Chapter 1456: Ongoing Disaster

Samuel remembered, leaping high and crushing a large crowd while searching for the location of the square.

The Medici Clan had a strong influence in Florence, which reached its peak during the time of Lorenzo de’ Medici. He not only held extraordinary religious power but also had a huge influence among the people.

Samuel didn’t know much about Lorenzo de’ Medici. He only knew that under Lorenzo’s patronage, many artists were born in Florence, and various artistic creations emerged, reviving the arts in this city.

Many people suspected his intentions were impure, but the facts proved that Lorenzo de’ Medici might just be someone who loved art and paintings. He never asked for anything in return from those artists he sponsored, with the only possible repayment being some artworks appointed by Lorenzo himself.

Though Lorenzo de’ Medici had been dead for many years, many still commemorate and respect him today, thanking him for his kindness and compassion. A bronze statue was erected for him, and the square where it stands is known as Medici Square.

“Follow me, Nord!”

Samuel said as he swept aside the people in front, rushing into a corner shop. The dense crowd behind was blocked by the building, reducing the pressure for the moment.

Nord stumbled as he followed. Compared to a Demon Hunter, an ordinary person’s stamina was lacking, but he didn’t dare stop. In this brief moment, he had noticed the changes in these people, first frenzy, then a complete loss of reason. Vaguely, Nord could even see the fangs and claws revealed on their bodies.

He dared not turn back to confirm these, only following Samuel’s steps closely. The Demon Hunter before him was burning with a bright white flame, becoming the only light in the darkness.

Nord could hear the sounds of others fighting. Soldiers and Holy Hall Knights scattered around the streets also realized the gravity of the situation. This was not an ordinary riot, but madness after being corrupted.

They attempted to protect themselves, but under the pressure of the crowd, they were like snowflakes on water, easily dissolved, disappearing among the crowded masses. When those heavy steps passed by, only broken armor and scattered flesh remained on the ground.

Such scenes were happening in every corner of Florence. Those yet to evacuate hid in the shadows of houses, using everything possible to block the doors. Those fleeing threw away their belongings to escape faster, plunging into the dark wilderness, running towards the stars.

In their hearts, an inexplicable fear grew stronger, and at one moment, they could see crimson eyes in the darkness, watching each of them.

The corruption’s impact was worse than Samuel anticipated. It would continue to radiate outwards, like a massive invisible storm. First Florence, then the surrounding areas, and eventually the entire Holy Evangelical Pope Kingdom would fall into darkness.

Samuel pushed through layers of obstruction, traversing between dense buildings to avoid the crowded streets… no, it was no longer suitable to describe them as humans. It was better to see them as demons, demons that hadn’t fully transformed.

He was capable of confronting these demons head-on, but Samuel needed to conserve his strength. He needed to survive because he promised Anthony.

Secret Blood started to boil little by little, his body burning, almost on the verge of complete ignition.

“Up here!”

Samuel turned and ran towards the stairs, leaving Nord gasping for breath, struggling to keep up behind him.

“Being young is nice…”

Seeing Samuel’s swift figure, Nord could only sigh helplessly. He was no longer young, and the consecutive fights made his body feel heavy, but he couldn’t stop now. Stopping now meant waiting for death.

“It’s not about being young… I call the source of this power Secret Blood.”

Samuel’s head popped out from the staircase, speaking to Nord.

“Secret Blood? Do I still have a chance to get some of that stuff?”

Nord asked while undoing his buttons and ties repeatedly, frustratedly using his sword’s blade to pry open the armor’s seams, shedding his cumbersome gear.

He lost his protection, but felt much lighter, besides, he thought the armor of such a level couldn’t withstand the monsters’ blows anyway.

The two of them scrambled through the window onto the rooftop. The buildings were dense enough, with not much difference in height, allowing them to easily climb over with their physical abilities.

“Oh my…”

Standing high, the evening wind blew against Nord’s face, but he couldn’t feel any coolness. The air was full of heat and the stench of blood.

Looking out, the entire Florence was like the Seven Hills, engulfed in endless flames. All over the streets, the transformed people roared and destroyed everything around them. Some soldiers were still resisting, hiding in narrow alleys to reduce the enormous pressure, but outside the alleys, countless enemies awaited. Their defenses would soon collapse.

Screams echoed throughout the city, and Nord dared not continue to watch.

“The square is just ahead, let’s go.”

Samuel judged the direction, his voice devoid of any emotion.