Warning: Non-Beta, pardon me for the typos or the screwed up grammar because English isn't my mother language.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any franchise in this story!
With a jolt, a short creature with a thin body, the wrinkled skin, big head, long, pointed nose, a pair of bulbous eyes and a pair of wide flappy ears jumped down from its small bed. The creature was known as the house-elf and its name was Barmy. Although the name itself sounded very poor, degrading even, Barmy held the name his most glorious master gave him with honor.
Standing in the middle of the very small room with only a small bed and a smaller than a child-sized set of military camouflage uniform and dark brown beret hanging on the smooth stone wall, Barmy flicked his finger. With a soft popping sound, the set of customized army uniform and the beret disappeared from their place and reappear back on the house-elf's body at once.
The sight of a house-elf wearing a set of uniform was peculiar and almost unheard of for giving a house-elf a cloth was supposedly a symbol of firing off the house-elf in question. However, this house-elf, as well as its brethren that had sworn to serve their magnificently outstanding master, was a rather special case.
The gesture of giving the cloth would terminate the master-servant contract between a house-elf and its master when the cloth was given directly to the house-elf. It was an entirely different matter when the master ordered the house-elves to present themselves with an attire of any kind.
Finished his preparation, Barmy felt he has presented himself well. The beret-wearing house-elf went to the secret briefing room via house-elf's brand of 'apparation'. He appeared in the second briefing room which his most glorious master didn't know of. He saw his brothers and sisters clad in their own uniform were standing in an orderly fashion.
Barmy inspected his brothers and sisters who queued up splendidly and nodded his head in satisfaction. He was ready for his usual morning greeting and extra indoctrination which his master didn't order or even know of. "My brothers and sisters!" started Barmy as he swept his sight on his brethren, "Another day has come for us to serve our most glorious Master Lusty-Bug sir!"
"Master Lusty-Bug sir is the most glorious!"
Barmy nodded his head faintly in acknowledgement mixed with satisfaction after it heard its mate, Wonky, incited the devotion, adoration and worship in the hearts of other house-elves with her cheer.
"Long life Master Lusty-Bug sir!"
"Long life Master Lusty-Bug sir!"
Cheers echoed in the secret meeting room, to Barmy further joy. Barmy raised his right hand beside his face to stop the fervent cheers. As much as it pains Barmy to stop the well-earned adoration to his most glorious master, Barmy realized that he needed to stop his brothers and sisters, or nothing will go further from here.
"Those who have the honour being assigned by our most glorious master can start their assignment," exclaimed Barmy.
Seven house-elves disappeared from his view, leaving only seventeen house-elves. Barmy swept its eyes on them.
"Since you don't have personal assignments from our most glorious master, Barmy shall give you your assignments! Listen well!" Barmy started, "Beastly, Horny, Cocky, Corny, Petty, you are going to raid the bad muggles like usual! Liberate bad muggle's money and muggle-wands. Don't forget their amputations too!"
"Barmy Sir!"
One house-elf raised his hand.
"You are Cocky, no? What is it?"
"It is not 'amputation' sir! It is 'ammunition', sir! You are wrong house-elf, Cocky as a good house-elf needs to correct you!"
Barmy blinked his eyes, dumbfounded. The next moment, he snarled savagely at the house-elf who dared to question the authority he was bestowed by his most glorious master. It 'apparated' before Cocky and slapped the cocky house-elf silly.
"Barmy never asked for Cocky being too cocky! Never question Barmy! Just shut up and follow orders like a good house-elf! Am I clear?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
Cocky replied from his position on the ground; he held its swelling cheek from Barmy's strong slap.
The dictatorial, beret-wearing house-elf returned back to his previous position and then swept his sight on the other house-elves. "Do you all have something to say to Barmy?"
After Barmy saw that the other house-elves shook their head quickly the oppressive leader of the House-Elves Black Ops continued his job to give the assignment to jobless house-elves.
"Becky, Ditzy, Dizzy, Dopy, Floppy, you are going to build very deep underground hideout again! Remember, deeper is better!" Barmy paused and then turned his sight to the remaining twelve house-elves, "Bratty, Dandy, Flunky, Funky, Pinky, Plucky, Pulpy, Thorny, Picky, Poppy, Vinny, Zomby," it called the long list of name as he looked on each possessor of said names, "You are going to find good stone like our most glorious master used to make that magic thingy in the room seven! You must engrave the rune to look like it too! Am I clear?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Now, go!"
