Ch.49Chapter 49: Vampire (5).

Vladimir calmly asks about Lilith’s well-being first.

“Are you alright, Lilith?”

“Yes, Father. I’m fine thanks to these people who helped me.”

King Vladimir looks over Valt’s group briefly before continuing.

“A human, a barbarian, and a beastfolk. Quite an unusual combination to see. I must hear your story. I apologize for releasing my magical power earlier. I lost my composure thinking Lilith might have been hurt.”

“It’s alright, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you for understanding. Now, Lilith, please explain the situation.”

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After hearing Lilith’s explanation, Vladimir sighs.

“Hmm… Everyone in Yorn Village has disappeared too? And Barthol and Brad were captured as well? Ah… this is troublesome.”

Valt glances at Vladimir’s complexion and finds something strange.

True to the reputation of vampires having beauty second only to elves, Vladimir’s appearance was remarkably handsome despite being male.

‘He’s definitely above 8th Circle… but the king doesn’t look well.’

Anyone could see that King Vladimir’s condition wasn’t good.

His pale complexion could be attributed to being a vampire, but his sunken cheeks and the glimpse of his thin arms revealed that he was not in a normal state.

“I insisted on going to investigate the situation… but I almost got captured too. Barthol and Brad risked their lives using concealment magic to protect me…”

“What matters is that you returned safely. But this is serious… who could be behind this?”

From what Valt could gather, something was happening in the vampire kingdom.

Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Valt asks King Vladimir:

“Your Majesty, may I ask what’s happening? I’d like to help if possible.”

When Valt offers his help, Lilith’s face brightens.

“Father, he’s incredibly skilled! He took down that Giant Armored Elk with a single blow!”

King Vladimir’s face fills with curiosity at Lilith’s excited words.

“An Armored Elk? With just 1st Circle, 4th and 5th floor abilities? Well, the barbarian aspect is unusual…”

He seems to be referring to how Valt blocked his magical power with his body.

“Are barbarians using magic now? Five hundred years ago, barbarians couldn’t use mana at all.”

King Vladimir had seen barbarians 500 years ago, during his youth. Since vampires typically live for 1,000 years, Vladimir is only middle-aged by vampire standards.

“I must be a special case. Anyway, could you tell us what’s happening?”

Nod-

Lilith nods as Vladimir begins to speak.

“First, I’m curious about your purpose here. What brings you to this place? Most who visit a vampire castle do so for unpleasant reasons.”

In response to King Vladimir’s question, Valt speaks honestly.

“I came to befriend vampires and learn blood magic.”

Vladimir’s eyes widen at Valt’s words.

“Blood magic?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

This is unusual even from Vladimir’s perspective. Blood magic is based on life force. Ordinary humans are extremely reluctant to learn it.

Vampires can use it freely because they can replenish their life force through blood, but if an ordinary human depletes their life force using blood magic, they could die. It’s not a common magic at all.

It’s different from the exhaustion that comes after using up magical power. Complete depletion of life force ultimately means death.

There’s absolutely no reason for humans to use blood magic and deplete their life force when they could just use mana instead.

“Hmm… this is a first. I don’t mind teaching, but… whether you can learn it is another matter.”

“I don’t intend to give up easily. I’m desperate.”

Having confirmed Valt’s purpose, Vladimir looks at Robin and Yuria.

Then Vladimir looks at Robin and licks his lips.

“?”

“Ahem… I apologize… It’s been a while since I’ve had blood. But don’t misunderstand—I obtain human blood through legitimate trade. It’s essentially a trade commodity.”

Valt understands the situation generally but waits for Vladimir to continue speaking.

“However, strange things began happening a few months ago.”

“A few months ago?”

Vladimir nods and continues.

“The humans from the surrounding villages that trade blood with us started disappearing one by one, until they all vanished. It’s as if someone is deliberately trying to isolate us.”

Isolating vampires? This suggests someone is intentionally targeting them.

“But those human villages aren’t easy to find. They’re protected by blood magic barriers that only those who know of them can locate—the humans who trade with us.”

“But we found them quite easily.”

Hearing this, Lilith interjects.

“That’s probably because all the barriers had been destroyed by then.”

