"Lilith..."

They all stared at the blonde-haired Vampires with complete and utter shock. Why was she snuggling with the literal devil incarnate?

"Do not believe any words that he says, Lilith," warned Arthrax. "He is spouting nothing but lies."

Lilith turned to look at her fellow Royalblood Vampires. "Mister Fudge? What are you talking about? He’s the most adorable pet there is."

After hearing that, Arthrax and the Vampires were completely speechless. How was that slime supposed to be adorable? He scammed them of becoming their slaves for life! He was the lowest there was, disregarding honor and virtue, which was the complete opposite way that a Royalblood should act.

That was why they couldn’t believe that Lilith of all people were being chummy with the violet slime.

It was at this point that Lilith turned to look at Fudge. "Mister Fudge... have you been pranking these guys?"

Fudge’s eyes turned into puppy-dog-eyes, one that looked like those animated shows. "Hehehe... I was bored!"

Lilith pursed her lips, before eventually rubbing Fudge’s head. "Aw, I can’t stay mad at you. You’re just so darn cute!"

Arthrax felt a chill run down his spine. Somehow, seeing Fudge act all adorable was even more horrifying than when he showed them that evil smile.

"Lilith, are you under his spell? Are you also a servant or a slave of his?"

Why else would she treat the demonic violet slime so well?

"No," Lilith replied. "He’s not."

The Royalblood Vampires heaved a sigh of relief. But that only lasted for a brief moment.

"He’s our prophet!"

Arthrax and the Vampires almost fell to their knees. That was even worse! They couldn’t believe that Lilith had fallen victim to the false words of this monster. Nothing he said should be taken as truth!

"Lilith, you... you believe that our one true religion is the Iron Maiden?" Arthrax asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"I don’t believe it. I know so," Lilith replied.

Seeing the doubt on their faces, Lilith elaborated. "I was one like you. I refused to believe that the Iron Maiden could be our one true god, especially since the records tell a different tale."

The Royalblood Vampires nodded. "Yes! Gaia is supposed to be the embodiment of nature. Of trees. Of wood. Of the ground! These constructs like the automobile are not a true representation of Gaia."

Lilith chuckled. "You’re interpreting the records a little too literally. I think that’s the reason why it took us this long to discover the Iron Maiden."

Then, Lilith pointed back to the arena, showing as Jaku walked out of the arena after his quick win.

"What does the records say about demi-humans," Lilith asked. "It tells us that the advent of Gaia will bring all species of the world closer together. The difference between us will disappear, and we will all partake in the power that she wields."

It was only when Lilith said the words out loud did Arthrax and the other Vampires finally realize the obvious connection.

"You mean to tell me..."

Lilith nodded. "Yes. How do you think that demi-human became so powerful, when all other demi-humans before him couldn’t?"

It was only recently that demi-humans were suddenly able to wield Aubility Power. Other attempts before had ended up in fatal accidents.

Arthrax and the other Vampires simply believed that this sudden change in demi-humans only happened because of some kind of innovation. Humans have been experimenting on this topic for millennia, after all.

But what if... that wasn’t the case?

What if the real reason was something more metaphysical, more supernatural... more godly?

"Is this true?" Arthrax asked.

"Yes," Lilith said with a smile. "It was only because of the Iron Maiden that the Chosen One was able to break the limitations of demi-humans to the point they were now. And he would continue to do so in the future as long as we do our job and spread the Iron Maiden religion onto the world."

It was only now that the Vampires felt that the light was cast on their faces. They were enlightened. Perhaps, Lilith was right.

"Come. I will show you to our church," Lilith said as she disappeared into a shadow.

Arthrax and his pack of Royalblood Vampires followed behind, soon reaching their destination.

They ended up at a small hole in the ground, leading under the very floors of the Colosseum itself.

The Vampires were wide-eyed as they saw a pristine, newly-built, tunnel underground. They never even knew that there were secret passageways under New Sparta!

"We have made great progress in completing our cathedral," said Lilith.

"Cathedral? Where is that?"

Lilith and Fudge laughed. "You’re standing in it," Fudge said.

This surprised the Vampires even more. This was the cathedral? Wasn’t it a bit... unorthodox? Where was the altar to worship? Where were the pews? The frescos painting the wonders of Gaia?

It was only when they kept on walking through the tunnels and entered into a completely new dome did they realize just how big these underground tunnels were.

"What... what is this?!"

Lilith smiled. "Welcome to the Cathedral of the Iron Maiden."

The Vampires were slack-jawed as they saw an entire civilization at the end of the tunnels.

One could even classify this place as an entirely new Town!

At the center of the ’Cathedral’ was a statue of the Iron Maiden. Ethereal. Metallic. And ever present. Anywhere one looked, they would be able to see her grand statue at any time they wanted.

The statue stood on a grand platform. An altar circular in shape. It held all the necessary decorations to make this a true Cathedral.

Beyond the altar were the pews, where hundreds of people were currently worshipping the statue of the Iron Maiden.

What surprised the Vampires the most was the fact that they were all varied in species. Some were human, some were demi-human, and there were even Beastfolks among them, including the elusive Draconians!

They couldn’t believe it. This Cathedral looked exactly like the paradise that was promised in the records!