Seeing Ethan suddenly step out of line, a follower of the Old Gods hurriedly spoke up to stop him.
There was still some time before dawn, and until then, they were to wait for the thirteen lambs to complete the sacrifice, a moment many believers in the underground city found most thrilling.
However, Ethan ignored him and continued to walk forward.
Lindong smiled slightly and followed him, followed by Kane, who seemed to have anticipated Ethan’s reaction, with an expression of amusement.
Seeing the three candidates untimely stepping onto the stage, interrupting the sacrificial ceremony, the onlookers below started murmuring in confusion.
Ethan said, "From now on, sacrifices will no longer be necessary."
This time, even Nightmare stood frozen on the spot, and the elder of the War Council almost bulged his eyes out.
They never dreamed that Ethan would utter such blasphemous words in public.
Soul sacrifices had been a long-standing tradition in the Abyss, established by the three Old Gods. Over time, the number and selection of sacrifices had undergone numerous changes, leading to today’s mutually satisfactory outcome, which represented the underground city’s glorious history on a broader scale.
This was a festival, a moment everyone should feel joyous about.
And this candidate, about to face the three Old Gods, dared to challenge the rules they had set.
The thirteen lambs, with sackcloth bags over their heads, shuddered at the conversation on the altar.
Not long ago, someone had indeed promised them.
He would think of a way.
That person had said.
To them, such an ethereal promise could only offer a fleeting beautiful illusion, after which they would inevitably return to reality.
However, they were already satisfied.
They gained more time to be with their family and friends, until the believers from the Upper City came to take them away deep into the night.
They were prepared to meet their fate, but never imagined that familiar voice would appear on the altar, just a few steps away from them.
Therefore, they clearly heard their conversation.
Sacrifices would no longer be necessary.
This was not a plea on their behalf, but a command-like abolishment of the underground city’s long-standing tradition.
"This sacrificial ceremony is very special."
Seeing the festival atmosphere head toward an increasingly dire direction, Nightmare hastily stepped up to mediate. She was acutely aware of how offensive Ethan’s words were to the Old Gods; even if the Father forgave him, the other two Old Gods would certainly hold a grudge.
This would expose him to unprecedented danger in the trials.
She said, "The souls of the ’lambs’ will serve as the keys to open the dimension. Their sacrifice is noble and necessary. If you have doubts about the traditions of the Abyss, wait until you become the winner to discuss it."
As she spoke, Nightmare kept winking at Ethan.
As the executor of the sacrificial ceremony and being publicly on a different side than Ethan, this was all she could do to help. She hoped Ethan understood her well-intended efforts.
"I will persuade Them."
Ethan brushed past her, "I’ll leave this to you, Nightmare." Original content can be found at noⅴelfire.net
He headed toward the empty front, where the blood-colored sun was rising.
Nightmare was stunned.
She knew she should stop Ethan, but she was also rooted to the spot due to Ethan’s words.
I’ll leave this to you, Nightmare.
A strange emotion surged within her heart.
Next, she vaguely heard what sounded like something breaking.
Ethan didn’t chant the incantations they were familiar with; that was not his style.
Nightmare looked towards the sound and saw the space in front of Ethan being torn apart by some force, creating a crack that forcefully ripped open a door, like a wound in this world.
She also noticed Ethan’s peculiar gaze, fixed on his right side.
But there was nothing there.
"Well done, big help."
He seemed to say, then disappeared into that door without looking back.
Ethan moved forward, with the wind carving a path for him.
Behind the door was darkness, with the constantly torn space guiding his way.
And the skill panel, which had remained unchanged for a long time, finally transformed at this moment.
’Wind Blade Technique (Chariot), Proficiency: ∞, you have embarked on a path to freedom’.