End of Strange Dream and Morsan's Thoughts
The parents carefully positioned their children atop the blood pool, which had accumulated at the center of the altar, before stepping back.
Morsan, observing their actions, couldn't comprehend why they would subject their infants to such a repulsive pool of blood.
As they began their ritualistic dance and chanted in an unfamiliar language, Morsan questioned whether they were even aware of the blood's repugnance. The sound of their peculiar pronunciation sent shivers down his spine, reminiscent of the incantations used in his own [Blood Carnival] magic.
Before he could articulate his fear, the rhythmic beat of the drums washed over him, momentarily soothing his mind. However, this only intensified his apprehension, as he realized his emotions were being manipulated within this space. Despite his desperate desire to flee, Morsan found himself immobilized, unable to command his legs to move.
As he frantically searched for an escape route, he witnessed an even more bizarre sight: the blood on the altar began to converge around the babies, forming ethereal bubbles that levitated in mid-air.
A crimson aura emanated from the blood, akin to steam rising from boiling water. The individuals who had been dancing around the altar abruptly ceased their movements, their faces contorted in astonishment at this unexpected turn of events.
Morsan felt a slight sense of relief, knowing that he wasn't the only one terrified in this place. However, contrary to his expectations, the expressions on their faces transformed from shock to sheer elation.
They resumed their dance with even more intensity as if something incredible had occurred.
The ritualistic movements and chants were heightened this time around. Morsan observed in horror as blood seeped from the bodies of some of the dancers, yet they continued their frenzied dance without pause. They worshiped fervently at the center of the altar where he stood, seemingly oblivious to the gruesome sight.
The blood emitted a red aura that enveloped the floating babies, gradually infiltrating their tiny forms. Morsan could hear the agonizing cries of these infant-like beings as he helplessly watched the bizarre scene unfold before him.
It felt as though he had stumbled into a nightmarish horror film, causing his entire body to tremble uncontrollably in response to the babies' cries. He couldn't help but wonder if these people were sacrificing their children to some malevolent deity, and if so, how could they find joy in such a horrific act? Morsan questioned their sanity. But the next moment, he was utterly bewildered by the scene that defied his previous conclusions.
The red aura that surrounded them seemed to coalesce into a protective barrier, resembling some sort of armor. The appearance of the crimson babies underwent a drastic transformation, as new skin formed over their previously bare bodies, covering their muscles, blood vessels, and fascia. Gradually, their cries of pain and anguish began to diminish.
At the end of that horrifying process, he could hear the familiar sound of a baby crying. It was as if their vocal cords had fully healed. Morsan observed that these babies now looked like regular infants.
They had eyelids to cover their eyes and lips to cover their teeth. They no longer resembled monsters like their parents. As soon as all the children were cured, the drums ceased their beating.
The people who had been dancing wildly dropped to their knees, tears of blood streaming from their eerie eyes. Despite the pain they endured while dancing with their cursed bodies, they appeared incredibly grateful.
Morsan noticed that the mothers who had placed their children on top of the blood pool now cradled them gently. As he looked at the reverence and respect they showed, Morsan realized who they were worshiping.
'They are worshiping Tizona. If this strange dream has any significance, it must be connected to breaking the curse of these Tizona worshipers,' he thought with certainty.
Especially after witnessing the curse being lifted from the child, Morsan was convinced. His great sword, Tizona, did not absorb all that blood for no reason. It wanted to free these people from their curse. Morsan speculated that these individuals must have some connection to Tizona's past as the barbarian king. He couldn't fathom what could have turned them into what they had become. He didn't know if Tizona would provide any answers about this dream, even if he were to ask.
He was filled with horror at the thought of making contact with these terrifying entities.
The 'entity' that had brought him and Tizona together, for whatever reason, was someone he couldn't help but hate. Despite becoming immensely stronger in a short period, he doubted his ability to confront entities like The God of Sloth anytime soon.
He desperately hoped that he wouldn't encounter them until he was strong enough to defend himself. This terrifying dream made him realize just how incredible Tizona was to face such a being. He never blamed Tizona for his misfortune, as their meeting had nothing to do with it, especially after seeing what he was fighting for. Even after the strange dream ended, Morgan remained asleep.
He slept for an entire day without waking up. The innkeeper, concerned about Morgan's absence, used a spare key to check on his health. After confirming that he was fine with his unique skill, the innkeeper left the room.
"BOY.... BOY... WAKE UP... HOW LONG DO YOU PLANNING TO SLEEP?!..."
Another few hours later, he woke up to the sound of cawing Tizona. Morsan stretched his body while letting out a tired yawn.
"Is it dawn already?!"
"Tsk, boy, you slept for the whole day!.."
"Heh?! for real?!"
"If you don't believe me, ask around yourself..."
Morsan fixed his bedhead in his broken mirror after getting up from the bed hurriedly while smiling wearily at Tizona's irritated voice.
Brushed his teeth with a tree sprig, and dressed, he got out of his room. Morsan took a long breath to prepare for today since he knew it was going to be very tough. He needs to meet a lot of people today.