Hell Game: Starting from Metropolis

The Blood Healing Church's base was not in the center of Atlantis, but in the church town located to the west of Atlantis.

According to a clergy member of a certain Healing of Blood Church, even without the Healing of Blood Church, the Church of Suffering would have eventually died out on its own.

"Because their doctrines themselves are leading them to their destruction."

That's what the clergyman said.

But tonight, a group of people appeared near the Church of Anguish.

A middle-aged man, a woman, and three little girls were pushing a cart, struggling to move forward.

Meanwhile, a tall young man followed leisurely behind, his hands behind his back, singing a song that no one could understand.

Their attitude was so relaxed, as if they were taking a stroll.

On top of the potatoes piled on the cart, a man wearing only underwear was lying on it, his body twitching from time to time, whether from the cold or having a nightmare, it was hard to tell.

A large calico cat was perched on his back, staring at the back of his head, eager to pounce.

This group of people was naturally Liu Zheng and An Ke's family.

After traversing the second half of the city, they finally arrived at their destination: the Church of Anguish.

The church is surrounded by a thick iron fence, the top of which is made of extremely sharp spikes.

The three-story chapel, painted white, sits inside an iron fence, surrounded by a garden filled with colorful flowers, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

However, Anco and his wife Marianne looked fearful as they gazed at the church's iron gates.

Only three little girls, ignorant and fearless, pointed and commented on the flowers in the garden.

"What, is there danger in here?"

Looking at their expressions, Liu Zheng asked in confusion.

"There's no danger, but the requirements for entering the Church of Pain are quite strict."

Anke replied.

"any request?"

"Those who enter the church must undergo a painful baptism. The form of the painful baptism varies depending on the month."

Anko said.

"So what's this month?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"This month, it should be needle pricks. Adults should get at least five, and children at least one."

Anke thought for a moment and then said.

"Is one baptism enough, or do you have to be baptized every time you enter a church?"

“Every time you enter a church, you have to be baptized.”

Anke looked distressed.

"Goodness, if they were those devout believers, they'd be covered in beehives after a month."

"That's right. So when the Church of Pain was still thriving, there were members who died every month from excessive blood loss."

Anke nodded.

"No wonder the Church of Pain can't beat the Church of Healing Blood. Even if they can't do anything, they're still better than this church that's just harming its own members."

Liu Zheng complained.

"It is said that the doctrines of the Church of Suffering were not this outrageous before, but for some unknown reason, they went to extremes later."

Anko said.

"Are you sure this church is safe? What if your wife and kids get bleeded out the moment we leave?"

he reminded.

"No, that won't happen. Once you get through the painful baptism of entering, the rest of the rituals are entirely up to you."

Anko explained.

"It seems you have a pretty good grasp of the situation."

Liu Zheng raised an eyebrow.

"To survive in a city like this, you have to be well prepared."

Anko sighed, then stepped forward and pulled the rope on the iron gate.

The device connected to the interior of the church was activated, and a faint bell sound came from inside the church.

Soon, the windows on the second floor of the church were opened.

An old woman dressed in a crimson robe peeked out and looked down at them.

"Who are you? Why are you ringing the church bells?"

The old woman asked.

“Brother Phili, I am Anco from Anco’s Tavern. These are my family members. I made a donation here last month. Do you remember me?”

Anko tilted his head back as much as possible so that the old woman could see his face clearly.

"Ah, yes, yes, I remember you, Mr. Anco."

The old woman indeed remembered him, and her tone became much warmer.

"So, what brings you to the church?"

"My home is no longer safe, so I've brought my family to the church to seek refuge. Is that alright?"

Anco said bluntly.

"Oh, of course. The church certainly welcomes a devout and generous believer like you. But you must understand that everyone must abide by church rules."

The old woman's gaze swept over the pile of supplies on the cart, and she spoke.

"Of course."

Anke quickly replied.

The old woman nodded and then closed the window.

Not long after, the church doors were opened.

A man with a pointed helmet and an iron mask on his face came out.

He wore the same crimson robe as the old woman, except that his robe was adorned with many thumbtacks inserted inwards.

With each step he took, the thumbtacks pierced his skin, staining his robes with blood.

The helmeted man slowly walked to the iron gate, then pulled out a large brass key from his belt, preparing to unlock the door.

Suddenly, he stopped moving and looked at the hunter on the cart.

"Cang! Cang!"

He tapped the helmet twice with the key, and the old woman immediately poked half her body out of the door.

"You've brought a hunter?"

she questioned.

"Yes, he's mentally unstable and wanted to attack us. To avoid causing more trouble, we had to knock him unconscious and take him with us."

Anko explained.

Has he already turned into a beast?

The old woman asked.

Before Anko could answer, the helmeted man shook his head.

"Then let them in. All who are willing to embrace suffering will receive the protection of our Lord."

The old woman thought for a moment and then said.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sister Phili."

Anke quickly thanked him.

"No need to thank me, this is the mercy of my Lord."

The old woman shook her head.

With her consent, the helmeted man opened the iron gate.

Anke thanked him again, then led his family through the gate, pushing a cart.

The helmeted man stopped looking at the hunter and stared intently at Liu Zheng, his eyes seemingly filled with confusion.

Liu remained calm and composed under his gaze, even raising a tentacle to greet him.

However, the helmeted man did not respond.

"Before entering the church, one must first undergo a painful baptism. This month's baptism is a blessing of needles; who among you will be the first to receive it?"

The old woman asked.

"I'll go first."

Anke gritted his teeth and walked to the door.

"it is good."

The old woman nodded.

The helmeted man who had closed the iron gate came over, pulled a bloody thumbtack from his robe, and plunged it into Anko's arm.

Anko groaned, suppressing a cry.

After all, he still had to maintain his dignity as a husband and father in front of his wife and daughter.

"Do not endure, for the cries of pain are the good news that our Lord is giving through your mouth."

The old woman said.

Upon hearing her words, Liu Zheng's expression turned strange.

This Church of Suffering doesn't seem to be much more serious than the Church of Healing.

Painful cries are a blessing, but is this Lord of Suffering a S or a M? That is the question.

"what!"

Since the old woman said so, Anco could no longer endure the next four injections and screamed in agony.

Anco's wife and daughters wept with heartache, and Fura also looked distressed.

The old woman, however, smiled, seemingly quite pleased with his shout.

"You can go in now, next."

She waved her hand in acknowledgment.

"Excuse me, can I cut in line?"

Liu Zheng walked up to the crowd.

"I'd like to ask, are there any extra benefits if I get more injections?"

He asked with a smile.

Chapter 259 To fool a god, one needs to be a bit more professional in their acting.

???

When everyone looks at you with a puzzled expression, it usually means that you have a problem.

Of course, Liu Zheng didn't think so.

Is it reasonable to get some benefits from believers in exchange for getting a few more injections?

Back in the metropolis, even buying a coffee would involve getting your eyes scraped, your ears cleaned, and your face twisted.

"If you can pass the Great Baptism, my Lord will naturally reward you."