At the same time, in Arizona, Phoenix City.
In a valley over a hundred kilometers outside the renowned Phoenix City lies a massive underground cave system.
Within this cave are countless passages and tunnels, so complex that even the most experienced adventurers could easily become lost.
Only one correct path navigates through this labyrinth to reach the final destination: a naturally constructed sacrificial temple made of crimson rocks and soil, protected by an invisible magical barrier.
Hundreds of men and women dressed in blood-red robes gather here. They kneel devoutly before a tall altar, though there are no offerings present. Instead, a pool of water has been excavated, filled to the brim with blood, indicating some kind of cliché occult ritual.
"Praise Blood Brothers! Praise the great Sebastian Blood! The day of prophecy approaches. Please awaken!"
In unison, the cultists shout, seemingly summoning a revered presence.
As the cultists' voices grow louder, ripples form on the surface of the blood pool.
Then suddenly, a figure emerges from the pool.
A young man, appearing to be around seventeen or eighteen years old, rises from the pool. His skin is unnaturally pale, and his crimson pupils emit an eerie, sinister light.
He stands up from the pool, unperturbed by his nakedness.
His name is Sebastian Blood. But it's not his name.
This name belongs to each generation's bishop of the Blood Church, passed down through nine generations. Hence, the young boy is also known as Sebastian Blood the Ninth.
The bishops of the Blood Church are also addressed as Blood Brothers, specifically, the ninth generation Blood Brother.
This occurrence signifies that Trigon's plans for Earth have been in motion for centuries. Trigon spread his faith on Earth many centuries ago, and his influence has been passed down to the present day, unbeknownst to humanity.
Blood Brother looks down upon the congregated cultists, extending his finger towards a young and beautiful female cultist, gesturing for her to approach.
The female cultist hesitates, looking at the naked Blood Brother. She considers numerous possibilities in her mind, but she has no intention of defying the bishop's command.
With an expression of honor, the female cultist walks towards Blood Brother and voluntarily removes her robe.
However, her actions fail to elicit Blood Brother's satisfaction. Instead, a crimson glow briefly flashes in his eyes.
...
...
Without hesitation, he tosses her remains into the blood pool.
Instantly, a corrosive sound erupts, and the female cultist's body disintegrates within the blood pool at a visible pace.
"She is now my sister. From this day forth, she shall gain eternal life within me!"
Blood Brother extended his arms towards the cultists, his face solemn, not even bothering to wipe away the blood that trickled from his mouth.
Even stranger events followed. All the elderly cultists in the gathering suddenly became fervent, shouting praises to Blood Brother.
Even the younger cultists, despite their inner fear, couldn't help but join in praising Blood Brother.
"Great Blood Brother! We awaken you today for a matter of utmost importance!"
At this moment, a cultist spoke loudly. However, Blood Brother shook his head, indicating that there was no need for further words.
"I have already learned everything from my sister. There is no need for you to inform me of the information."
"Jericho's efforts have failed. He squandered the divine power bestowed by Trigon, betraying our expectations!"
Blood Brother extended his hand, clenched into a fist, stating, "The Daughter of Trigon has manifested, the ancient prophecy's day is drawing near. The mighty Trigon shall descend upon the mortal realm, and we shall truly be blessed by our god!"
"Only by summoning Trigon can we redeem this world, steeped in sin and suffering!"
Blood Brother proclaimed, "To ensure the prophecy's fulfillment, we must reclaim the Daughter of Trigon. Raven belongs to the Blood Brothers!"
"Reclaim the Daughter of Trigon! Raven belongs to the Blood Brothers!"
The Blood Cultists began a fervent chant...
Meanwhile, at Titans Tower, in Yuri's room.
As Yuri entered, he saw Raven floating cross-legged above the bed, her eyes closed, and murmuring, "Heaven and Earth, all beings, heed my command..."
A visible circle of purple magic array hovered beneath Raven, adorned with mysterious runes.
As Yuri pushed the door open, Raven opened her eyes, and the magic array promptly dissipated, lowering her to sit on the bed.
"Ah, it's Mr. Sotos. Thank you for letting me rest here. I'm sorry for occupying your room for such a long time. I'll leave now."
Raven's mood appeared to have settled, showing no trace of emotional fluctuations on her face. This was because she constantly needed to control her emotions, otherwise, she would be susceptible to the corrupting influence of the Trigon's power within her.
Yuri was left somewhat speechless. Why was this girl being so polite? He immediately waved his hand, "You're overthinking it. I'm not here to chase you out."
"Also, don't call me Mr. Sotos. Formalities sound so awkward. Just call me Yuri."
"Well..." Raven hesitated for a moment, then softly spoke again, "Yuri?"
"I came to ask you something."
Yuri came to Raven's side, his expression earnest. "You can sense the conditions within someone's body, right?"
Raven nodded.
"Then... can you sense if there's any... malevolent force hidden within me?"
Raven was momentarily taken aback by this question. Her expression quickly turned serious as she closed her eyes slightly and concentrated.
After a while, Raven opened her eyes, as if exhaling a sigh of relief, she said, "No, your soul is very pure. It hasn't been affected by any malevolent forces."
"I see..."
Since an expert had said this, Yuri finally felt a bit more at ease. But then, he had another thought.
The one who underwent a change was Four-Arms, just because the original body was unaffected didn't mean the transformed state would be unaffected as well.
The room was too small to transform into the enlarged form of Four-Arms right now.
"Raven, how's your stamina now? If you have time, would you like to go somewhere with me?"
Yuri extended an invitation to Raven.
Unexpectedly, Raven accepted Yuri's proposal without much thought.
°°°
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