Isabella then turned around, pointing at the man sitting next to Sophia Esteban. The man was bald, wearing a burlap hood that only revealed his eyes and mouth. His hands were covered with black silicone gloves, making him appear exceptionally imposing; the muscles in his shoulders nearly burst through his shirt, and several small scars were visible on his neck, indicating the countless hardships he had endured. He sat there, exuding an indescribable aura of threat that made it difficult for anyone to approach.
Isabella smiled and said, "He is Raphael Drax, the Harbinger of Pain, 'Painbringer.'"
Eileen looked at Raphael and felt a chill rise up her spine. Raphael's eyes were deep and cold, as if he could see through everything. The corners of his mouth curled slightly upward, revealing a barely perceptible cold smile. Eileen could sense an extreme danger emanating from him, causing her to instinctively take a step back.
Isabella continued, "He may look fierce, but he is actually very kind and a steadfast guardian of faith."
Raphael nodded slightly, silently observing the three of them; his gaze was sharp as a blade, impossible to ignore. Eileen felt a wave of unease; Raphael's silence contrasted sharply with his appearance, making it difficult for her to fathom his inner world.
Mark secretly observed Raphael, noting every detail about him. The black silicone gloves covered his hands, obscuring his palms, but it was clear that those hands had endured countless trials and battles. His shoulder muscles were strong and powerful, indicating remarkable strength and experience. The small scars on his neck further suggested that he was not just an ordinary believer but a warrior who had faced numerous battles and suffering.
Raphael remained silent, his expression cold and resolute, as if scrutinizing every movement and reaction of the three. His very presence felt like an insurmountable wall, evoking both oppression and awe.
"Welcome. I hope you can find your answers here," Raphael finally spoke, his voice deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.
Eileen struggled to maintain her composure and softly replied, "Thank you for your welcome. We will do our best to understand everything here."
At that moment, Isabella was about to introduce the last man when he suddenly stood up by himself. He was severely hunched over, with arms that hung down long enough to exceed his knees, giving him an exceptionally bizarre appearance. This man had an extremely ugly face, as if fate had played a cruel joke on him; his eyes were askew, lips retracted inward, exposing his gums which had several large gaps revealing a decayed aura.
He limped toward the three of them unsteadily; each step seemed difficult and painful. As he approached, Eileen, Mark, and Lisa instinctively took a step back, feeling a strong sense of unease and fear. The man's gait seemed to carry unbearable pain with each step yet radiated a fearless fervor.
The man reached the three of them and shook his head while observing them; his eyes reflected an indescribable madness and suffering. Those crooked eyes seemed to hide countless secrets within them, while the exposed gums sent chills down their spines.
"This is..." Isabella's voice broke the eerie silence, but she seemed a bit awkward and paused slightly.
"I'll introduce myself," the man said in a hoarse, deep voice, as if some profound pain was hidden in his throat. "I am Carmen Salazar, 'The Harbinger of Birth.'"
Eileen, Mark, and Lisa stared at him in shock, sensing the strange aura surrounding him. Every movement Carmen made seemed to be filled with extraordinary pain, yet his eyes were filled with a twisted determination and fervor. It was a mad obsession with faith, as if he was willing to sacrifice everything for it, even his own life and soul.
Carmen traced a circle in the air with his unusually long fingers, then let his hand drop and smiled. "You have come seeking wisdom and truth; I hope you find the answers you seek here."
His smile was unsettling, as if it concealed countless pains and secrets behind a mask. Eileen felt a shiver run through her; this man's very existence was a huge enigma and threat. There was a fervent light in Carmen's eyes, and every word he spoke carried a kind of mad power that could not be ignored.
"We will do our best to understand everything here," Eileen replied, struggling to maintain her composure.
Carmen nodded, an unusual glint flashing in his eyes. "Good, good. I hope you find what you seek because everything here will change your lives."
Diego Montoro watched all of this and smiled. "Come on, let us enjoy this wonderful evening together. May God's grace descend upon each of us."
Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together. Eileen, Mark, and Lisa were filled with confusion and unease, but they knew that tonight's dinner would be an important moment for them to uncover the secrets of this town.
The three took their seats as several plainly dressed women brought out dish after dish. The table was filled with various foods: fragrant stews, enticing roasted meats, and freshly baked bread. Each dish emitted rich aromas that made one's mouth water.
Diego Montoro smiled and said, "As you three can see... the town is remote and barren, offering simple fare; I ask for your understanding."
Eileen, Mark, and Lisa managed to smile weakly and replied in unison, "Not at all."
Although they had been hungry for a long time, the three of them hesitated to start eating. The food on the table looked tempting, but in such a strange atmosphere, their appetites felt unusually heavy. Every bite seemed to carry an unknown danger, and they couldn't help but feel wary of the delicious dishes.
Diego Montoro watched this scene and smiled as he took the initiative to start. He picked up a piece of bread, tore off a small chunk, and put it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "Come on, please don't hold back. Although our material conditions are limited here, our enthusiasm is boundless."
His every move seemed so natural, as if this were just an ordinary dinner. Seeing Diego Montoro act this way eased the tension a bit for Erin, Mark, and Lisa.
Mark picked up a piece of roasted meat and cautiously took a bite, discovering that it was surprisingly good. "This roast... is really delicious."
Lisa also tried to take a bowl of stew and after tasting a spoonful, nodded in praise. "Yes, this stew is very tasty too."
Erin slowly picked up a slice of bread and gently took a bite, feeling the softness and aroma of the bread. She noticed that Diego Montoro was smiling while observing them, as if waiting for their reactions.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Diego Montoro," Erin said, trying to make her voice sound natural. "This food is truly delicious; we are very grateful."
Diego Montoro nodded with a smile, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "That's good to hear; it is our honor to make you feel satisfied. Although this small town is remote, our people are very warm and hospitable."
As dinner progressed, the three gradually relaxed but remained highly vigilant. They knew that this dinner was not just for hospitality but also a test and an exchange. They had to seize every opportunity to find more clues from the words of these Four Martyrs and Diego Montoro.
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