"The Corruption of Knowledge"
Chapter 6:The Blood in the Church
Author: Frenames
"The world has no mercy for the innocent; you must be brave to survive," my mind reminded me once again.
We reached the front of the church. The carriage came to a halt, and we stepped down onto the cobblestone path, the sun was slowly setting, and the shadows of the trees stretched across the narrow path.
At the top of the church, a light glimmered from a window—dim, flickering as if dancing flames played inside. Yet at the edge of the light, a large shadow seemed to be watching us.
I couldn't explain it, but a cold sensation crept into my chest.
It felt as if eyes were staring at me from the darkness.
Before I could ask Elizabeth if she saw it too, a cold breeze swept around us, and the candles inside the church suddenly flared brighter, as if heralding an event we could not have anticipated…
I could feel it immediately—something was wrong inside the church. It was eerily silent, as if every sound was swallowed by the darkness. The quiet… it was deafening, you could almost feel your own heartbeat in your chest.
To my surprise, the door was closed. It should have been open—usually, people come here to pray. As I looked closer, I noticed a horrifying detail: red liquid seeping from the gap beneath the door. My senses sharpened; I could smell the rancid stench of blood carried by the wind, almost as if it was wailing.
I turned and shouted to the carriage driver who was starting to move,
"Sir! Don't leave yet—my sister is still coming with me!"
The driver looked confused. He had only come to bring us here and was ready to leave.
I glanced at Elizabeth, my face serious. She looked puzzled by my sudden change in expression.
"Sister, why are you going back? We just arrived, and you haven't even prayed yet!"
"Elizabeth… go home,"
I said firmly. She knew something was off inside the church. She nodded and didn't argue.
"Alright… brother, be careful,"
Elizabeth said, her words full of concern.
I tried to reassure her.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry. Your brother is capable here,"
I said jokingly. Her worry didn't fade, but there was nothing she could do.
"Get on the carriage," I instructed.
We walked carefully to the carriage. I helped Elizabeth in and paid the driver. I watched the carriage as it turned back along the road it had taken earlier, heading home. After a few moments, it disappeared from sight. I felt a little relieved, yet the heaviness in my chest remained—as if unseen eyes were watching my every move.
I approached the church again, eyes fixed on the door—blood was flowing from beneath, like a red mist dancing in the cold wind.
"Good thing I brought my revolver… but it's frustrating, I only have a few bullets,"
I muttered to myself.
In this world, even though industry was developing, firearms were still outdated. Many had defects, and the revolver we Delta military carried was single-shot—one shot, then a reload.
I didn't want to rely on it in combat; it was highly disadvantageous. One bullet might not even hit. That's why the Deltas still preferred swords over guns.
"Whatever… better to have it than not,"
I whispered, a hint of fear in my tone.
Regaining my composure, I pushed the door open with my foot. It swung wide.
Immediately, the stench of blood hit me—pungent, almost alive, like tiny monsters crying in the dark.
But what shocked me most: everyone inside was seated, silent, as if no massacre had happened. On the stage, a priest stood, giving a lecture to the crowd.
I knew something was wrong. There was something off about the priest. He bowed his head but slightly raised it to look at me. His attention had been drawn by the sound of the door I had kicked.
I stepped inside the church but stayed near the entrance. I had a feeling I couldn't run out or call for backup—this was a cowardly yet clever strategy.
There's a saying: What good is your courage if you die anyway?
I might be skilled in combat, but I'm not made of stone. One wrong move could injure or kill me.
I scanned the interior of the church—no corner escaped my gaze. Every chair, shadow, and movement held a sinister tremor. Even those sitting with their backs to the priest did not escape notice.
"A little chick has wandered into my church. Come here, sit down, and listen to my lecture. I will share with you the holy wisdom of God and His commands,"
the priest said. But there was a terrifying undertone, like a demon luring me to my doom.
Goosebumps rose on my arms.
I was about to reply when I noticed his eyes—starting to cry, but unnaturally, because their color was deep red, like burning embers in the darkness.
Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind me. I spun around instinctively—it was closed. My eyes widened, heart racing.
"Do not be afraid, lost little chick. Come here, and I will show you the path to heaven,"
the priest said, like a monster inviting me to death.
"F*ck… what 'path to heaven'? You're probably going to show me heaven by killing me,"
I muttered to myself, gritting my teeth.
I aimed my revolver at the priest, ready to end his evil scheme.
Which is faster—me or my gun?
Even pointing it, I couldn't feel safe. My instincts screamed that I wasn't out of danger yet.
I didn't lower my guard. Every move of the priest was under my scrutiny—even the smallest gesture, ready to react.
To be continue...