The remaining house-elves disappeared with a soft popping sound, leaving Barmy alone in the secret briefing room.
After the remaining house-elves went out to finish their respective assignments, Barmy swaggered to the small desk with piles of rolled up parchments. He sat down on the chair and began his job to check the monthly reports written by his brethren. He read through the 'beautiful' handwriting of his brethren quickly that can even astound its master if he ever saw it.
For the time being, Barmy nodded his head as he checked the written report. They're really good house-elves. Its brethren knew how to write a fabulous report. They never forget to fill, at least, 80% of their reports with ardent praises for their most glorious master.
Barmy didn't know that the procedure he has created was actually a bother to his master. Since said master never remonstrated or even banned them to continue what they were doing so far, Barmy had a wrong misconception that his master liked the excessive worship and praises written in the reports.
"They are good house-elves," Barmy murmured as it continued its activity, reading the whole content of the reports wholeheartedly. "Barmy is proud, very proud to lead them all."
In less than five minutes, the appointed leader of House-Elves Black Ops finished his assignment. He had checked all reports and found himself satisfied by what he had read.
"Now, what is Barmy going to do?"
Since he had finished his morning assignment, Barmy was at lost. Idleness was something the house-elves abhorred to their core.
An idea appeared in Barmy's skewed head. He flicked his fingers, creating a soft 'pop' sound, and summoned a copy of the Sun Zhu Art of War he had liberated from one of the muggle's bookstores in the past. The leader of H.E.B.O. opened the copy and read through the content. He nodded his head as he leafed through the pages.
As a good house-elf that has been given a task to lead his brethren by his most glorious master, Barmy wanted to give his glorious master something more. He has realized that the current H.E.B.O. is too small. He had a plan to expand the small organization of trained and lethal house-elves into a kingdom full of head-reaping, trigger-happy house-elves that could take over the world easily.
Everything was for Barmy's most glorious master Lusty-Bug sir!
And speaking of the aforementioned master, he was oblivious to his crazy house-elves' plan.
—
It could be said that summer 1992 was my busiest summer yet.
At the day, I would help Clara to maintain order in the orphanage. Other than that, I had also registered myself as an alumnus of a prominent elementary school in Scotland.
Inserting my files into the database was very easy. I had also modified the memory of all related to my supposedly fake elementary school graduation year, from students to teachers. I couldn't let a small mistake to be left behind after all.
Meanwhile, at the night, I would travel around the world to hunt magical creature or monster for their experience points. I couldn't stop my grinding even if it was supposedly a summer holiday.
After all, there was no holiday in Gamer's dictionary.
At the moment, I was in one of my night incursions. I was in Romania country to hunt Romanian vampire or Romanian werewolves. I've asked one of my house-elves to take me to this country via their awesome 'apparition'.
After mind-raping some non-magical folks in the rural area that was close with the Romania's most prominent vampire covens, I immediately went to the forest that was believed as the forbidden area by the aboriginal folks. There were many cases of death in that forest, and the cause was always same; the victim's blood was drained. It was clear who, or what, caused the death.
Speaking of the magical skill I used to get this information, it was the 'Legilimency'. I had learned that skill in my spare time in Hogwarts. I supposed that my calm and unshakable mind helped me a lot in mastering this very useful skill.
For the skill's detail, it went like this:
Legilimency (Active/Passive) Level: 7 (100%) – the act of magically navigating through the many layers of a person's mind and correctly interpreting the findings.
Effect(s):
- Passive: Passively scan the surface thought from eye contact with the target.
- Active: Breaching inside the mind of the target brutally to glean information.
I didn't need to activate the skill to find what I was searching in this place. I only asked a question and my passive 'Legilimency' would pick up what they were thinking. Consequently, I was here now.
It was already past midnight. The soft moonlight was streaming down the land through the gaps between the clouds.
I could hear the haunting howl of wolves. My hunch told me that the howls belonged to werewolves. Normal wolves' howls wouldn't be this haunting.
