.
I'm not doing this…
No.
Nooo…
My body had moved by itself.
Was I controlled by my emotions….?
I was now standing on the left, sticking out like a sore thumb opposite the 39. They all stared—unsurprisingly, and most of them looked at me like I was insane.
No, I don't have a death wish.
No, I'm not mad. Thank you.
Sigh…
I'm not going to regret this, right?
Father James looked to be in his thirties whilst Father Michael was much younger.
"I'll be joining the fifth division." I declared, affirming my decision. There was no going back now.
Father James stared intently at me, but I couldn't sense any emotion in his gaze. He watched me like I was a doll, and he didn't reply for a while.
Then suddenly he grinned.
I am not exaggerating this. He looked like the devil in flesh.
His sleepless eyes coupled with an eerily wide grin painted him in a terrifying manner. The intensity of the sunlight also increased, kissing his frame whilst submerging his face in the white light. Only his teeth were visible.
"WELCOME…" he greeted.