The other soldiers didn't know what this thing was, but Balistan and his men instantly recognized it as the true core of those Heretics, one that had been implanted with a Seed.
These were the cultists granted the chance for Ascension, chosen by the Sect of Ascension to have Seeds implanted in them, merging with the Seeds to gain inhuman powers.
Stronger powers, stronger bodies, greater regenerative abilities—this was a power that violated human physiology, a power not of this world.
As long as the Seed remained, even a fatal injury would not result in immediate death, instead causing a loss of control and transition into the next stage.
Just like now. His head had been injured, yet he had not died. Only his severe injury had passively triggered the power of the Seed, exposing him prematurely.
The face, not yet completely contorted, was clearly that of the Deacon who had previously been by the heretic Saintess's side.
