Meanwhile, in another location on the Eastern continent.
Deep within an uninhabited mountain range stood a massive blood-colored altar.
Figures cloaked in black robes moved around the altar, each carrying a still-breathing victim. One by one, they slit the throats of the creatures and half dead people (surely held in captivity for a long time), allowing the fresh blood to spill onto the sacrificial platform.
Before long, a pool of blood began to accumulate atop the altar, some even overflowing and staining the entire structure.
At the altar's edge, a black-robed figure casually approached a person gazing into the distance.
"New here?"
The individual paused, withdrawing their gaze to look at the newcomer beside them.
"Yeah, just arrived."
The black-robed figure chuckled. "Knew it. You've got that fresh recruit look. Let me guess—you're spooked by all this, huh?"
The person didn't respond but simply chuckled in acknowledgment.
