Ivina watched as Niditara continuously recited spells, opening and closing different doors before her. With each door she opened, they found themselves in a different place, which left her feeling utterly bewildered.
What made her feel awkward, however, was that Niditara remained silent throughout the entire journey. Yet, in her heart, the unease she had felt when they first set out had now transformed into an uncontrollable sense of panic.
She was about to face a group of creatures completely different from herself. Would they have bull heads and horse faces, or would they all bare their teeth, eager to devour her? And what she wanted to know most was, who exactly was that "he"?
"Gla, Gla, … Gla!" Niditera called out urgently.
Ivina realized she was calling her own "name." Looking at the slightly reproachful gaze, Ivina lowered her head obediently like a child who had done something wrong.
"Why didn't you answer when I called your name?!" Niditara's wrinkled face grew even more angry.
"I…"
"Foolish! I merely frowned, and you immediately lost your composure. By the time you even approach 'him,' you'll likely be so frightened by those around you that you'll lose your nerve entirely."
She was so timid and cowardly—there was hardly a trace of that woman's spirit in her. Cowardice—truly a flaw of humanity!
As she stepped through the final blood-red archway, Ivina suddenly looked up and found herself in a completely new space.
It was an endless corridor. On either side were strange symbols carved into the walls—golden, green, and mostly the color of blood, sending a chill down one's spine. Above was a massive bas-relief, carved from a single piece of turquoise, depicting countless demonic creatures with sharp fangs. Is this their own portrait? Is this the form of a vampire?
Above her head hung oil-scented candelabras, their gothic style overwhelming the viewer.
After walking for an unknown amount of time, Ivina was satisfied with the artistic impact of the large piece of turquoise above her head. This stone carving was a true historical monument. As far as she could tell, it depicted scenes of vampires gathering, the joy of union, as well as their internal conflicts or uprisings. However, one stone carving caught her attention, causing her to slow down.
This carving had been forcibly separated from the rest of the wall sculpture.
She couldn't make out the details of the carving. It seemed to have been deliberately damaged and defaced by an external force. However, the only thing that was clear was the pair of eyes painted in deep red. At that moment, they were staring intently at her, making her feel as though she couldn't breathe.
"Did you notice it?" Niditra narrowed her eyes, her expression a mix of a smile and a frown.
"I… I saw it by accident." Realizing she had stopped to look at the wall carving, Ivina lowered her voice, afraid of being scolded.
"By accident?" Niditra didn't stop walking; she continued forward, her icy question piercing to the bone.
"If it were all accidental, my poor girl, you wouldn't have come here..." She paused, then spoke with sorrow, helplessness, and sadness, which eventually turned into a cruel mockery.
"It is God's will, my Lord, my Lord... Jehovah, ha ha ha ha!"
Niditera took her hand, her tone filled with coldness.
"That man, as long as his body remains as indomitable as his will, will forever be the supreme ruler of the vampire realm—Duke Dandel." Niditara glanced up at the stone sculpture, but quickly lowered her head in panic. "You will recognize him at a glance, no matter which tribe, realm, heaven, or hell you encounter him in. Because..."
Niditara's hoarse voice betrayed a hint of sorrow she tried to hide. "No one can ignore his pomegranate-red eyes. No one…"
Those eyes symbolized supreme power.
Repeating the final sentence, Niditara stared at the broken statue, her cloudy eyes brimming with tears.
At that moment, an odd, rhythmic chirping sound drifted in from the distance, snapping Niditras out of her unusual state of mind.
Gripping Ivina's hand tightly, Niditras issued her command without emotion, her tone leaving no room for defiance.
"Listen, Gra, beyond this door lies a group of the most terrifying vampires in this realm. They are greedy, self-serving, or shamelessly repulsive. Yet they are all powerful counts and knights, holding authority second only to the supreme ruler… Therefore, no matter how afraid you are, be strong; no matter how angry you are, hide it; do your best to perform well, and I will assist you as well."
After saying this, Niditera pushed open the heavy door without warning.
Is this real? Ivina was stunned.