After a long moment, the High Priest withdrew his hand.
"You are worthy. Rise, Commander. Follow me to the Genesis Chamber."
Zayne stood on legs that wanted to tremble but didn't, following the High Priest through corridors that descended deeper into the Cathedral's foundation. They passed other church officials, all of whom bowed respectfully to High Priest Cain and studied Zayne with expressions mixing respect and something that might have been pity.
They knew what awaited him.
Knew that fewer than half of all Genesis Candidates survived the transformation process. Those who did emerged as the Great Emperor's most lethal servants.
Those who didn't... their bodies were cremated, and their names were added to the shrine's Wall of Martyrs, honored for attempting to serve even if they'd failed.
*
