Gospel of Blood

“Help… me?”

Listening to the faint voice coming from behind the stone door, Charlotte instinctively took a step back.

She couldn’t help it, the situation was too eerie. The star representing the Stargazer Casey had turned into a sealed stone door, and behind it came a call for help. Yet, there was also a warning left by the one who sealed it…

It all seemed incredibly sinister.

Especially the warning in common language left on the stone door.

Judging from the remaining power, the writing on this stone door should be only a few hundred years old, specifically between three to four hundred years… Charlotte roughly determined this based on the magical probing skills she learned from Nice. What Nice learned and used this for, likely related to excavating ruins or tombs.

However, the progressively shaking and messy “Do not open” signs, the increasingly evident madness, panic, and despair in the handwriting, could be felt even by someone like Charlotte, whose common language writing skills were abysmal.

Combined with the faint, intermittent, yet pervasive cries for help, and the white mist that had a deadly allure and affinity, which the Gospel of Blood had directly warned her about…

Charlotte felt a chill down her spine, a wave of terror washing over her.

She didn’t hesitate, immediately using divine power to try and see if she could expel this stone door from her mental world.

There was no other way, anyone with such a thing in their mind would have trouble sleeping.

But she quickly failed.

The stone door was like it was nailed in place, completely immovable. Even when Charlotte used her divine power to divide her mental world, she couldn’t separate it out.

Charlotte examined the situation closely and soon realized the issue.

The stone door wasn’t illusory, it was real. Charlotte’s mental world seemed to have connected to some real, existing alternate space.

This connection was bound to her consciousness. In other words, unless she erased her consciousness, she couldn’t sever this connection.

Realizing this, Charlotte felt her heart sink.

She didn’t know what this troublesome thing was, nor if the cries for help were indeed from the Stargazer Casey, the long-lost Blood Prince of the Nez Clan.

But based on her instincts, this stone door and whatever lay behind it were definitely not good news.

Moreover, given that even the Gospel of Blood had issued a warning, it was clear this thing was immensely hazardous!

After a moment of contemplation, Charlotte once again used her divine power, reinforcing the seals on the stone door.

These seals were complex and advanced. With her current magical knowledge, she couldn’t replicate it independently.

Fortunately, during her second time travel, she had studied similar sealing magic from Elven magical texts. She couldn’t master it, but she could use her divine power to reinforce existing seals.

Moreover, after subduing the Nez Clan, some new changes occurred in her Gospel of Blood, which she hadn’t yet fully examined. These changes were likely related to divination arts, possibly further enhancing her understanding of them.

Divination arts not only excel in divination and clairvoyance but also in sealing. At least, Charlotte’s mind now had several new sealing talent spells.

Scarlet divine power enveloped the seals on the stone door.

Quickly, the already dim inscriptions brightened somewhat.

Feeling the renewed strength in the inscriptions, Charlotte let out a sigh of relief.

Although this wouldn’t fix the cracks around the stone door, it significantly reinforced the seals.

The escaping white mist noticeably reduced, and the faint cries for help became weaker, from clear and distinct to barely audible whispers.

After finishing all this, Charlotte still felt uneasy.

She used her divine power to cast a bloodborne talent spell, “Blood Cage”, to seal off the area around the stone door completely.

This talent spell was one of the new ones in her mind, a high-level spell. Normally, Charlotte couldn’t cast it without extensive learning.

But now, by triggering her divine power and entering a Demigod state, casting this level of spell wasn’t difficult.

Of course, it consumed a considerable amount of divine power, a trade-off for using lower-level spells with more energy.

But for now, to avoid long-term worries, Charlotte couldn’t care less.

Divine power could be replenished.

But the stone door… it was truly eerie, and Charlotte couldn’t relax for a moment.

Crimson light shrouded the stone door, encapsulating everything within.

Now, the cries for help were completely inaudible.

Charlotte finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She left a trace of her mental power on the Blood Cage to monitor the stone door’s state and then exited her mental world.

Slowly opening her eyes, she saw the kneeling Nez bloodbornes before her.

