“I said before that I didn’t know if it was meant to test you all. Why would I so easily exchange intelligence with strangers? How could I, a Demon-Hunting Nun, not know about the Bloodchant’s intelligence reports?” Samimi said coldly.
“But the Church really did have the Twisted Mountain Tribe’s bloodline completely wiped out…” Captain Frolro explained.
“Some things aren’t so easily erased. People have memories, people have roots that can be passed down from generation to generation,” Samimi pointed to her own head.
“So what about now…” Captain Frolro tentatively asked.
“We have been companions for some time. I trust you all. Now, I will talk openly about what exactly the Blood Clan is,” Samimi’s expression gradually hardened.
Captain Frolro nodded and Scout Karl took out a pen and notebook, ready to record everything.
“The Blood Clan is a form of energy being formed from condensed magical power. Their bodies are filled with a type of magic called [Science Mountain], also known as Blood Mage power. In fact, all purebred Blood Ghosts are Blood Mages.”
“They can use the Polluted Blood to simulate blood flow that is indistinguishable from human blood circulation. So from the outside, it’s impossible to tell a human from a Blood Ghost. Unless you’re wielding a blade against them, trying to guess is pointless.”
“They also have top-notch death-feigning abilities, perfectly mimicking the process of dying. So in some stories where Blood Ghosts suddenly appear in a village, it’s because their death act was too convincing.”
“The Blood Clan are completely parasitic poisons living among humans. They can perfectly imitate human appearance, replicate our emotions, and hide within our society, secretly killing from within the Blood Territory.”
“Humans simply don’t have the means to detect and eradicate the Blood Clan. Their existence has been present since the dawn of human civilization.”
“The initial purpose of the Church was to combat the Blood Ghosts. Because sharp blades and swords have no effect on the Blood Ghosts, only the sacred divine arts of the Church, combined with fire, can dissolve them.”
“Some ancient Blood Tigers aren’t even affected by fire. They are vulnerable only to sunlight. To deal with them, one must use a special power combining fire and sacred purification.”
“Perhaps that’s why the Blood Clan has been parasitizing among us for so long. It was only a few decades ago that the vampire threat was temporarily purged, but only for a short time — they have since risen again.”
“One day, if infected, your body will be contaminated by Polluted Blood and turn into a bloodthirsty, mindless ghoul. If you, now a ghoul, bite others, you will infect them as well.”
“Once the infection spirals out of control, a ‘One Dawn’ outbreak occurs, causing entire populations to fall to the disease.”
Samimi explained everything in detail, very carefully, but this time it was neither long nor dull — everything was useful information.
Key point one: All purebred Blood Ghosts are Blood Mages formed from concentrated magical energy.
Key point two: Being bitten by Blood Ghosts or ghouls will turn you into one.
Key point three: Only light and fire can counter the Bloodchant.
“So, Miss Samimi, isn’t your sacred flame invincible then?” Scout Karl asked out of habit.
“Karl, you’ve hit the key point. Otherwise, why am I the Church’s last Demon-Hunting Nun? It’s because I possess the sacred flame capable of countering the Bloodchant. But theoretically, it’s not true that fire and light can always defeat Blood Ghosts. Most magical attacks work,” Samimi smiled.
It sounded as if her last remark was meant for Ling Yuqi to hear. Since Blood Ghosts are concentrated magical energy, magic attacks should theoretically be effective, provided the magic shield doesn’t block it.
However, although vampires are Blood Mages, they are not good at magical shielding. Their combat style is more like that of stealthy assassins relying on special magic.
Speaking of the Academy, Samimi couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic about life at the Continental Magic Academy’s Maple Garden. Although there was always infighting, at least there was no risk to life.
Sure enough, once someone leaves Maple Garden, their campus life becomes something to reminisce about fondly. Yet while studying, one might even wish to burn down the Maple Garden itself — a bit too real.
“But no matter what, even if you really get bitten by Blood Ghosts, I have ways to help you recover,” Samimi said proudly. “Once we enter the Dungeon, remember not to stray far from me. If you get injured, come straight back to me for healing. Absolutely no lone ventures — otherwise, even if the goddess descends, she won’t be able to save you.”
“Understood.”
“Good.”
The three Knights Magus nodded repeatedly, responding seriously.
After delivering the evening advice, Samimi had nothing more to add. Next was just to wait for the mission to commence.
They went to reinstall the wooden gate broken by the Bloodchant and then rested inside the Command Officer’s small wooden hut.
Having gone through such a big event today, everyone was instructed not to wander around.
“Attention all Salvation Squad Knights, dinner time.”
At dusk, it was still the Purple-robed Bald Bishop who personally came over to serve their drinks.
“Demon-Hunting Nun Xiao Pao, the last of the teams has arrived at camp. Tomorrow at dawn, everyone will depart together,” the Bald Bishop delivered the latest news while everyone ate.
“Bald Bishop, can you tell us if anyone else is going into the Dungeon?” Samimi asked while eating, somewhat impatient.
“The Church originally arranged for ten Knights Inquisition to enter, including Director General Meibi and Scattered Sect Left Hand. Now with your five, there are fifteen Salvation Squad members. Additionally, there are five Kingdom Knights and five top Adventurers invited by the Adventurers Guild. The first reconnaissance team entering the Dungeon consists of twenty-five members in total,” the Bald Bishop said while rubbing his bald head.
“Twenty-five,” Samimi was sensitive to that number.
Not twenty, not thirty — a precise twenty-five.
She recalled that when the Knights Magus strategized the Crimson Court, the number of people was similar. In the end, only a handful made it out alive. But even those who escaped soon died from infection by the Polluted Blood. Ultimately, only Qiqi Zhu survived.
Because Qiqi Zhu had superior abilities, her body was immune to the toxins, which is why she lived.
In the end, even if the Church wanted to silence her, there was no one left to kill — that’s how tenacious she was.
“Thank you for the intelligence, Bald Bishop. Sorry to have kept you waiting this morning,” Samimi expressed her gratitude.
“No problem. By the way, everyone calls me Bishop Kaido. Please remember, I am the Bald Bishop,” Kaido said, patting his shiny head.
“No problem, Bald Bishop,” Samimi smiled in response.
“Rest well tonight, you all,” the Bald Bishop gestured. Having no more to say, he gave a dry chuckle and left first.