"If I had to guess, ever since the Venn Republic, the aim must have been to seize power to obtain true privilege in other lands. You need a safe place to escape to, and if it' s achievable, the credit for maintaining a foothold in tha territory would belong to the Frether family, right?"
A man with jet-black hair, strands messy and parted unevenly, stood leaning against the balcony railing. His eyes were resolute, as if his intentions carried hidden thoughts, and a twisted smile lingered on his face.
His hand slowly extended toward Daniel.
The atmosphere was bathed in the amber glow of the dying sunset. A gentle breeze brushed against the tense face of the blond man intermittently.
"Betraying the Empire carries the highest penalty: execution. If knowledge of miracles can bring benefits later, I will do it."
"Of course, you will never be at a disadvantage."
"Being on the same ship from the start… I harbor no grudge against the Empire over my younger brother. Don' t misunderstand. And this knowledge is considered open within the Blood Empire."
Daniel crossed his arms tightly.
"But not for outsiders. Only the military possesses in-depth knowledge. Yet it can still be acquired in the black market. Do you know how the principles of the Miracle Path work?"
"To create rational rules from a thorough understanding."
"That' s part of it… In reality, you don' t need to invent anything. People from the Dragon Hunter era already experimented and documented individual Miracle Paths, which still exist today. Among the common people, it' s simplified into short stages to achieve special results, like temporarily transforming blood into objects or healing people by controlling blood."
"But these can only be attained by taking a human life. Animals are irrelevant, except dangerous creatures like that giant shark. Among civilians, only those conscripted for short-term battles, doctors, or nobles can acquire it. Laws strictly prohibit killing others to prevent malicious intent."
"The reason this knowledge spreads is that anyone might possess it. It' s unavoidable—whether during selection festivals or other situations. Neglecting it leads to many deaths, whether in the realm of death or creation, depending on ancient records. After entering and exiting, no one remembers what will happen, only the Miracle Path steps, which ensure survival and increased power. Without any knowledge, they die from unnatural self-destruction of the head."
"There is a solution: seek help from the Emerald Blood Church, exiled from the Empire. Rumor says the founder initiated miracles that could fully heal people through drinking green blood. He was once a close sibling to the Blood Emperor centuries ago."
"It' s difficult to survive unless this miracle knowledge becomes widespread. Even in the Infinious Empire, frequent internal wars led to more soldiers lost post-war than in battle."
"The Blood Empire, transitioning from the Dragon Hunter era, with many skilled in miracles, organized Miracle Blood records according to knightly rank. There were also separate units to develop Miracle Blood for use in weapons or armor, embedding the will of miracles."
Victor stroked his chin.
"So, Miracle Blood has a codified formula. Interpreted, someone created Miracle Paths by establishing rational rules and developing them over a long period. Although endless, the foundations are grand and exalted."
"You understand correctly. It is endless no matter how great the miracle. It is about experimentation, knowledge, and philosophy. Uncertainty is the hardest part of miracles."
Victor stood, lost in thought for a while.
The principles of miracles are difficult. Creating something precise and dense, like a fully detailed report from one' s own understanding—it' s like creating greatness from nothing.
But if others are on the same path, deeper understanding becomes the right way. The more diversity in thought and imagination, the more blood seen could even become a blood-colored meteor.
A heavy sigh from the other party drew his attention back.
"There should be some on the underground black market, with various miracles for comparison. But the journey takes too long. As your envoy, being far from the princess' s eyes, it' s impossible."
Victor suddenly had an idea.
"I might meet you one night, but we' d need to schedule it. Not necessary, though, since I will sneak out of the castle tonight and return before morning."
"You! You' re insane! Agreed, then—meet at the wide courtyard behind the castle, at the waterfall' s end. A carriage will be waiting there."
Daniel extended his fist, inviting a friendly bump. Victor chose to walk away without even glancing back.
"Hey! Didn' t you say we were on the same ship?!"