Akio knelt in front of the altar in the grand church, a row of flickering candles illuminating his face. The flickering light cast dancing shadows across the stone walls and arches, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The scent of burning wax and incense hung heavily in the air, a familiar and oddly comforting smell to Akio. His eyes were fixed on the small altar in front of him, the worn stone surface etched with intricate designs. The flickering light from the candles made the images seem to move slightly, as if they were alive.