Authorities

『 「Authority – Divine Radiance」

  – Emits a powerful sacred light. Heals the health and mana of those touched by the light and enhances their physical abilities. 』

『 「Authority – Sanctus Judicium」

  – Executes divine judgment. Responds to the target’s sins and malice. 』

『 「Authority – Lux Purificatio」

  – Grants the blessing of light. Cleanses all curses and impure energies. 』

『 「Authority – Oculus Veritas」

  – Pierces through the truth. Nullifies illusions and falsehoods. 』

『 「Authority – Hemomancy」

  – Converts blood into divine power. 』

『 「Authority – Deathmark」

  – Imbues the mark of death. Those marked cannot escape. 』

“Wow!”

I couldn’t help but exclaim at the six authorities revealed by my status window.

These must be the abilities granted to me as Michel’s apostle.

Each one was incredibly impressive.

『  ★    【Lycoris】    Dominant Thanatos Crown    LV305    6 years    ♀

  【Attributes】

  HP : 3,494/3,494 + (1,612,719)

  MP : 2,911/3,394

  Attack Power : 3,494

  Magic Power : 3,394

  Defense : 3,394

  Magic Resistance : 3,394

  Agility : 444 (Polymorph)

  【Skills】

   「Domain Control LV6」  「Crimson Apocalypse」  「Frost Immunity」  「Photosynthesis LV7」  「Annihilation Toxin」  「Dark Root Dance」  「Pollen Bloom LV8」  「Pollen – Allure (True) LV7」  「Pain Resistance LV4」  「Unconscious Action LV8」 「Pollen – Paralysis (True) LV7」 「Pollen – Recovery (Extreme)」 「Pollen – Hemorrhage (True) LV4」 「Pollen – Corrosion LV6」 「Pollen – Decay (True) LV4」 「Elysian Essence Honey」 「Nectar – Will (True) LV4」 「Bloodline」 「Red Moon」 「Intimidation LV7」 「Radiance LV7」 「Poison Resistance LV7」 「Overwhelm LV3」 「Polymorph」 「Authority – Divine Radiance」 「Authority – Sanctus Judicium」 「Authority – Lux Purificatio」 「Authority – Oculus Veritas」 「Authority – Hemomancy」 「Authority – Deathmark」

  【Traits】 

  [Inferno Stigma]  [Michel’s Encouragement]  [Demon Charm]  [Frostia’s Beloved Plant]  [Blood Delicacy] [Michel’s Flower] [Auto Outfit Equip (Basic – Black Dress Set) – Polymorph]  

[Polymorph Effect – Black & Red Smoke]  [Perfect and Flawless]  [Noble Dignity]  [Noble Lady Etiquette]  [Guardian of Sia Kalt]  [Mana Collector]  [Michel’s Apostle]  』

I naturally checked my information.

The auxiliary battery had an overwhelming amount of blood stored, over 1.6 million.

What I used on Ryandel and Levi earlier was clearly the ‘Divine Radiance’ ability, and its power must have come from Hemomancy converting my blood.

‘If all this blood is converted into divine power…’

“Wow, am I really this strong?”

The words slipped out unintentionally.

Over level 300 and a dazzling skill set.

With this spec and being Michel’s apostle, I felt nearly invincible.

Even the fire lion that Master had captured before could be defeated if the Ace Quartet was with me.

Of course, Master and Nis are still in a different league!

Hehe!

“Lycoris, what’s going on?”

“Just learned about the new abilities.”

“Besides the light arrows, are there more?”

Levi asked with sparkling eyes.

“Well… the healing ability you experienced, judgment, blessings, seeing the truth, converting blood to divine power, and the mark of death.”

“All are Michel’s traditional domains. Except for the blood conversion and death mark, I’m not sure…”

Ryandel said, deep in thought.

“That’s because you didn’t know Michel well! Michel is also the God of War!”

“Yes… Understood.”

Then the quartet rushed to me.

Miel fluttered above my hair, Cecilia flickered with flames on my shoulder, Rote began orbiting me faster, and Glacia approached closer.

“Well? You want the blessing too? Sure, take it!”

I used ‘Divine Radiance’ on the quartet as well.

Light arrows shot from my palms, piercing each of them in turn.

Miel’s wings fluttered faster, her blue glow intensifying.

Cecilia’s fiery wings blazed like small suns.

Rote floated higher, and Glacia… blinked in satisfaction before returning to her usual lethargy.

Checking my status window again, my HP auxiliary battery had decreased slightly.

『 HP : 3,494/3,494 + (1,610,608) 』

It seemed each use consumed about 500 blood.

This was the power of Hemomancy!

If I had plenty of blood, I could use it infinitely!

I wanted to test the other abilities too.

Especially ‘Lux Purificatio,’ which seemed like a purification ability.

“Ryandel, stay still for a moment.”

Ryandel stopped, looking puzzled.

I focused on purifying him, extending my hand.

A soft light enveloped him, but unlike Divine Radiance, nothing noticeable happened.

“Hmm, nothing’s happening?”

“What ability did you use?”

Ryandel asked, examining himself.

