Chapter 202: The Blood Moon Descends
"I recall, you should be Victoria of Unit 559, correct?"
"Yes, Lord Mahiro, I am Number 559. I never expected you to still remember me..."
While enjoying being surrounded by beauties, Mahiro slightly raised his gaze to look at the elf who was devoutly massaging his feet.
Her pink-gold long hair, the fringe covering one eye, and that noble and holy appearance left a deep impression on him.
She was the one he had picked up during a stroll with Alpha and the others a few months ago.
He never expected she would be able to join missions with Alpha and the others in such a short time.
She must have worked very hard.
However, the elf whose name he mentioned seemed quite agitated.
It shouldn't be that serious...
Then, he lifted his head to look at the girl feeding him.
"..."
"I am Nu, serving under Lady Gamma, respected Lord Mahiro."
The girl proactively introduced herself.
She was precisely the shop assistant who had initiated conversation with him yesterday at the Arcadia Trading Company and guided him to the VIP room.
Not only was she a rare human within Shadow Garden, she actually belonged to the Greek letter series.
Shadow Garden's Shadow Hunters are divided into two types: one is numbered, like Victoria of Unit 559, generally representing squad leaders and regular members.
The other is the Greek letter series.
These are typically cadres of Shadow Garden, such as Lambda who is responsible for training newcomers, usually appointed by Alpha.
Of course, the seven from Alpha to Eta were personally appointed by him, standing at the pinnacle of Shadow Garden.
"Their abilities are quite good, so I brought them along for the mission. Besides, Number 559 really wanted to see you."
Alpha forcibly pressed his head back down and continued massaging.
"I-I see..."
Forced into being a salted fish, Mahiro gave up struggling.
"Yes, Lord Mahiro! Ever since that day, I've been desperately wanting to see you again. Thank you, Lady Alpha, for granting my wish!"
"Then you must work hard from now on."
"Yes, Lord Mahiro!"
Being encouraged by Lord Mahiro...
Victoria trembled slightly with excitement, an unusual blush spreading across her face.
"Alright, let's stop for now. Let's discuss the intelligence about the Crimson Tower."
Seeing that night had fallen, Mahiro forcibly pulled himself out of his salted fish state and sat up.
Though the others felt quite regretful and still wanted to continue, they suppressed their feelings and followed his command to focus on serious matters.
The master of the Crimson Tower is named Elisabeth, precisely the Vampire Princess who destroyed three nations overnight a thousand years ago, the legendary Blood Queen.
This was the information Alpha reported.
However, besides this, there was an even more explosive piece of news—
"Blood Queen Elisabeth is also a Demon Possessor, right, Lord Mahiro?"
Alpha looked at him with burning intensity in her eyes.
"I never expected you to figure that out..."
"Yes. Previous investigations of various documents only allowed for speculation without confirmation, but after considering your movements, I was able to determine it."
Mahiro had always been dedicated to saving girls suffering from Demon Possession. Alpha was well aware of this and deeply moved by it.
To extend a helping hand to complete strangers...
"Well, you're right. The Vampire Progenitor Elisabeth is indeed a Demon Possessor like all of you, but the blood flowing through her veins isn't that of the Three Heroes—it's the Blood of Diabolos," Mahiro said, spreading his hands.
"What?!"
Epsilon covered her mouth in shock, her eyes widening slightly.
An inheritor of the Demon Diablos' bloodline...
Was also a Demon Possessor?
Then what exactly was the Curse of Diabolos?!
"Yes, that's correct. Alpha, do you remember what I told you when we first met?"
"I remember. You said 'the reason they become fairy tales is precisely because there exists a prototype story.' But what does this have to do with Demon Diabolos?"
"Alpha, you're adorably naive."
Mahiro smiled as he stroked Alpha's long hair, his expression gradually turning serious. "What if the legendary Demon Diabolos wasn't actually the villain portrayed in fairy tales? What if the Three Heroes didn't represent justice either?"
This was perhaps the most mind-shattering statement everyone present had ever heard.
