Chapter 481: Chapter 481

With Miss Bevanna's consent, a Scribe with the [Weak Acidic Corrosion] ability slowly melted away the wall, and just as expected, they found Papa Oliver embedded within.

Since Jenkins could see the glow of his abilities, he knew the old man was still alive. But even as Jenkins immediately reached out to heal him, Papa Oliver remained unconscious, his eyes shut tight.

He showed no signs of having his blood drained, and his breathing was steady. Alarmed, Jenkins was about to increase the output of his spirit, just as he had when healing the bishop that night, but Miss Bevanna stopped him again.

"Calm down," she said. "This is Papa Oliver's [Feigned Death] ability. He uses it to survive in extremely harsh conditions."

She shook her head at Jenkins. "He doesn't need healing. For now, you'll accompany the carriage back to the church. The Keeper of Secrets will help Papa Oliver wake up."

"I have to stay here," she replied. "I'm afraid things have taken a rather nasty turn. After the demon, it seems another strange creature has arrived in our city."

Miss Bevanna had to be referring to the legendary blood-sucking species—what the public commonly called "vampires." Of course, the popular understanding was largely shaped by sensational, titillating novels.

But Jenkins was in no mood to ponder the implications for himself. He anxiously followed the carriage carrying Papa Oliver back to the church, even running ahead to the Gate of All Things, where he found the Keeper of Secrets on duty for the night: a Mrs. Capet.

After Jenkins quickly explained the situation, she followed him to the surface and into the room where Papa Oliver lay. With her hands clasped behind her back, she leaned in to observe him for a moment, then brought her right palm down sharply on his chest.

Papa Oliver began to cough, his eyes still closed. Then, they snapped open.

"An unfamiliar ceiling..."

Jenkins immediately stepped forward and voiced the classic line for him.

"You brat," Papa Oliver grumbled, "that's what you're thinking, not me. Ouch! Why does my chest hurt so much?"

Once Papa Oliver had fully recovered, he told everyone what had happened.

It had happened this... no, it was past midnight now. It happened yesterday afternoon. After Chocolate had followed Jenkins across the street, Papa Oliver heard a strange noise from behind the wall. He'd wanted to call out for Jenkins to come back, but worried about alerting whoever was there. Instead, he left a clue by the wall and climbed over it alone.

And yes, Papa Oliver had indeed left a sign, but Jenkins never had the chance to step outside the antique shop to see it.

The strange atmosphere behind the low wall was even more palpable than it had been at night; an alley like that should never have been so quiet on a Saturday afternoon. His first instinct wasn't to investigate but to return to the church and report it—an impulse quite similar to Jenkins's own—but his presence had already been detected.

"Who was it?" Jenkins asked urgently. "Were they human?"

Papa Oliver shook his head. "I never saw what attacked me. I don't think they saw me, either—they must have just sensed that someone had stumbled upon the scene and activated an ability. I can't even describe it... all I remember is a crimson mist closing in from all sides. It didn't affect the surroundings, but it was incredibly corrosive to living things. I watched the tree in that alley wither and die before my very eyes."

"So I hid," the old man said simply. "It was obvious I was no match for it."

As he spoke, Papa Oliver nodded to Miss Bevanna, who had just arrived. "Jenkins, you have to remember," he said, his tone serious, "as long as you aren't violating the church's rules or your own principles, staying alive is more important than anything."

"So the kingdom's laws are optional, then?"

Jenkins thought wryly, though he had to agree with the old man's sentiment.

He turned to Miss Bevanna. "Are there any new developments? Is it really..."

"Yes, it is indeed a vampiric species," she confirmed. "The church's diviners and spirit mediums have completed their initial reconnaissance, and the situation is grim."

She took off her hat and set it aside. "This vampire possesses extremely powerful anti-divination capabilities. Though they're nothing compared to the followers of the New Gods..."

Jenkins shivered involuntarily, nearly dislodging Chocolate from his perch on his shoulder.

"...but it's still a major obstacle to our investigation. The other four major churches have already been notified. If we're truly at a loss, we might even need to request assistance from your astronomy instructor, Miss Audrey."

"Is it really that serious?"

Papa Oliver clapped him on the shoulder. "Your studies on aberrations haven't gone into much depth yet. All you know is the common lore. You should go to the library and find a copy of *Mankind's Enemy: The Aberration Threat*. Remember, get the fifth edition—the one with the black cover. It has a very detailed account. A pure-blood vampire's individual strength is nothing compared to that pure-blood demon from a few months back, but as a species, they're a much bigger headache!"

"Everyone in it is dead," Miss Bevanna said. "Tomorrow's papers will report that a faulty batch of gas pipes caused a leak in every house along the alley. That, combined with poor winter ventilation, led to a tragic mass poisoning. We've already arranged for the 'culprits' at City Hall and the gas company to take the fall. The public will never know what really happened."

Miss Bevanna explained.

"This will be an extremely dangerous and lengthy process," she replied. "At any rate, there won't be any more news tonight."

"Is there anything I can do?"

He stood a little taller as he asked.

"You need to go home."

"Go home and get some sleep. Yes, that's right. You still have to be at the antique shop in the morning. You don't want to be late, do you?"

Jenkins's mouth fell slightly agape. How could his peaceful, safe life as an apprentice be so casually connected to his thrilling, dangerous nighttime activities? Being late for work?

"This business is none of our concern. We're field-based clerical staff," Papa Oliver said. "Or are you planning on abandoning your old pops to join a combat unit?" ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel-fire.ɴet

He retorted immediately.

"Then hurry up and go home!"

Fearing Papa Oliver might say something else hurtful, Jenkins grabbed his hat and hurried out the door. He reappeared a moment later, smiling sheepishly as he snatched up the overcoat he'd forgotten.