There was no difference. There was none whatsoever.
Once death came, there would only be eternal suffering. There was no paradise, there was no salvation.
And Vane didn't know this, because of the Church's indoctrination.
Nero couldn't help but tremble in fear.
By just sprinkling in a bit of lies with the truth, the entire narrative had been changed. Flipped right on its head.
What was meant to be a less than ideal fate had turned into an image of rare grace in this cursed world. Those who would die for the church would find purpose, even in death.
And those who wouldn't, would be doomed forever and ever.
Such a thing was...
'Absolutely despicable.'
Nero's hands unclenched slowly. He lowered them to his sides and opened his eyes, the golden tint in them fading as he released his connection to the Oracle.
Sergeant Vane still stood beside him, his lips moving silently. The prayer continued, unhurried and reverent.
