Ch.69Chapter 69: Vampire (25).

If vampires migrate to the south, Gerungtu would gain significant benefits.

The greatest benefit is, of course, blood magic.

While physical magic cannot be used by just anyone, blood magic can be learned and used by anyone who makes a contract with a vampire.

Though it’s a passive method, being able to use magic is nothing to scoff at.

It’s uncertain whether all Gerungtu can contract with vampires, but once they taste Gerungtu blood, they might all rush to make contracts.

Additionally, the south has an absolute shortage of population compared to its vast land area.

This is especially true for races friendly to Gerungtu. However, vampires are inherently predisposed to be friendly with Gerungtu.

If such vampires come to live in the south, it’s a foregone conclusion that the south will become stronger.

“Now that it’s decided, we must prepare immediately. Ishuran, Lilith.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Yes, Father.”

King Bladir’s expression brightens as he discovers a new hope.

“Use Princess Lati’s help to move all our people into Franz’s Mirror. Princess Lati, will you assist us?”

King Bladir asks for help since Lati knows the most about Franz’s Mirror.

Lati answers with a cute smile.

“Gladly.”

But soon King Bladir’s expression darkens again.

“By the way… Valt, it seems you’ve become their target… I’m concerned about this.”

The final words Proc left behind.

But Valt remained composed.

“We would have clashed eventually anyway. No, it’s fortunate we found out early. We can prepare.”

Valt is not the type to sit idly by and take abuse.

He has the academy professors nearby, and the Emperor too.

His father Kwan is also there. This means the forces Valt can call upon for help are by no means weak.

And Valt was certain.

They couldn’t have predicted that he would relocate the entire vampire race.

The Strigoi’s blood tears were like a bone in their throat—something they couldn’t swallow but couldn’t spit out.

Those who failed even after mobilizing hundreds of troops will probably take quite some time to attempt anything again.

There were still about 3 days left until his return to the academy.

This should be enough time using the teleport gate, and if necessary, he could contact the academy to extend his schedule.

Having organized his thoughts, Valt rises to his feet.

“Then let’s prepare. It’s better to move quickly.”

Ding-

As Valt prepares to move, he opens the quest window upon hearing the system notification.

[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 an unknown force, vampires are now in crisis!

Something terrible seems to be happening in Brasov, the vampire capital.

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

<Achievement Conditions>

1. Prevent the mysterious force from seizing the Strigoi’s blood tears. (Failed)

2. Ensure Bladir Bloodwell’s survival. (Achieved)

3. Ensure Lilith Bloodwell’s survival. (Achieved)

<Rewards>

Basic reward: 20 Stat Points.

Additional rewards: You can receive additional rewards for each condition achieved.

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

The quest is being modified.

Sub-Quest: Prevent the Extinction of Vampires!

<Description>

Although you failed to prevent the mysterious force from seizing the Strigoi’s blood tears, you’ve discovered another possibility to prevent the extinction of vampires.

<Achievement Conditions>

1. Ensure Bladir Bloodwell’s survival. (Achieved)

2. Ensure Lilith Bloodwell’s survival. (Achieved)

3. Help vampires settle in the south. (In progress)

<Rewards>

Basic reward: 20 Stat Points.

Additional rewards: You can receive additional rewards for each condition achieved.

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

The quest he thought had failed was modified.

Since the quest name itself was to prevent the extinction of vampires, the system seems to have acknowledged Valt’s alternative method.

The achievement condition is to help vampires settle, and although he’s not sure how much longer it will take, Valt takes comfort in the fact that he hasn’t failed yet.

‘That’s a relief. Since it’s come to this, I’ll make sure to help them properly.’

***

Meanwhile, despite his composed exit, Proc was grinding his teeth in anger.

“Damn it… To be reduced to this state because of mere academy brats…”

The safe house Proc fled to using Rishnew’s Perfume was in a deep mountain.

It was a barrier created with the help of a 9th Circle mage.

No one could easily find it, and even if they did, entering from outside would be difficult.

He planned to report to the council head from here.

Proc’s expression was grim as he placed his hand on the magic crystal ball.

“Huff…”

Zzzung-

The crystal ball emits light as it connects the communication.

“This is Proc. The seizure of the Strigoi’s tears was successful…”

[Good work.]

Hearing the other party’s voice, Proc continues what he couldn’t finish.

“However, all personnel deployed were annihilated. Franz’s Mirror and one Rishnew’s Perfume were lost.”

A moment of silence follows.

The tone from the crystal ball seems to sink.

[…Explain the situation in detail after your return.]

Zzzung-

The communication ends, and Proc sets out to find the council head for a detailed report.

“Damn it…”

Being an 8th Floor Master, he won’t die, but his standing in the council will inevitably diminish.

