Desolate Wasteland Ruins.
Thick dust perpetually shrouded the city, casting it in a dim light.
The streets of the Lower City District were filled with misshapen beggars and vagrants, and gang members fought to the death over a piece of bread hard enough to crack a stone.
Raphael kept his head down and hurried along, an illegal Alchemy Potion he had purchased hidden in his robes.
If he encountered an Arbitrator patrolling the district, he wouldn't even dare meet their eyes, despite wearing the traditional brown robe of the Caster Monastery.
Around his neck hung a gleaming silver Great Unity Holy Emblem—five hands clasped together, signifying his status as a member of the National Church Clergy.
'Divine Emperor above.'
'Please forgive my blasphemy...'
As Raphael prayed silently, begging the Divine Emperor for forgiveness, a pair of heavily worn leather boots appeared in his line of sight.
"You shouldn't have come to the Lower City District, Priest. It's dangerous here."
