Church

During Sleeping Ancient Town, Locke and Aenilu arrive at the lord's mansion under the leadership of the Lord of Sleeping Ancient Town, Rheinhart.

"It's truly an honour to have such great pirates like you visit my mansion," Rheinhart said warmly and politely before a massive, luxurious castle gate.

"Please, do not hesitate to enter," he added, gesturing with a slight bow. Locke glanced at the opulent castle before him, said nothing, and walked directly past Rheinhart, entering the castle.

"Haha, young noble, your castle isn't too bad. I didn't expect such a remote place to have such a beautiful and luxurious castle," Aenilu quipped as he walked up to Rheinhart, then followed Locke into the castle.

Rheinhart, with a hint of a flicker in his gaze, followed suit. In no time, Rheinhart led Locke and Aenilu into a massive and luxurious living room.

"Please wait for a moment while I instruct the staff to prepare some refreshments," Rheinhart said with a smile, showing utmost courtesy to Locke and Aenilu.

Without acknowledging Rheinhart, Lox started to wander around the living room, examining the portraits hanging on the walls.

The room was adorned with dozens of portraits depicting men and women, each with different expressions. 

Their only commonality was their long, golden, curly hair and confident, spirited gazes. Rheinhart, with a smile on his face, approached Locke.

"These are the successive patriarchs of our Kruse family. Thanks to their efforts, our Kruse family has survived for centuries without fading into history."

"Is that so?" Lox responded nonchalantly. He had no interest in learning about the history of other families.

"Well, now that we're here, tell me everything I want. You should know the purpose of my visit," Lox stated.

Lox glanced at Rheinhart and then casually found a sofa to sit on, gazing at him calmly.

"Hehe, of course, Captain Locke," Rheinhart replied with good humour, not taking offence at Lox's impolite words.

He clapped his hands, and a woman dressed in a black nun's outfit entered from the door.

"Lord Rheinhart," the nun greeted respectfully.

"Maria, this is Captain Lox of the Locke Pirates. He wishes to learn about the vampire legends," Rheinhart smiled.

"Then, Captain Locke, please allow Miss Maria, a church member, to enlighten you on all the secrets of the vampires," Rheinhart continued.

With that, Rheinhart slightly bowed and exited the living room. "Captain Locke, Miss Maria will tell you everything you want to know," he added before leaving.

"Now, Miss Maria, please tell me everything you know," Locke politely requested.

"Of course, as you wish," Maria replied.

...

After about an hour, Sister Maria disclosed all the legends and secrets concerning vampires.

Lox leaned on the bar counter, deep in thought about some issues.

After a while, he finally spoke, "I wonder if you can show me the church you mentioned. Can you take me there?"

Maria nodded, "Of course." Passing by Aenilu, Lox punched him on the head and said, "Stop dozing off. Let's go."

Aenilu, still a bit dizzy, stood up and followed Lox. "Ouch! Lox, couldn't you be gentler?" Aenilu complained.

Guided by Maria, Locke's group crossed the town and entered the mountains behind it.

After about an hour of climbing, they finally reached the mountaintop.

A colossal Roman-style church, which occupied the entire mountaintop, appeared before Lox's group.

The church exuded a profound sense of history. The central part of the church had a cross-shaped structure, emphasizing the contrast between darkness and light with its double-layered construction—dark on the outside and bright on the inside. 

Stained glass windows allowed bright sunlight to pass through, forming rose patterns on the church floor, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.

In the very centre of the church, a massive stone statue resembling a praying figure stood on the ground.

Above the statue was a huge mirror adorned with various intricate patterns. A ray of sunlight passed through the mirror, illuminating the stone statue giving it a divine aura.

"Hey, hey, this is too amazing! Can there be such a magnificent church in the world?" Aenilu exclaimed in disbelief as he looked around.

The church continued to astonish Aenilu, who witnessed such luxury for the first time.

"Lord Aenilu, please refrain from making loud noises," Maria said respectfully to Aenilu. 

"Please do not disturb the Lord's rest."

"Captain Lox, everything you seek is behind that door. Please proceed on your own," Maria informed him.

With that, she gave a slight bow and disappeared from their view. Looking at Maria's retreating figure, Locke's lips curled up slightly.

"How interesting." He chuckled, pushed open the large door before him, and entered.