17th Dawn

After it happened, I stood still for several minutes, trying to comprehend the events that had just unfolded. I realized that Mist had ended her life because Aloka was dead and she had lost the will to live. She didn't hesitate to self-destruct in hopes of reuniting with her lover. What a twisted form of love. But even though I understood it, I couldn't help but feel guilty about everything.

Felidae nearly murdered someone because of me. Mist was dead because of me. Aloka was dead because of me. The old man was dead because of me. I had three lives lost on my hands. My face contorted in horror as I covered my mouth, and a voice in my head kept repeating that I was cursed—that everything I touched, I destroyed. As my soul sank into despair, I heard a small, soft voice say, "Jeremiah, are you okay?"

I snapped back to my senses, the voice of Felidae grounding me in the moment. "Yes, I am. Sorry for startling you," I replied, my voice shaky. "Thank you for saving me. But please, never do that again."

Felidae nodded sadly, and I felt a pang of sorrow for her. She'd already been through so much, and now she was putting herself at risk for me. I pulled her into a hug, trying to offer her comfort. "I'm still grateful that you came to my rescue," I whispered, and her expression softened.

"How did you get back to Yommir City?" I asked after a moment, trying to shift the focus from the tense situation.

"I just read the chants you said earlier," she replied.

"What a smart kid," I said, smiling faintly. "Now, sit on your bed while I clean up the blood in my room."

After cleaning up the blood, I turned to Hildegarde. "What Mist said earlier about you... what did she mean?" I asked, but she didn't answer my question. Instead, she avoided it entirely.

"Jeremiah, it seems you've inherited my ability, 'Blood-Tiered Evolution,'" she said, changing the topic.

I furrowed my brows. "What's that?"

"Blood-Tier allows me to inherit the recessive powers of others," Hildegarde explained. "I can only inherit one at a time, but it seems you can inherit two or more."

I thought for a moment. "Ah, I see. That's why the old man advised me to consume Aloka's blood."

She interrupted me, her expression turning serious. "You've also inherited Mist's abomination essence. Some of her blood spilled into your mouth."

I sat back, taking it all in. My mind was racing with questions, but everything felt overwhelming. After everything that had happened, one thing was clear—someone was trying to kill me, and they were connected to Hildegarde. My plan was to locate the remaining abominations and uncover the mysterious figure who had ordered their attempts on my life. I had to figure out their connection to Hildegarde. It would be a long and difficult journey, but I had to do it—for Felidae's safety and for my own sanity.

1st Arc Completed

Epilogue

Person 1: "Mist is dead. She was killed by Hildegarde, or more precisely, 'her vessel.'"

Person 2: "Do you know his name?"

Person 1: "No, but we can't afford to sit and wait for his orders. The killer has taken two of us now. We must get our revenge."

Person 2: "I get your point, but we have to wait for Lord Darcel's orders."

Person 1: "His orders? The order that got Mist and Aloka killed?"

Person 2: "I'm sure Aloka and Mist didn't mean anything to you, so what's your excuse?"

Person 1: "Ah, you got me. I just want to eat something. My body is craving blood, and there's no better prey than him."

Person 2: "Whatever. Do as you wish. I'm following Lord Darcel's orders."

Somewhere Else

Mysterious Animal: "Mist is dead. Two of the abominations are dead. And you still haven't gotten hold of the oracle?"

Lord Darcel: "I am aware. I'm entrusting this task to them."

Mysterious Animal: "What about Hildegarde? What could she have heard that made her murder the 12th abomination for no reason?"

Lord Darcel: "I'd like to know, or I have to find out for myself. I will sacrifice anything to save her. Time is no longer on my side. With each passing moment, I am becoming miserable."

Mysterious Animal: "I couldn't care less about your feelings. All I'm interested in is you becoming the ROTN." The animal vanishes.

Lord Darcel: Sigh "Everyone with their selfish reasons. Not that I'm one to speak. Abigail, fetch me some casual clothes. I'd like to visit Yommir City today."

Abigail: "As you wish, my lord."

To be continued...