In the English Channel of the Atlantic Ocean, an aircraft carrier was stationed.
Inside, a fully armed officer named Worrell Roche entered a room and saluted:
"Commander."
Alexander Corvinus looked at the man before him and asked:
"What have you learned about the situation?"
Worrell Roche began his report:
"This war between vampires and werewolves involves two main developments."
"On the werewolf side, they located your bloodline descendant—Michael. The werewolf leader, Lucian, used him in an experiment, trying to create a hybrid species—half vampire, half werewolf—while removing the weaknesses of both."
"It was meant to end the war between the two sides."
"In a sense, it both succeeded and failed."
"Victor ultimately killed Lucian, but Michael did become a hybrid."
"On the vampire side, they've been collecting an item called a Dragon Ball. They seemed to think the werewolves had one and launched an offensive because of it."
"However, due to some of Victor's actions, the Assassin's League got involved and killed him."
"During this time, Xu Xialing, the boss of the Golden Dagger Club in Hong Kong, tried to buy a Dragon Ball from Selene, but the deal failed and led to conflict."
Worrell Roche laid out all the recent events involving both factions.
As the father of the founders of both species, Alexander Corvinus had long been cleaning up after their messes. His sons, the founders of vampire and werewolf kind, had become bitter enemies over the centuries.
The fact that vampires and werewolves could live peacefully in London without human interference was entirely due to Corvinus' secret support.
The werewolves lived underground without much influence. Though the vampires had some alliances with the elite and even nurtured the Harpy Clan, their survival still depended largely on Corvinus' protection.
Though not as physically powerful as vampires or werewolves, Alexander Corvinus possessed an extremely long lifespan and used it to build a vast network of influence, rising to the rank of Navy Vice Admiral.
His men monitored all communication devices across England. Any mention of vampires or werewolves was flagged, and his operatives would quickly silence those involved.
In his territory, his power surpassed even the UK branch of S.H.I.E.L.D.
But the endless conflict between the two species had long grown tedious. He wanted to end it.
And now, with the emergence of God and Iron Man, he sensed a major shift in the world—a transformation akin to the first and second industrial revolutions.
"Investigate the Dragon Balls."
"I want to know why the vampires are collecting them, and what exactly they do."
"Also, invite the two Assassin's League members currently in London. I have some matters I'd like to discuss with them."
Worrell Roche saluted:
"Yes, sir."
…
Meanwhile.
Marcus had just awakened and was staring at Selene.
"Victor passed the Elder title to you?" he asked.
Selene nodded:
"Yes. Several Death Dealers were present at the time."
Marcus wasn't concerned about her new title. He said:
"This century should be ruled by me. Since you've inherited Victor's title, complete the succession ceremony, inform the clan, and then enter your slumber."
But Selene couldn't accept that. Though that was the tradition, she replied:
"Elder Amelia was killed by werewolves."
"Only the two of us remain as Elders."
"Also, Lucian is truly dead—Victor cut off his head himself."
To Selene's disappointment, Marcus showed no interest in Lucian's fate. As the vampire progenitor, his brother was the werewolf progenitor. Marcus had turned Victor in the past for one purpose: to help build a fortress capable of containing his berserk brother and to offer him shelter. But things had not gone as planned.
Fifteen hundred years ago, Victor had been a king in this land, commanding a vast army.
But Marcus's brother William was different. Once he transformed into a werewolf, he lost the ability to revert to human form—becoming a giant wolf that rampaged uncontrollably, turning villagers into more werewolves and laying waste to entire settlements. Victor had to lead troops to purge them.
"At least Victor did something right before he died," Marcus muttered. "But rules are rules. With only two Elders remaining, the traditions must be upheld."
Clearly, Marcus wasn't going to allow a break from custom without good reason.
Selene pondered for a moment. The hybrid path through Michael had hit a wall—no new purebloods remained. The only hope left was the Dragon Ball.
"I'm sorry, Elder Marcus."
"I must participate in the Dragon Ball tournament. I cannot enter slumber now."
"If an Elder must slumber, it will have to wait until after the tournament."
"Besides, Elder Victor died at the hands of those hosting the tournament."
Marcus knew all about the Assassin's League, the emergence of God, Iron Man, and the Battle Power Detector through Kraven's memories. But when it came to the Dragon Balls and the tournament itself, he was clueless.
"Perhaps you should explain everything that happened after Kraven's death," he said.
Selene recounted everything in detail—except one thing. She only mentioned that the Dragon Balls could potentially eliminate the vampires' weakness to sunlight. She didn't reveal the truth about wish-granting.
Marcus considered the possibility.
"You're saying if you win… you can remove the weakness from our entire kind?"
Selene nodded firmly:
"As long as I win, I can do it."
Marcus then asked:
"Does it have to be you who wins?"
"You may be an Elder now, but between you and me, the difference is like a candle before the sun."
"Even Victor was no match for me."
"Perhaps you should use the Battle Power Detector and see the gap for yourself."
He was curious about his own strength, too.
Selene nodded and tapped the detector. As it locked onto Marcus, the number rapidly rose—
Until it stopped at 50.
…
(End of Chapter)
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