After strolling aimlessly through the thick forest — I was not entirely sure how long it was — my 'Presence Detection' finally picked up something on the edge of its range. I blinked my eyes when my skill alerted me about more than five dozens presences.
I moved to the spot; I didn't forget to activate my 'Presence Concealment' skill, cover my smell, block the sound of my movement and restrain any excess of 'Willpower' with 'Magic Control' skill, and then arrive in the site of the conflict.
Watching the conflict below from my position on a strong branch of a tall tree I saw two vampires and from their appearance they were quite important figures. The two vampires were being cornered by five dozens of other vampires. The surrounded vampires were an aged gentleman and a lovely young lady respectively.
I couldn't help guessing how this is a flag for a ridiculous event before I dismissed any unnecessary thought from my mind. Then, I checked the two cornered vampires below with my 'Observation' skill.
Vlad Tepes
- Race: True Ancestor
- Level: ?
- Health: ?
- Willpower: ?
Your level is insufficient to continue the observation!
- Details: the first generation vampire who has been turned into a vampire because a curse put on him by his enemy at the end of the war against the invaders. Although he has washed his hand from his authority as the king of Romania, he still watches over his country behind the shadow. Don't make him into your enemy as of now; he's very, very dangerous fellow!
As I expected, this seems to be a flag for an amazing event. I never think that I will meet a historical figure in my second life. Then, my eyesight moves to the girl behind the legendary Vlad Tepes.
Mina Tepes
- Race: Vampire Ancestor
- Level: 18
- Health: 920
- Willpower: 290
Statistic Attribute:
[Strength: 92] [Agility: 73] [Mind: 35] [Magic: 29]
- details: the seventh vampire princess of Tepes Council. A legal loli, alert! Go! Conquer her, O champion of the lolicon!
Putting aside the cheekiness of my skill . . . "A vampire princess, huh?" I mused in my head.
I scrutinized the young vampire hiding behind the legendary Vlad the Impaler himself.
The aforementioned vampire princess had the appearance of a delicate young lady with a deathly pale skin, a doll-like face, a pair of crimson eyed with vertical slit pupils and a long, lustrous pale blond hair that's tied into two side tails. She seemed to be in her pubescent. However, I couldn't guess her real age.
For her attire, she wore a white blouse under a reddish brown leather jacket with a precious ruby embedded on jewellery that fastened her blouse's collar, short skirts that stopped just above her knees, a pair of dark leggings under her skirts and a pair of low-heeled leather shoes that protected her feet.
The small fangs jutting out in the corners of her cherry blossom coloured lips made her way cuter in my eyes.
I'd be lying if I said that I was not amazed by the young vampire's cuteness, or I supposed beauty in this case, but it was just that — amazement.
I never saw someone could be so delicate and beautiful like her. Truly, she was someone worthy to be called princess.
Speaking of the former King of Romania, he had the appearance of a gentleman in his forties with a wavy and long grey hair, a handsome face with a trimmed goatee and a pair of blood red eyes with vertical slit black pupils. His attire consisted of a noble's attire; white shirts, black coat, a cravat, a pair of pants and a pair of black leather shoes. He looks dandy as he was a handsome fellow.
I checked a vampire who seems to be the leader of the group encircling Vlad Tepes and his daughter with my Observation skill.
Marius Cainblood
- Race: Vampire Ancestor
- Level: ?
- Health: ?
- Willpower: ?
Your level is insufficient to continue the observation!
- Details: the vampire ancestor who is the Commander of Elite Warrior of Cainblood Vampire Coven.
The other vampires behind Marius were low-levelled since I could see their detailed statistics. The lowest level was 15 while the highest was one level below mine, at 35. Other than Marius, they were all wearing a hooded cloak that covered their body and upper face.
"Is this a dispute between faction for territory or repaying old grievances?" I guessed in my head.
I recalled the information about the vampires that joined Lord Voldemort's faction in the previous war. Lord Voldemort didn't have vampire followers from the big faction in his ranks and the vampires that joined him for fun or other reason were mostly rogues.
At that moment, I heard Vlad Tepes speaking to Marius.
"I can guess how you can set this ambush for me and my dear daughter, but I intend to hear it from your own mouth, Lapdog of Cainblood," Vlad Tepes started. He was using Romanian and I was glad that I've learned many languages in Europe before, "Who has betrayed me?"
