Yes, weaknesses.
At first glance, most people might even assume this is just meant to intimidate survivors.
However, they might have overlooked a prerequisite: that someone would actually come here.
Given the Zealots' control over North Carolina, let alone making it all the way here, outsiders are likely discovered as soon as they get close.
For specific examples, one can refer to the Vechita sisters from before, and Shawn, who just arrived in the fire truck.
The Vechita sisters were discovered and hunted down as soon as they stepped foot on the border between the north and south.
Even Shawn was intercepted halfway, indicating that no one can directly break through the Zealots' encirclement and reach this place.
Therefore, aside from that, these Walkers tied above their heads most likely serve the purpose Shawn speculated.
In others' eyes, it's a deterrent, but in Shawn's eyes, it's a sign of a guilty conscience.
The more one manipulates others, the more one believes in their own manipulations.
People who thrive in society will increasingly believe in and uphold its rules and norms.
Those who constantly deal with ghosts and spirits will become increasingly paranoid and gradually obsessed with supernatural tales.
Elijah constantly talks about God, purification, transcendence...
Inevitably, while he praises God with his mouth, ghosts are born in his heart.
Under the night sky of this apocalypse, he will gradually become more and more sensitive and suspicious!
He will gradually be unable to trust anyone, even the Zealots he personally brainwashed, and will eventually become exactly like those he brainwashed.
It is precisely because of this that Shawn understood why the Zealots organization disappeared without a trace later in the plot.
Elijah, as Shawn sees him now, perfectly matches the trajectory described in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation's 'Extremist Organization Evolution Report'.
When the Zealots fully obeyed Elijah's instructions, and when Elijah 'went mad', this apocalyptic organization officially met its demise.
So, don't be fooled by their seemingly strong presence, even with their military spread throughout the entire state.
But in Shawn's view, they are all like flickering candlelight, capable of being extinguished at any moment.
Simply put, they have nothing beneath their feet; every single one of them is treading on air.
Their spirits are gradually transcending their bodies, even weakening their perception of this apocalyptic world.
They just need to wait for an opportunity, and this seemingly powerful organization could even be completely wiped out overnight.
And as Shawn stepped onto the first stair in front of the door, this feeling became particularly strong.
He knew the time had come.
As Shawn, accompanied by hundreds of Zealots, slowly ascended the high steps.
Above his head, a large bell constructed from dozens of Walker bodies was ringing.
Crows were approaching from afar, bringing piercing, sharp cries.
The sky was dark, and a storm seemed poised to return, bringing with it the scent of blood.
Shawn raised his unyielding head, chest out, and walked in.
What did he want to... do?
The Zealots were almost too nervous to think, yet lacked the courage to step forward and stop this man who seemed like a deity.
They could only watch him, step by step, walk into the Auction House.
When he stopped in front of a large door emblazoned with a flame symbol, everyone's hearts involuntarily leaped to their throats.
Shawn gently raised his hand and pushed open the bi-fold wooden doors.
The warm, smooth sensation from his palm further confirmed Shawn's suspicions. The moment the doors opened, Shawn stepped forward, looking from a distance at the man standing on the auction platform, dressed in a priest's robe with an incongruous outfit underneath.
"He is Elijah."
Shawn's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally firm.
Just at first sight, he could unhesitatingly look at that man and call out his name.
The moment Shawn entered the Auction House, all the Zealots seated in the dense rows turned their heads simultaneously.
They shared the same characteristics as the previous people, and their synchronized turning motion appeared eerie.
At the same moment they turned their heads, Elijah, who was emotionally speaking on the stage, abruptly stopped speaking and narrowed his eyes, looking towards Shawn.
As Elijah looked at Shawn, Shawn was also looking at him.
Shawn was looking at him, looking at all the Zealots, looking at the entire Auction House.
At this point, calling it an Auction House was a bit inappropriate, as all its auction features had been removed and replaced with some musical instruments, and a few books were scattered on the floor...
The biggest change was that all the wealthy young merchants had been replaced by these extreme Zealots.
The auctioneer, who was originally a curvaceous, fair-skinned blonde beauty, had also been replaced by a rough-skinned man.
As they all silently stared at him, Shawn even had a fleeting sense of 'wrongdoing'.
It was as if he had interrupted their meeting, and so his heart naturally felt a spontaneous sense of guilt.
But would Shawn blame himself?
In fact, Shawn was more adept at blaming others.
"I hear you represent God?"
Shawn ignored the numerous Zealots staring at him from their seats and slowly moved forward down the sunken steps, his gaze fixed on Elijah.
This was Shawn's first face-to-face encounter with Elijah, and Shawn observed him very carefully.
Strange attire, ordinary face; he couldn't find a single special feature anywhere on him.
In fact, compared to the Zealots, he seemed considerably more normal.
But Shawn did not relax his guard because of this.
Because he knew that the Zealots were only the least sick.
Shawn's gaze moved over Elijah's body, carrying a hint of provocation.
Subtly, Shawn let his gaze fall on Elijah's left hand—a green-covered book lay quietly there.
It is well known that regardless of its nature, a The Cult must always have three elements.
The The Cult leader, the The Cult members, and the The Cult scripture.
In North Carolina, Elijah is the The Cult leader, the Zealots are the The Cult members, so clearly the green-covered book in Elijah's hand is their 'The Cult scripture'.
Because when Shawn broke in, Elijah was clearly in the process of brainwashing his The Cult members.
But strangely, despite seeing Shawn walk in unharmed and steadily approaching him, Elijah showed no sign of panic on his face.
He clasped his hands together, holding the green book between his palms, and silently watched Shawn.
'Since that's the case...'
Seeing this, Shawn knew that the first confrontation between these two, a war without smoke, had already begun.
He continued his slow descent, but at this moment, his right hand rose and, under everyone's gaze, he snapped his fingers with a crisp sound.
Snap--
A clear, resonant snap echoed through the Auction House for a moment.
Before anyone could feel strange, an astonishing scene suddenly appeared!
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