The legendary Three Heroes weren't righteous, and Demon Diabolos wasn't the villain...
Then what was the truth?!
"Well, this is just my speculation. What exactly that hidden history entails requires your own investigation. However, one thing is certain—all these secrets are concealed within the Order. And the blood flowing through Elisabeth's veins is indeed that of Demon Diabolos, though during the long process of inheritance, an unknown mutation occurred, evolving into an entirely new race—vampires."
Under everyone's astonished gazes, Mahiro stood up and walked step by step toward the balcony, gazing at the neighboring Crimson Tower and the full moon hanging in the night sky.
"The moon is particularly red tonight."
Unlike the usual bright moon, tonight a crimson moon hung in the heavens.
"Indeed, because the Blood Queen Elisabeth is about to awaken from her thousand-year slumber."
Yukime stood up, swayed her tail, and walked gracefully toward Mahiro, explaining:
"Crimson, who once served as the Vampire Progenitor's left hand, attempted to awaken the sleeping Elisabeth. Following your will, I assisted in the process. Now Crimson has prepared the sacrifice, awaiting only the moment the Red Moon descends. Everything will proceed exactly as you wish."
"Yes, I know. Because I can already smell it..."
At these words, Yukime, who was about to step beside him, suddenly froze. Not just her—the others also stiffened immediately.
They hurriedly lowered their heads to sniff their own clothes.
They thought Mahiro's comment about "smelling" referred to some strange odor coming from themselves.
But Mahiro, with his back turned to them, didn't notice this and continued:
"Everyone, I can smell it—the stench of ghouls in the Lawless City, the rotting scent of blood emanating from the foul sewers. This is the smell of war!"
Mahiro slowly spread his arms, embracing the night wind blowing toward him.
Listening to the cries of agony echoing through the Lawless City.
"Thank goodness..."
The group let out a sigh of relief, gently patting their chests.
As long as the strange smell wasn't coming from them, it was fine.
"The Blood Moon is about to descend. Don't you think this is the perfect opportunity?"
"Yes, Master. This is indeed the best time to hunt the Vampire Progenitors."
Yukime nestled against his back, whispering softly.
"?"
Mahiro shook his head with a smile. "This is not a hunt, but a salvation. I will guide them into the 'Land of Rest.'"
His gaze drifted downward toward the base of the tower.
His eyes locked onto a figure rushing through the streets.
A slender swordsman clad in black attire, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, with fiery red hair flowing freely behind them.
At that moment, they drew the sword at their waist, cutting down vampires strengthened by the crimson moon.
"Lord Mahiro..."
Number 559, Victoria, knelt on the bed like a saint, hands clasped tightly to her chest, her eyes shining brightly as she watched Mahiro's back.
Epsilon's gaze was filled with nothing but admiration.
As if beholding a deity.
Willing to wallow in filth, willing to bear the world's condemnation to resurrect a calamity from a thousand years ago, and intending to save it...
Such a presence, such ideals, such actions.
Truly worthy of the name of a god!
All other gods are false; only Lord Mahiro is the one true god in this world!!!
"Now, everyone, let us begin our operation."
"Yes! Everything is as you command. We will spare no effort!"
The members of the White Tower and Shadow Garden had already begun to move.
Under the influence of the Blood Moon, the streets of the Lawless City were now engulfed in flames. Ghouls, usually weak and feeble, roamed the streets in hordes.
Frenzied like a calamity, they turned violent, hunting down the people of the Lawless City.
And all of this was witnessed by a single figure atop the Crimson Tower.
A man with delicate features and wine-red hair swept back.
Like a legendary vampire count.
"'Blood Moon'... has it not yet begun?"
Crimson looked up at the full moon in the sky. Though it was already tinged with a dark red hue, it was not enough.
They had to wait until the moon reached its reddest point—that would be the perfect moment to resurrect Queen Elisabeth.
"Lord Crimson, the preparations for the sacrifice are complete."
"Hmm... How is the city suppression operation progressing?"
"It is proceeding as planned. However..."
"However?"