Marius laughed disgustingly and then said, "Do you really want to know the answer, you old fossil?"
Vlad Tepes said nothing, knowing it was rhetoric on Marius' part.
Marius clicked his tongue, producing a loud 'Tch' and then said, "It was your son," The vampire of Cainblood smirked wickedly to Vlad. "To know your own flesh and blood is behind your demise, how is it? Are you angry, old fossil? Do you want to tear his body apart, even though he is your own blood and flesh?"
Vlad Tepes still said nothing.
Marius wiped his smirk and put on an emotionless mask, making his deathly pale, handsome face to look like it was made carved from ivory with two ruby jewels plugged in his school as his eye sockets.
"You needn't worry about your traitorous spawn, Vlad Tepes. He and your kin shall follow you two to the oblivion," said Marius with a flat tone.
The banter finally came to an end.
With a hand sign from Marius, the five dozens of hooded vampire sprang into actions.
"Mina, don't ever you dare to distance yourself from me if you want to live through this farce," said Vlad Tepes. He swept his right hand in the empty air before him.
Vlad's strong momentum and explosive power have created a shockwave that threw several vampires closing into his position.
I was shocked when I saw that. I could guess that Vlad Tepes' 'Strength' attribute was likely very high if he could create a shockwave with a smile swing of his hand. I become more interested and pay more attention to the fight between True Ancestor and Cainblood army. This was a rare experience that I could only dream of in my previous life.
Mina, the Vampire Princess, follows her adoptive father's order, hiding closely behind Vlad's broad back. Her face stayed expressionless but her ruby red eyes are glimmering with anxiety.
The fight reminded me of the vampire brawl in New Moon — the last extension of Twilight saga. The vampires glide in the air with a simple jump as though they are flying. Limbs and bodies were torn by Vlad, but no blood was scattering in the air. It was a surreal view.
As the war progresses, I found Vlad Tepes is being pushed back by the hordes of Cainblood vampires. And finally, after Marius joined the fray, Vlad is thrown back by Marius' blow, leaving the scared and rooted to the spot Mina alone in the middle of dangerous enemies.
"Mina!"
Vlad Tepes' calm countenance crumbles as he sees the mortal danger around his latest adoptive daughter. He tries to step in to protect his daughter, but the Cainblood vampires block his path.
A prompt appears before my eyes.
Special Event Quest Alert!
Become the Ally of the Darkness
- Save Mina Tepes and Help Vlad Tepes to kill all Cainblood vampires!
- Success Rewards: 5000Exp, ?, ?
- Failure Penalty: Potential Death, ?
Do you accept the quest? (Declining the quest won't give you any adverse effect whatsoever) (Yes/No)
"No rest for the wicked, no?" I complained mentally as I accepted the quest.
I took out my new staff from my Inventory and 'apparated' to the empty space between Mina Tepes and Marius Cainblood.
The staff I have taken out from my Inventory is something that I have received today. It is a custom made a staff. I ordered it from an old druid in Icelandic.
How did I know about the druid in question? To answer that question, my answer is simple: my house-elves. I have tasked my house-elves to establish a spy network across the world, or at least in America, Africa, Europe and Middle-East.
The staff itself was very expensive. A normal wand in Ollivanders only cost 7 Galleons. Yet, the wand cost me 77 Galleons.
At least, the staff's specific was better. It can be used as a melee weapon too. For its detailed information, it's like this:
Name: 1.5m Cherrywood and Dragon Heartstrings Staff
Rank: Unique
Durability: 500/500
Details: 1.5m long staff made of Cherrywood and has seven heartstrings of Chinese Fireball as the core. This item reduces spell cost by 95% and amplifies the spell effect by three times.
My sudden appearance took everyone off kilter. I didn't waste my chance and I coated my staff with Magic, which was shaped like a sharp edge with my 'Magic Control' skill. I then swung it at Marius' neck.
The Elite Commander of Cainblood Vampire Faction tried to jump back. Unfortunately for him, I have extended my Magic Blade. My Magic coated staff sliced his neck cleanly. His head was separated from his body and floating for a moment in the air. Without missing a beat, I cast 'Incendio' Charm to burn Marius' body and head into ash.
You have killed Marius Cainblood (LVL?)
