A deafening crash echoed through the entire hall. In terror, the members of the Venerate Saints Monastery "captured" by the walls, floor, and control consoles saw part of the Control Hall descend from the ceiling, crashing directly onto the Sage's head.
The trapped cultists struggled violently, attempting to break free of the iron restraints, but only felt the shackles growing heavier. A rage—emanating directly from the now sentient ship, seemingly soaking every wall, pipe, and line here—was rising from all directions.
Then, the pipe that had descended from above was slowly lifted by someone.
The white-robed Sage stood up. With each subtle movement, his body became increasingly taller and stronger. When he first emerged from beneath the pipe, he was a tall, thin old man, but when he straightened up, he had transformed into a majestic warrior over two meters tall, with a physique so perfect it resembled a heroic statue.
