Chapter 11
Edith, Calvard, 1208
Calvard Police Headquarters
Roger awoke in the dead of night, a twisted smile curling on his lips as he let out a deranged giggle. His mind was in shambles, shattered by the year he had spent under the thrall of the vampire known only as "Nosferatu." Even now, locked away in a cell at the police headquarters, he could still feel the icy grip of his master tightening around his thoughts.
When Feri Al-Fayed, his old friend, visited him, Roger could only chuckle. There was a flicker of something human deep within him—relief, maybe—that she was still safe. But that flicker was drowned by the sickening pleasure he felt knowing his master had thanked her for freeing him, for setting this nightmare in motion. The memory made his stomach churn, but the madness in his eyes only deepened.
The watchmen dismissed his erratic behavior as the ravings of a madman. They couldn't understand. But Roger knew the truth. His master was out there, lurking in the shadows, orchestrating a grand plan that would soon come to fruition.
He barely ate anymore. Food was meaningless. Soon, he wouldn't need it—none of them would. Nosferatu's plan would sweep through Calvard, bringing death in its wake. The lucky ones would rise as the undead, joining the ranks of the vampire's ever-growing army. It was only a matter of time.
And so, Roger laughed. He laughed at the futility of it all, at the doom that was descending upon the world. He spent another night sitting on the edge of his bed, giggling and cackling as his sanity rotted away. But deep down, he knew this would be his last night as a human.
In the darkest hour before dawn, a shadow slipped into the police department, unnoticed by the officers on duty. It moved through the cracks in the doors and merged seamlessly with the other shadows in the building until it reached Roger's cell.
Roger's eyes widened as he felt the familiar presence. His time had come.
Kain, the vampire, stepped out of the darkness with a smug grin, his voice dripping with sickening sweetness. "Hello, Roger. You've served me well. You've sown fear into the hearts of my enemies, just as I commanded."
Roger shivered, knowing his purpose had been fulfilled. He was no longer useful to Nosferatu. Or so he thought.
Kain's smile grew more sinister as he bit into his own wrist, dark blood seeping from the wound. "But it isn't over yet... I have one last task for you. Complete it, and she will be yours. I promise. But to do that, you'll need more power. So drink, Roger. Drink and join my ranks. You've earned this."
Roger's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really... you'll make me like you? A Nosferatu?"
Kain nodded, his voice a seductive whisper. "Yes. This is your reward for your obedience. I offer you immortality, a high rank as my lieutenant. And I trust you'll ensure that your little crush joins us as well, won't you?"
A mad grin spread across Roger's face as he eagerly nodded. "Y-Yes, master... I'll make sure Feri joins us."
Kain's smile turned devilish. "Then come, drink from me, my loyal servant..."
Roger crawled to him, his hands trembling as he kneeled before his master. He looked up at Kain, who gave a nod of affirmation. Without hesitation, Roger pressed his mouth to the vampire's wrist, eagerly lapping at the blood.
Kain's chuckle echoed in the cell, growing into a sinister cackle and then into a full-throated, malevolent laughter.
The end was near, and Calvard was about to drown in darkness.
…
Van, Agnès, Feri, Bergard, and Kevin prepared with an intensity that betrayed the dread hanging over them, knowing that tomorrow might be their only chance. By midday, Van and Agnès found themselves standing before the police department, their nerves barely concealed beneath their determined façades. Meanwhile, the others watched from a nearby rooftop, shadows ready to leap if things went south.
Van inhaled deeply, trying to quell the tremor in his chest. He stole a glance at Agnès, catching the flicker of unease in her eyes. He offered her a small, reassuring smile, though his own heart pounded in sync with the growing tension.
"You ready for this, Agnès?" Van's voice was steady, but his question hung in the air like a blade poised to drop.
Agnès met his gaze, her expression hardening with resolve. "I'm ready, Van. Let's finish this."
Together, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the police station, every muscle taut with anticipation. The empty reception area greeted them with an eerie silence, an invisible weight pressing down on Van's chest. He whispered to Agnès, his voice a low warning.
"Be careful. Something's wrong. It's too quiet... Stay sharp."
Agnès nodded, her steps cautious, eyes flicking to every shadow as they approached the stairwell. A faint sound reached their ears—footsteps, drawing closer. Van raised his hand, signaling Agnès to halt. His body tensed, ready for whatever—or whoever—might emerge.
From one of the side rooms, Kilika Rouran appeared, her lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, hello, Van Arkride. And Miss Claudel, I presume."
