Episode 5 Chapter 6: A Monster Devouring a Monster

Are you unable to endure even this much, Melissa?

Perhaps my expectations were too high, even for Conwell Lenox's paramour.

Don't disappoint me.

Ugh...

Urk!! Dammit...

Come on, why can't you just take the easy way out? You're just wasting everyone's time and energy here.

*sighing* So stubborn and temperamental...

That's why people always leave you, do you understand?

Shut it...

Your resistance is futile, Melissa. Just surrender and join us.

You can have everything you've always wanted, the immense power you've yearned, and the family that would never betray you... Everything.

So just hand over whatever Lord Kane wants and pledge your undying loyalty to him.

Abigail... I...

Haste? He isn't really our family.

I'm...going to fight...till the end...

Pathetic.

You can barely stand on your own now...and what? You're going to fight till the end?

Are you all talking, with nothing to show for it?

Ugh!

...W-Wait!

If you hurt her...

Oh, look who woke up to join the party.

I...am going to kill you...

Oh?

AGHH!

Haste!

I'm afraid I need to ask you to stay still, Melissa.

Please do as I say.

Interesting... I don't think I've ever seen you this desperate, Abigail.

Nng... Ugh...

I had such high expectations for you as well, Lenox boy.

I know you haven't awakened as a Vampire Lord yet...

But I never imagined you'd be such a young, frail cub.

AHHH!

Seriously...? He can't even handle this...?

Hmm... Is it impossible to awaken him no matter what I do?

...Ugh... Mmm...

I suppose I didn't really need all these elaborate traps to catch...well, you. Isn't that right, young master?

Stop, Kane!

Hmm?

You're not really going to kill him, right?

Haste is the last survivor of the Lenox family. If he dies, that's the end.

And?

Wasn't there a pact among the three families, yours included, to preserve each other's bloodline? As the final Vampire Lord of Erasia, it seems only fitting that you hono...

I have no intention of killing the boy. Of course, he may not function as well as before, when I'm done with him.

...

A word of advice, young lady. There's no such thing as an absolute fact in this world.

Who's to say that the Lenox boy over there is the sole survivor of his family?

And if he awakens, then I'll no longer be the final Vampire Lord of Erasia either.

Umm...

Have you come to your senses, cub?

I'll give you a little nudge to help you unleash your true power. If you feel like you're paralyzed by terror...

Try screaming your lungs out.

NO!!!

ACK!

M-Melissa!

Melissa!

I told you to hold onto her tightly. Geez...

...And who was supposed to be holding onto her other hand? Don't put all the blame on me.

Now... Run, Haste...

B-But...

Go... Find your friends...

Melissa...

Go!!

*panting*

I can't just run off like this. That Kane guy is going to hurt...

But...what should I do? Even if I go back now, there's no way I could beat him and rescue Melissa.

Dammit...

There he is. Aww, I'd hate to be the one cutting this fun game of hide-and-seek short.

Maybe you should refrain from muttering unnecessary words, Elvira. I don't want to resent you for causing another mission to fail.

...Then you think everything that comes spewing out of your mouth is pure gold?

He was targeting me specifically from the beginning. I swear he was, but why...

No, I can't waste any more time thinking about these things. I need to go find Eligos as soon as possible.

There's nothing he can't solve, so I'm sure he'll figure out a way to rescue Melissa in no time.

Huh?!

...

Tch, tch, I knew you were going to step on that twig.

I didn't know there was another one.

Stop making excuses and go grab the bo, Huh?! Where did he go?

I think that little dot over there near the horizon is him.

Whoa...

He sure is swift. I didn't even notice he was gone.

Are you going to tell Lord Kane?

Tell him what?

That I made a mistake and ended up letting him get away.

...I'm not a snitch.

Let's just go after him. We'd have nothing to make up an excuse for, as long as we bring the boy back to Lord Kane.

...All right.

After all the trouble you went through to reach Ritania...

What was it? Yes, you prepared a forbidden blood magic spell, too. So tell me, what did you get?

...

What were you able to achieve in the end?

How do yo, Ugh, *coughing*

It'll take some time for your broken ribs to heal. You might want to speak slowly.

How...do you know...that?

My followers can be useful at times. They're perfect for blocking arrows and bullets, for example. And for gathering information...

This time, it happened to be the latter...

After I had just woken up from a short nap from taking a sucker punch, I heard the most unexpected, but interesting, thing.

...

That you put an end to Conwell Lenox's long, miserable life, for good.

And then you went to Ritania and brought his son back... What a remarkable piece of news.

