Collecting Blood Samples

"Captain, does this make sense to you?" A sailor muttered in confusion as he stared at their ship leaving the dock, "We only have to make a short trip outside and return? It's absurd."

"You know…" The one addressed as the captain, an old man in his late sixties puffed slowly as he spoke, "In this world, being too curious would lead to an early death. We've signed a non-disclosure agreement with Sir Myurah. We only need to do what we're told."

He patted the sailor, "If you wish the best for your family, don't question anything you see. See nothing, hear nothing, and speak nothing."

"…Fine." The sailor groaned in defeat as he returned to his post.

The Captain watched the ship leave the city's premises, nervous as usual. Whenever a ship left Garobu City, they were accompanied by a group of soldiers and at least two Priests. This was to protect the ship against the dangers of the wilderness.

But this time, they were going without any protection. The only ones on the ship were the bare minimum sailors necessary to pilot it. Even though they only had to proceed three kilometres out of the city, it was still dangerous if a Rave Beast were to target them.

Garobu City's vicinity was infested by Kjallars, so it was dangerous. Even a Spirit dared not remain outside for long. A single-armed Kjallar was equivalent to a Spirit in terms of strength.

But, if a double-armed Kjallar appeared, then it was best to resign oneself to their fate.

"I pray the Sickle Deity's protection lasts long enough for the journey to conclude." The captain prayed wholeheartedly as he kept watch on the surroundings. Sailors were posted watch on all altitudes of the ship, holding their monoculars to gaze deep into the wilderness.

He then noticed two people standing at the edge of the river bank, accompanied by a lot of goods, 'Are they the target?'

"Stop!" He commanded the sailors who stopped the ship and anchored it, laying down a platform connecting the deck to the ground.

'It's a ship.' Iota grinned upon staring at the marine vessel before him, 'Seems Vuruna grabbed a super-rich target.'

After bringing them to his side, Iota had given tasks to each Priest. Vuruna's mission was to find and capture the heart of a rich young man and then turn him into a drug addict. Through him, Iota would be able to return to the city.

Even for him, the wilderness was too dangerous.

"Please come on board." The captain of the ship greeted the two individuals before him. He frowned upon staring at Iota's weird appearance but didn't inquire for details, remembering what Myurah had warned him about.

"Maintain absolute secrecy."

"Load the cargo," Accompanying Iota as protection was Yuddu. He pointed at the three large crates and said in all seriousness, "Be careful. They are heavy."

"As you wish." The captain nodded and motioned the sailors to load the luggage onto the ship. With that, the ship returned to the city, halting at the port.

It was customary for every vessel entering the city to be inspected of its goods. This was customary practice to ensure nothing unsavoury was brought into the city.

"I'll need to check your cargo and passengers." A Priest entered the ship, accompanied by a group of officers as they inspected all corners of the ship, just as their routine dictated.

Soon, they reached the cargo section as the Priest motioned towards the rest, "There are just three containers here. I can take care of this. The rest of you scour the deck."

"Yes, Priest." The team of officers nodded and went away, never doubting the Priest, for the loyalty of anyone could be questioned but never a Priest. After all, a Priest was engineered to be absolutely loyal to the Faith they served.

Once the officers went away, the Priest casually turned around and walked away, not even sparing a glance at the containers. She then approached the sailors and inspected their identities. But when she arrived next to Iota, she acted like he was invisible and walked past.

The reason was simple. The Priest in charge of inspecting their ship was Farraiha, already on Iota's side.

They timed their entry to suit her schedule, hence being able to traffic the three crates into the city, which wouldn't have been possible usually.

The ship rowed through the river and arrived at a stop beside a double-storeyed building, anchoring itself.

Carved wholly out of stone, the reddish-grey building was an old establishment that wasn't in use anymore. Myurah purchased it and renovated it in a hurry.

Immediately after, thirty workers entered the ship through its terrace where a connecting bridge had been installed. They arrived at the deck, accompanied by Myurah.

'How will the producer appear to be?' Myurah thought, wondering what sort of eccentric geezer managed to produce such a frighteningly addicting drug.

"Eh?" He was stunned to see Iota, a strangely dressed teenager appear before him. Myurah stared at Yuddu and asked hesitantly, "Where…is the producer?"

"You're looking at him." Yuddu pointed at Iota respectfully.

'Goddamn, he's a kid!' Myurah felt like he had been cheated for a moment. But of course, as someone with impeccable business acumen, he didn't display his thoughts in his expression, 'A Priest won't lie. That's their trait. So, I should trust them.'

"Pleased to meet you," Myurah extended his hand for a shake and introduced himself, "I'm Myurah. I'm the owner of this establishment."

"Great," Iota shook hands before he stared at the people behind Myurah, making a count, "There are thirty people. Let's start immediately."

"What…do we need to do?" Myurah asked hesitantly.

"Nothing," Iota pointed at a nearby room, "The Priests will take care of everything."

"Come with me," Yuddu pointed at the closest worker and brought him to the nearby room, locking the door as he stared at the latter, "How's your health?"

"I have no issues," The worker joined his hands in prayer, "All thanks to the blessings of the Sickle Deity."

"Alright, I hope you don't reveal what happens next to others. Only we Priests should know it." Yuddu said seriously.

"I vow on my Faith." The worker stated solemnly. If someone vowed on their faith, it meant they would never go back on a promise. It was the highest level of trust one could express.

"I hear you," Yuddu exhaled softly as he opened a box nearby and took out an empty syringe from it. He used soft cotton to wipe the worker's arm before piercing the syringe's needle into it, slowly extracting his blood.

After extracting two syringes worth, Yuddu stored them and motioned for the worker to leave, "Call the next person in line on your way out."