Everything that had just happened was within Charlotte’s mental world. Although she felt it had taken a long time, in reality, it was just a moment in the real world.

However, Charlotte quickly noticed something was amiss.

The bloodbornes kneeling before her were all staring at her with dull expressions.

Their eyes were wide, filled with reverence, fear, and disbelief.

Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat.

She followed their gazes and quickly realized they weren’t looking at her but at the sky behind her.

Hmm?

The sky?

To maintain her image, Charlotte didn’t turn around, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t know what they saw.

She extended her consciousness, shifting her vision to the perspectives of the Nez bloodbornes she had just connected with.

Then… Charlotte saw a gigantic blood moon hanging high in the sky behind her.

It was truly a colossal blood moon, occupying almost half the sky, its scarlet light illuminating the earth, dyeing the entire world crimson.

Moreover, it seemed to be rising directly behind Charlotte, as if representing her.

Even Charlotte, somewhat prepared, was momentarily stunned by the sight of the blood moon occupying half the sky.

This wasn’t just because the scene was incredibly impactful but also because it reminded her of the descriptions in the bloodborne texts she had read, particularly in the “Song of the Blood Moon” from the Royal Library of the Crescent Kingdom.

“A grand blood moon shrouded the sky”,

“The mad progenitor ascended the throne”,

“Crimson light brought darkness and terror”,

“Gods fell, order collapsed, and the world wept…”

Clearly, this scene was reminiscent of the True Ancestor of Blood’s rampage.

However, the massive blood moon didn’t last long.

Not long after Charlotte’s consciousness returned to reality, it disappeared.

The scarlet faded, and darkness once again enveloped the sky, leaving the Nez bloodbornes on the square speechless.

When they looked at Charlotte again, their eyes were filled with renewed fear.

Charlotte felt a mix of guilt and headache.

She didn’t know why the blood moon phenomenon appeared, but it was undoubtedly related to her.

What had she done?

Was it because she established a “connection” with the Nez Clan?

Or was it the changes in the Gospel of Blood after subduing the Nez Clan?

Or… was it because she disturbed that mysterious “stone door”?

Charlotte wasn’t sure.

She didn’t even know how wide the phenomenon’s coverage was.

Charlotte looked at the Nez bloodbornes.

The Nez bloodbornes looked back at her.

If not for her divine aura still radiating, they might have scattered and fled by now.

Charlotte didn’t know how to explain the recent phenomenon, but after thinking about it briefly, she decided not to explain it and instead addressed the Nez bloodbornes.

“From today onwards, I will protect the Nez Clan who pledge their loyalty to me. I expect you to be faithful in your duties, keep the secrets of the blood race, and always remember your loyalty.”

“Remember, I despise betrayal, but likewise, I am not a tyrant. I will not withhold rewards for those who are loyal to me.”

“Nez Clan, remember today’s oath…”

After saying this, the crimson mist spread, and Charlotte’s figure gradually disappeared.

She transmitted a message to Bardock, instructing him to handle the aftermath, and then… she simply left.

It wasn’t until her presence had completely faded that the Nez bloodbornes gradually came to their senses.

They looked at each other, seeing fear and confusion in each other’s eyes.

Is it… over?

Has the True Ancestor left?

Has She really changed?

But… what was the phenomenon representing destruction and madness just now?

Wasn’t that the scene described in legends, occurring only when the True Ancestor exerted her power to devour the world and Gods?

She… wasn’t planning to attack the Nez Clan just now?

Is She really no longer that terrifying, crazed entity?

The Nez bloodbornes were still in shock, even the few Legendary Blood Dukes were sweating profusely.

It wasn’t until Bardock’s stern voice sounded.

“Everyone, the return of the True Ancestor is still a secret. Everything that happened today must remain hidden!”

“Remember the True Ancestor’s decree, from today, the highest leader of our Nez Clan is the great True Ancestor.”

Hearing Bardock’s words, the Nez bloodbornes hesitated for a moment, then all bowed their heads.

Despite feeling uncertain about the recent phenomenon and still being fearful and confused… since even Lord Bardock said so, they had no reason to hesitate.