You're a scumb... Conwell was a saint, compared to...

AHAHA!

Yeah, that I am. And Conwell is gone, forever, all thanks to you.

It's not gonna be long before I see the pathetic name of the Lenox family deep in the mud.

You can...never...kill...Hast...

Ah, thought I broke your ribs, not your brain, Melissa. Like I said earlier...

I have no intention of killing the kid, at least not yet.

I've got something better planned for him.

Just give up, Haste.

No matter how long or how far you run, the result will be the same. So just come back with me.

Stop following me!

*panting*

What did I tell you? You can't run forever.

I understand how Lord Kane came off a bit tough at the beginning, but I can assure you he's not going to hurt you.

Just think of it as his trial to grant you greater strength.

I don't need greater strength.

Haste!

*panting*

She's so persistent. This is why Pyllis was so wary of Abigail.

Is she...still following me...?

Ugh!

Huh?

And like this, you played right into my hands.

Haha, you see, young master? This is how you hunt small animals.

Don't touch me! Let me go!

I don't think so. It took me a while to catch you, you know?

Stop being a baby and behav...

What is that sound? It's coming from somewhere nearby...

Hyap!

Kyaa!

I told you to let go of me!

Y-You brat, did you actually just bite me! Ow, that hurt so much...

Elvira!

Oh, Abigail, you arrived! Quick, grab that kid! I'm sure he won't be too far awa...

Look behind you!

Krrr!!

Geez, that was close... When did it get so near me?

...Thank you, Abigail. I owe you one this time.

I'm surprised you actually listened to what I said though. If that was the norm, we probably wouldn't have so many problems.

Seriousl, You know what, just forget it.

Stay focused, Elvira. It looks like this creature has its eyes on us.

Grrr...

...I am focused.

The good news is that it looks like we're dealing with the Beast of Anguish. Then you must know all about its weak spots since you've always been interested in that beast.

It's not.

I'm sorry?

It's not the Beast of Anguish.

But it looks just like it...

No, they're completely different. Ah, it's coming this way, watch out!

Okay.

Krrr...

This is the Beast of Dread. It doesn't usually roam around in broad daylight... In any case, it's wise to stand back for now.

Is it that dangerous?

It's dangerous to fight it by ourselves right now.

First of all, I barely know anything about it. I only saw it once in my life, but it was a long time ago from a distance.

And secondly, it's not like we have great synergy together.

That's true.

*panting*

I can't run anymore...

But I have to...

...Save Melissa...

Haste?

Haste, wake up!

What happened to your face?

I will always stand by your side.

...

Don't get me wrong, it's nothing personal, okay? And it's certainly not about buttering up some high-born, either.

It's just...hmm, how should I put this...

I've never met a commander who said things as you did.

What was it that I said?

You said we could win.

Captain, we found some marks!

...

It looks like a group of people engaged in battle over there.

Is it the Slayers who left with Claudia?

...Yes.

Scan the area with a fine-tooth comb.

Argh...! Why are you being so stubborn?

Veronica, you're doing it again. You only want to hear your own thoughts, but you've got to admit, you can't always make the right call!

It's not that I only want to hear my own thoughts. I simply made a decision, that's all.

Yeah, yeah. I get it. To you, we're just a bunch of idiots who don't seem to understand the simplest concepts.

...

I don't even understand why I bother talking to you about this anyways. You're not going to listen a word I say. You know it, and I know it.

I'm gonna lead my patrol team and scout areas like a surveillance dog at your command.

...I know what you and Bernard are worried about, okay? But I can't just go back on my word at this point.

And Claudia...

Umm... I don't wanna sound so presumptuous...

Hmm?

Do you think you can share some with me?

...Share what with you?

Whatever troubles you. I'm sure it's about the Slayers, right?

I may not be as brainy as you, but I'm very good at solving problems, you'd be surprised.

Haha... It might be better for you not to know.

What's that supposed to mean...? Is it something I should keep a secret?

Wait a minute, you don't trust me? Is that what it is, Captain?

Err, it's not that...

I like talking to people, and yeah, we sometimes gossip! But I CAN keep a secret!

C-Captain...

Report.

We found Claudia...but...

...

...Lead the way.

I'm going to check it myself.

So the Beast of Dread appeared...and got in the way between you and the kid.

And while you two were caught off guard, he ran off.

Is that correct?

...Yes.

We were flustered by its sudden appearance. But I did my best not to let Haste get awa...

Are you sure?

I-I'm sorry?

