Chapter 500
Chapter 500
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 500
Chapter Title: Noctenia (3)
A dimension called Noctenia, home to large and small continents much like Earth.
Most of its land was claimed by human nations, making the territory publicly known as vampire domain relatively modest by comparison.
But that was merely the surface truth.
The vampires' true hunting grounds spanned far vaster expanses.
Each clan encompassed several human nations, depending on its size.
Of course, humans weren't just sitting ducks.
After eons of torment that defined their history, they'd finally developed the technology to root out vampires hiding in every corner of society.
Not only that—they began training Slayers with the power to stand against vampires, and ultimately formed S.O.D., a supranational organization uniting all of humanity.
A blossoming civilization, advancing technology day by day, surging populations fueled by booming food production.
It was humanity's golden age.
"The old days were better, I tell you. Two thousand years ago, they'd drop to their knees at my every word. So cute. These days' humans have no manners."
"Ah, I get that feeling. Back then, we were gods to them. They'd offer up sacrifices at every meal, calling it an honor. How convenient it was..."
In a grand hall adorned with antique splendor.
Figures seated around a massive round table at its center conversed quietly.
"Ugh, those old fogeys. More humans means more food, right? They get everything served on a platter—what's there to gripe about?"
"Exactly. They probably hole up in some corner and never step out. Folks that age need fresh air. By my reckoning, they don't have long before the coffin."
"Hey now, cut it out. Even if it's true, they're still our seniors. Time for them to get a bit senile—we young ones should be understanding."
But the mood was far from amicable.
These beings were rivals first and foremost, their relationships leaning more hostile than friendly.
Sneers, barbs, and mockery flowed naturally with every exchange.
"Speaking of, are you keeping your underlings in check? Word is your clan's been sniffing around Charand lately. Don't you know that's my turf?"
"What? No idea what you're talking about. Charand fell ages ago—a new nation's in its place. Still spouting nonsense?"
"What? You bastard! Just a hundred years back...!"
This held even for those who'd briefly agreed moments before.
They snarled like they might devour each other, as if their accord had never happened.
Not one or two, but everyone gathered here showed the same pattern.
"Speaking of, where the hell's Racus? He calls this lord meeting after a century, then shows up late? Bet he bailed once he realized it's nothing big."
"Kihihit! Then this meeting's about executing Racus! That sounds fun. Milau region's mine in that case!"
"Requests a lord meeting after a hundred years and shows up late himself... He's not plotting something, is he?"
"This is a waste of time. I'll leave at the appointed hour."
Their barbs converged on one target.
The one who'd convened this 'Lord Conference'—mandatory despite old promises creating awkward tensions among them.
The four Kings and five Queens ruling at Noctenia's pinnacle.
Gathering such transcendent beings demanded immense authority and equal responsibility.
As they said, wasting their time on trivia wouldn't slide, even for a King.
"Apologies. The agenda required thorough preparation, so I was delayed."
Thankfully, Racus—the convener—appeared before patience ran dry.
He took his empty seat at the round table, scanning the room with solemn eyes.
"Time's short, so let's begin. The topic I raise is..."
He spoke slowly, his voice heavy.
To the eight other transcendent vampires.
"...the existential crisis facing every vampire clan in this world."
Silence blanketed the room at the bombshell statement.
"......"
"......"
It was indeed weighty enough to summon the lords.
Grinning onlookers, those half-listening, arms-crossed skeptics—all eyes snapped to Racus.
"...What kinda bullshit is that?"
Whether they bought it was another matter.
"Heh, turns out the real senile one's elsewhere. What a shame."
"Ki-hit! Great, great. Let's start the real meeting! All in favor of executing the deranged Racus? Me! Me!"
"Oh dear, Racus of all people..."
No one took him seriously.
Even the cautious ones were dubious.
"Hm, Racus isn't one for jokes... You serious?"
"Got some intel? Like S.O.D.'s Chairman or the Papal Court's Pope breaking past transcendent barriers to divinity? Otherwise, it doesn't add up..."
Humans had transcendents too.
In fact, they were a driving force behind humanity's rise.
Without their support, anti-vampire tech wouldn't have advanced so far.
"Kyahaha! Divinity? You believe fairy tales? And humans, no less?"
"Obviously a joke. No need to nitpick humor, Violet—ruins the charm."
The room's vibe stayed light.
Even with human transcendents, vampires could confidently crush them in total war.
No need to escalate when lukewarm standoffs worked fine—war would shrink the food supply (humans) and cost vampires dearly too.
Beyond shared species, no bonds existed; they were all potential foes. No one rushed to risk it first.
"A new King has been born."
"...What?"
In that levity, the ever-stern Racus spoke again.
This was the true crux.
"Their identity and origins are unknown. But one thing is certain..."
The revelers unconsciously furrowed brows.
Intense crimson light flared in Racus's eyes.
"...They possess the power to corrupt bloodlines and steal away subjugated kin."
⚙ Blood Sovereign Eyes ⚙ All intel directly gathered and compiled via Blood Sovereign Eyes shared with attendees. To make them grasp the gravity.
