"My lord! What in the world is happening?"

"Why have so many of the Blood Race appeared in Damian City?"

"Have the Empire’s borders been overrun by Vampires?"

"..."

The ignorant commoners stared at the scene before them, instantly dumbstruck with fear. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Clearly, many of these benighted commoners hadn’t understood a word Joyce had just said.

However, many of the nobility, as well as men like Gaine, the Vice Legion Commander of the Blood Hunters’ Second Legion, understood perfectly.

Seeing the blood moon and the swarms of Blood Race that had abruptly filled the sky, they fell into utter despair.

"A... larger farm city for the Blood Race?"

"So that’s what he meant?"

"Heh, how ridiculous. How utterly ridiculous. All this time, we were just livestock. The so-called Empire was nothing but a joke!"

"Playthings? No, we don’t even qualify as playthings."

"..."

At this moment, many members of the Blood Hunters were having a complete breakdown.

But even now, some Blood Hunters still clung to a sliver of hope.

Yes, and that hope was embodied by the giant human silhouette in the sky, which still shone with a holy radiance under the crimson glow.

They even hoped that the so-called Deities truly existed behind this figure.

And so, in the square, at the very moment Damian City descended into chaos, the wiser among them all stood still, quietly gazing up at the heavens.

——————

"Interesting. Truly interesting!"

"I never thought we’d encounter something so novel in our Blood Race world."

"A visitor from an Exotic Realm. It’s alright to call you that, isn’t it?"

High in the sky, a Blood Race Prince from the Adams Empire—one who was hidden in the Empire’s shadows—was looking down at He’an with a playful expression.

[Name: Anos Fernandez]

[Race: Blood Race]

[Equivalent Tier: Saint Tier Peak]

[Skills: Omitted.]

[Identity: An existence from the dark side of the Adams Empire, one of the eight founding Blood Race Princes of the Adams Empire.]

Just staring at the Blood Race member’s status panel, He’an felt immense pressure.

’Saint Tier Peak.’

’Forget about me reaching Saint Tier this time.’

’Even if I complete the final step, reaching Tier Nine would be a good outcome.’

’But once I reach Tier Nine, getting to Saint Tier will just be a matter of grinding it out.’

’Over 1500 days in the Crimson World.’

’Less than four years here, while only five months have passed back on Blue Star.’

He’an was already quite satisfied with reaching Tier Eight in such a short time, with the possibility of hitting Tier Nine just around the corner.

After all, leveling up in the True Game wasn’t as easy as it was at launch.

This opportunity he had now was one that countless others could only dream of.

The phantom of Holy Light looked at the terrifying figure formed from a dense blood mist and simply smiled.

"Of course, that’s not a problem."

"However, you hosts have been quite enthusiastic this time. Arranging such a grand welcoming ceremony for me... I’m rather flattered."

"Oh, and I should introduce myself."

"I am He’an Freud, a humble Priest from the Star Empire. It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

As he spoke, He’an retracted the holy Elemental Body, quickly shrinking to his normal human size.

’After all, the Elemental Body was useless now.’

’He’d already put on the show he needed to.’

’The next part wasn’t his show to run.’

’Now, the only thing he had to do was stall for time.’

’But the time was almost up, anyway.’

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let the Thirteenth Princess, Fina, his contracted partner, choose today to execute the so-called Duke and his family.

Ultimately, everything that had happened today had been part of He’an’s calculations.

As he finished speaking, He’an secretly glanced at a progress bar only he could see.

[Mortal Star Gate construction in progress: 99.4%. Estimated time until Star Road is successfully opened: seven minutes. Forerunner Player, please ensure the base survival and safety of your believers in the remaining time.]

’That was close, but it’s a sure thing now!’

He’an did his best to control his emotions while continuing to stall for time.

However, the relaxed expression on He’an’s face made the two Blood Race Princes unconsciously adopt a thoughtful look.

"Star Empire?"

"We don’t know much about the worlds beyond our own, but you certainly have nerve."

"To be able to maintain such good cheer in our presence... Do you honestly believe you can escape from the two of us?"

"Or perhaps... you know we won’t actually kill you here, which is why you’re so fearless?"

The other of the two Blood Race Princes spoke up.

"Ah, yes. Since you, our guest, have introduced yourself, it would be rather rude of us not to state our own names."

"I am Zeverin Madison, Shepherd of the Adams Empire under the Blood God, and the Third Blood Race Prince."

"And I am Anos Fernandez, Shepherd of the Adams Empire under the Blood God, and the Fifth Blood Race Prince."

It had to be said, the Blood Race of this world possessed an air similar to that of nobility.

Their diplomatic etiquette, at least, was impeccable.

"So, our guest, what do you think? Will you come with us willingly? Or do you require a more... enthusiastic invitation?"

The Blood Race Prince Zeverin looked at He’an with a smirk.