Are you sure it was the Beast of Dread?

Yes, I confirmed it.

Is that so...

Urk!!

How do you know about the beast, Elvira?

Have you seen it before?

A...A long time ago...

"A long time ago," huh? Exactly when are you referring to?

Ack...!

...L-Lord Kane.

I-It was...when I went out...on my f-first patrol duty...

That's back when you were still a loyal hound of Skuggiheim, correct?

Yes...th-that's correct...

*panting* *coughing*

I-I saw it too, Lord Kane... I didn't recognize it right away since I've never seen it, but it was an enormous beast.

Elvira is telling the truth...

I know. I heard its howling too.

It seems I finally managed to catch its attention. *scoffing*

...Huh? What...do you mean?

None of your concern. Ah, Abigail.

I'm sorry?

Follow me. There's something you need to do for your sister.

Ah, all right!

What? You mean, Melissa?

Yes.

Don't make me repeat myself.

B-But...you said you'd take her in...

And she threw that offer right back in my face. You were there.

You saw how she stood against me with every fiber of her being.

L-Let me talk to her one more time.

No, what you need to do now is...

*gasping*

Either prove your loyalty to me...

Or I end your life, right here right now.

...

Go finish her now.

It'll be easier to do it before she regains her consciousness.

They were here a couple of hours ago.

They did try to cover their tracks, but it looks like they missed a few spots.

There's no one here. How about on your end?

Yeah, same. There's nothin, Ah!

...Cidd?

Hold on a sec.

...

Everyone, come over here now! I think I found her!

Is she alive?

Yep, but she's unconscious.

*sighing* This Kane fella is a real piece of work, isn't he? Look at all her injuries...

...It's because of me.

...

Isn't it a bit weird though? Why would they leave Melissa here without finishing her off?

They could've used her to lure us right into their trap.

That's exactly why I checked the perimeter around the area first, but I didn't find anything suspicious.

I double-checked, just in case Cidd missed something...

What? You're the one who always mis...

Enough.

We need to transport Melissa somewhere safe. Maybe the Vampires...

...

Mr. Eligos?

Ah, yeah. What I'm trying to say is...

It's possible that Kane and his followers haven't left for good. Given that we don't know who we're up against, we cannot waste a single second dawdling here.

We leave the mansion immediately and move to a safer area.

You came a little later than expected, Captain Veronica.

Yeah, I had to run some errands. By the way...

Thank you for being on board with this plan, Sir Bernard. I was worried you might refuse.

Ah, come on. You know I'd never say no to new adventures and innovative ideas.

Especially if it has something to do with the Tree of Genesis.

Of course.

Hnm? How come you didn't bring Claudia along as usual?

...Let's head inside first.

Ah...

I see... It was Kane...

...

I'm so sorry, Captain. I don't know what to say...

I'm going to place her remains in this fortress. Of course, if it was solely up to me, I'd like to give her a proper burial in her hometown...

But I can't. It's too late for me to go back now.

...You're right. I'm sure Claudia wouldn't want that either.

How's the situation here? Based on what I saw on my way in, everyone seems a bit anxious.

You saw it correctly.

We're getting raided by those Vampire followers left and right these days. But come to think of it, it may have something to do with Kane and his recent return.

That sounds about right.

And one more thing, the patrol unit dispatched outside the fortress a few days ago hasn't returned yet.

We don't have enough manpower to send out a search party...so I was waiting for your command.

I see.

Let's head out as soon as everyone gets back from their break. But...

This whole thing could be Kane's elaborate ruse, so we need to stay vigilant at all times.

Do you think the missing unit could still be alive?

I shouldn't get my hopes up too high, huh...?

If there's even a glimmer of hope, no matter how small, it's worth a try, Lord Bernard.

...Yeah.

Think of it this way. That's the only source of hope for those who follow us.

Ugh... That Beast of Anguish has been spotted so frequently these days. I did hear it was seen in the east, but it baffles me when it's come all the way across the continent...

Wrong beast...

Uwaah!

*growling*

Could that be the Beast of Dread?

Wh-What should we do? We can't handle a beast of that size on our own...

It's way too close for us to make a safe retreat.

We engage in battle, then power through.

Hostile entity discovered! Everyone, get into your battle formations!

Krrr!!

Ahh...

Ey, easy there.

RUFF!

Eligos?

W-Who's that?

A mercenary.

The most unpredictable one amongst all.

B-Boss, you cannot just charge in without telling us...

Especially when you told us not to meddle.

