Can't I Raise Myself? Chapter 39

[Blood Sacrifice: 6999/8888]

"Is this 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 procure so many sacrificial offerings.

Ryan couldn't help but curse.

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

The problem was, he couldn't possibly procure over a thousand more.

"Let's try it first."

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

'Shally' gripped the sword 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 it. The next moment, a prompt popped up—

[Do you wish to use the item 'Karut's Blade'?]

There was no prompt before. It was clear that the quest item's effect had been triggered in this situation.

[Yes.]

[You have consumed Karut's Blade.]

Clang!

A blood-red light instantly bloomed outwards, dissolving the evil spirits swarming around the altar. The moment 'Shally' raised the sword, it was as if she had truly ascended to the throne of victory.

[You have drawn the Sword in the Stone.]

[The Will of the War gazes upon you. For the next step, please offer a sacrifice to It.]

[Blood Sacrifice: 6999/8888]

"This is counted towards me?"

Ryan had been worried before whether the Blood Cult's ritual would count. Now it seemed it was all included. Since it was all blood sacrifice, the gods didn't care who provided it.

His gaze fell upon the blood-red greatsword.

[Sword of Ares · Class Bound]

[Quality: Tier 1 · Legendary]

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

[Effect 2: Attack Damage +10%.]

[Trait: Upgradeable]

[Attached Skill: Blood Sacrifice — Sacrifice a portion of life force to activate abilities.

Sacrifice Stage 1: Blood Sky Slash, consumes 10% life force to cast. Sacrifice Stage 2: Blood Return, consumes 20% life force to cast. Sacrifice Stage 3: Blood Steel Armor... Sacrifice Stage 4: Blood Evil Shield... Sacrifice Stage 5: Blood Clone... Sacrifice Stage 6: Blood Rune Break... Sacrifice Stage 7: Blood Devour... Sacrifice Stage 8: Blood Unrivaled... Sacrifice Stage 9: Blood Dragon Slash, consumes 90% life force to cast.

]

[Equipment Requirement: Blood Knight Class]

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

"Holy crap!"

Upon seeing the Sword of Ares's stats, Ryan couldn't help but curse.

He remembered the sword's stats. The effects were all normal, but the game didn't have that attached Blood Sacrifice skill!

"It's different from the game. Could this be a characteristic of being chosen by the gods?"

Regardless, Ryan's heart was now burning. He absolutely had to obtain the Blood Knight class!

"Perhaps I can make a gift of borrowed flowers."

After a moment of thought, Ryan had 'Shally' sheathe the sword.

From the outside, everything appeared unchanged.

Since he couldn't obtain the sacrificial offerings, he would let the Blood Cult continue to procure them. Although, as a Magistrate, allowing such behavior was somewhat improper, he couldn't do anything about it even if he wanted to right now.

Furthermore, 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 power would he be qualified to talk about saving others.

Take Jonathan, for instance. He understood his own situation better. To save others, you first had to save yourself. Do what you can, within your means, otherwise, it's all just talk.

"I'll come back to take another look."

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

For Ryan, nothing else mattered right now. His priority was to ensure his job advancement was successful. 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 reach level 20 tonight. However, Ryan was having a bit of a headache because supernatural beings needed higher-concentration Mana Potions for advancement.

Tier 2 potions weren't common goods. In all the time 'Lin Qi' had spent grinding, she had only managed to get one Tier 1 potion from an elite monster two days ago.

After much thought, Ryan decided to try finding Lia.

She was a High Priestess, so she must have many treasures.

Besides, if he was going to help 'Lin Qi' run for Saintess, he couldn't just say it, could he?

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, wearing a white long dress with lace trim and a wide-brimmed hat, was tall. The way she walked with a smile made her look more like a noble.

The game officially listed her age as twenty-eight, which was a bit older, but she was actually very popular.

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

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

"High Priestess," 'Lin Qi' said, bowing slightly. "I have something I'd like to ask of you."

"Go ahead."

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

Perhaps meeting 'Lin Qi' at this time and place was even a guidance from Janus.

"I'd like to ask the High Priestess to help me find a Tier 2 Mana Potion."

"You're advancing?" Lia asked in surprise. "So soon?"

After all, when she first met 'Lin Qi', the latter wasn't even a formal supernatural being. Not long after, she became one and displayed powerful class characteristics.

Back then, she already felt that 'Lin Qi' was qualified to compete for the position of Saintess.

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

Ryan was confident saying this, as he could clearly see the experience bar.

"Hoo~ If that's the case, then I can help you wholeheartedly," Lia said excitedly. "I have the potion with me. However, the danger of the advancement ritual is no less than becoming a supernatural being, so you must be fully prepared."

Why were there so few high-level supernatural beings?

Even those who theoretically possessed magical talent rarely reached corresponding heights.

The fundamental reason was the great danger of supernatural advancement. Consuming higher-concentration potions meant a closer connection between the soul and its faith channels, which was extremely dangerous for mortals.

If it failed, the best outcome was a simple failure, and they could try again later.

A worse outcome was mental instability, turning into a madman.

Even more severe was being corrupted by power and becoming a ghoul.

Or, they could simply die.

Therefore, generally, when supernatural beings advanced, 'seniors' would guard them. Although their help was limited, it could be useful in critical moments... perhaps.

However, 'Lin Qi' refused Lia's kind offer. Her advancement was determined as a game character. She didn't follow the procedures of this world's supernatural beings at all. Just looking at the supernatural ritual was enough.

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

Lia didn't insist.

In her heart, she strongly believed that 'Lin Qi' was likely a Chosen of the Gods.

And the chosen were different from ordinary people. Perhaps 'Lin Qi' had already received a divine revelation, and her role was just to be a supportive assistant.

"May the light 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 join the protagonist group, their mind is clear."

In front of the game interface, Ryan stroked his chin. Lia, when I become successful in the future, I won't forget you.

With the advancement item in hand, all that was left was to grind his level to 20.

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

A Magistrate walked into the office and handed the layout to Ryan.

Tomorrow was the day of the Mass. To ensure Caslathdi's safety, the Bureau of Governance would set up defenses early tomorrow morning. Ryan had naturally delegated this task directly.

As he looked it over, he noticed a problem.

Ryan had specifically requested reinforcements from the East City branch under the guise of strengthening defenses. A total of ten people, led by Jonathan, had been brought in, but they were all relegated to the corners.

This kind of thing was just a formality. After all, they were in the city, at the Janus Church. Under normal circumstances, how could an incident occur? There was no need to compete for merit, and if anything went wrong, they would be scolded. Generally, the grunt work was even given to people from the branch bureaus, allowing the main bureau to slack off.

So, the person responsible for the layout had an issue.

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

As expected, here it was.

"Deputy Captain Gerson, I didn't expect this seemingly honest fellow to be a mole too."

Ryan had been in the main bureau for many days and had already figured out the situation. Gerson was the deputy captain, and Ryan usually assigned him tasks. The latter was also quite obedient to him.

Gerson definitely didn't know his identity. Otherwise, he would have likely recited the slogan as soon as he took office.

"Mm, proceed with this. Tell the person in charge to set out early tomorrow," Ryan said.

The Magistrate acknowledged and left.

Ryan stood up, closed the door, and then called Jonathan, informing him of the overall layout.

He didn't plan to modify the layout. This thing wasn't actually important. As long as Caslathdi knew in advance, she could just move in the opposite direction of the layout when the time came.

Adler probably didn't expect Gerson to succeed. It was just a gamble.

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

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

"Alright, then I'll go find the princess first."