Van's spine stiffened at the sight of Kilika, a mix of surprise and unease flashing across his features. Her voice was calm, too calm, and her gaze seemed... distant, as if she was looking through them, beyond them.
"Kilika." Van's voice was measured, though suspicion dripped from every word. "What are you doing here?"
Kilika's smile lingered, unsettling in its placidity. "Just doing my job as head of the Intelligence Division," she replied, her voice almost sing-song, yet disturbingly detached.
Van's eyes narrowed, sensing something deeply wrong in her demeanor. Her gaze was unfocused, her presence there but not, as if her mind had drifted somewhere far away.
"And what exactly is the Intelligence Division up to today?" Van pressed, his unease growing with each passing second.
Kilika's smile twisted, taking on an eerie, almost bewitching quality. "We're carrying out Master Roger's orders, of course... When someone calls, we assure them everything is fine. And if someone comes into the station to investigate, we... apprehend them and bring them to Master Roger, to satisfy his thirst."
Van's heart skipped a beat, cold realization seeping into his veins. They were too late. Kilika's smile sent a chill down his spine, confirming his worst fears.
"So Roger is here," Van muttered, dread settling in his gut. "And he's already turned some of the officers under Kain's control?"
Kilika's laughter bubbled up, distorted and unsettling, as though her sanity was unraveling before them. Van exchanged a worried glance with Agnès, then turned his attention back to the corrupted officer, desperation creeping into his voice.
"Kilika, snap out of it! Whatever Roger's done to you, you have to fight it! He's controlling you!"
But Kilika's laughter only grew more disturbing as she drew a pistol from her side, her eyes wild and unfocused. "Master Roger ordered me to make sure you don't leave here alive," she said, aiming the weapon at Agnès.
Van's heart thundered in his chest, and before he could think, he stepped forward, positioning himself between the barrel and Agnès.
"Don't you dare touch her!" he growled, his protective instinct roaring to life.
Kilika's expression twisted into a grotesque mockery of an apology. "I'm sorry, Van Arkride, but Master Roger's word is absolute."
Van's hands clenched into fists, anger and fear warring within him. "Damn it, Kilika! You can't let Roger do this to you! You're stronger than this!"
For a moment, Kilika's expression softened, her smile fading into something tragic, like a marionette with its strings cut. "Yes... I'm better than this..." Her voice was a whisper, haunted. "Maybe I should just end it... like Master Roger commanded." She slowly lifted the pistol to her head.
Van's eyes widened in horror. "No, Kilika, wait!" he shouted, lunging forward, trying to wrest the gun from her grip.
Kilika smiled sadly, a single tear escaping down her cheek. "I'm sorry, Van... It's too late..." She pulled the trigger.
Van's reflexes kicked in, his hand reaching the gun just in time to deflect the shot. The bullet streaked across Kilika's forehead, drawing a thin line of blood, but sparing her life.
"Damn it, Kilika!" Van yelled, his voice tinged with desperation. "What the hell are you doing?!"
Kilika stood there, dazed, tears slipping down her face as if she'd just realized the gravity of what she'd done. But before Van could say anything more, a scream shattered the air. Agnès.
Van spun around, his heart lurching into his throat. Agnès was in the grip of a young man, no more than seventeen, with wild white hair and piercing crimson eyes. His pale skin gleamed under the dim light, a torn, grey straitjacket hanging loosely around his frame.
"Who the hell are you?" Van demanded, his voice edged with panic. "Let her go!"
The boy smiled, a twisted, perverted grin that made Van's blood run cold. "Oh? Did Feri not mention me? I'm hurt, Van Arkride."
Van's mind raced, recognition flashing through his thoughts. "Feri... mentioned you?" he repeated, trying to piece it together. "Who are you?"
The boy cackled, his laughter echoing in the small space like the unhinged cries of the damned. "I'm Roger... Roger Adol. Ex-Jaeger, now Master Kain's loyal progeny. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He tightened his grip on Agnès, his eyes gleaming with madness.
Van's heart sank as the name clicked into place. This was the monster they had been hunting. His voice was a low growl, filled with barely restrained fury. "So you're the infamous 'Roger.' Let Agnès go. Now."
Roger's smile widened, his expression growing more sinister. "And why should I? My master, Kain, desires this lovely lady for himself. Imagine how pleased he'll be when I bring her to him. The rewards he'll bestow upon me... Kekekekekek."