But it was an emergency. Veronica could've gotten seriously injured if he hadn't.

What timing, huh?

What in the world are you doing here, Eligos?

Have you been...following us?

...You sure are imaginative.

Grrr...

...Hmm?

...

Haste? Hey, are you okay?

What's wrong, Swifty? Were you dozing off? Guess you're still not feeling very well, huh?

Huh?

Ah, no... I just heard a voice...

A voice? You mean, besides ours?

Yeah, it was more like a whisper in my ear...

Grr!

Eh? It's suddenly running away?

B-Boss!

Yep, I saw that too. Cidd, follow that creature and find out where it's headed.

I'm on it!

Hmm... Lord Bernard.

Would you like me to follow it too, Captain?

Don't do anything reckless. Just find out which direction it's going in and then come back, okay?

Understood.

...

Go finish her now.

It'll be easier to do it before she regains her consciousness.

...Lord Kane! M-Must I...?

You can't do it?

You're certain?

*sobbing*

N-No... I...I can...do this...

Just relax your hands.

Close your eyes and count slowly. Tap into your survival instinct and let it steer you.

When that brief moment passes, you'll be relieved that you made the right choice.

Kyaa!!

Ah... No...

You couldn't finish her! AHAHA!

I knew you couldn't do it.

I...I am...truly sorry...

That's enough. Now on to the next step.

Drink my blood, Melissa.

You cannot die yet... You're only useful to me if you're still alive.

Melissa...come on. Drink it...

Although she was knocked unconscious, she drank Lord Kane's blood. Her primal instinct kicked in at the last minute, probably.

Was everything just happening according to Lord Kane's plans, and he foresaw all the steps? He did, probably...

I... What I did...

That was the only choice available to me, probably...

But...

Ack, dang it...

A forked road...what should we do?

We split up and cover each road. We were ordered to avoid any direct contact with it anyway, so there's no point in us staying together.

Then I'll take left.

Sounds good! Then I'll go right.

...

Weird.

I feel like someone's been watching me... But I can't sense anyone's presence nearby.

Hmph...

Maybe I'm imagining things...

...Ah... I see.

I knew it was you. You were on my tail the moment Bernard and I split ways, weren't you?

Yeah, I really didn't want to get involved with the Slayers, especially those Human...

Ack?

Ugh!

Tch, that could've been the last blow.

How disappointing... Is that how you greet an old friend?

You have no shame, don't you? You thought I'd give you a warm hug after seeing what you did to Swifty and Melissa?

Who's Swift, Ah, you mean Haste?

I'm sorry your friends are hurt, but it wasn't me. Lord Kane did all the...hammering.

He likes those kinds of things.

Hmm...

...Yeah, like you're so appalled by the thought of hurting people. Are you trying to say you're nothing like him?

It's certainly possible?

It's not like you follow orders from your leader because you agree with everything he says.

If that's the case, I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from.

But, my boss and I, we're usually on the same page.

...Really?

But I get what you're saying. I had a huge difference in opinions with my former boss.

Because of that...everyone ostracized me and eventually, chased me away. The saddest part is that I thought they were my friends...maybe even my family.

...

Of course, things worked out for the better now, since I got to come to this world and meet everyone.

Wait a sec, why am I telling you all this?

I don't know.

You hypnotized me, that's why! Tch, I can't believe I let my guard down even for a second in front of you...

Well, to be honest, I did consider it...but it was pretty hard for me to focus because I'm not feeling very well now.

But then it looks like I really didn't have to.

What?

Now that you're spilling your guts...can you tell me why you came to Erasia?

You were sent by the Taranor government, right?

Eeek!

...H-How did you know that?

I didn't, but thank you for confirming it.

AHH!

Don't worry too much. I'll keep it between us for now. And...

I, too, understand where you're coming from, to a certain extent. Having your back stabbed by those who you thought were friends...

Wait!

I know exactly what that feels like. Then, see you around, Cidd.

Claudia's funeral will be held shortly.

...

You can come if you want.

I do.

By the way, Eligos.

I'm not trying to question you or anything, so don't get me wrong. I'm just asking to get a better understanding of the situation.

...

That day, I asked you to escort Claudia, and I saw you all leaving together.

Did you not run into Kane back then, when you parted ways with Claudia?

...Think I did.

If Haste described him correctly.

Hmm...?

Whoa... What was that sound?

There's someone coming this way.

They're alone. Are they the one that made that sound?

A giant war hammer, aptly named the Tyrant's Descent.

It's known to be wielded by the lords of the Drake family to signal the beginning and the end of wars.