“Lux Purificatio. It’s supposed to cleanse curses and impurities. Guess you’re clean!”

I tried it on Levi as well, but again, nothing changed.

I tested it on Miel, Cecilia, Glacia, and Rote, but the result was the same.

None of them were cursed or tainted by darkness.

“Too bad. Wanted to see it in action…”

But then I reconsidered.

If none of them were cursed or tainted, that was a good thing.

‘What about Oculus Veritas?’

I was curious about how the truth-piercing ability worked.

It nullified illusions and lies, so I wanted to see how it functioned.

My gaze naturally turned to Rote, the strangest being among us.

The metal spider modified by Nis continued to orbit me.

“Oculus Veritas…”

I stared at Rote, trying to activate the ability.

Again, nothing happened.

Rote remained Rote, unchanged and without revealing anything hidden.

“Hmm… Maybe Rote isn’t an illusion or lie?”

A bit disappointing, but I decided to try the other authorities in different situations.

‘Sanctus Judicium’ could be used to judge the wicked, and ‘Deathmark’ could be used on fleeing enemies.

Either way, having these abilities was reassuring!

“Lycoris, shall we continue?”

Ryandel asked as I stood deep in thought.

“Yes! We must reach Master as soon as possible!”

Ryandel’s magic map guided us through the fastest route.

Thanks to me clearing all the monsters yesterday, we could take this path.

As we walked, night fell.

Cold starlight illuminated the gorge, and we found a large cave carved into an ice wall.

“Lycoris, shall we rest here for a bit?”

“Hmm? Won’t the blessing remove fatigue?”

“That… heals the body but not mental fatigue. A short rest would help.”

“Ah, I see.”

Memories of my human life faintly resurfaced.

Right, even with a strong body, mental rest was needed.

“Understood. Let’s rest here.”

We entered the cave.

It was warmer than outside but still chilly.

Ryandel and Levi quickly set up sleeping bags and lit a small magic fire.

‘Should I return to my flower form?’

Transforming back via Polymorph, Miel and Glacia darted to my flower core.

Their wings and legs tickled as they reached for the nectar.

‘Sigh, these nectar addicts.’

I produced plenty of nectar for them.

Miel sipped with rapid wingbeats, her blue glow brightening.

Glacia sucked in large amounts with her heavy snout.

Cecilia also began nibbling on my petals.

Meanwhile, Rote hadn’t eaten anything since leaving the labyrinth.

Now, she floated quietly, staring at us blankly.

‘Poor Rote…’

Using my Domain Control Radar, I checked for useful minerals in the cave.

Unfortunately, there were none, just solid ice and rocks.

‘Hmm… Maybe buy her some ore when we reach the kingdom…’

As I worried about Rote’s food, Ryandel and Levi were already asleep.

Their breathing echoed softly in the cave.

Miel, Cecilia, and Glacia rested around me in their own ways.

The night passed quietly.

***

In the underground chamber of the Kingdom of Genes.

Flickering torches cast dim light, and strange patterns were drawn on the floor with blood.

The twisting lines formed an incomprehensible shape, seemingly designed to evade human understanding.

The darkened brick walls and ceiling dripped with a steady trickle.

But it wasn’t water-it was blood.

Twelve robed figures moved slowly between the circular pillars.

Their faces were hidden under hoods, but their chanting echoed ominously.

“Great Abraxas, we await your descent…”

In the center stood an altar with a man bound to it.

His noble attire was stained with blood, his chest rising and falling steadily.

His eyes were vacant, staring at the ceiling.

He seemed unconscious.

“Great Abraxas, reveal your glory to this world…”

One of the robed figures stepped forward, taller and more imposing.

He held a knife with strange patterns, its blade like transparent glass with swirling black smoke.

“Accept our devotion. Accept our offering.”

Some of the robed figures gathered around the altar.

Removing their hoods revealed noble faces, clearly of aristocratic lineage.

Their eyes gleamed with fanaticism.

“The ritual is proceeding as planned. Count Walter.”

One noble said.

“Good. Seven more sacrifices are needed before the Blood Moon.”

Walter replied.

“What of the rumors from the Empire? Strange signs at the Temple of the Sun…”

Another noble asked worriedly.

“Rumors. The gods have been silent for millennia. They won’t act now.”

Walter answered firmly.

“When our great Abraxas descends from the Demon Realm, no god can stand against him.”

He raised the knife high.

The man on the altar remained still.

“Great Abraxas, grant us power. Open the gate for your descent…”

The knife plunged into the noble’s chest.

As blood flowed, the torches flared into large red flames.

The blood streamed into the floor patterns, which glowed red.

Darkness swirled in the center, tearing the space.

“Great Abraxas, hear us. Send your servant.”

A figure began to form in the darkness.

Initially vague, it grew distinct.

It had a human form but was utterly alien.

“The ritual succeeded.”

Walter said, satisfied.

“Abraxas’s servant has appeared. Seven more sacrifices will open the gate for his descent.”

The nobles gazed at the being with awe.

“Next ritual in four days. Prepare more offerings.”

The torches died, plunging the chamber into darkness.