Gained 2000Exp
Levelled up to level 37
Gained 1 point for all Statistic Attributes and 5 free attribute points
Your HP, MP and negative status effects have been healed
There was a lull of confusion and disbelief before the silence is shattered by a soft gasp from behind me.
"Ah. . .?"
I turned my head around and caught the sight of Mina Tepes up close. I stared at her dazedly for a split second because she was prettier up close. Immediately afterwards, I returned back to the reality as my 'Presence Detection' alerted me of the Cainblood vampires' movements.
They tried to flee.
There was a snowball chance in hell I let them flee. It would become a future problem if one slipped out and informed the higher-ups of the Cainblood Vampire Faction about my involvement in the dispute between these two vampire covens.
Without missing a beat, I took a square plate of precious stone with amplification magical property, with 2cm thickness and 30cm length. A complicated rune scheme was engraved on its smooth surface. I activated the rune scheme function and magic circle spread out from the plate.
The glowing magic array was wide with fifty-meter diameter. The moment the translucent mysterious array spread wide, everyone froze on the spot.
The square plate was one of the artefacts that I've produced in my rare free time. It functioned as a wide AoE (Area of Effect) paralyzing spell. Unfortunately, this plate was only one-time use artefact and I could see its durability kept lowering down as I stimulated its ability. The total durability of this plate was 150 points and it decreased by 1 point each second, meaning I only had one minute and thirty seconds to finish the remaining three dozens of vampires.
I didn't waste my chance. I went all out by continuously casting 'Incendio' charms toward Cainblood's vampires.
Killed Lowee Cainblood LVL15
Gained 15Exp
Killed Cathie Cainblood LVL18
Gained 18Exp
Killed Wulfrick Cainblood LVL20
Gained 20Exp
Killed Vann Cainblood LVL20
Gained 20Exp
Killed Crowley Cainblood LVL21
Gained 21Exp
The notices keep appearing until all kills are reported. Unfortunately, the total experience points from mass-murdering the vampires are less than 2000 points. It isn't comparable to the exp gained from killing Marius Cainblood.
Cleared A Special Event Quest!
Became the Ally of the Darkness!
Rewards: 5000Exp, Chance to be Ally of Tepes Vampire Coven, Unlock Vampire Princess' Route
I blink my eyes as I feel stumped for a second, right before regain my calmness and then dismiss the prompt before my eyes.
The magic array gradually disappears and the remaining two vampires, Vlad Tepes and Mina Tepes, regain their mobilities once again. Surprisingly, the vampire princess doesn't move away as soon as the paralyzing debuff comes undone. Her ruby red eyes are scrutinizing me in curiosity.
"Young wizard, you have my gratitude for your assistance in our time of need."
I blink my eyes in a slight surprise as I hear Vlad Tepes' voice next to me. I turn my sight to him and then find the True Ancestor has stood next to me. I was surprised because my Sense Presence couldn't catch his movement. I chalk it as my low AGI that can't keep up with his insanely fast movement.
Since my Sense Danger doesn't alert me of any incoming danger from the legendary vampire, I decide to take a leap of faith and then reply Vlad Tepes' words politely.
"But of course, it was my honour to assist a legendary figure like you, my lord."
"From your word, it seems that you know me, young wizard. But of course, this may seem intrusive, but pray tell me why a young wizard such as you roaming in vampire covens' territory?"
"I just want to have a night stroll," I said without missing a beat, my face still calm as the surface of still water.
Vlad Tepes cocks his grey brows in bemusement, a reaction his adoptive daughter also mirroring.
"Really, now?" Vlad Tepes sounded sceptics. It was reasonable because how young I seem. But, Vlad Tepes doesn't seem to be bothered by it. "Just forget about it. Anyhow, may you accept my invitation to my castle for a formal thank you for your assistance?"
I regard the True Ancestor before me silently. A lull of silence engulfs us for a moment. I break it by accepting his invitation with a curt, "Yes, and thank you, my lord."
So far, I didn't feel any danger from my choice. My Sense Danger doesn't alert me to any mortal danger and I have a hunch the Special Event is still on the way.
I also feel curious what the True Ancestor will do to his traitorous son who has sold his own father to the enemy.