He probably stamped it on the ground and made the noise as he approached you to see if it would intimidate his opponents.

Coli, enter stealth and stick close to me.

Right away.

Cidd, Pyllis, wait here. I'll try talking to them first.

We don't have much time to spare, so let's not make this any more difficult than it needs to be.

Right up until the actual battle begins, he'd have that obnoxious look on his face, a mix of both confidence and depravity...

And gaze down at his opponent with that red, distorted left eye.

Haha...this is going to be fun.

Did you...make that sound just now?

That's right.

I was setting a beat and rhythm to the cadence for those brave young souls on their death march.

Thanks for the encouragement, but...

I'm not going to die, at least, not here and not today. I know that for sure.

Ha... Hahaha...

AHAHAHA!

Something funny about what I said?

Now I'm curious who you are. You certainly don't look like you're from around here.

Tch, you can tell from miles away...? Well, I'm dressed the way I usually am from my hood, so I guess it wasn't much of a brainer.

You're short by one headcount. They're probably hiding somewhere nearby, waiting for your signal.

Ah, you noticed that, huh?

And the other two over there seem to be pretty obedient too, maintaining just enough distance to jump in at any time.

There's no way you're just a group of bandits roaming around aimlessly.

Let me guess, you run a type of business that deals in death, don't you?

Hmm, well, used to.

Hehe...are you trying to say you washed your hands of that now?

Then what are you supposed to be? A fugitive? Or a robber? Oh, a hitman, maybe?

I was just like you, in the past.

...!

You've climbed up to where you are now by stealing, robbing, cheating, and killing others.

You talk as if you've met me before.

I know exactly what type of man you are just by looking at your eyes. Because you and I, we're cut from the same cloth.

...

We're survivors.

Back then, I just thought I met an interesting lad.

The type you'd like to share a drink or two with sometime later.

Where are you headed? You're going to run into the Slayers if you keep walking that way.

Ah, no worries! I have no bone to pick with them or anything. I'm visiting an old acquaintance that I'm indebted to.

I, for one, always pay my debts.

Fire!

BANG! BANG! BANG!

I'm sure Claudia is smiling right now, seeing your face from above.

Good.

She loves, ah, loved to be surrounded by many people.

She really liked you guys...especially...and enjoyed your company very muc...

Umm...

...Are you okay?

Yes. I just felt dizzy for a moment.

Even if I'm not, I have to be. I can't stop here.

I need to keep moving forward. Otherwise, there's no place for Humans in Erasia to go but down.

Taranor needs to change. Otherwise, it'll slowly wither away.

There's no room for error. We're fighting for their future now.

I mustn't fail. The people of Taranor will never allow that.

Thanks to all the information you provided, I was able to identify who was after my life and come up with countermeasures. But I don't want to put you in more danger than necessary.

You don't have to worry about that. None of the jobs I've ever worked have been something that could be considered safe.

If we fail, you'd be a fugitive for the rest of your life.

I don't care.

Are you...still gonna go on your own?

It's between him and me. Besides...

I don't know if I'll make it out of this alive, but...knowing that my drinking buddy might be waiting for me at the bar... That might be all the motivation I need to survive.

You understand where I'm coming from, right?

Eligos.

Yeah?

You still couldn't have stopped it.

...

Back then...even if you knew it was Kane, you couldn't have saved Claudia.

Your weapons wouldn't have left even a scratch on his real heart... So you don't need to blame yourself for something you had no power over to begin with.

I'm sure Claudia wouldn't want that either.

Mr. Eligos!

Boss!

Gather, everyone. I have something to tell you.

Melissa hasn't opened her eyes yet.

Mr. Eligos said he had something to tell us, so we should let him talk first, Haste.

Put a hold on our missions for now. We're going back to what we were doing earlier. It's not an official request, but a personal one, mine, to be exact.

But I'm going to need your help.

Of course! We're Dagger Sicar!

Understood. But..."we're going back" as in...

Our target is Kane.

That being said, we must find a way to kill a Vampire Lord, once and for all, before catching him.

That's all. You're dismissed.

No. There's no way those are the Bullets of the New Moon...

...!

Kane, the last Vampire Lord... Your death here, on this day...

Will mark the end of this war.

Lord Kane!

No!

We're running out of time! Hurry!

He's losing too much blood, Elvira!

Lord Kane...?

...Where's Elvira?

I'm right here.

I need the two of you to go and keep the Slayers busy for a while, until I finish my hunt.

Yes.

Right away.

