Deep beneath the Papal Palace...

Agreus stood in the center of a glowing, ominous magic circle.

On either side of the circle, large glass containers held the slum’s adults, piled on top of each other, limp and lifeless. Red energy seeped from the containers, flowing into the magic circle. The Pope’s anxiety was palpable as he watched the scene unfold.

“It’s not enough. I rushed the process, and we couldn’t extract enough.”

“But Your Holiness, we’ve already taken every adult from the slums.”

Behind him, Casti knelt, subtly reproaching the Pope for his impatience.

“We’ve even received support from the …