Chapter 26: Unveiling the Crimson Moon

“You wouldn’t happen to be… a member of the Crimson Moon Clan, would you?”

In response to Bastet’s query, Lin simply nodded.

“I am indeed from the Crimson Moon Clan, though your knowledge truly impresses me. Our clan withdrew into the wilderness decades ago, severing all ties with outsiders.

Beyond the Kingdom’s borders, I had assumed the world had long since forgotten our existence.”

“While the Crimson Moon Clan has certainly vanished from sight for many years, the legends you left behind as a mercenary group, once active across the entire continent, continue to echo throughout Granzenias.”

Bastet’s expression intensified, brimming with an almost zealous enthusiasm.

“Though mere mercenaries, you were remarkably unique in prioritizing loyalty above all else; a signed contract meant the most dependable ally one could hope for!

Coupled with your formidable strength, your retreat, to be frank, directly caused the overall quality of mercenaries across the continent to plummet by several echelons!”

“Is that… truly so exaggerated? Prioritizing loyalty above all else…” Rena murmured softly, her voice laced with incredulity.

“Perhaps it was merely an illusion, born from a handful of exceptionally virtuous individuals? After all, we are speaking of the Crimson Moon Clan…”

“Naturally, these weren’t isolated incidents, but rather a conclusion drawn from countless collaborations with various employers,” Bastet explained with a smile.

“However, the Kingdom of Gloucester has always maintained a secluded stance, possessing virtually no dealings with the Crimson Moon Clan, so your lack of familiarity is entirely understandable.”

“But perhaps that was only true in the past, and things have long since changed? After all, they’ve been living in seclusion for so many years now…”

Rena remained somewhat unconvinced, for the depiction of the Crimson Moon Clan recounted by Bastet diverged too drastically from her ingrained perception of them as treacherous individuals who would readily betray their benefactors.

“Hey! Rena, you should really stop…”

“As long as the Crimson Moon Clan has not forsaken their name, then their character is unlikely to have undergone any significant alteration.”

Though Lin, standing nearby, appeared poised to speak, Bastet preemptively cut her off.

“In truth, the moniker ‘Crimson Moon Clan’ is not a title they bestowed upon themselves, but rather one that originated from their adversaries and allies alike.”

Bastet’s enthusiasm was fully ignited, and she quickly settled into a didactic rhythm, as if addressing a class of eager students.

“They possess a unique ability known as ‘Self-Sacrifice.’ Once activated, their physical prowess experiences a dramatic surge.

As this ability can be employed concurrently with ‘Battle Aura Imbuement,’ it grants the warriors of the Crimson Moon Clan a significant boost in power, typically elevating their combat strength by a full rank above those of their peers.”

“The moment they activate ‘Self-Sacrifice,’ intricate, moon-white patterns emerge across their entire bodies, while dense, crimson mist billows around them.

From afar, they appear as a scarlet blood moon, and it is this striking phenomenon that gave rise to the Crimson Moon Clan’s renowned name.”

“I am, regrettably, familiar with that ability.” Rena’s countenance fell, her voice catching with a faint sob.

“After all, had it not been for that ‘Self-Sacrifice,’ the Radiant Knights, despite their overwhelming numerical superiority, would never have been…”

“However, the activation of ‘Self-Sacrifice’ demands a heavy toll!”

Seemingly oblivious to Rena’s interjection, Bastet pressed on with her explanation.

“The activation of ‘Self-Sacrifice’ inflicts immense devastation upon one’s spirit. Individuals with fragile wills risk becoming bloodthirsty and savage, ultimately succumbing to permanent madness and self-destruction.

Only those possessing an unyielding will, as resolute as steel, can wield ‘Self-Sacrifice’ without consequence.

This imperative is precisely why the Crimson Moon Clan places such profound importance on mental discipline; indeed, their unwavering prioritization of loyalty can be considered a direct byproduct of this rigorous training.”

With a decisive nod, Bastet affirmed her statement.

“That is precisely why I assert that as long as they continue to identify themselves as the Crimson Moon Clan, their fundamental character will remain largely unaltered.

For them, this is a matter of profound significance, intertwined with their very lives, and thus, not something to be easily cast aside.”

“……”

Rena found herself momentarily speechless, while Lin cast a knowing, meaningful glance in her direction.

However, Bastet, seemingly oblivious to the subtly peculiar atmosphere that had settled between the two women, continued her discourse with undiminished enthusiasm.

