Cursed Immortality

Chapter 1254: The Harvester of Life (2)

The ogre’s name was Blanklet, and his eyes immediately brightened as he had not expected the aloof Myth of Black Archer to suddenly ask about the Order of Everlife. In fact, beneath his calm exterior, he felt a trace of excitement.

‘Could it be…?’ Blanklet’s heart stirred. ‘Lord Black Archer is interested in the Order?’

After all, if a Quasi-Myth joined their ranks, the Order’s influence would only grow further.

However, before his imagination could continue running wild, Jacob’s cold voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Answer the question.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop, making Blanklet instantly tremble.

“My apologies, Lord Black Archer.” He immediately lowered his head, “I became distracted.”

Jacob remained expressionless. “Then start talking.”

“Yes!”

The ogre straightened himself before speaking respectfully, “The Order of Everlife is the sacred organization devoted to serving the Blissful Everlife God.”

His voice unconsciously carried reverence, “Our Lord grants vitality, longevity, and blessings beyond mortal comprehension.”

Jacob listened silently as Blanklet continued, “The Order itself follows a hierarchical structure similar to many ancient churches. At the very top stands the Divine Representative, and the one closest to the Blissful Everlife God, the Acolyte and Arch Priest, his holiness Reverend.”

Jacob’s eyes narrowed slightly, as he had already expected the Myth of Reverend to occupy the highest position.

Without knowing about Jacob’s inner thoughts and his disdain, Blanklet continued enthusiastically, “Below the Arch Priest are the High Shepherds. Those positions are reserved for exalted beings. Most likely Quasi-Myths.

“Unfortunately, their identities are hidden from someone of my rank. Only the Arch Priest himself knows all of them.”

Jacob immediately noted this; the Order was far larger than he had initially suspected, since even the Quasi-Myths had joined them, but it wasn’t public.

Blanklet continued, “Below the High Shepherds are the Grand Bishops. They oversee entire regions and major congregations. Then come the Bishops, and then the Apostles.”

He thumped his chest proudly, “I am currently a Fourth Grand Bishop. Below Apostles are Priests, then Deacons, and finally ordinary believers.”

Jacob appeared indifferent, yet inwardly he was already piecing together a far larger picture. This wasn’t some small cult that had only recently been created, but a fully developed faith organization hidden behind the Mythical Coalition itself, and the Myth of Reverend stood at its summit.

Blanklet’s eyes practically glowed now, “Lord Black Archer, the true wonder of the Order lies not in its structure.”

Jacob raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”

Blanklet nodded vigorously, “It’s in the Blissful Everlife God’s blessings!”

His voice became increasingly fanatical, “Every believer receives vitality according to their devotion. The stronger one’s faith, the greater the vitality granted. Not only does it increase lifespan, it also strengthens the body, the soul, the cultivation foundation, and the laws one comprehends. The benefits are endless!”

Jacob remained silent, yet inwardly he became more vigilant.

The ogre continued almost preaching, “I myself am proof! When I first joined the Order, I was only a newly advanced Tier-6 Legendary Lord. Yet under the guidance of Arch Priest Reverend and through the blessings of the Blissful Everlife God, I accumulated enough vitality to repeatedly break through bottlenecks.”

His expression became increasingly fervent, “Even my current cultivation was achieved through divine favor.”

Jacob finally asked, “Divine favor?”

“Yes!” Blanklet nodded excitedly, “The greatest blessing bestowed upon faithful believers. We can offer our lifespan to the Blissful Everlife God.”

Jacob’s eyes flickered when he heard this, as something within stirred.

The ogre continued, “And in return, we receive power like cultivation breakthroughs, enhanced affinity with elements, and law comprehension. Sometimes even miraculous opportunities.”

A strange light appeared in his eyes, “As long as one’s faith is sufficient, there is almost no limit. My current peak Legendary King cultivation was achieved through divine favor.”

Jacob’s gaze became colder, ‘Offer lifespan and receive power? The simplicity of the exchange almost sounds absurd, but this Blissful Everlife God seemed to have achieved it!’

Blanklet seemed completely unaware of Jacob’s thoughts as he continued with deep mirth, “If I can gather enough vitality and offer enough lifespan…”

His breathing became heavier, “Then one day…I can become a Quasi-Myth for Arch Priest Reverend personally said so.”

Blanklet’s voice trembled with anticipation, “A mortal can transcend mortality. Such is the grace of the Blissful Everlife God.”

Jacob stared at him, for the first time, he felt genuine irritation because this fool spoke of lifespan as if it were loose currency, something expendable, something to be traded away casually.

After all, to Jacob, lifespan was everything, the foundation of existence itself, and the most precious resource in all creation, despite having used a massive amount of lifespan to achieve his purposes many times.

But Jacob would never give away his lifespan to some God and instead use it to find opportunities himself. Every time he had used his blood of infinity was out of extreme necessity or in a desperate situation.

Yet these people willingly sacrificed it, even celebrated doing so. It was the complete opposite of everything Jacob believed.

Still, the more unbelievable it sounded, the more dangerous it became, because if even half of it were true, the Blissful Everlife God would possess terrifying authority over lifespan.

An authority that rivaled Jacob’s own understanding, and even surpassed it in certain aspects.

‘It’s almost sounded like a perfect scheme, and anything that appeared perfect usually concealed a trap…’

Jacob’s suspicion toward the Order deepened considerably, especially toward the Myth of Reverend.

After several more questions, he finally nodded, “You may leave.”

Blanklet immediately bowed, yet before departing, he hesitated, then respectfully produced a small emerald talisman.

“A blessing token from the Order.” His expression was earnest, “If Lord Black Archer ever wishes to seek the path of faith…you will always be welcomed.”

Clearly, he believed another future believer had just taken the first step. With an emotionless look, Jacob accepted the token without comment, and the ogre left shortly afterward.

Once the chamber became empty again, silence returned; only then did Jacob lower his gaze toward the emerald token.

His eyes became cold as he called, “Nyx.”

Something in his mind stirred, and a soft feminine voice with a hint of exhaustion echoed, “What now? I’m busy harvesting!”

Jacob ignored her indignation as his gaze drifted toward the departing figure of Blanklet and ordered, “Plant a Nightmare Conqueror Seed.”

Jacob continued calmly, “I want to know everything. The source of their vitality. The true nature of these blessings. And most importantly…whether the lifespan they receive is truly theirs.”

A faint silence followed before Nyx’s amused voice echoed, “So you suspect a hidden price?”

Jacob slowly nodded, “Anything this beneficial shouldn’t exist.”

His gaze lingered on the blessing token. The Order of Everlife appeared generous, in fact, too generous, and Jacob had long since learned a universal truth.

Whenever someone offered power for free, they were usually taking something far more valuable in return. Now all he had to do was wait and see what Nyx would discover!