Ch.54Chapter 54: Vampire (10).

In the audience chamber after Valt’s group had departed, King Bladir remained seated on his throne, deep in thought.

A soft voice reached his ears.

“You seem troubled, Your Majesty.”

A vampire with black hair slicked back in what’s commonly called a pompadour style, wearing an antique-looking monocle, approached King Bladir’s side.

Upon recognizing the man’s face, King Bladir sighed.

“Huu, Lord Culea. Yes. How are things with Ishuran?”

“He’s certainly plotting something. But we haven’t found any evidence.”

King Bladir, resting his chin on his hand with a pale expression, moved his lips.

“You mean you don’t even know where he’s getting blood from?”

“That’s correct. We can only guess that he stockpiled it for such times. He never goes outside, merely taking blood from his spatial pocket to supply himself.”

“How on earth…”

Vampires don’t survive solely on human blood.

Being living creatures, they need various nutrients and consume food.

However, as users of blood magic, they must replenish their blood when using magic power or exerting great strength—it’s practically mandatory.

If they don’t use blood magic, even ordinary vampires can easily survive for several months without drinking blood.

That’s why the humans around Brasov had been sufficient.

But for vampires to not use blood magic is virtually impossible.

After all, their entire way of life is deeply connected to blood magic.

In truth, King Bladir hadn’t asked Valt’s group for help just to resolve this worsening situation.

Just a small piece of information.

A justification for King Bladir to act.

There were already factions opposing the king’s desire to venture into the human world.

This had narrowed his position, but the citizens of Brasov were gradually becoming more open to the idea of interacting with humans and receiving regular blood supplies.

But things never go as planned.

From the moment the Emperor’s proposal arrived, vampire-friendly humans began disappearing.

King Bladir’s position weakened instantly when he could no longer supply blood regularly.

At this rate, he might truly have to abdicate the throne.

The most likely suspect was, of course, his younger brother, Ishuran Bloodwell.

Seeing humans as nothing more than food, he had been eyeing King Bladir’s position for some time.

‘Am I wrong? Must vampires continue to live in hiding like this?’

If Ishuran was indeed behind this situation, his method was extreme but undeniably effective.

‘Have you truly joined hands with outside forces, Ishuran…?’

“Lord Culea.”

“Command me, Your Majesty.”

“If I should fall… I entrust Lilith to you.”

“That’s absurd, Your Majesty. Please withdraw your words.”

King Bladir didn’t bother responding to Culea’s protest.

‘Ancestor Raculad, watch over us.’

***

The forest was already dark, making it difficult for ordinary people to see even a step ahead.

Valt’s group charged through this forest with fearsome momentum.

No one fell behind.

Lilith, being carried on Valt’s back again, asked him:

“Returning to the castle is dangerous. Uncle Ishuran is hostile. I don’t know what he might do.”

Lilith looked at the companions following behind Valt.

Yuria, Lati, Robin.

While Yuria could reach level 6 abilities when transformed into her beast form, making her a valuable asset, Lilith had honestly considered Lati and Robin below her standards.

But that had been her miscalculation.

The fairy princess was at 5th circle level, but true to her magic-specialized race, her magical power, casting speed, and accuracy were all impeccable.

And Robin, though human and barely at the edge of the 4th floor in ability, possessed archery skills that surpassed even elves, making him a match for 5th floor practitioners.

‘But still…’

Their strength was woefully insufficient. If they were to fight Ishuran, they would inevitably face not only him but also his followers. Honestly, Ishuran was too powerful even for her to handle.

“If inside is dangerous, we can wait outside. Wasn’t Brasov inaccessible to those not invited? At least that’s what your uncle said.”

But there was one variable.

This man called Valt. Lilith found it impossible to gauge the limits of his strength.

His detectable circle was merely 1st circle. Yet the power of his magic exceeded that of 6th circle.

And even that didn’t seem to be his full power.

Then there was that tremendous physical strength.

A body capable of launching a person hundreds of meters—inconceivable.

No mage possessed such a physique.

“That’s true, but if there really are collaborators, there are plenty of hiding places within Brasov.”

