While Kaelen secured the depths, the first scouts of the Seventh Crusade arrived at the port city of Oryn. Three massive galleons, their sails glowing with holy runes, dropped anchor.
"Begin the purification," the Inquisitor on the lead ship commanded.
But before the first priest could step onto the dock, the water around the ships began to boil. A massive, violet-veined tentacle erupted from the waves, wrapping around the main mast of the lead galleon like a python.
High atop the Aurelian Spire, miles away, Kaelen felt the first souls of the Crusade being pulled into his Core. He looked at his clawed hands, where a faint, watery blue energy now mixed with his violet mana.
"The tide has turned," Kaelen whispered.