As the encroaching circle grew smaller, Erin, Mark, and Lisa were forced to stand closer together, shoulder to shoulder, feeling the mounting pressure. Mark took a deep breath and raised his hands, attempting to communicate with the townspeople in his broken Spanish.
"We... mean no harm... we are scholars..." Mark said slowly and clearly, his voice tinged with evident tension. He repeatedly emphasized their identity, trying to ease the townspeople's wariness. "We came here... to study... cicadas..."
However, the townspeople seemed unresponsive to Mark's words. Their gazes remained cold, and they moved steadily closer to the three of them. The white, yellowed robes and masks, along with their denim overalls and dirt-covered hands, made these townsfolk appear as if they had stepped out of a bygone era.
Erin felt a wave of panic wash over her as she gripped the papers in her hands, searching for a shred of calm. "Mark, they're not listening to you," she whispered, fear flickering in her eyes.
Lisa's palms were already damp with sweat; she fought to suppress her own fear and whispered to Mark, "We need to find a way out of here; they look terrifying."
Mark watched as the townspeople drew nearer, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He knew there was little he could do but tried again. "We really mean no harm... we just came to study..."
Yet the townspeople continued to ignore his pleas, slowly advancing toward them. Their movements were deliberate and slow, but the silent pressure was suffocating. Each townsfolk's gaze held a chilling indifference, as if they were scrutinizing their very souls.
Just as the three were about to be engulfed by the sea of townspeople, a deep and calm voice cut through the dangerous atmosphere. "My friends, how unreasonable and arrogant it is to treat three distant scholars this way..."
Upon hearing this voice, the townspeople froze as if suddenly powered down; their previously furious eyes turned hollow. They halted their advance and knelt in unison, as if compelled by an invisible force. Erin, Mark, and Lisa stared in shock at this unexpected turn of events, unsure of what had just happened. The townspeople seemed driven by some unseen power, showing absolute obedience to that voice.
Their gazes shifted toward the source of the voice and saw an elderly man draped in a white robe standing at the back of the crowd, exuding an air of elegance and authority. His presence seemed to bring a divine radiance that made everyone hesitant to look directly at him. The white robe billowed gently in the wind, symbolizing some supreme authority.
The elder's arrival was like Moses parting the sea; the townspeople automatically parted ways without any obstruction as he slowly approached Erin and her companions. His steps were steady, his gaze imbued with an indescribable wisdom and depth that conveyed calm assurance with each movement. A gentle smile graced his face, yet it carried an undeniable weight of authority.
"Welcome, travelers from afar," the elder said in a warm yet powerful voice that offered a sense of comfort. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment of the three. "Please do not be afraid; I am the leader here, Diego Montoro."
The townspeople remained kneeling on the ground, their eyes filled with reverence and awe for the elder. They seemed to express the highest respect for a sacred presence, not daring to show any sign of disrespect. This absolute obedience and fear made Erin feel a wave of unease; the elder's status among the townsfolk was clearly unshakeable, imbued with a certain mystery and intimidation.
Erin took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She replied softly, "Thank you for your help. We are just here to conduct some academic research and mean no harm."
Diego Montoro nodded, his gaze sweeping between the three of them. "I understand; the people here are always wary of outsiders, but your arrival may be an opportunity. I will ensure your safety." His voice carried a reassuring strength that brought Erin a sense of relief.
Mark remained somewhat cautious, but he knew that only this elder could protect them at this moment. "Thank you, Mr. Diego Montoro. We are truly honored," Mark said, his tone filled with respect.
Diego Montoro smiled slightly and turned to the still-kneeling townspeople. "Rise now, return to your work. These visitors are our friends; do not harbor any hostility towards them."
The townspeople slowly stood up, their eyes regaining some spark, yet they remained silent, quietly returning to their positions to continue their previous tasks. The strange atmosphere seemed to dissipate with Diego Montoro's presence, replaced by a sense of calm and order.
"Please follow me; we can talk here," Diego Montoro said to the three of them, gesturing for them to follow him toward the tall triangular building. Erin, Mark, and Lisa exchanged glances; although doubts and unease lingered in their hearts, they also felt a glimmer of hope. They followed Diego Montoro, ready to unveil the mysteries of this small town.
As they walked toward the building, Erin couldn't help but notice that the townspeople maintained their respectful posture, their gazes always following Diego Montoro as if he were the soul and core of this town. This sacred and untouchable feeling permeated the air, making Erin more aware of the elder's extraordinary identity and status.
The closer they got to the triangular building, the louder the sound of poetry became, as if weaving an invisible net in the air. The song was melodious and clear, carrying a certain mysterious and ancient power. The three were captivated by this eerie melody, feeling both puzzled and awed.
Just then, the music seemed to reach a climax before abruptly stopping. The sudden silence prompted Mark to speak involuntarily: "Mr. Diego Montoro... may I ask if this poetry is unique to you? This church... it also seems different from what we know from the past?"
Diego Montoro did not turn back but continued walking forward; however, his laughter echoed in the air with fervor and confidence. "That is normal... because out there, everything is eroded by darkness and evil; only our pure land still retains light." His voice was filled with passion and faith as if proclaiming some noble truth.
"Indeed, this is the dwelling place of Holy Angel, The Hall of Great Achievements!" As soon as Diego Montoro finished speaking, he pushed open the massive wooden doors. As they swung open, a magnificent stained glass came into view, light streaming through the glass onto the ground below, creating a stunning tableau.
A massive angelic figure was pieced together in the Stained Glass. The angel had six eyes, resembling a Compound Eye, radiating a mysterious and majestic light. Behind the angel were countless wings, each transparent, shimmering with a kind of divine brilliance under the light.
Eileen, Mark, and Lisa were awestruck by this spectacular sight. They stood at the entrance, gazing intently at the grand Stained Glass, their hearts filled with reverence and curiosity. Every detail of the church exuded an ancient and mysterious power, compelling them to seek out its secrets.
"This is... truly an astonishing work of art," Eileen whispered, her eyes sparkling with surprise and admiration.
"Each piece of glass here is handcrafted, representing our faith and reverence for the Holy Angel," Diego Montoro explained, his eyes gleaming with fervor. "Here, we uphold the purest faith, resisting the darkness and evil from the outside world."
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