This time, make sure you complete the task without fail.

Are they the patrol unit that went missing a few days ago?

Yes, they are.

Then he could be around here somewhere.

...Aren't you becoming a little too obsessed with Kane?

Weren't you leading the Slayers to track him down too? If I remember correctly, that was exactly what you were doing when we met.

That was before he woke up again. But now, it's a completely different story since I don't even know if we'd stand a chance against him.

So you're just going to avoid him altogether? What about taking revenge for Claudi...

That's what matters to you the most right now, huh?

For me, no, for us Humans who are fighting for our lives in Erasia, we have a goal far more important than seeking revenge!

Even if we somehow manage to kill Kane, another Vampire Lord will emerge from somewhere else. The descendants of those three families who sold their souls to the Tree of Genesis...

They are extremely tenacious!

Hmm...

The whole reason I hurriedly put Kane to death at the beginning was to buy some time. And now we don't have even a second to waste. The Shadow Elve...

What about the Shadow Elves?

No, nothing. I've said too much.

...There are so many things I'd like to ask you, but I'll do it some other time. By the way, about these corpses.

It's clear that they didn't die here. This is merely the dumping grounds.

What?

This is most likely one of his dirty traps. Either he's after us or the fortress.

How's Melissa?

...Not really well. She still hasn't touched the blood packs.

*sighing*

Hmm, do you think there's such a thing as first aid for Vampires?

I don't know.

Incoming! Enemy attack!

...!

No way, were they waiting until everyone had gone outside for reconnaissance?

Over here, Bernard!

There you are! Please help us form the defensive line.

I have no idea where they even came from, but they're swarming in endlessly!

Was that the last one? Did we get them all?

I think so, but we should prepare ourselves for the nex...

AHHH!

Right, you should always be prepared for the next wave of attack. What a smart cookie you are.

Kane!

Ha.

Urk...

No!

Easy there, Miss Shadow Knight. Unless...

Ugh...

You want to see your precious little boy drawing his last breath.

...Do not lay a finger on Haste.

Yeah, yeah. I don't intend to, at least, not today. Because...

I have my eye on something else today. It took the bait...as expected.

Hahaha!

Urk, *exhaling*

See you later, kiddo.

Wait until I come find you.

Hahaha!

How pathetic. Is that the best you can do?

Grrrr...

Wait a second, is that hesitation I just detected in your eyes?

Do you still have a shred of humanity left in you?

Grrr...

No, what you have left is an obsession, a foolish attachment to your bloodline. That's what you are.

And I'll prove it to you.

*growling*

If you don't stop me now, Haste Lenox will never survive.

Because I'm going to track him down wherever he goes and end his life.

You should know by now, I don't bluff.

GRRR! Grrrr!

So I suggest you...

Come at me with all your might!

Garghhh!

Damian Lenox.

The lord of the Lenox family once ruled over the largest territory in Sangerat.

He was one of three original Vampire Lords who had traded their souls with the Tree of Genesis in exchange for immortality long time ago.

Rumor has it that he retained his youth for over hundreds of years. Blessed with time, he ruled his land with blood and terror, then one day, he just disappeared like a puff of smoke...

Krrrk...

Coincidentally, that's when a giant beast was spotted roaming around. So the people of Sangerat said...

"The Beast of Dread rose as the Lord of Dread fell."

Ahaha, it makes sense, doesn't it?

Urrck...

But Damian Lenox didn't vanish for good. There are some sporadic records of eyewitnesses afterward.

After his sudden disappearance, he met a lady named Isabelle who had been banished by the Drake family for an unknown reason and fell madly in love with her.

But by a twist of fate, their love didn't last long, because...the curse he was under had already reached its limit, and his primal instincts took over his consciousness entirely...

Now he could never return to the way he was.

Grergh! Grrr...

After you left, Isabelle Drake died during childbirth, but you already know about this, don't you?

Father.

G-Grrr...

The kid had been fighting in order to survive... He tricked others before getting tricked, betrayed before getting betrayed, and killed before getting killed...

The only thing you passed down to me was...the grim future of the Vampire race, which is on the verge of extinction, and the unavoidable destiny to find the Tree of Genesis and beg for its mercy over my soul.

Dammit.

K-Kiergh...

Nonetheless, I wage my own battles. I don't do it for others, so...

I'll crush them all.

Grrr! Grr!

Keke... Interesting.

You're nothing but an animal with a wretched soul, but you have a sense of kinship? I told you already, that's a foolish obsession.

I'll end your pathetic life with my own hands.