"I asked you to recruit people and establish a base—And half a day later, you turned it into a full-blown cult?"
Hidden in the shadows, Lorien watched the fanatic gathering with a dumbfounded expression.
He hesitated.
For a moment, he seriously debated whether or not to reveal himself.
Because—
This was way too embarrassing.
After a moment's thought, he decided to stay hidden a little longer, silently observing the ongoing "blood-giving" ceremony.
"Priest, will all of us be blessed with 'Holy Blood'?"
Someone in the crowd cautiously asked.
"Heh."
Evens narrowed his eyes.
"Of course not."
The sermon was over—
Now, it was time to talk business.
"Every child of 'God' has their place in the order of things."
"Only those who contribute will be deemed worthy of the 'Holy Blood's' blessing—"
"And only then shall they become Blooded—or 'Blood Servants'."
Evens pulled out two vials of blood, given to him by Jack Arnold.
According to his calculations, each vial was just enough to complete one transformation.
And since there was no more blood left,
They would have to wait until later for further blessings.
"Green, Michelle—step forward."
The crowd parted as two young men approached.
Their faces flushed with excitement.
"Priest, we are ready!"
Evens nodded approvingly.
"Green has donated 13 pounds and 12 pence to the 'Eternal Family.'"
"Michelle has brought three new converts into the fold."
"Thus, they shall be the first to receive the 'Holy Blood.'"
He extended his hands, offering them the vials.
Green and Michelle took them without hesitation—
And drank.
The transformation was immediate.
Their pale skin turned rosy—
Their bodies straightened, growing slightly taller—
Their irises shimmered with a crimson glow.
"This… this is…!"
Green stared at his hands, his skin smooth and renewed,
Yet underneath, he felt a power he never imagined possible.
Unable to contain himself, he swung his fist through the air—
BOOM.
Even his sleeve tore through the wind with a sonic burst.
Michelle, more reserved, kept his composure—
But the smile on his lips betrayed his delight.
It was real.
The "Holy Blood" was real.
The witnessing crowd fell into a frenzy.
Some clenched their fists in jealousy—
Some gritted their teeth in frustration.
"Why them?!"
"Why not me?!"
Every single person in that room had entered with doubt—
Now, that doubt was gone.
They wanted "Holy Blood."
They needed it.
They had to prove themselves worthy.
Then someone spoke up.
"Priest, you still haven't told us…"
"What is our faith called?"
Evens raised his hand, motioning for silence.
When the murmuring died down, he spoke slowly:
"'God' came into the world and brought us the 'Gospel.'"
"And with Him, He called forth His Firstborn—"
"The one whom we share as our Spiritual Father and Blood Father."
"It is through His will that 'Holy Blood' flows to us all."
"There is no need for you to know His name—"
"Only that He is greater than your father and mother."
The crowd trembled at his words.
Evens paused for effect—
Then slowly pronounced their new name:
"We are the 'Order of the Blooded Cross.'"
In the Shadows
Lorien watched in silence.
He could feel it—
He was still receiving feedback from those who had been turned.
But he could not directly control them.
Once Evens had finished giving orders and sent the new "converts" away,
Lorien finally stepped out of the darkness.
"Master!"
Evens was still riding the high of his sermon.
"..."
Lorien tried not to cringe.
"Master?"
Seriously?
Couldn't he have come up with something less humiliating?
"I have a task for you."
"Anything, my Lord!"
"Find me three gang members—all with blood on their hands."
"Let Green and Michelle handle it—I want to test their abilities."
"Understood!"
Evens immediately left to relay the orders.
Half an hour later, he returned alone—
Dragging three bruised and bloodied gangsters with him.
"Master," he greeted, bowing his head.
"These three are from the 'Three Pence Society.'"
"They don't have high bounties on their heads, but—"
"They're all murderers."
Evens didn't ask why Lorien needed them.
He didn't need to know.
"I have left Green and Michelle standing guard outside."
"No one will disturb us before these three die."
"Good work."
Lorien praised him generously.
Evens beamed at the compliment.
He turned to leave—
But Lorien stopped him.
"No. Stay."
Evens froze.
Then his expression twisted with emotion.
"Master…!"
Lorien ignored him—
And instead, focused on the three terrified gangsters.
"P-Please!"
"Sir, we… we didn't mean any harm!"
They had already seen Green and Michelle's powers.
But Evens—
Evens was something far worse.
His ashen-gray skin…
His sharp teeth…
His inhuman presence…
Whatever this place was—
They weren't leaving alive.
"Relax." Lorien smiled.
"I just need you to help me with something."
"I'm sure you wouldn't refuse, would you?"
"W-What do you need?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
Lorien reached into his pocket—
And pulled out the silver ring.
His eyes scanned the three men—
Then he pointed to one at random.
"You. Step forward."
The man hesitated.
Evens shoved him forward.
"P-Please! I-I've never even been with a woman yet!"
The man broke down in tears.
"..."
Lorien blinked.
"What, do you want me to hire a prostitute for you first?"
"N-No, sir! Please, have mercy!"
"Relax."
Lorien chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm not a monster."
"After this, you'll go exactly where you deserve to go."
Of course, where that was…
Depended on whether or not he survived.
"What's your name?"
"V-Vito. Vito Knox."
Lorien nodded.
Then turned to Evens.
"Put the ring on him."
Evens stepped forward, grabbing the man's trembling hand—
And slid the silver ring onto his finger.
The moment it touched his skin—
The ring hummed.
A deep crimson glow pulsed from within.
Something was happening.
And Lorien intended to find out what.
To Be Continued...