Van's fists tightened, the rage bubbling inside him. "Damn it, Roger. Whatever Kain's promised you, it's a lie. He's using you, just like he's using everyone else!"
Roger sneered, his sharp fangs flashing as he laughed mockingly. "Selfish? You really think my master's goals are that simple? Kain—no, Nosferatu—is a benevolent ruler. He gave me freedom, power, immortality. He is more of a god than Aidios could ever be, despite being the antithesis of divinity. Isn't it ironic?"
Van's teeth ground together, disbelief and frustration tearing at him. "You're delusional, Roger! Kain isn't a god; he's a psychopath bent on destruction. You're just a pawn in his twisted game!"
Roger raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing with dark amusement. "Destruction? My master's ambitions are far grander than that. He doesn't seek chaos... He seeks order—a new world order, where his kin reigns over humanity as it should be. And he's chosen me... and your dear Agnès here... to be part of his grand vision."
Van's anger boiled over as Roger's twisted words echoed in his mind. His grip on the gun tightened, his knuckles white as he glared at the deranged man before him.
"Order? That's what you call it?" Van spat, his voice seething with fury. "Kain's so-called 'vision' is nothing more than a waking nightmare. A world ruled by vampires, where humans are reduced to livestock. That's not order—it's enslavement!"
Roger's eyes gleamed with a manic light as he nodded eagerly, a sick grin spreading across his face. "Yes... it is. And it's beautiful, Van Arkride. This is the natural order, the oldest law of existence: the strong dominate the weak. Lord Kain is simply restoring the world to its rightful state." His hand slid down to Agnès, fingers digging into her flesh with a perverse delight as he fondled her.
Van's blood surged with rage, his vision blurring as he struggled to contain the fury that threatened to consume him. "Damn it, Roger! Get your filthy hands off her! She's not some toy for you to use!"
Agnès flinched, her face flushing with a mix of fear and revulsion. Roger, however, only smiled wider, his gaze darkening with twisted satisfaction. "Relax, Van. She's not the one I'm truly after... merely a temporary prize until Lord Kain welcomes her into our covenant."
Van's fists trembled with barely suppressed rage, the thought of Agnès falling into Kain's hands fueling the fire within him. "Over my dead body! I won't let you or Kain harm her!"
Roger's expression twisted, his eyes narrowing into slits as he suddenly screamed, "THEN GIVE ME THE ONE I WANT!"
Van froze, his mind racing as confusion and anger battled for dominance. "What? What the hell are you talking about? Who do you want?"
A mad cackle erupted from Roger's lips, his voice dripping with insanity. "Feri... I want Feri. I know she's out there, lurking on the rooftops, watching us. I can feel her presence."
Van's eyes widened in shock. Roger knew Feri was nearby, and he was using her as leverage. "How the hell do you know that?"
Roger's grin widened to a grotesque degree as he touched his ear, his voice dripping with mockery. "Heightened senses, Van. Being a vampire is incredible. Superior sight, hearing, strength... Compared to you, I'm practically a demi-god now."
Van's irritation flared, but he forced himself to remain composed. "Cut the crap, Roger. Your so-called 'advantages' don't mean a damn thing. I won't let you harm anyone, and I sure as hell won't let you get your hands on Feri."
Roger's smile vanished, his gaze turning icy cold. "Then I'll give the order for every officer in this building to end their own lives. Kilika included. You have a choice, Spriggan."
Van's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced at Kilika's unconscious body, dread gnawing at him. "You sick bastard... You'd really go that far just to get what you want?"
Roger's eyes widened with predatory glee, his smile returning with an even darker edge. "Of course, Spriggan. I'm a Nosferatu now, free of mortal morals and constraints. I can do whatever I desire, whenever I desire, however I desire... as long as it doesn't defy Master Kain."
Van's teeth ground together, frustration and fury warring within him. He knew he was cornered, and he couldn't risk Roger carrying out his threat. "Damn it... fine. I'll get Feri. But you better keep your word. No tricks, no games."
Van reluctantly holstered his weapon, his eyes never leaving Roger's twisted smile. "I'm going to get Feri. If you try anything, I swear you'll regret it."
He turned on his heel, storming toward the building's entrance. His mind raced as he searched for Feri, his desperation mounting with each passing second. "Feri! Feri, where are you?"
A voice called down from above, and Van looked up to see Feri perched on a nearby ledge. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived as the gravity of the situation weighed down on him.
