Meanwhile, the High Priest's procession has finally reached the edge of the Abyssal Forest, spilling out to what most inhabitants refer to as the Inner Abyssal Circle region.
They were still a distance away from the main temple of the Poison Demon Cult. But in this region where unorthodox and evil factions carved their territories, it was difficult for a huge entourage not to catch their attention as they passed through their claimed domain.
As they neared a village that should be the territory of the Bone Ash Syndicate, a faction not any less cruel than their cult known for harvesting skeletal remains to refine their necromantic arts, the High Priest raised a hand, signaling his followers to halt.
From outside, the village appeared lifeless, with its mortal inhabitants already skin and bones. The air was filled with the scent of decay and ash, a clear contrast to the vibrant energy of the Divine Convenience Store's wares that many of his cultists now carried.