I follow the True Ancestor to his castle that's hidden from muggle. We have small chat along the way. We also finally introduce ourselves informally because of the TPO. However, I'm sure the formal introduction will happen after we entered in the Tepes Vampire Coven's castle.
After strolling for almost two hours, we arrived in the castle.
The castle is grand and majestic, not unlike Hogwarts castle, albeit it has the haunting presence on the contrary to Hogwarts welcoming and homey feel.
Along the way, Mina Tepes kept sending me a curious glance. I couldn't help wondering if she's the type of easy heroine. I hope she's not. Although she's a top quality beauty, I don't have any intention to start a romance in my second life this soon. Perhaps, when I am in my third, or fourth year in Hogwarts. But, not now. I'm still young.
Vlad Tepes showed how decisive leader he is by going directly to his traitorous son. However, the vampire in question seems have run away the moment Vlad Tepes' return was spread in the castle. As I expected, the special event hasn't finished yet and it's still ongoing.
When the True Ancestor was dealing his problem, Mina became my guide, as well as a warning to other vampires that I'm not their meal. Being honest with myself, the hungry gazes those vampires directed to me is very unnerving. At least, the hungry gaze from the female vampire can be taken in different context even though it wasn't true.
Soon, Vlad Tepes has finished his business and called me and Mina to the dining room. I didn't show my surprise when I saw the edible meal for human presented on the table.
After I sat across the long table, while Mina sat on the chair at the left side of the main chair, where Vlad Tepes has sat down, the True Ancestor speaks.
"You must be curious about the feast, no?"
I can see his mirth in his blood red eyes. I nod my head to agree with his deduction.
"You're not the first wizard who has visited my castle. I also have wizards, even muggle, connection. Tepes coven isn't different from other vampire's covens in their viewpoint about the livings, but we don't wantonly slaughter and drink their blood. I understand how far the muggle has been progressing. They have even created something so dangerous like a nuclear bomb I'm their madness and foolishness. But, of course, it's just my ramblings. Anyhow, shall we introduce ourselves formally as the place is suited for the formal setting?"
"But, of course, my lord. My name is Asmodias Lustburg, a muggle-born wizard hailed from United Kingdom Britain, a second years student of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry in the next September, as you have known from our earlier conversation," I introduced myself politely.
Vlad Tepes nodded his head gracefully, his eyes twinkling not unlike Dumbledore when he heard my name. I'll be lying if I say I'm not curious about his reaction to my name. It's not the first time someone has shown such reaction to my surname. It makes me very curious. Is there something more about my name that I don't know of? I file this information in my mind for further research after my business in this place is finished.
"You have known me, I'm Vlad of Tepes Coven and the leader of Tepes Coven," he gestured to his left, where his adopted daughter sat gracefully like a prim and proper noble lady, "And this is my latest adopted daughter, Mina of Tepes Coven."
The female vampire in question sends a demure nod to my direction. I return her gesture with mine.
"Now, shall we begin the feast? I'm sure you're famished from exerting yourself earlier," said Vlad.
I just nod my head silently. I can't say that I don't need a meal because my bullshit power for it will earn the wrong attention from others.
The menu on the table is Romanian cuisine, consists of Ciorbă — the traditional Romanian sour soup as well as its variants such as Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup, soured with sour cream), Ciorbă de perişoare (meatball soup), Ciorbă de fasole cu afumătură (bean and smoked meat soup), Ciorbă de legume (vegetable soup), Ciorbă de peşte (fish soup prepared in the style of the Danube Delta) and many others; Caltaboș or chișcǎ — a cooked sausage made from minced pork organs and rice, stuffed in a pig's casing; Cârnați — a garlicky sausage; Chiftele — a type of large meatball covered with breadcrumbs or a flour crust; Drob de miel — a lamb haggis made from minced organs wrapped in acaul and roasted like a meatloaf; Frigărui — Romanian-style shish-kebab; Limbă cu măsline — cow tongue with olives; Mititei — grilled minced meat rolls and its side by side dish Grătar — grilled pork/beef with an eggplant, potato, and meat as condiments; Papricaș —;Chicken paprikash; and many others.
The white cloth covered surface of the long buffets style table which is more than 5m long is packed with different menus.
