Can't I raise myself?

[Blood Sacrifice: 6999/8888]

"This is the number of people already sacrificed?"

Looking at the blood around him, Ryan immediately understood. The Blood Cult had likely been entrenched here for quite some time. With Mayor Bill covering for them, it wasn't strange that they could secretly gather so many sacrifices.

Ryan couldn't help but curse.

No wonder so many of the cases handled by the Bureau of Investigation involved disappearances with no leads. Most of them probably ended up here.

The problem was, he couldn't possibly bring over the remaining thousand-plus people.

"Let's try it first."

Since he was already here, he had to give it a shot.

'Shari' gripped the hilt and began to draw the sword.

But no matter how hard she tried, the Sword of Ares remained completely still.

Ryan opened his backpack and selected 'Karut's Blade' from within. The next moment, a prompt popped up:

[Use item 'Karut's Blade'?]

There was no prompt before. Clearly, the item's quest effect had been triggered by the current situation.

[Yes.]

[You have consumed Karut's Blade.]

Clang!

Blood-red light instantly erupted outwards, dissolving the ghouls swarming around the altar. The moment 'Shari' raised the sword, it was as if she had truly ascended the throne of victory.

[You have drawn the Sword from the Stone.]

[The Will of War watches you. For the next step, please offer a sacrifice to Him.]

[Blood Sacrifice: 6999/8888]

"This counts towards my total?"

Ryan had previously worried whether the Blood Cult's ritual would count. Now, it seemed it was all tallied together. Since it was all blood sacrifice, the god didn't care who provided it.

His gaze fell upon the blood-red greatsword.

[Sword of Ares · Class Bound]

[Quality: First Tier · Legendary]

[Effect 1: Constitution +5, Magic +5]

[Effect 2: Attack damage increased by 10%.]

[Trait: Upgradeable]

[Attached Skill: Blood Sacrifice - Sacrifice a portion of vitality to activate abilities.

First Tier Sacrifice: Blood Sky Slash, consumes 10% vitality to release

Second Tier Sacrifice: Blood Return, consumes 20% vitality to release

Third Tier Sacrifice: Blood Steel Armor...

Fourth Tier Sacrifice: Blood Evil Shield...

Fifth Tier Sacrifice: Blood Clone...

Sixth Tier Sacrifice: Blood Rune Break...

Seventh Tier Sacrifice: Blood Devour...

Eighth Tier Sacrifice: Blood Unrivaled...

Ninth Stage: Blood Dragon Slash, consumes 90% vitality to release

]

[Equipment Requirement: Blood Knight Profession]

[Description: The honor bestowed by the Blood God upon the strongest warriors, now sealed for a hundred years, awaiting its next master.]

"Damn it!"

After seeing the attributes of the Sword of Ares, Ryan couldn't help but curse.

He remembered the sword's attributes, and the effects were normal, but the game didn't have that attached Blood Sacrifice skill!

"It's different from the game. Could it be the 'Chosen by God' trait?"

No matter what, Ryan's heart was burning now. He had to get the Blood Knight profession!

"Maybe I can offer a borrowed flower to Buddha."

Ryan pondered for a moment and had 'Shari' put the sword back.

From the outside, everything looked unchanged.

Since he couldn't get the sacrifice, he would let the Blood Cult people continue to do it. Although it was somewhat inappropriate for him to let such behavior go unchecked as a Police Officer, he couldn't manage it even if he wanted to right now.

Moreover, in places he couldn't see, countless people died every day.

Internal strife wasn't Ryan's style. What he could do was ensure his own safety while obtaining as much power and authority as possible.

Only with strength would he be qualified to talk about saving others.

Take Jonathan, for example. He knew his situation better. To save others, one must first save himself. Do only what you're capable of, or it's all just talk.

"I'll come back and take a look later."

After putting the sword back, 'Shari' didn't explore further and returned the way she came.

For Ryan, nothing else mattered right now. His priority was to successfully transfer classes. So, even if there were other things in this place, it didn't matter.

The next day, 'Lin Qi' continued to stake out the slums.

There was still no news from the Blood Cult, but her level had increased significantly. She should be able to challenge level 20 tonight. However, Ryan was having a headache because Transcendent advancement required higher concentrations of Mana Potions.

Second Tier Magic Potions weren't common goods. 'Lin Qi' had been grinding for so long, and only managed to get one First Tier potion two days ago after defeating an elite monster.

After much thought, Ryan decided to try asking Lia.

She was the High Priest, so she must have many treasures.

Besides, if he was going to help 'Lin Qi' run for Saintess, he couldn't just talk the talk, right?

After inviting Lia to meet, 'Lin Qi' returned to the church before the appointed time. Not long after, Lia arrived.

"Lin Qi, did you need something?"

Lia wore a white dress with lace trim and a wide-brimmed hat. She was tall, and her smiling demeanor made her look more like a noble.

The game's official age for her was twenty-eight, which was a bit old, but she was actually very popular.

Perhaps it wasn't just her age that was old, but other things too.

