Chapter 43

As it turned out, there was a living being inside the statue, making the contents of the blood fountain not only fresh but also much more unsettling than it was before. However, it did explain how they got so much blood. From something with an attribute called Eternity, it wasn't that much of a surprise that it could produce a nearly infinite amount of blood. Now only the final confirmation was necessary.

"May I?"

"Sure, go ahead. It's there for a reason."

Peter checked one last thing before walking towards the fountain.

[Stamina: 98%]

He picked up a small bowl that was prepared for the believers and knelt down to drink. The moment he swallowed the blood from his bowl he felt something other than the inherent wrongness of his actions. His suspicions were all but confirmed and all that was left was to figure out what to do with it.

[Stamina: 100%]

[You are affected by Siphon!]

[Siphon has been disabled.]

Jake could somehow use his ability through the fountain blood, which also had the miraculous effect that was advertised, though that was for unrelated reasons. Now with a somewhat clear picture in his mind, he had to admit that the cult leader's plan was kind of brilliant.

He found a method that let him use his ability on people without the need for his own involvement, then founded a religion in which people willingly infected themselves without getting suspicious about their strength decreasing over time.

The amusing thing about the situation was that Peter could end the whole scheme immediately if given the opportunity. The only problem was that they would need to deal with the high priest afterwards.

On the way to their next destination Peter thought about what he could do and came to an interesting conclusion. While its name was similar to what Sarah used, the reverend's ability worked more like his own Absorb. It was simply slower and probably lethal which made him wonder how the two of them would interact.

"Excuse me Ms. …"

"Please just call me Rose."

"Ms. Rose. How did you get your injuries?"

The priestess' physical state was a mystery ever since they arrived. Her injuries seemed like they were from an accident but even in her weakened state she should have been resilient enough to come out of most accidents relatively unharmed. There was also her visibly deteriorating health. With her wound closed up she should have been either in a stable condition or long dead by now.

"It is nothing dramatic if that is what you are thinking. Last summer I stepped on a landmine while walking around the fields near my hometown. The initial explosion took my leg while a shrapnel got my eye. I was told that even with the help of the world's best doctors I would only live for a few more weeks. Even if it only prolongs the inevitable, the Great Bjorn's power has let me help others, if only for a short time."

After experiencing the blood's healing power first hand, Peter was convinced that half a year's worth of blood treatment should have healed whatever was wrong with her and the only danger to Rose was having her power drained, alongside her life.

"I might be able to heal you."

A spark of hope was visible in her eyes but it quickly faded and turned into sorrow. She stopped walking and spoke for the first time without the usual joyous tone in her voice.

"If you really have that kind of power then you should use it on those who need it more. Don't waste it on someone like me."

"Don't worry, I plan on helping them as well. I just want to start with you, to thank you for guiding us so far."

Without saying another word, Rose led them back to their rooms with a warm smile on her face. It was much more natural than whatever she had shown them before.

"Before I do anything I have to warn you that it might not actually work and even if it does you will lose all of your remaining power permanently."

"Please go ahead, I wouldn't be using it for much to begin with."

Peter touched her hand but didn't use his ability right away. The situation felt kind of weird to him. No one let him take away their abilities willingly before and he wasn't sure why it was happening now.

"Why do you trust me with this?"

"You are the son of Mr. Williams. That is more than enough reason to trust you."

Without trying to think too hard about the nonsensical answer, Peter activated his ability and felt relieved when he saw the familiar messages alongside the one that indicated his plan's success.

[Successfully absorbed class 12 All-around blessing.]

[Result: All physical attributes +0.20, MGC +0.04, EXP +120]

[You are affected by Siphon!]

[Siphon has been disabled.]

Her ability was a lot more powerful without the Siphon's handicap which made him wonder what kind of monstrous landmine she had the misfortune of stepping on. Regardless of that, the plan was achieved. The leeching ability's effect was taken by Peter which was then immediately shut down.

"Looks like it worked. Is it possible for us to visit the patients tomorrow?"

"Of course! I will even call the head priest so he can witness your miracle!"

She was about to go outside and spread the joyous news but Manda successfully stopped her. Which wasn't that hard considering that she was even weaker than before and was still using a prosthetic leg.

"No! You might have unconditional faith in that man but we don't. Please try to keep this to yourself and don't tell about it to anyone else in the order."

Rose gave a confused acknowledgment before saying goodbye. A little while later the three adults showed up clearly in a bad mood.

"Damn fanatics! All of them are nothing more than zealots!"

"Tell me about it. The only thing I gathered was that they are already suspicious of us. One of them was on its way to plant bugs in our room."

Their complaining was interrupted by Peter who somehow turned into the impromptu leader of the kid group.

"We already have a plan. We can deal with the order itself without too much trouble. All that's needed is for you to deal with Jake while we do it. And of course the aftermath."

While the day's investigation was unsuccessful, they did have incriminating evidence on the order even before arriving, just not the kind they wanted to use. Helen was the most equipped to deal with that side of the problem so everyone looked at her for answers.

"There's no need to be so serious. I'll deal with the legal things and I already called backup to deal with the preacher. They should arrive before things get out of hand."