"Thank God you're here. We need to talk. Now."
Feri nodded, gracefully dropping down from the ledge to join Van. Her expression was tense, concern etched into her features as they hurried back into the building. "What's happening, Van? What's going on?"
Van quickly filled her in, his voice low and urgent. "Roger's holding Agnès, and he's demanding you. If we don't comply, he'll force every officer in this building to kill themselves. We have to think fast."
Feri's eyes widened, her jaw clenching as she processed the dire situation. "That bastard... All right, I'll go in. But be ready for anything. Roger is completely unhinged."
Van nodded, his resolve hardening. "I've got your back, Feri. Let's end this."
As they entered the main hall of the station, Roger stood there, his eyes lighting up with twisted glee as he saw Feri. Agnès sat in a chair, unbound but clearly disturbed. Roger's grin widened as he mockingly greeted Feri. "Oh, hello, old friend..."
Feri's eyes flicked to Agnès, ensuring she was unharmed before turning her cold gaze to Roger. "Cut the crap, Roger. What do you want with me?"
Roger's laugh was a distorted echo of his former self, his voice laced with madness. "Isn't it ironic? I was the one who warned you about Nosferatu, and now I am one. Lord Kain rewarded me for my obedience."
Feri's eyes narrowed, suspicion lacing her words. "So you're a vampire now. Congratulations. But did you ever think Kain would make you his pawn?"
Roger's grin twisted into a snarl, his voice rising with fanatical fervor. "You don't understand, Feri! Kain isn't just a monster—he's a god. He gave me power, immortality, freedom from the chains of my past. I don't have to be a Jaeger anymore. I kill only when it pleases me or when Master Kain commands it."
Feri clenched her fists, anger simmering beneath the surface. Before she could respond, Van stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "You call yourself free, but all I see is a puppet dancing on Kain's strings. You're nothing more than a tool, Roger."
Roger tilted his head, his expression deranged as he barked out a laugh. "A tool? No... I'm far more than that. I'm special. Kain made me into one of his own, gave me strength, gave my life purpose."
Van's lips curled into a sneer. "Purpose? Being used to fulfill a vampire's twisted dreams? That's not purpose, Roger—it's slavery."
Roger's eyes blazed with a crazed intensity, his grin returning with a sickening gleam. "You still don't get it, do you? Kain's vision is the ultimate order. The strong rule the weak, as it was always meant to be. And I... I am the chosen one. The one who will bring Feri to his side, where she belongs."
Feri's eyes narrowed, her face hardening into a mask of cold resolve. Roger's deranged offer hung in the air like a poison, but she was utterly unmoved.
"Power and immortality at the cost of my freedom?" she scoffed, her voice sharp as a blade. "I'd rather die than become Kain's mindless slave."
Roger's expression twisted into a snarl, anger flaring in his eyes. "You think it's your choice?" he hissed, venom dripping from each word. "Lord Kain has granted me the power to take whatever I desire. And what I desire is you, Feri!"
Van's body tensed, his every muscle coiled like a spring, ready to explode into action if things escalated. But Feri stood her ground, unflinching.
"You can desire all you want, Roger," she said, her voice firm, "but you're not getting me. So why don't you save your breath?"
Roger's laughter rang out, a sound that chilled the blood. "I'm sorry, Feri... but I always get what I want." His hand darted to a hidden remote, and with a wicked grin, he pressed the button. Alarms screamed through the police station, metal grates slammed down, sealing the exits and windows. The building was locked down tight.
Outside, Kevin and Bergard cursed under their breath as the realization dawned. "Damn it!" Kevin growled.
Inside, Van and Feri exchanged tense, worried glances, the shrieking alarms echoing in their ears.
"He's barricaded us in... What the hell is he planning?" Van muttered, his voice laced with dread.
Roger's cackle filled the air, a sound of pure malevolence. "Just a precaution, since it's daylight. Now, the three of you are trapped in here with me... and my friends."
Feri's eyes widened, the horrifying truth sinking in. They were cornered, trapped inside with Roger and who knew how many more creatures lurking in the shadows. "Damn it... We're in deep trouble."
Van's fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. "We can't let our guard down. We don't know what kind of monsters he has on his side."
Roger's voice echoed eerily through the dim hall, "Come out now, my slaves!"
Van and Feri braced themselves as the already dark hallway grew even darker. Shadows twisted and lengthened as a group of figures slowly emerged, grotesque shapes materializing out of the gloom. What stepped into the light made Van's stomach churn with revulsion.
