A macabre relish seemed to further compel our assault as we dispatched this latest abomination. Leering grins crept unbidden across what remained of our distorted features, as with each passing moment we seemed to grow more accustomed to the curse – no, the gift that had been bestowed upon us.

An intoxicating sensation of power surged from deep within us, giving rise to a renewed strength, a startling insight, and the inkling of a terrible need. As our bodies contorted into ever more shambling mockeries, spindled shards of our equipment flew buckling from our frames as our bones split and re-knit, sundered in resolute rejection of their symmetry.

We paid little heed, however, as in the absence of worldly augmentation we seemed to forge a strange sympathy with the vessel of this glorious cathedral itself. It seemed the infection was tailoring us, teaching us – and as one, we surrendered utterly to its insatiable defilement.