Crimson turned, his bewitching crimson eyes fixed on his hesitant subordinate.
Trembling under his gaze, the subordinate continued.
"However... there is unexpected resistance in some areas."
"No, the Magic Swordsman Association is already overwhelmed by the ghouls and unable to break free. The main issue is the 'Tyrant' Juggernaut from the Black Tower, who is advancing toward us. Additionally, the 'Spirit Fox' Yukime has also left the White Tower, and her target seems to be here as well."
"So it's them..."
Crimson frowned as he looked down upon the lawless city below, a faint, cold smile curling at the corners of his lips.
The ruler of the 'White Tower,' the 'Spirit Fox' Yukime, and the ruler of the 'Black Tower,' the 'Tyrant' Juggernaut—these two were arguably the biggest headaches for Crimson.
Though he was reluctant to admit it, both of them were indeed stronger than him.
But now...
"They're nothing but a mob... No need to pay attention to that brute Juggernaut. As for the 'Spirit Fox' Yukime, that foolish woman thinks offering assistance will earn her a place under Queen Elisabeth's rule? Little does she know, she'll be the perfect bait once the queen awakens!"
"Ah, but... Lord Crimson, it seems the 'Spirit Fox' Yukime is accompanied by a young man who appears to hold a higher status..."
The subordinate spoke cautiously.
"No matter. Let them do as they please."
With a sweep of his cloak, Crimson turned and reentered the tower, approaching a coffin placed at the center of the room. He pressed his palm gently against the lid, stroking it softly.
"My dear queen... Soon, we will rule this world... The 'Crimson Moon' has already begun. Once you revive, no matter how many come, they will all drown in a sea of blood!"
...
Meanwhile...
"..."
The scarlet-clad swordswoman Mary gasped for breath, her black coat now stained a dark red with blood, its hem dripping crimson.
"Why are there so many...?"
Leaning against the alley wall, Mary quickly tried to regain her stamina. The depths of the alley were already piled high with corpses. She had lost count of how many ghouls she had slain, remembering only the endless swinging of her blade. Even with superhuman endurance, such relentless slaughter would exhaust anyone, let alone her current state, which was no stronger than an ordinary person's. She was utterly spent.
Gazing at the Crimson Tower and the gradually brightening glow of the crimson moon, Mary bit her lip hard.
"Please wait just a little longer, Your Majesty Elisabeth... I beg you..."
"Roar—!!"
Just then, another ghoul emerged from nowhere and lunged at her. No, to be precise, countless ghouls had been appearing throughout the Lawless City from unknown origins. Mary had no time to ponder this and immediately raised her longsword again.
But before her blade could strike the ghoul, it was instantly decapitated, its grotesque head sent spinning through the air...
"...?!"
The corpse fell to the ground, and under the bloody moonlight, she saw a young boy—staring back at her with equal surprise.
"Oh? It's you?"
"You... you know me?"
"Does it matter whether I do or not? All you need to know is that we're fellow travelers. I, too, am headed to the Crimson Tower."
"How could you... Who are you?!"
Mary immediately grew wary.
"Well, there's no time for explanations. If we delay much longer, the Crimson Moon will reach its peak, and by then, it'll be too late for whatever you plan to do."
With that, the boy turned and left without the slightest intention of staying."
"Wait, hold on!!!"
Mary tried to stop the other party, but ended up grasping at empty air as her body involuntarily rushed out of the alley. Her pupils abruptly constricted.
"The ruler of the White Tower, the 'Spirit Fox' Yukime..."
"Why is she here?"
"And actually following behind a young boy, with such a respectful expression?!"
"My name is Yotsuba Mahiro. If you wish to see Queen Elisabeth again, then hurry up and follow me, dear vampire lady."
At this, Mary could no longer remain calm.
She had wandered the Lawless City for hundreds, even thousands of years.
Always maintaining her identity as a "vampire hunter," she never expected someone would expose her true nature with a single sentence today!
Who exactly is this person?!
But she had no time to ask further, as the boy who called himself Mahiro was already walking away.