As predicted, the mood shifted swiftly.
"Ha."
"Kihihit!"
"...Oh my."
A heavier air descended, distinct from before.
The atmosphere warped under the auras from the nine transcendents.
"Now we're ready for a proper meeting."
Racus smirked faintly, surveying them.
No need to detail what followed.
Right after the conference ended.
Vampire clans worldwide stirred from silence.
To eradicate disruptors threatening the status quo.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Kang Taesan helicoptered to an S.O.D. branch, then switched to a plane for the central HQ higher up.
The grueling security checks left him mildly stunned.
'Did I rush too much? Should've stalled before coming here?'
Phantom was due soon; this ironclad defense spelled trouble.
Forced infiltration risked detection and needless complications.
Amid his anxiety, much transpired.
Joining S.O.D.'s proposed experiments, he learned his 「Indomitable」 synergized powerfully with Slayer awakening agents.
⚡ Indomitable Activated ⚡ 「Indomitable」 Synergizes massively with Slayer awakening agents.
Normally, adaptation started with low-purity Essence extracted from Pawn blood, gradually increasing dosage. He skipped straight to Bishop-grade agents.
'Thanks to bolstering my unique skill. Karma's piling up faster than expected. Plus, with Return Scrolls, I can invest it all in myself.'
The gifted Growth Potion let him absorb gains without side effects from rapid growth.
Even divine power use brought enigmatic insights, quickening mastery of great strength.
"What are you? Really human? No, that's obvious. But how...?"
These factors fueled his hero-movie growth spurt.
S.O.D., investing heavily in him, was baffled by the smoothness.
"Pleased to meet you. I've heard much about you."
So groundbreaking, an unforeseen VIP came to meet him personally.
"Ah, uh, hello! Chairman, sir...! I'm Saira from the special task force...!"
His handler Saira, who'd recommended and minded him, babbled incoherently.
From her view, it was inevitable.
S.O.D.'s Chairman—the Slayer legend at the vampire frontlines.
A superhuman transcending limits to rival vampire Kings and Queens directly.
Humanity's hero stood before them.
"Greetings, Chairman. I'm Kang Taesan. Taesan or just 'Mountain' works if pronunciation's tricky."
"Huhu, nice not needing interpreters for otherworlders."
His otherworlder status was public knowledge.
In multilingual worlds like Earth or Noctenia, hiding it was futile anyway.
Same words registered in each listener's tongue.
"...Well, let's get along. Need anything? Speak up—I'll do what I can."
Unlike the tension, the chat was brief.
Perhaps just to gauge him firsthand—the piercing gaze assessed before parting with future promises.
'Whew, impressive. Even that short talk had such pressure...'
Drained from the intense encounter, he sighed returning to his quarters.
Opening the door absentmindedly—
"Probably checking if you're a vampire spy."
A stranger's voice jolted him.
"Wh-who?!"
"Hm, body's grown decently, but the brain's regressed?"
A sharp-featured handsome man spat coldly from the room's chair.
Phantom—Heinz—flipped a booklet casually, as if merely keeping his promised visit.
"...How'd you get in here?"
Kang Taesan muttered unwittingly.
Having felt the central HQ's airtight security firsthand.
No vampire—not even a King—could sneak in undetected.
'And the Chairman's here now? From what he said, he knows my chat with him too...'
Escaping S.O.D.'s heartland, humanity's hero's watch, to surveil them instead.
"Tight security, sure. But not insurmountable."
Phantom dismissed it indifferently, flipping pages.
Like appraising inferiors from on high.
'Right... Phantom subjugated multiple Level 9 vampires on Earth to claim the top spot. Makes sense.'
The yawning gap made Taesan swallow hard.
Then Heinz closed the book, turning with narrowed, sharper eyes.
He too inwardly admired.
'This level already. Faster growth than anticipated.'
Awakening was key for true rank, but raw physique and combat prowess were solid now.
He could hold against Rook without folding.
'Push a bit more—how far could he go?'
⚡ Insight Activated ⚡ 「Insight」 Analyzes physique, condition, limits, and potential with aid.
Using 「Insight」, he scrutinized Taesan's state, limits, and aid scenarios.
'Vampire clans are mobilizing en masse. Time for me to reap too.'
Chaos swirled with unseen perils.
In such uncertainty, only personal might was reliable.
'Strengthen him now, and future tasks ease.'
He eyed the book—vampire blood refinement theory, i.e., awakening agents.
"Kang Taesan. Want to grow stronger?"
"...Pardon?"
The abrupt question drew a dazed reply.
But Heinz, with his cold heart, continued unfazed.
"Then here's your chance."
"Uh, wait."
Standing, he approached slowly.
A crystalline blood droplet beaded at his fingertip.
⚡ Purified Blood Essence ⚡ 「Purified Blood Essence」 Vampire essence beyond Rook or King. Unrecorded in Noctenia's history. Gleams iridescently.
Neither Rook nor King.
Blood from realms beyond.
Unchronicled in Noctenia's annals, a single drop shimmered.
"I'll make you stronger."
Unprecedented, never to repeat.
The world's one-and-only super loner.