Chapter 33: The Initiation Ceremony

Aleka leaned back against the rust-covered interrogation table, lighting a hand-rolled cigarette and taking two deep drags.

At that moment, he inexplicably thought of his most trusted henchman, the Black Hand—Snake.

That man was not only wicked beyond measure but took pleasure in tormenting others. Every night, he had to sever the heads of prisoners and listen to their agonized screams throughout the night just to lull himself into a baby-like sleep.

Such a perverse, cruel habit that brought suffering to the innocent made him a rare talent even within this stronghold.

Judging by the time, the deal with the Church operatives should be wrapping up about now.

As Aleka pondered, footsteps suddenly echoed outside the interrogation room, growing louder until they reached the heavy iron door.

“Lord Aleka, Snake has returned. He says he brought a surprise for you,” a guard reported.

A surprise?

Hearing this, Calera—his face marked by a long scar—did not even twitch an eyelid, coldly ordering, “Let him in!”

Soon, the heavy iron door creaked open. Snake entered, leading in Ron, a clear-eyed golden-haired youth.

The moment Ron stepped inside, a chill ran through his body.

A faint but persistent stench of blood invaded his nostrils, and the array of torture devices hanging on the walls—spiked and gleaming menacingly—made him shudder.

He could not fathom how many unspeakable evils were buried within this place.

This is exactly where justice needs to be upheld! the boy thought inwardly, a trace of joy unwittingly spreading across his youthful face.

Justice must prevail in places like this, and surely Mr. Snake’s dream was no different!

The cultist’s sharp gaze caught the happiness in Ron’s eyes and the faint smile on his lips.

He silently nodded, his eyes scanning the interrogation room’s grim setup, growing more convinced that this boy was terrifying in his own right.

This was the interrogation chamber meticulously crafted by “The Throat of Torment” Lord Aleka. The oppressive atmosphere perfectly embodied the will of the “Merciful Matron.”

Anyone who could smile here was no ordinary person.

“Lord Aleka, I have succeeded!” Snake stepped forward, promptly reporting his mission. Only after Aleka gave a slight nod did he release a quiet sigh of relief.

“Snake, is this the surprise you had them announce?”

In the dimly lit interrogation room, Aleka’s questioning voice was like a blade cutting flesh, causing the cultist’s heart to leap once more.

He quickly pulled the oblivious Ron, who was still surveying the surroundings, close and respectfully said, “Lord Aleka, his name is Gandalf. I met him during a mission. I believe he has great potential, so I want to recommend him to the embrace of the Merciful Matron.”

Potential?

Aleka sneered disdainfully in his heart.

He admitted that Ron’s earlier behavior was impressive enough, but that was all.

Gaining the Matron’s favor required more than just raw talent.

His steely eyes swept over the golden-haired youth, and suddenly Aleka saidI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.