Chapter 81: The Sage’s Blood’s Destination
Abyss was astonished by the revelation, but it didn’t shake his composure. After a moment of thought, he continued reading.
“I will explain why my fellow disciples and I have waited here for eighteen years: after Agnes’s death, we immediately received her notification. To ensure such immense power didn’t fall into the hands of those who disregard the Tenets, we rushed here.”
This corroborated Baggs’s account to Maggie.
“We deduced that Agnes’s intention was to pass on her power, and only Necromancers could successfully transplant her blood, imbued with extraordinary power. Perhaps she didn’t differentiate between magical schools, caring only for the purity of the recipient’s heart.”
“Was Miss Agnes like that?” Maggie asked her master.
Baggs nodded. “Indeed, your mother’s guess was correct. Agnes was indifferent to many things, unconcerned with superficial matters. Perhaps that’s the mindset of a transcendent being.”
Abyss, hearing this, pondered. He also disliked superficialities. Had Agnes’s blood influenced his personality?
Unable to find an immediate answer, he continued reading: “Miss Agnes didn’t entrust her power to just any Necromancer. She didn’t simply leave her blood for anyone to take but hid it in a cavity beneath the Druids’ Sacred Tree. This cavity was difficult to find, located near the Sacred Tree’s roots, undetectable by magic. For a while, no one found it, giving us ample time to gather.”
“While searching for the Sage’s Blood, we fought off Necromancers from other factions, preventing them from claiming the power. Agnes was renowned throughout the continent; some Necromancers even risked everything to come here. The battles weren’t easy; they were desperate, forcing us to kill some of them. Strictly speaking, it didn’t violate the Tenets, but it pained us greatly.”
“After finally locating the Sage’s Blood and informing Master, he ordered us to guard it, forbidding us from taking it. This treasure was meant for our exceptionally talented and loyal junior brother, Glad.”
“We obeyed Master’s orders without question, remaining here as guardians. During these long yet fleeting eighteen years, I experienced much. I was fortunate to find love; I witnessed betrayal driven by greed among my fellow disciples; I had a lovely daughter. These years were fulfilling; even if I die now, I have no regrets.”
“Master passed away nine years after giving us his orders; we couldn’t attend his funeral. We lost contact with Glad for a while, but in our eighteenth year of waiting, he contacted us again, sharing exciting news: his preparations were complete; all conditions were met. He only needed the Sage’s Blood and a suitable recipient to fulfill Master’s plan and Agnes’s wishes.”
“He didn’t tell us who the recipient was, nor did he say when he would perform the transfusion. It was uncertain, but we were overjoyed; our long wait was finally over, and we could leave, seeking freedom. I planned to settle in a beautiful place with my husband and daughter.”
“But fate had other plans. Our eldest senior brother, Prodo, Master’s first and strongest disciple, who had been expelled for his violent nature and violation of the school’s rules, somehow learned about the Sage’s Blood in our possession. This information was only shared with prominent factions, not individuals, and everyone kept it secret to avoid conflict. This villain, upon learning the news, meticulously planned to seize the Sage’s Blood and intercepted Glad, who was on his way to us.”
“He arrived shortly after Glad, and a great battle ensued. I was fatally wounded, and Glad was injured, but Prodo was ultimately defeated, escaping with his remaining magic. We had won. We led Glad to the Sage’s Blood – a coconut-like fruit. When I touched it, I felt a life force pulsing within, the power of the Grand Sage. Now it’s in the right hands.”
“That’s how it happened. My fellow disciples have all left, and I will spend my final moments with my family. My body is weak; my heart can no longer sustain me; I won’t last much longer. To those who read this journal, remember, Prodo is still alive; he might still be plotting to seize the Sage’s Blood. If you are the inheritor of the Sage’s Blood, heed my warning: have a resolute will; don’t be swayed by evil. Your power is immense; the fate of Hai-Teweru’s civilization might rest on your decisions.”
“My body will likely be buried nearby, but I implore you not to retrieve my soul or resurrect me. I have recorded everything of value in this journal. Let me rest in peace; let this be the end of my story. If you ever meet my daughter, Maggie, please tell her that her mother loves her and hopes she will grow up happily, choosing her own path.”
The journal ended there. The information, though concise, was enough for Abyss to understand the events.
Maggie, hearing her mother’s last words, couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. Grief poured out like a flood. She sobbed softly.
“Your mother and her fellow disciples were heroes. They did the right thing,” Rebecca whispered to Maggie. “She ensured your and Abyss’s birth. And Abyss, inheriting Agnes’s power, will save our world from the Outer God’s destruction, leading us to freedom. Just watch; he won’t disappoint us.”
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