Gritting her teeth, Mary quickly jogged to catch up.
However, after following him, she discovered something even more shocking.
Those hordes of ghouls, which were troublesome enough that even she would struggle to deal with them—
Yet this young boy treated them as if they were nothing.
No matter how many ghouls blocked the path ahead, they would be instantly decapitated, even though he hadn't even moved a hand.
Even the ghouls attempting to approach from the surroundings would, accompanied by the sound of ringing bells, be instantly shredded into a rain of blood.
So strong...
Not just ordinarily strong.
Even the path to the Crimson Tower became unobstructed, and they smoothly arrived at the main entrance.
"It seems we're late. Someone has beaten us to it."
The large gate before them had been destroyed, deeply embedded in the ground not far away. Clearly, it had been "kindly" knocked open.
And not far from there, half of a person lay on the ground.
A smooth cross-section—they had been cleanly cut in half at the waist.
Not only had they forcibly broken open the gate, but they had even killed the guard dog.
Quite a brutal approach.
Just as Mahiro was thinking this, a furious roar suddenly came from above.
"Die, Spirit Fox!!!"
A dark figure descended from the sky, swinging a massive hook-shaped blade like a block of iron, aiming straight for Yukime's head.
"It's you again, such an annoying man~"
Yukime slightly furrowed her brow and was about to open her folding fan to take action when Mahiro stopped her.
Along with the hook blade, the gigantic weapon eerily hovered in mid-air.
At that moment, Mary finally saw it clearly.
They were threads.
Threads as fine as hair, nearly imperceptible, effortlessly blocking the blade!
"No need to bother with small fry."
Mahiro's voice was soft but clearly reached the attacker's ears.
"Where did this brat come from? How dare you call me small fry?! I am the 'Tyrant' Juggernaut of the Black Tower!!"
"Hah, still the same."
Mahiro slightly raised an eyebrow, and in the next moment, Juggernaut was sent flying backward.
He had been kicked away.
From the shadows emerged a beautiful woman wearing a sleek black combat gown, exuding an elegant aura, with high heels on her feet.
She looked down contemptuously at Juggernaut, who was now embedded in the wall.
"Do not disrespect Lord Mahiro."
"Those who disrespect Lord Mahiro shall atone with their lives."
Another voice came from above, and dark figures could be seen lining the surrounding walls.
These were the fourteen members of Shadow Garden that Alpha had brought this time, led primarily by Nu and No. 559 Victoria.
"Make it clean. Don't let this guy die too easily."
"As you command, Lord Mahiro."
The fourteen figures on the wall bowed uniformly toward Mahiro.
"You damned brat! Don't get too cocky!!"
Juggernaut suddenly erupted from the rubble, charging forward as he swung his hook-blade toward Mahiro's head.
But in the next instant, Nu—who had previously kicked him away—appeared before Juggernaut as if teleporting.
Her black dress fluttered as her pale, bewitching leg sliced through the darkness.
Clang!
Her slender heel precisely struck the side of the hook-blade. More astonishingly, this kick actually deflected the seemingly heavy blade!
It left a deep, knife-like gash across Juggernaut's abdomen.
Blood immediately gushed out.
Forced to temporarily abandon his weapon, Juggernaut clutched his abdomen.
Tap!
Nu took a slight step forward and spoke coldly:
"I'm not as gentle as Lord Mahiro. Since he has given the order, don't expect a clean death, you scum!"
"How foolish. To dare ambush Lord Mahiro—not once, but twice—you deserve a thousand deaths!!"
No. 559 Victoria descended from above, her black swords instantly transforming into two blades that pierced through Juggernaut's shoulder blades.
This time, Juggernaut could no longer endure, letting out a agonized scream.
"Ah—Damn it!!! Damned harlots!!! That fucking fox, get back here!!!"
Throughout this entire process, Mahiro didn't even glance back, proceeding directly into the Crimson Tower with Yukime.
What would happen to that beast-like creature was no longer his concern.
Nor did he have any interest in paying further attention.