King Vladimir sighs deeply, clearly troubled. He’s probably wondering if it’s wise to share this information with Valt’s group.

It’s clear the perpetrators are operating systematically, but how did they find all those villages and why are they trying to isolate the vampires?

“We sent investigation teams, but none returned. My daughter stepped in when I couldn’t stand by any longer, but if it weren’t for you all, she might have been kidnapped too. I’m in your debt.”

Vladimir seems to understand what Valt’s group is thinking based on their expressions.

“Judging by your expressions, you’re wondering why someone as weak as Lilith was sent as an investigator.”

Valt doesn’t hide his curiosity.

“That’s right.”

Vladimir smiles slightly and hands Lilith a vial.

“Drink this, Lilith.”

“Father, this is…”

“I’m still fine. You must have used quite powerful magic to have depleted your strength so much.”

“Yes…”

It appears to be a glass vial containing about 200ml of liquid.

Lilith seems to make up her mind and begins drinking the blood in the vial.

The blood Robin gave her earlier was barely a sip, if that. Given how quickly Lilith recovered, it was probably just a few drops.

After emptying the entire vial, Lilith’s magical power begins to amplify.

“What’s this?”

Transformation!

As Lilith gathers her amplified mana, her true circle and magical power can finally be sensed properly, allowing Valt to gauge her true level.

This is likely because Lilith is no longer concealing her abilities.

“6th Circle… she’s remarkably powerful.”

The blood is transforming Lilith’s physical form as well.

Her height, which was slightly taller than Lati, changes into a slender figure, and her short black hair grows longer, transforming her into a beautiful form.

“Even her physical form changes.”

Lilith, having gathered her strength, smiles.

“It’s a racial trait—we reduce our physical form to conserve life force. People usually only know about our ability to transform into bats, but this isn’t widely known.”

Now it makes sense. The reason Lilith survived.

She must have used some kind of magic to quickly enter the well and hide, and as a side effect, her body shrank, allowing her to hide in the well.

That’s when Valt found her and brought her here. Apparently, when they take a child’s form, their personality becomes somewhat childlike as well.

Though he didn’t know the details, that’s what Valt thought.

“So all the vampires are currently…?”

Vladimir nods.

“That’s right. None of us can exert our full power in this situation.”

“But Your Majesty, aren’t you still able to use power above the 8th Circle?”

Valt’s question is reasonable. Honestly, looking at Vladimir’s current state, it’s hard to believe he’s an 8th Circle Arch Wizard.

“This is him in a weakened state. Father is actually much stronger.”

Does that mean he’s 9th Circle? Due to Valt’s lower level, he can’t properly assess Vladimir’s true power, but if this weakened state is still 8th Circle, it’s impossible to imagine his original strength.

“Enough about that. So, Valt, was it?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Your arrival here must be the will of our ancestors. What do you say? I’ll compensate you well if you help us a little.”

This is exactly what Valt wanted. He nods with a grin.

“Please tell me what needs to be done. But I have one condition—let me witness blood magic first.”

“Hmm, that’s not difficult. I’ve been curious about your abilities as well. However, I’m a bit low on energy and would prefer to conserve my strength.”

He’s indirectly suggesting that Valt should face Lilith instead.

“I understand.”

The prospect of witnessing blood magic makes Valt’s heart race.

“I’ll be your opponent.”

The transformed Lilith steps forward to face Valt.

King Vladimir waves his hand.

“Blood Field.”

Swoosh—

An 8th Circle Arch Wizard’s barrier magic.

An unidentified barrier fills the spacious audience chamber.

“Fight to your heart’s content. This barrier is sturdy.”

Seeing Valt’s expression, Robin and Yuria tap on the barrier.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty, we’d like to step outside…”

At Yuria’s request, a part of the barrier opens slightly, allowing Robin and Yuria to exit.

“No need to get caught up in this. Valt’s expression looks a bit scary… he won’t kill her, will he?”

“Surely not… though I am a bit worried.”

Ignoring Robin and Yuria’s quiet conversation, King Vladimir signals the start.

“Begin.”

As King Vladimir gives the signal to start, Lilith makes a small cut on her index finger with her thumbnail.

The blood flowing from her index finger instantly transforms into a mist-like form, and a blood-red aura begins to gather around Lilith.