Gospel of Blood

Dawn City, Free City-States.

In the hall of the central tower, fifty “chosen ones” from various cities and tribes stood in a line, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. They ranged in age from their early twenties to as young as eight or nine, but most were in their teens.

Extraordinary warriors clad in elven equipment stood on either side of the hall, holding their swords high with pride.

In the center of the hall, on the high platform that drew everyone’s attention, stood Charlotte in a magnificent robe. She appeared almost mature, with silver hair, red eyes, a tall stature, golden light flickering in her pupils, and scarlet divine power swirling around her.

With a gentle raise of her hands, divine power suddenly burst forth, and in the next moment, scarlet mist enveloped the entire hall. The fifty “chosen ones” felt a soft power enter their bodies, quickly flowing through them. Deep within their souls, something seemed to slowly awaken.

As the brilliance faded and the crimson mist dissipated, they felt their senses greatly enhanced and their physical qualities subtly improved. When they looked around, they could vaguely see the flow of magical energy in the air.

“Magic… it’s magic! I can feel the magic described in the books!”

“This is extraordinary power! We really have extraordinary power now!”

Feeling the newfound power within them, they were filled with excitement and then prostrated themselves before Charlotte on the high platform.

“Praise Your mercy! Praise Your blessing!”

The hall erupted in enthusiastic cheers, and the people fervently worshiped Charlotte.

Charlotte exhaled lightly, hiding the fatigue in her eyes.

She nodded slightly, acknowledging the crowd, then turned and left amidst the adoring gazes.

Only after leaving the hall and dismissing the others did Charlotte finally let out a long breath. She rubbed her slightly throbbing temples, feeling the consumption of her blood divine power, uncertain if her actions held any real historical significance.

It had been ten days since she arrived in Dawn City, and this was her second time performing the “Divine Blessing.”

The consumption was greater than she had expected, not in terms of divine power, as she hadn’t used much of it, but in terms of mental effort.

Considering her bloodborne nature, Charlotte’s bestowed extraordinary power was not strong but rather aimed at stimulating and enhancing the recipients’ potential.

This required precise control over her divine power, even for Charlotte, who had ignited her divine flame.

After all, the power of bloodbornes was dominant. Charlotte’s own bloodline, modified multiple times, was nearly indistinguishable from the “True Ancestor.”

Giving too much power during awakening could turn the recipients into crazed monsters due to their inability to handle the bloodborne’s strength.

Charlotte could also transform the chosen ones into blood descendants through Embrace, but she refrained. The Embrace required giving her blood, which could be hazardous, especially considering her Demigod status. Moreover, her blood was precious, containing the essence of her bloodborne power.

Even so, the awakened extraordinary individuals still exhibited bloodborne-like traits, such as affinity for dark elements and enhanced recovery and burst strength.

Despite the significant effort, Charlotte found the process intriguing after the first attempt, as it served as a form of mental training, helping her control her rapidly growing power and strengthen her soul.

Leaving the hall, Charlotte ascended the stairs to the upper tower’s library, where Harald awaited her.

“Teacher, you’ve worked hard. I’ve selected all the books you requested.”

He said respectfully.

Glancing at the neatly arranged elven tomes, Charlotte nodded approvingly.

“Good.”

She scanned the room and inquired.

“Where’s Lilith?”

“She went to Silver City to investigate a lead on a divine fragment and to suppress some Old God Cultists.”

Harald replied.

Understanding, Charlotte nodded. Since mentioning the divine fragments, Lilith had been diligently gathering information, eager to help.

The Old Gods, like the God of Abomination and Deformity, were ancient Gods reawakened by the elves, now coveting the faith of the Free City-States.

Lilith and Harald’s rebellion had fragmented due to these Old Gods. Only their strength and control over elven artifacts allowed them to barely contend.

“Alright, I understand. I’d like to read for a while. Ensure I’m not disturbed, and inform me when Lilith returns.”

Charlotte instructed.

Harald nodded respectfully and departed.

Alone in the library, Charlotte eagerly approached the selected books, all elven texts, relics from the Tower Nation’s overthrow, and the greatest surprise of her journey.

Taking a deep breath, she sat at the desk, picked up the topmost book, and easily read the elegant elven script thanks to the Gospel of Blood’s aid.

“A Brief History of the Old Continent.”