“My initial intention was merely to conduct research on the ‘Guardians,’ yet I never anticipated the serendipitous encounter with a devotee of the Holy Light and a warrior from the long-vanished Crimson Moon Clan. For a scholar such as myself, this is nothing short of an utterly delightful surprise!”

With these words, she bowed her head genuinely towards the two individuals.

“I implore you both, please, you simply must assist me with my research. This endeavor holds immense importance!”

“Well…”

Rena remained somewhat hesitant, yet it was Lin who took the initiative to speak.

“The research itself is of no concern, but I doubt there’s anything about me that would genuinely pique your interest,” Lin stated earnestly.

“Your discourse concerning ‘Self-Sacrifice’ is entirely accurate, leaving me with no novel insights to impart. As for the cultivation of ‘Self-Sacrifice’… that is an exceptionally arduous journey, and as an unsophisticated swordsman, I am incapable of offering any truly meaningful guidance. Therefore…”

“Ah, you misunderstand! My true interest lies elsewhere.”

Bastet hastened to clarify.

“My genuine curiosity, in fact, concerns the true reason behind the Crimson Moon Clan’s abrupt retreat into seclusion.”

“While most perceive your clan as having simply declared seclusion and then severed all external ties, I have personally unearthed some rather intriguing information.”

As she spoke, Bastet leaned in closer to Lin.

“Decades prior, the Crimson Moon Clan endured a profound crisis. During that dire period, a mysterious individual emerged, rescuing your clan and guiding them out of their precarious predicament.

In return, he requested the Crimson Moon Clan to undertake a specific task for him.”

“To honor this covenant, the Crimson Moon Clan, without hesitation, retreated en masse into the wilderness, severing all connections with the outside world—a commitment they have upheld to this very day.

Could you possibly elaborate on the specifics of that agreement?”

Under Bastet’s ardent gaze, Lin offered a faint smile.

“Of course. After all, it no longer holds any significance.”

“No meaning?” Bastet tilted her head.

“Er… perhaps it’s best to discuss the ‘agreement’ first. Our benefactor entrusted our clan with… a ‘secret treasure,’ with the sole request that we safeguard it impeccably until the arrival of the ‘Fated Day.’ That was all.”

“A sec—a secret treasure!” Bastet exclaimed, her face nearly pressed against Lin’s. “What does it look like? Does it possess any particular effects?

And what, pray tell, is this ‘Fated Day’? At the very least, could you perhaps offer a subtle description of the ‘secret treasure’s’ form?”

“Please, calm yourself, Lady Bastet.” Lin instinctively recoiled a couple of steps, then shook her head. “Regarding the questions you’ve posed, I regret to inform you that I am unable to provide answers.”

“I had not yet been born when that event transpired, and thus, I am privy to very few of its intricacies. Moreover, the ‘secret treasure’ itself has always remained under the strictest of safeguards.

Consequently, even within my own clan, I suspect an exceedingly small number of individuals have ever glimpsed its true form, let alone an unremarkable swordsman such as myself.

It is likely that only prominent figures, such as the clan leader, would possess the knowledge to resolve your inquiries.”

A look of profound regret crossed Bastet’s face, yet she refused to surrender her pursuit so readily.

“Th-then, at the very least, could you perhaps arrange an introduction for me, so I might meet your clan leader or someone of similar stature?”

“I regret to inform you that I cannot fulfill that request.”

Lin’s gaze was imbued with a profound sadness. “The Crimson Moon Clan’s population has tragically diminished; only a handful of us remain, myself included. Our clan leader, too, passed away two years ago.”

“How could this be…?” Bastet felt as though her entire world had crumbled around her.

“As for the ‘secret treasure’…” Lin continued, casting a fleeting glance at Rena beside her, “it, too, vanished without a trace after the events of two years past. I truly regret that I am unable to assist you.”

“Th-then at least…” Bastet, however, remained unwilling to abandon her inquiry.

“Enough, enough, let us conclude this discussion here!”

Perceiving that if the black cat Bastet continued to press with such relentless questioning, she would undoubtedly dredge up the war between the Kingdom of Gloucester and the Crimson Moon Clan once more, potentially causing considerable embarrassment for both Lin and Rena.

Consequently, Bai Zhi swiftly scooped up Bastet, simultaneously conveying a silent, threatening glare that forbade further inquiry, while deftly attempting to smooth over the awkward situation for everyone present.

“After all, the hour is growing late. It would be best for everyone to return and rest. Should there be any further matters, let us discuss them tomorrow, shall we?”