She hid her identity in Berman City. Only a few people from the Gate of Janus, like 'Lin Qi', knew about it. Even Cassidy had never actually met Lia.

"High Priest," 'Lin Qi' bowed slightly. "I have something I'd like to ask of you."

"Go ahead."

Lia was very fond of 'Lin Qi', a promising junior. She believed 'Lin Qi' was the best candidate for the next Saintess, both in terms of character and talent.

Perhaps meeting 'Lin Qi' here and now was even a sign of Janus's guidance.

"I'd like to ask the High Priest to help me find a Second Tier Magic Potion."

"You're going to advance?" Lia (she) asked in surprise, "That fast?"

After all, when she first met 'Lin Qi' (she), the latter wasn't even a formal Transcendent. Not long after, she became a Transcendent and even revealed powerful class characteristics.

At that time, she already felt that 'Lin Qi' (she) was qualified to compete for the position of Saintess (she).

"I can feel it, it should be soon."

Ryan (he) naturally had the confidence to say this, as he could clearly see the experience bar.

"Hoo~ If that's the case, then I can help you with all my might," Lia (she) said excitedly. "I have Magic Potions (she) on me, but the danger of the advancement ritual is no less than becoming a Transcendent, so you must be fully prepared."

Why are there so few High-tier Transcendent?

Even those who theoretically possess Magic Talent rarely reach the corresponding heights.

The fundamental reason is the great danger of Transcendent advancement. Taking Magic Potions (she) of higher concentration means a closer union between the soul and its path of faith, which is an extremely dangerous act for a Mortal.

If it fails, the best outcome is a pure failure, and you can continue afterward.

A worse outcome is mental abnormality, turning into a lunatic.

Even more serious is being corrupted by power and becoming a ghoul.

Or, you could simply die.

So, generally speaking, Transcendent advancements are overseen by 'seniors'. Although their help is not great, it can be useful at critical moments... perhaps.

But 'Lin Qi' (she) refused Lia's (she) kind offer. Her advancement was judged as a game character, and she didn't follow the procedures of this world's Transcendent at all. Just look at the Transcendent ritual.

"You really don't need my help? Alright then, be careful yourself."

Lia (she) didn't insist.

In her heart, she actually believed that 'Lin Qi' (she) was highly likely to be a God's Chosen.

And God's Chosen are different from ordinary people. Perhaps 'Lin Qi' (she) had already received an Oracle (she), and she (she) only needed to focus on being an auxiliary.

"May the radiance of Janus shine upon you."

[You have obtained Mana Potion - Tier 2.]

"I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. As expected of someone who can enter the Protagonist Group, their mind is clear."

In front of the Game Interface, Ryan (he) touched his chin. Lia (she), when I become successful in the future, I won't forget you.

With the advancement item in hand, all that's left is to grind the level to 20.

"Captain, this is the security layout for the church tomorrow. Please take a look."

A Police Officer walked into the office and handed the layout to Ryan.

Tomorrow was Mass Day. To ensure Cassidy's safety, the Bureau of Investigation would set up defenses early in the morning. Ryan had naturally delegated this task.

However, upon reviewing it, he found a problem.

Ryan had specifically requested reinforcements from the East District Branch under the guise of strengthening security. Ten people, led by Jonathan, had been brought in, but they were all relegated to a corner.

This was just a formality. After all, in the city, and at the Janus Church, accidents were highly unlikely under normal circumstances. There was no need to compete for merit; in fact, failure could lead to reprimands. Typically, the grunt work was even assigned to people from the branch offices, allowing the General Bureau to slack off.

Therefore, the person responsible for the layout was clearly problematic.

Ryan wanted to use this opportunity to see how many people in the General Bureau were connected to Adler. After all, Adler had even recruited him; the General Bureau couldn't have only recruited Norman.

As expected, here one was.

"Vice Captain Gerson, I didn't expect this seemingly upright guy to be a mole too."

Ryan had been in the General Bureau for days and had already figured things out. Gerson was the Vice Captain. Ryan usually assigned him tasks, and Gerson had always been quite obedient.

Gerson definitely didn't know his identity. Otherwise, he would have likely pledged allegiance as soon as he took office.

"Alright, proceed with this layout. Have the responsible person depart early tomorrow," Ryan said.

The Police Officer acknowledged and left.

Ryan stood up, closed the door, and then called Jonathan to inform him about the overall layout.

He didn't intend to revise the layout. It wasn't that important. As long as Cassidy knew about it in advance, she could simply take the opposite route according to the layout when the time came.

Adler probably hadn't expected Gerson to succeed and was just trying his luck.

"...I understand, Ryan. Be careful yourself tomorrow. I'll have Jack accompany you," Jonathan said.

"No, let's forget it. I'm afraid Jack might get scared," Ryan refused decisively. "Don't let Jack come tomorrow. I can handle it alone. It's not like I'll be fighting on the front lines. If it really comes to a fight, I'll at most deal with ordinary people. It's fine."

"Alright. In that case, I'll go see the Princess first."