“I see. Is there a way to enter secretly?”

“Not that I know of…”

But Lilith found it strange.

Despite knowing there were forces targeting Brasov, why was Valt so boldly determined to return there?

She thought they should search more and gather more information, but this man chose to head straight for Brasov without delay.

‘He doesn’t seem to mean us harm… so why?’

Unable to contain her curiosity, Lilith finally asked Valt:

“Is it right to return to Brasov immediately? We still don’t know how the enemy will act.”

Crack—

After clearing away an already broken tree, Valt stared into empty space.

[Sub-Quest: Prevent the Extinction of Vampires!]

<Description>

While examining magic that your kind could learn, you discovered the possibility of “blood magic.”

But what’s this!? Due to unknown forces, vampires are now in crisis!

It seems something serious is about to happen in Brasov, the vampire capital.

If you help them, you might be able to learn the blood magic you so desire.

<Completion Conditions>

1. Prevent the mysterious forces from stealing the Blood Tears of Strigoi.

2. Ensure Bladir Bloodwell’s survival.

3. Ensure Lilith Bloodwell’s survival.

<Rewards>

Basic reward: 20 Stat Points.

Additional rewards: You can receive extra rewards for each condition fulfilled.

Failure: Extinction of vampire race within 100 years. The grudge of remaining vampires.

‘Hmm, this quest is difficult.’

There’s involvement from a ridiculous group that uses level 6 powerhouses as mere chess pieces.

Their main force must be even stronger.

Moreover, the vampires are currently at a disadvantage.

The situation is beyond bad—it’s catastrophic.

The strongest forces, King Bladir and Lilith, have weakened, and the enemy’s strength is impossible to estimate.

‘Surely there must be a way to overcome this situation, given that the system offered this quest…’

Plus, the system even guarantees it.

If he succeeds in this quest, he might be able to learn blood magic.

Though vague, it suggests a possibility.

Objectively speaking, Valt’s current power level could be considered 7th rank.

His extraordinary physique and physical magic characteristics had made him that powerful.

But could he face an 8th rank Master?

‘It’s difficult. I could probably escape, but I can’t guarantee victory in a direct confrontation with a Master-level opponent.’

Outmatched in realm, outnumbered in personnel. Every aspect of the situation was disadvantageous.

Yet, a smile formed on the lips of Valt, the magnificent barbarian.

‘This level of challenge makes it interesting.’

With his mind and body now almost completely integrated, Valt didn’t fear crisis.

No, all barbarians are like that.

Battlefields where life hangs in the balance are their teachers.

If he survives this quest, Valt will surely make another tremendous leap forward.

“Is the Blood Tears of Strigoi in a place secure enough to be so confident?”

Everyone knew the enemy’s objective from what they’d heard.

But in Lilith’s judgment, it wasn’t a divine artifact that could be easily obtained.

First, Strigoi is the god of blood and life worshipped by vampires.

A single drop of his tears gave birth to the first true vampire, Raculad Bloodwell, and the remaining power of the god’s tears crystallized into a single red crystal—a divine artifact with the power to protect vampires.

Originally, only vampires could use the Blood Tears of Strigoi. If an ordinary human touched it, all their blood and life force would be drained, turning them into a mummy—that’s the nature of Strigoi’s Blood Tears.

“…Until now I thought it was safe, but… I’m not sure anymore…”

“Right, now that we know the enemy’s purpose, it’s better to be close to the target.”

“But it’s been like this for months! Surely now that we’ve reduced the enemy forces, if we search a little more, we could catch their trail…!”

Just as Lilith was speaking—

“Keeeeek!”

Something leaped out from the darkness, pouncing on her companions.

Thwack—

Valt, already aware of the approaching monster, easily struck it down.

But what charged at Valt’s group in the pitch-black forest wasn’t the beast-type monster they had seen in the forest before.

“A bug!?”

Lati, discovering the insect, had a fit.

“Kyaaaah! Kyaak! What! What what what!! I absolutely hate bugs!!”

At that moment.

A languid female voice resonated with an unusual energy.

“Hmm? Seems there’s more than meets the eye, isn’t there?”