Dorothy’s Forbidden Grimoire Novel - Chapter 400

Chapter 400: Offerings

Conqueror Sea, en route to Iwig

Out on the endless blue of the ocean, a massive cruise liner sat dead in the water. Its propulsion system had been knocked out by an internal blast, leaving the vessel drifting and powerless. The moment distress flags rose high above its deck, the distant Glorious pilgrimage fleet adjusted course, steering toward the wounded ship.

“Commander, we’re nearing the Flash White Pearl. She’s adrift. Looks like a major failure in her engine room,” an officer reported aboard the fleet’s lead escort vessel.

Jude, the officer in command, studied the ship through a telescope, then lowered it with a grim expression.

“The last transmission confirms serious damage—internal flooding. Rescue protocol is mandatory under these conditions.”

His voice was low but decisive. Any disaster at sea demanded an immediate response, especially from a convoy traveling under the banner of the Saint Mother. Their beliefs didn’t allow hesitation.

“A ship that size? Easily over a thousand souls aboard. No time to waste—we need full evacuation. Santus!”

He barked the name. The adjutant snapped to attention.

“Notify the whole convoy: initiate large-scale rescue. Deploy all auxiliary craft. Once alongside, rotate the evacuees in shifts and spread them among our vessels.”

He continued without pause, “Also get a message to the liner: order their crew to bring passengers to the upper decks. Prepare for boarding.”

As he finished speaking, a fresh explosion rocked the Flash White Pearl. The sound echoed across the water. Jude’s jaw tightened.

“Another blast. Situation’s worsening. We move now.”

“Understood, Sir Jude!” the adjutant acknowledged, then paused before turning.

“One other concern, sir. For safety… should we initiate Counterordinary screening? If any heretical agents slip aboard, it could jeopardize the fleet.”

Jude considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly.

“Wise. But prioritize rescue. No drawn-out checks. Instruct the squads to perform basic etheric sweeps as people board—quick scans, nothing more. We cannot afford delays.”

They had to balance risk with urgency. Full scans of thousands would be exhausting—not to mention time-consuming. And so far, there was no hint of any Counterordinary presence. Jude settled on a practical compromise.

“Got it, sir. Orders relayed!” the adjutant replied and rushed off to carry them out.

Jude remained by the railing, eyes fixed on the crippled liner looming closer.

…

Meanwhile, on the upper deck of the Flash White Pearl, Costa gripped the rail tightly, his gaze locked on the approaching fleet. Behind him, inside a room, three corpses lay sprawled—Vins and the rest of his team.

“That damned thief… This was your plan?” Costa growled under his breath. “Blend in with the evacuees? Sneak onto one of the holy ships?”

He could feel rage surging through him, barely contained by despair. Should he use his power now? Reveal himself to the fleet? That would paint a target on his back—certain death. Yet he stood there, watching helplessly as the thief slipped away into the protection of the Church, along with the Deep Blue Heart.

A rational voice in his mind urged him to jump ship. Dive now, take his surviving crew, and vanish beneath the waves. The Way of Tides would let them swim to land after the fleet moved on.

But then what? Return to the Abyssian Cult with nothing to show for it? He’d be executed—or worse. Try to run forever? Be hunted for life?

No. One last option remained. Trigger his powers now. Force the fleet into action. They’d panic—conduct a full-scale etheric sweep. Expose K. The Heart wouldn’t be his—but neither would it be the Church’s. At least the thief would be dragged down with him.

What’s the choice, then? Flee and be hunted? Or burn it all and make K pay? he thought.

Hatred began to consume him. He didn’t care who killed K—just that the man died. If this was his end, at least he’d bring the traitor with him.

K thinks I’ll freeze. Thinks I won’t detonate the whole board. He underestimates me. Two ships in sight… likely White Ash-level warriors aboard. No Scarlets. I dive fast enough, I live. But not K. The zealots will drag him into the light.

Costa raised his arm, drawing on his power, ready to unleash a storm of destruction—

“Costa! Over here!”

Maxim’s voice shattered his concentration.

“Forget it! None of this matters anymore!” Costa snapped, turning to him.

Maxim knelt beside Vins’ body and pointed to a small black button clutched in the dead man’s fist.

“This. Vins had it tight. Doesn’t match his uniform, Costa. Ever seen it before?”

Costa froze. His gaze locked on the item. “Could it be… from the thief? Did Vins manage to tear it loose during the fight?”

He dropped down, inspecting it closer.

“Vins gave everything… but maybe this was all he could do,” Costa muttered. “Still. A button’s not enough. Won’t expose him.”

“Not on its own,” Maxim replied with a grin. “But smell it.”

“Smell it?”

Costa lifted the button to his nose—and caught a sharp, distinct aroma. He knew it instantly.

“His scent. K’s scent. Still fresh!”

Maxim’s eyes lit up. “Exactly. Usually he masks it. So why not this time?”

Another voice cut in. “That’s not an outer layer button. Way too small. Looks like it’s from the inside—maybe an inner vest.”

Maxim slapped his leg. “That’s it! His warding powder only works on outerwear—cloak, sleeves, skin. Anything under that? No protection.”

Costa straightened up, and a twisted grin stretched across his face. His laugh erupted—loud, fierce, exultant.

“PRAISE THE ABYSSAL SERPENT! The sea claims even the best sailor! VINS, YOU DID IT!”

His anger turned to joy. A fourth route had opened. K’s blunder had gifted them the key. Now they had a scent sample. With Spirit Hunter Runes, they could trace K through the evacuees. The powder would wear off with movement. He couldn’t safely reapply it while aboard Church ships.

Costa’s plan shifted in a heartbeat. They’d board as passengers, track K once ashore, wait until his guard dropped—then strike and reclaim the Heart.

“The fleet’s almost on us,” Costa announced. “Abyssian crew—abandon ship. Dive now. Use all Water Absorption Charms. Head for the coast. Maxim and I will go with the passengers.”

He turned, that grin never fading. What moments ago had seemed like the end now shimmered with hope.

…

Inside her private quarters, Dorothy sipped coffee, watching the Glorious fleet approach through the porthole. The air around her carried the bitter trace of steam and blood.

“Despair drives the desperate to lash out. They break everything they touch,” she murmured to her own reflection. “Hope… even the smallest flicker of it, restrains them. Makes them hesitate.”

She drained the last of her cup.

“Time to leave the Flash White Pearl behind.”