Chapter13-Preparation

"Honorable Deus Initium, your missionary is here to receive your divine decree!"

Upon seeing Deus Initium, Thomas immediately bowed reverently, like a servant meeting his master.

"Thomas, a small vampire clan resides in Howling Cavern. They have been troubling the surrounding villagers and devotees. Your task is to exterminate the vampire clan and restore peace to the village."

"Within ten days, annihilate the vampire clan and eliminate this threat once and for all!"

Owen's voice echoed grandly from the sky.

Thomas, his eyes filled with devotion, responded at once:

"Please rest assured, Deus Initium. I will see this task completed as soon as possible!"

The moment he finished speaking, the dreamlike world before him collapsed with a resounding crash.

"Hah!"

Jerking awake from his dream, Thomas's expression was solemn. The vision from his dream remained vivid in his mind.

Ten days. Exterminate the vampire clan!

The command had been delivered with the weight of divine authority, further intensifying his devotion.

For Thomas, being entrusted with a mission by Deus Initium was a great honor!

It meant he was capable of alleviating some of Deus Initium's burdens!

But merely completing the task was not enough—he wanted to exceed expectations.

"I must accomplish this mission in a way that will make Deus Initium immensely satisfied!"

A determined light shone in his eyes as he contemplated.

He knew very well that all the power and glory he possessed stemmed from Deus Initium!

Serving Deus Initium was the greatest honor of his life.

And he had a strong feeling that Deus Initium would have many more missionaries in the future!

He had to seize this opportunity to serve Deus Initium now.

As long as he executed his tasks flawlessly…

Even if Deus Initium took in many more missionaries, he would still be among the most valued!

And being valued by Deus Initium—that was what truly mattered!

Having made his decision, Thomas sat in deep thought for a while.

Gradually, a perfect plan formed in his mind.

Without hesitation, he returned to Stone Hall and called Theodore inside, who had been waiting outside the door.

"Theodore, go summon Old John and Eric."

Old John was still the village chief, while Eric was the vice-chief—essentially Old John's right-hand man. Both wielded great influence in the village.

Theodore nodded quickly and soon brought the two men over.

"Thomas, calling us over so suddenly—does something important require our attention?"

The moment they entered Stone Hall, Old John and Eric both looked at Thomas with solemn expressions.

As a missionary, Thomas's status in the village now far surpassed theirs.

If he had summoned them together, it had to be a major matter.

Thomas glanced at the two men.

"John, Eric—Deus Initium has just issued a new divine decree!"

At these words, both men immediately straightened their postures.

Eric, in particular, quickly adjusted his attire, ensuring there was no trace of filth or disorder on him. He feared any sign of disrespect toward the deity.

He had spent the past few days with the villagers of Lucas Village…

And during this time, he had personally witnessed the blessings of Deus Initium.

He would never forget that day.

A simple old farmer had knelt devoutly before the god's statue in prayer.

Then, a golden light had emerged from the statue, merging into the old man's body.

The next moment, the old farmer had directly become a tier-1 beginner awakener!

Even though Eric had seen it with his own eyes, it still felt unbelievable.

At the same time, any doubts he once had about Deus Initium vanished completely.

After all, he himself had gone through untold hardships and used countless means to become an awakener.

Now, Deus Initium had issued another divine decree!

Could this be his chance?

If he could earn Deus Initium's favor and recognition…

He might not only become a tier-1 advanced awakener…

But even reach tier-2—or tier-3, like Thomas!

As Eric's eyes burned with anticipation, Thomas finally spoke:

"Deus Initium has commanded me to eliminate the vampire clan in Howling Cavern within ten days, eradicating their threat to the village once and for all!"

Old John and Eric's eyes widened in shock.

"He wants us to take action against the vampire clan?!"

The vampires of Howling Cavern were known to all the nearby villages.

Everyone feared and despised them but had always been powerless to act.

The vampires had lived in the underground cavern for countless years.

Even when Old John and Eric were children, there had already been tales of villagers being abducted by vampires.

Every few years, the slumbering vampires would awaken, drain many villagers dry, and then return to their rest.

Many of their friends and relatives had been lost to the vampires over the years.

They hated the vampires deeply—but had never been able to do anything about them.

But now!

Everything was different!

The vampires were powerful, yes…

But now, they had Deus Initium's protection!

And now, Deus Initium had heard their prayers and personally intervened to end the vampire threat!

But… if Thomas had received a divine decree, wouldn't he be able to complete the mission easily?

Then why had he summoned them?

"Thomas, is there something else you need us to handle?"

Old John asked in confusion.

Thomas smiled.

"Many of the villagers taken by the vampires were from Colmar Village and Reinham Village. They, too, loathe and fear the vampires."

"You two will go to those villages and tell them that in one week, I, Thomas, acting on the divine decree of Deus Initium, will enter Howling Cavern and cleanse it of vampires!"

"They may send people to watch if they wish."

"If they feel it's too dangerous, they can wait outside our village. When we drag the vampires' corpses out of the cavern, they can see for themselves."

A smile spread across Thomas's face.

Simply completing the divine decree was not enough for him!

Since this was a mission from Deus Initium, it had to be executed perfectly.

This was also the perfect chance to incorporate Colmar Village and Reinham Village into their fold…

And bring more devotees to Deus Initium!

Technically, he could wait until after slaying the vampires to do this.

But after careful thought, Thomas decided—it was best to create momentum in advance!

He wanted to make a spectacle out of it.

He wanted everyone in the nearby villages to hear about it.

Many would watch and wait, expecting him to fail.

But he was certain…

In the end, the ones being laughed at would not be him!

Old John and Eric quickly caught on to Thomas's plan.

They exchanged a glance and immediately nodded.

"Understood, Thomas. Leave this to us!"

With that, they hurried off to begin their task.

A week passed swiftly.

By now, news of Thomas leading an assault on Howling Cavern had spread.

Even children had heard about it and were curious to see what vampires looked like—wondering if they were the red-haired monsters from their parents' stories.

The villagers of Colmar Village and Reinham Village, however, were skeptical.

After all…

The vampires had lived in Howling Cavern for generations!

How many villagers had already perished to them?

"Thomas must have some hidden agenda. With his strength, if he actually enters Howling Cavern, it'll be suicide!"

"Exactly! Years ago, even tier-2 peak awakeners from Black Iron tried to capture the vampires… and ended up drained dry!"

Colmar Village's chief, Kevin, sneered.

"Thomas? Taking on the vampires? He clearly doesn't know what death means."

As their laughter grew louder…

Suddenly, a few breathless young men ran over.

"Village Chief—Thomas has really entered Howling Cavern!"

Silence fell over the crowd.

Thomas… was he insane?

He actually dared to enter Howling Cavern?!