At least… Lord Bardock must be considering the future of the Nez Clan.

After all, he was one of the founders of the Nez Clan and a staunch supporter of Casey.

“Lord Bardock must have made a well-considered decision, right?”

“Lord Bardock’s choice must be the right one.”

The Nez bloodbornes consoled themselves internally.

Of course, they did not know that Bardock himself, standing on the stage, was also very nervous.

However, one fact remained: at this moment, the Nez Clan had no other choice but to submit.

As for the Stargazer Casey…

Being immortals, the faith of the bloodborne was never as firm as other races, and with their God missing for centuries, it was evident that while the Nez Clan had faith in their God, it wasn’t much.

At this moment, faced with a carrot and stick approach, they all knelt down.

“Robin, Yorok, the True Ancestor has returned. You should know how to handle the Starfall Throne now, right?”

Looking serious but inwardly anxious in front of thousands of bloodbornes, Bardock turned to the Dukes and asked.

Duke Yorok hesitated for a moment, looked at Elder Robin, and Elder Robin sighed, respectfully saying,

“The Starfall Throne should naturally be inherited by the rightful heir appointed by the former king—Charlotte de Castell.”

Bardock nodded.

“Very well, proceed as such. After all, we are all on the same side, it’s like transferring from one hand to the other. If anything, this is actually the best outcome for the Nez Clan, as being recognized by the True Ancestor is the best possible scenario for our kin. As for the Lilac family… they’ve always had too many tricks up their sleeve, they were never suitable as successors to collaborate with Nez.”

Hearing Bardock’s words, the Nez bloodbornes surprisingly did not object.

Indeed, the Lilac family had always been fickle. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have seized power with the support of the Holy Court back then.

The Blood Dukes exchanged glances, showing even more respect towards Bardock.

“You are right.”

Seeing the correct attitude of the Dukes, Bardock felt slightly relieved.

However, when he looked at Elder Robin, he saw that he seemed to have something to say, looking solemn.

Bardock’s heart moved.

“Robin, is there something you wish to say?”

Duke Robin nodded.

“Lord Bardock, the Witch of Prophecy, Eugenia, conducted a divine vision and prophecy before her slumber. She foresaw the future of the Nez Clan and to some extent, foresaw the True Ancestor as well.”

“She has some key information, and she has important words to convey to the True Ancestor…”

“The Witch of Prophecy?”

Bardock’s heart stirred.

…

“The Witch of Prophecy?”

In the castle, looking at the respectful Elder Robin and Duke Yorok, Charlotte’s eyes narrowed.

She recalled Albrecht’s relevant memories and her own knowledge, then used her divination skills for a moment. Her eyes lit up with realization.

“Ah… so that’s it. Lady Anna from Borde City is her avatar…”

“She turned out to be the Saintess of the Nez Clan…”

“So, the mysterious seer mentioned by the Chief Speaker of the Starfall Parliament, Count Stafford, is also likely her avatar?”

After speaking, Charlotte looked at the Nez Clan’s Elder.

“Speak, what does she wish to convey to me.”

Elder Robin took a deep breath and relayed Eugenia’s message to Charlotte.

Charlotte frowned slightly, falling into contemplation.

“Do not attempt to change the history that is unfolding, it’s the future that needs to be changed…”

At this moment, Charlotte’s heart was indeed quite shaken.

Her time travel was her biggest secret, known to no one so far, protected by the Gospel of Blood, which itself could counteract spells.

Divination magic capable of observing Gods must be related to divine power, possibly even divine spells. With the Gospel of Blood in place, unless Charlotte voluntarily gave up her protection, others couldn’t divinate her time travel.

Therefore… Eugenia couldn’t possibly know her secret.

Thinking this, Charlotte’s expression grew more serious.

Eugenia says this is a revelation from the past True Ancestor. Could it be… that this is some kind of message from the past Lilith, conveyed to Charlotte through Eugenia’s divination?

Perhaps the Witch of Prophecy, Eugenia, saw something in her divination, a prophecy from the past?

But what does this prophecy mean?

Did Lilith know she would travel through time?