Proc begins descending the deep mountain path, vowing revenge.

***

Valt’s group gathered in Westmoor.

Naturally, Lisa, Arias, Victor, and Robin, who had been waiting, joined them.

“V-Vampire Great King!?”

King Bladir, who is friendly to humans, responds with a smile to Lisa’s surprised look.

“Nice to meet you. All friends of Valt are friends of vampires.”

The four people have bewildered expressions.

“Valt, what on earth have you been up to…?”

Valt takes out the monster by-products he collected on the way to the village.

These are items to prove the monster hunting requests he had accepted earlier.

The sting of a Javelin Wasp, the horn of a Unicorn Beast, and the foot pad of a Stamp Boar.

He had brought them while moving to Westmoor.

“Tomorrow morning, we’ll complete the request and head south. Who wants to come along?”

All companions raise their hands at Valt’s words.

“I-I want to go! I’m going!!”

Valt smiles and says to his companions.

“We can rest for about two hours. Everyone, take a break.”

While the vampires were energetic thanks to Valt’s blood, Valt and the rest of the group were not.

King Bladir nods and enters the inn.

In truth, this decision was not an easy one.

For vampires with thousands of years of history to abandon their homeland and choose migration in an instant?

If it weren’t for King Bladir, who truly loves his vampire people, he wouldn’t have been able to persuade them.

But because of King Bladir’s past actions and his sincerity, the people followed him without complaint.

Lisa can be seen already excitedly chatting with Lati and Yuria.

“S-so there are t-ten thousand!?”

“Shh! Idiot! Keep it down!”

Though they were whispering, Valt with his good hearing could hear their conversation.

Since it was late and no one was around, Valt didn’t bother to point it out and just smiled.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been home.”

***

The next morning.

Valt first contacted the academy through Westmoor’s magic communication center.

Extending the period was simple. However, since a reason was needed, Valt’s group reported that they would take on one more request in a city near the south.

After all, there were too many ears listening to explain the situation through magical communication.

Only King Bladir and Lilith were following without entering Franz’s Mirror.

Ishuran had entered the mirror to control the citizens.

Lilith sticks close to Valt and asks a question.

“So how are we going? Just taking a teleport?”

Seeing this, Arias’s eyebrow twitches.

Yesterday, she heard from Lati that this vampire named Lilith was very interested in Valt.

Moreover, hearing about some soul contract or whatever, Arias was not in a good mood.

Arias also sticks close to Valt and asks a similar question.

“There’s no teleport station in the south yet, right? So we need to go to Lester Castle first?”

As Arias said, there are no teleport stations in the south yet.

They are being built, but construction has just begun.

So they need to use teleport to get to the nearest teleport station, then walk or borrow horses to move.

But Valt is directionally challenged. In fact, he had even lost his way from the south to Lester Castle, where the teleport station is.

So Valt decided to get help from Lamrpo.

As someone who trades with the south, he would know the safest and fastest route.

“I’m going to get some help from a friend. First, we need to get to the teleport station.”

Having already communicated with Lamrpo at the magic communication center, Valt quickly moved to Siduron, where Lamrpo’s trading company is located.

***

The second visit to Lamrpo Trading Company.

“Oh… this is quite impressive?”

Lamrpo Trading Company had changed in scale since the first visit.

It seemed they had bought up all the surrounding land, as the company grounds were at least twice as large as before, and an enormous number of buildings had been constructed in just over a month.

Moreover, the level of the sentries guarding the entrance was not insignificant.

Both were 5th Floor Aura users.

Though they pale in comparison to Valt’s group, having such warriors as guards itself suggests the growth of Lamrpo Trading Company.

“Who are you?”

A sharp-looking guard blocks Valt’s path.

“I’m a friend of the company head. Tell him Valt is here.”

“Please wait a moment.”

As the other guard goes inside to confirm, Lamrpo’s voice is soon heard.

“Oh my~~~! Mr. Vaaalt~~!!”

Lamrpo comes running in his socks at the news of Valt’s arrival.

Valt smiles and greets Lamrpo, who hasn’t even properly put on his shoes.

“We meet again so soon. I’m glad you’re still here.”

The portly Lamrpo smiles at Valt, showing his gums.

“Wherever I am, I must come running when Mr. Valt calls!! But who are these people behind you…?”

“Ah, they’re my guests. Some are my academy friends.”

Lamrpo’s merchant eyes, honed over a lifetime, quickly scan the group.

Human, beastkin, fairy, elf, and two humans with unusually pale complexions.

In an instant, Lamrpo’s gaze changes after making his calculations.

“Welcome!! You must be tired! Please come inside quickly!!”

After ushering the group inside, Lamrpo begins calling for servants.

“Hey there!! Bring breakfast, no! A feast! Bring a feast!!”