After handing Evens a £100 startup fund, Lorien had mostly ignored how the man was developing his so-called "church."
Whenever Jack Arnold reported to him, he would mention Evens' activities in passing—but Lorien never paid much attention.
So, he had only fragments of knowledge about the Oathbound Cross and zero awareness that they were already infiltrating East London's underworld.
Tonight, however, he chose to reveal himself.
The moment he did, Evens—who had been basking in his own brilliant strategies—sensed a strange yet familiar power.
He turned around sharply.
"My Lord!"
Lorien's spiritual form looked vastly different from his usual self.
His crimson apparition was now nearly seven feet tall, draped in a pitch-black cloak, his eyes glowing a burning brass color—like molten gold swirling in fire.
A heavy, oppressive aura radiated from him.
The moment Evens turned, so did Michel—one of the Oathbound Bloodbound.
But the instant his gaze landed on Lorien's form, his pupils dilated.
Something deep within his blood screamed at him—an undeniable instinct.
A primal fear told him:
Do not disrespect this being with direct eye contact.
His breath hitched.
His muscles trembled involuntarily.
Michel had been a Bloodbound for a while now, yet never before had he felt this level of oppression.
Even Evens—who held authority over him—only ever felt marginally superior in terms of power.
And now, hearing Evens' reverent address, Michel knew instantly—
This was their god.
Or at least—
A divine incarnation.
Michel's head dipped forward, his face flushing uncontrollably with unnatural excitement.
His body quivered.
Everything Evens said was true.
The Oathbound Cross truly served a god.
Not just some fabricated myth to control the masses, but a real, living deity!
And realizing that he, Michel, had been chosen to wield divine power…
He nearly collapsed into worship.
Lorien, meanwhile, was struggling not to cringe.
Shit.
Didn't expect them to react this dramatically.
With a deep, composed voice, he forced himself to say:
"You have done well."
Oh no.
I have an image to maintain now.
Hearing the Lord's praise, Evens shivered with ecstasy.
His voice trembled.
"It is my sacred duty!"
Evens had long since believed Lorien was a devil walking among mortals, wearing a false human guise.
And now, seeing his true form—he felt validated.
To Evens, Lorien was not a mere man—
He was a dark deity.
His "detective identity" was likely just a vessel, a temporary shell for his true form.
And that silver ring?
It was probably a relic from Hell itself, a tool used to unseal the divine essence within.
But then, as his thoughts spiraled into mad reverence, Evens suddenly snapped out of it.
He shook his head violently.
What am I doing?
How dare I speculate on the Lord's divine existence!
Such thoughts are blasphemy!
Lorien watched this internal breakdown unfold in real time.
This man is way too deep in the sauce.
He barely held back a grimace and simply said,
"Tell me the state of the Oathbound Cross."
"At once!" Evens remained bowed as he began his report.
Taking a deep breath, he spoke:
"Through these past weeks of careful expansion, the Oathbound Cross now has two Bloodbound—Michel and Green."
Hearing his name spoken by the Lord, Michel's breath grew heavier.
His usual composure shattered.
"Aside from them," Evens continued, "I have categorized our followers into three levels—'Senior Members,' 'Standard Members,' and 'Outer Members.'"
Senior Members were the only ones aware of vampires and the supernatural truth behind their faith. Standard Members knew only that some followers had been "blessed" with supernatural strength. Outer Members knew nothing at all—merely serving as workers, informants, and revenue sources.
"Currently," Evens reported, "we have 13 Senior Members, 8 Standard Members, and 15 Outer Members."
"To ensure security, I personally oversee every new recruit and promotion, thoroughly vetting them before they can rise in rank."
"Furthermore—"
"The church now fully controls a billiard club, as well as other assets…"
"Currently, we generate about £40 per week in revenue."
Lorien was silent.
He hadn't expected Evens to have organized all this so well.
Damn.
This man was wasted as a house servant.
He was a natural cult leader.
Lorien was extremely satisfied.
But then—
He suddenly remembered Benson.
The ghost lawyer he had recruited.
"And what have you assigned Benson to?"
Hearing this, Evens' eyes lit up with reverence.
"My Lord still remembers his name…!"
His voice filled with awe as he answered,
"Benson now serves as our legal advisor, ensuring we avoid unnecessary conflicts with the authorities."
"Additionally, he is assisting in the compilation of the Oathbound Codex."
Lorien almost choked.
The what?!
"The Oathbound Codex shall be our sacred scripture," Evens explained.
"A text to record Your divine will and the doctrines of the Oathbound Cross.**"
Evens added carefully,
"The work was personally commissioned by Lord Arnold, who instructed Benson and I to compile it under strict supervision to avoid errors."
"Once it is complete, we shall humbly present it to You for review."
"Thus, it may take some time to perfect."
Lorien mentally facepalmed.
Bruh.
I'm just a vampire, not some eldritch god.
He suddenly worried that one day, actual religious authorities might catch wind of this.
And considering this world had powerful churches with their own armies, he really didn't want to wake up one day to find a band of crusaders breaking down his door.
"You are too heretical!"
So, keeping his expression unreadable, he calmly responded:
"The Oathbound Codex may proceed, but…keep it internal. Do not let it spread outside the church."
No holy book distribution, please.
That's one way to attract the Vatican's finest assassins.
Evens bowed deeply.
"As You will, my Lord!"
Lorien exhaled subtly.
This was getting out of hand.
But…
At least they were competent.
And making serious progress.
He had to admit—
For a group of people who originally had no idea what they were doing…
They were handling things shockingly well.
"Alright then…" Lorien murmured to himself.
"Let's see how far this madness can go."
TO BE CONTINUED…