Is Lilith warning her not to change history?

Is her time travel connected not only to the Gospel of Blood but also to Lilith?

But what does “the history that is unfolding” mean?

What is meant by “the history that is unfolding”?

Charlotte frowned, lost in thought.

“Where is Eugenia sleeping?”

She asked after a moment.

Elder Robin sighed.

“True Ancestor, Eugenia has willingly fallen into slumber. Before she slept, she said that now is not the time to meet you.”

Charlotte’s frown deepened.

Divination practitioners always had this mystical and vague manner. The more powerful a diviner was, the more they seemed like a charlatan.

Charlotte was very curious. She really wanted to pull her out of her coffin and ask her what was going on, but at the same time, out of respect for the “prophet”, her intuition told her that perhaps now was indeed not the right time to meet her.

It was a hard-to-describe “sixth sense”, an intuition stemming from her semi-divine nature.

“I understand. Notify me immediately when she awakens.”

Charlotte said after some thought.

“As you command.”

Elder Robin replied respectfully.

Looking at the respectful Duke Robin, Charlotte recalled some information she had learned from Yurst in the past.

“Duke Robin, if I remember correctly… you are one of Casey’s favored?”

Elder Robin was taken aback.

After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded honestly.

“Indeed.”

Charlotte paused, then asked.

“Do you still wish to resurrect Him?”

Elder Robin hesitated, momentarily silent.

A vision of that stone door flashed in Charlotte’s mind, and she exhaled softly, speaking meaningfully.

“Rest assured, aside from Abaddon, I harbor no ill will toward the remaining princes, including Casey.”

“If he is willing to pledge allegiance to me, I will welcome it. As for what happened in the past, I am not overly concerned.”

“Bardock should have already informed you not to confuse me with the True Ancestor of Blood from the past.”

“However, if you still wish to awaken the Stargazer Casey… I advise you to give up for now. His current state may not be normal.”

Elder Robin’s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t help but ask.

“True Ancestor… do you… know something?”

Charlotte shook her head.

“I can’t give you a definitive answer right now. If possible, I hope nothing has happened to Him.”

Seeing Duke Robin’s slightly agitated yet unsurprised expression, Charlotte’s heart stirred.

“Why, Duke Robin, do you know something else?”

Duke Robin hesitated for a moment, then replied honestly.

“Actually… Eugenia also warned me similarly. She advised me to give up on awakening Cauchy. She told me… the Casey that would return may not be the same Casey…”

“Moreover… in Casey’s last divine revelation to me, he instructed that unless He actively summons me through divine favor, I should not seek divine signs from Him…”

“I remember it was a stern warning, and that warning… was over four hundred years ago.”

The returning Stargazer Casey may not be the same Casey?

Wait… four hundred years ago?

Recalling the warning on the stone door and the cries for help from inside, along with the age of the warning inscriptions, Charlotte felt a chill.

After pondering for a moment, she spoke seriously.

“Robin, I can promise you that I will investigate what happened to Him. But until then… I hope you will also heed my orders.”

Elder Robin hesitated briefly, then bowed respectfully.

“Everything… as you command.”

Seeing Elder Robin’s acceptance, Charlotte nodded inwardly.

She had thoroughly reviewed the Nez Clan’s records and knew that he was a fervent believer in the Stargazer Casey. To be able to reassure him at this moment was a great relief.

Of course, she wasn’t deceiving him. She did intend to investigate the stone door in the consciousness space and find out what happened to the Stargazer Casey.

Her intuition told her that this might also relate to the collective “slumber” of most current Gods…

Perhaps, it might even be related to Lilith being forgotten.

Seeing Charlotte deep in thought, Duke Yurok hesitated and couldn’t help but ask.

“True Ancestor, regarding your return, do you… still wish for it to remain a secret?”

Charlotte glanced at him and nodded.

“I prefer it that way.”

Hearing Charlotte’s words, Duke Yorok had a complex expression, with a hint of schadenfreude.

“In that case, you might not be able to ignore Luna Island branch. Although we have sworn allegiance to you, the two Blood Dukes of Luna Island… have just fled.”