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"So, birdman... what's up with those priests casting that strange spell? Don't they get tired of doing it for so long?"
"Indeed" Hawkodesh explains, "They must endure up to *eight* hours straight of spellcasting before another group of priests takes their places. It is an arduous but crucial task, as these dwarves are the very reason this world has not yet been invaded by demons."
"Really? Why?"
"Because with the powers of Anu combined, they channel a spell called 'Holy Grounds', which covers not only the entirety of this fortress, but also a good deal of the forest above us - mainly Bloodseeker territory and its neighbor tribes. Baptizing the terrain renders it much more difficult for shamans to summon demons, as all but the most powerful would be sent back to Hell the moment they set foot in the sanctified area."
"Interesting. Does this spell have anything to do with Suneyh being engulfed in fire when I suplexed him out of the cave?"
"Exactly! That was because of Holy Grounds. As you can probably guess, if it wasn't for these priests, nothing in the world would stop the demons coming from the portal of leaving the cave."
"So that means we're safe, as long as they keep casting the spell..."
"Not necessarily, I'm afraid. Holy Grounds has been of immense use to keep the invasion at bay, but it does have its downsides, namely the fact it requires constant concentration, that some demons are capable of counteracting or dispelling its effects and, perhaps most unfortunately, that it does *not* kill demons permanently. While their bodies are destroyed, their souls simply return to Hell and assume a new form."
"It feels kinda weird that the fate of everyone depends on these humielets not losing their focus."
"Ah, but don't forget Anu granting them His powers, the other dwarves protecting them... and now, you entering the scene. We all play an important role in Aurus' salvation."
"Understood. Thanks for clearing things up."
"Always a pleasure, Hyenus."
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You fill Daitza in on everything Hawkodesh said about the Holy Grounds spell. She's surprised by its huge and important effects. "Amazing... y'know, I think we can make a connection. Remember how our shaman used to be able to summon demons in a matter of hours a year ago? Now, it takes him whole days to invoke a single one."
"Yeah. And it happened at the same time the demon portal appeared in the cave..."
"It's clear the holy spell is making the job harder for Krubbai."
