[Chapter 59: A Special Sacrifice]
With the grinding noise of stone scraping stone, the lid at the front of the stone box slowly slid open. A pair of massive, white-and-brown hands reached out, gripping the edges firmly. They pushed the lid aside and began to climb out.
The hands stretched longer and longer until suddenly a huge head emerged, followed by an enormous torso as the creature fully extricated itself and landed with a heavy thud on the ground.
Before Daniel stood a monstrous being.
Nearly ten feet tall, its body was completely wrapped in a strange hide of unknown origin. Its four limbs resembled arms, two thick pairs marked only by their size difference. Its skin bore moth-like speckles and its overall shape was like a moth magnified a thousand times -- except its head was disturbingly human.
Though Daniel had seen this creature in the movie, the reality still sent a chill through him. It was hard to fathom such a bizarre entity actually existing.
In the film, the stone box's discovery had been surrounded by a swarm of moths, connecting this creature deeply to those insects. Fans of the movie had even dubbed it the "Moth God."
But Daniel scoffed quietly. A god, he thought, shouldn't be claimed so casually. If this thing truly was a deity, Daniel suspected he would have died many times over by now.
No matter how you looked at it, this was just a monster -- perhaps blessed with some strange abilities, but nothing divine.
The enormous Moth Monster stood silently before Daniel, motionless but its eyes flickered with a hint of fear, strangely docile.
Daniel knew better. That docility was only on the surface. In an instant, it wouldn't hesitate to rip someone's head off.
...
"Can you speak?" Daniel asked.
The Moth Monster shook its head.
Daniel blinked, half-amused. "Can't even speak? And you call yourself a god?"
It was a relief the creature could at least understand him.
"Show me your healing power," Daniel demanded.
The monster shook its head again -- refusing.
Daniel's face hardened. "Do you want to die?"
This beast had devoured who knows how many victims without mercy; Daniel wouldn't be polite.
The Moth Monster quickly shook its head and gestured continuously with its hands.
Daniel studied the motions and nodded slowly. "You need a sacrifice first, to exchange for healing power?"
The creature nodded vehemently.
"Is that true?" Daniel stepped forward, magic swirling around him with a powerful aura. He drew his Exorcist's Sanctum Blade and held up an Evil-Breaking Seal.
Feeling the mounting pressure, the Moth Monster retreated, gesturing wildly.
"Power only comes after a sacrifice?" Daniel pressed.
Judging by the expression on the monster's face, Daniel believed it wasn't lying.
It kept nodding, prompting Daniel to furrow his brow.
After a moment's thought, Daniel pulled out a small paperweight and lightly waved it. Instantly, Flesh-Mangled Face appeared.
"Catch me some rats," Daniel ordered.
Flesh-Mangled Face looked momentarily stunned but quickly understood and floated out.
...
Moments later, it returned with several rats wrapped in dark, swirling energy. They collapsed, immobilized by the tight dark grasp.
Daniel pointed to the rodents and said to the Moth Monster, "Here are the sacrifices."
The creature stared at the rats in disbelief, then back at Daniel.
In all its existence, it had never been offered rats. Rats were filthy vermin -- the kind unworthy of sacrifice. To the monster, this was an insult.
Daniel's tone turned icy. "What, you are not satisfied?"
Sensing the sharp killing intent behind those words, the Moth Monster masked its displeasure.
It glanced again at the rats, eyes filled with reluctant resignation.
Finally, it grabbed a rat and placed it against its abdomen. Its maw opened wide, and with a snap, the rat's head was gone in one gulp.
It repeated the gesture twice more until three headless rats lay on the ground.
Immediately, a gentle, healing energy descended upon Daniel.
He remained cautious, ready to dispel if he sensed any danger or dark influence.
If it were truly harmful, his Thunder Body would have already reacted.
But nothing happened.
The power calmed his body, soothing as if it were true healing.
The effect was faint and brief, but unmistakable.
Daniel looked at the three headless rats on the floor -- it was clear the strength of the healing corresponded with the value of the sacrifices.
If living people were given, the power would be much greater. The more living beings sacrificed, the stronger the restoration.
"Not bad," Daniel smiled grimly.
He certainly wasn't about to sacrifice living humans lightly.
But rats? That was acceptable.
With Flesh-Mangled Face around, rats wouldn't be in short supply.
This meant that next time he used the Rite of Divine Empowerment, he could swap rats for rapid recovery.
The Moth Monster's human-like face bore a grievance, but it dared not show dissatisfaction.
...
Daniel's gaze swept from the creature to the stone box.
Inside was a dark, seemingly endless tunnel disappearing into the shadows.
Such a small exterior shielding such a deep tunnel was clearly abnormal.
Pulling his gaze back, Daniel waved to the Moth Monster. "Go back."
The creature seemed relieved at the order.
It returned to the stone box, turned around, and methodically pushed its thick lower limbs inside.
Its massive body began retracting smoothly despite the small opening.
Finally, it remembered the lid, grabbed it, and carefully replaced it over the stone box entrance, sealing in both itself and the mysterious tunnel.
Daniel approached the stone box, running his hand over the surface.
It felt like ordinary stone, but strange, indecipherable patterns covered it.
He doubted the box existed only to imprison the monster.
There had to be other hidden qualities -- but he wasn't ready to investigate further.
Most importantly, he dared not recklessly enter such an unknown place.
He pulled out a Sealing Seal and secured the stone box before leaving the basement.
---
A week later, Daniel's shop renovation was complete.
Cross Hall now occupied two adjoining storefronts, with its old-world design -- dark wood, and brass fittings, a sharp contrast against other buildings.
Daniel met Carlos again, who thanked him profoundly.
"How's your niece?" Daniel asked.
"She's fine," Carlos replied quietly. "I also spent some money acquiring her proper identification."
"Good," Daniel nodded.
"Mr. Cross," Carlos said, "If you ever have construction needs, call me. I'll offer my services for free."
Daniel smiled. "I will."
After the inspection, Daniel politely declined Carlos's invitation to dinner, and Carlos and his team left.
...
Shortly after, Sheriff Ford called.
Confirming that Daniel was at the shop, Ford said he would come over immediately -- he had something important to discuss in person.
Daniel suggested he just explain over the phone, but Ford said the matter was confidential and too sensitive to discuss that way.
Curious, Daniel waited.
...
About thirty minutes later, Ford pulled up in his patrol car and came inside.
Daniel didn't waste time asking directly, "What is it that you needed to tell me in person?"
Ford led Daniel into the shop and relayed news that instantly made Daniel's brow furrow deeply.
*****
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