I'm not surprised when Vlad and Mina don't touch any cuisine on the table. They were enjoying a wineglass which is filled with viscous, red liquid — blood. The container for the blood is surprisingly a wine bottle. Of course, there're also assortments of wine bottle presented.
I'm not sure they are aware if I'm still a minor, but it seems they lack current society's common senses. I decide to say nothing and enjoy the meal.
It's true that I don't need a meal because of my gamer ability, and the contrast is also applied. It means that I can eat as many as I want. The more I gorge myself in the food, the more pleasant Vlad's expression is. By eating all food presented, I'm respecting him as the host.
Meanwhile, Mina watches me eat with amazed eyes. Since she has only been turned not long ago, over several years, it means she still can remember a bit of human common sense. It seems that she's amazed by how much I can eat.
For the time being, we; mostly I and Vlad, have a small chat. I'm not surprised when he told me he and some of his dependents are the executives in Romanian's Red Cross organization. I also found out that there are other human living in the castle, mostly house-servants and cooks. Then, our conversation took a turn to the dispute between Cainblood coven and Tepes coven. It seems that Cainblood is invading the Tepes' territory which consists of the whole Romania.
"Pardon my rudeness, my lord, but, the Cain you mentioned earlier as the leader of the Cainblood vampire coven is the Cain in the bible?" I said incredulously.
"You're correct, my young wizard friend," said Vlad, he nods his head in the meantime.
I have realized this world is more profound than the lacklustre information I got from Harry Potter series, either the books or the movies, but I never expect it to be this deep. I groan in annoyance, right before I mutter faintly, "What's next? Gods also exist?"
"No," said Vlad, answering my rhetoric, "At least, not anymore."
I am curious at that. I inquire about that topic to the True Ancestor.
"When I was still human and the legitimate ruler of this land, I believe the gods existed at that time," Vlad started, "I know it because the invaders, both Crusaders and Ottoman Empire, were empowered by their faith to their God. Their empowered state wasn't because of magic. In fact, they deemed magic is a heresy. They called it blessings and miracles of the God. However, these blessings and miracles had declined as the technology progressed and human lost their faith in their gods. I believe gods have abandoned the whole humanity as they continue to pursue the path of self-destruction, or because the faith couldn't support them anymore. I'm unsure from which they became absent, but the miracles and blessings have become nonexistent at the middle ninety century. But, of course, it was my assumption. Perhaps they still exist, perhaps not. Who knows?"
We continued our conversation and Vlad seems to enjoy regaling his experience. He is like a walking history book and I'm sure Granger will have both orgasm and irritation from the unedited version of mostly European history. The true history is contradicting the written history the current generation knows of. Then again, history is written by a winner, no? The loser becomes villain while the winner becomes the hero. It's a fact and a part of the ugliness of mankind.
It was when the dawn almost graced the world when we ended our amiable conversation and I excused myself because there's going to cause a ruckus if everyone in orphanage realized I'm not there, that Vlad Tepes did his part as Special Quest provider NPC.
"My young wizard friend, are you interested to join me and my breather in pushing back the invasion from Cainblood vampire coven? You have shown your capability when you assisted me and my dear daughter. That interesting trick you used to paralyze everyone will be a boon to us. You seem to be different from the majority of your kin. I can see your desire to fight and kill you deem strong. What do you think, young Lustburg? Of course, there will be just compensations for your assistance."
Special Even Quest Alert!
Provide your assistance to Tepes Council
- Prepare 100 sets of Paralyzing Rune Plates, Defense Rune Plates and Conflagration Rune Plates
- Prepare 100 enchanted weapons
- Kill minimum 5 Cainblood Vampire Ancestors and 50 Vampire Dependents
Complete Reward(s): 10,000Exp, ?, ?, ?, ?
Failure Penalty: Your Potential Death, ?
Do you accept the quest? (Declining the quest will lock this special event permanently!) (Yes/No)
I didn't waste my time and choice Yes. Then, I said to the True Ancestor, "It's my honour to be in service, my lord."
And just like that, my remaining two weeks holiday turned into something eventful.
Author's Humble Note:
Early at the morning, guys. . . Sorry for the late update. With this, The Summer 1992 side arc begins for earnest! This filler won't be long, only around 3~4 chapters. I hope you can enjoy this filler :D