The figures were the police officers who had once worked in the building, but now they were unrecognizable. Their uniforms hung in tatters, their bodies marred by bite marks, their flesh rotting where it stood. The stench of decay wafted through the air, thick and nauseating. Their eyes, once full of life, were now bloodshot and empty, devoid of any human spark. They made no sound except for the wet, choking groans that bubbled up from their ruined throats as they lurched forward.
Van's heart hammered in his chest as he struggled to suppress the horror clawing at his insides. Feri, too, was momentarily stunned, though she quickly steeled herself.
Agnès gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she whispered in terror, "Just like Mark Miller..."
Roger rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "These poor fools," he said, his voice dripping with mock sympathy, "drained dry by me and brought back as the dead. Zombies, Spriggan! Slaves with no will of their own, puppets to the vampire's whims. And soon, you'll join them. They'll tear the flesh from your bones while I make Feri mine." He broke into a maniacal, cackling laugh, a sound that curdled the air.
Van's grip tightened on his weapon, his expression hardening with grim determination. He shot a glance at Feri, reading the resolve in her eyes. They wouldn't go down without a fight.
"It looks like we're in for one hell of a battle," Van muttered, bracing himself.
"Don't worry, Van," Feri replied, electricity crackling at her fingertips. "I'm not going down that easily."
As the zombie police officers staggered towards them, Van and Feri readied themselves. The smell of rot grew overwhelming as the undead closed in, but Van forced his nausea down, focusing on survival. Feri used her ARCUS device to unleash a storm of lightning bolts, the air crackling as she struck the zombies with deadly precision. The bolts tore through decaying flesh, sending the creatures stumbling backward.
Van focused his attacks on their legs, cleaving through rotting limbs with brutal efficiency. His weapon bit deep, severing tendons and bones, bringing the undead crashing to the ground. As the zombies writhed in agony, Van and Feri pressed their advantage, cutting through the horde with grim determination.
The fight was relentless. Each blow took its toll, and the sheer number of undead seemed endless. The stench of decay was suffocating, the air thick with the sickly-sweet odor of rotting flesh. But Van and Feri fought on, their movements a seamless dance of precision and power, refusing to let the tide of undead overwhelm them.
Roger watched, clapping his hands in twisted delight. "Hahahaha! You're putting up a good fight for mere mortals. But let's raise the stakes, shall we?"
With a snap of his fingers, another set of doors creaked open. Agnès' eyes widened in horror as new figures padded into the hall.
"Oh no..." she whispered, dread pooling in her stomach.
Three police dogs slunk into the room, their throats torn open, eyes dead and milky white. Their once-loyal forms were now twisted into something monstrous, their growls echoing with a sinister hunger as they advanced, jaws snapping in anticipation.
Van and Feri tensed, the sight of the zombie dogs adding a new layer of terror to the nightmare.
"Great," Van muttered through gritted teeth. "As if this wasn't bad enough."
Feri's eyes flickered with determination. "We can't let them overwhelm us. We have to think fast and take them down before they tear us apart."
The battle was far from over, and with each passing second, the odds grew grimmer. But Van and Feri stood their ground, ready to face whatever horrors Roger had unleashed. The darkness pressed in around them, but they would fight on, driven by sheer will and the unshakable resolve to survive.
Roger's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. "Attack the Spriggan! Leave Feri alone!" Instantly, the zombie horde and rabid dogs shifted their focus, honing in on Van, leaving Feri momentarily untouched. Roger began to advance on her, a predatory gleam in his eyes.
Van's heart sank as he saw the undead creatures turn their full attention on him. He knew immediately what Roger was up to—keeping Feri safe, but only so he could have her all to himself.
"Damn it... I'm the main target now," Van muttered, bracing himself for the onslaught.
Feri cast a glance at Van, torn between rushing to his aid and keeping her distance from Roger's menacing approach.
Roger's voice oozed with false charm as he drew closer, his arms outstretched. "Aren't these powers beautiful, Feri? You could have them too... and me."
Feri recoiled in disgust, her voice steady despite the revulsion twisting inside her. "Don't think for a second I'd ever let you touch me, Roger. Or join your twisted cause."
Roger's face twisted into a crazed grin as he suddenly lunged at her. Before Feri could react, he tackled her to the ground, pinning her beneath his weight.
She struggled fiercely, but Roger's strength was overwhelming. His grip was like iron, and Feri felt as though she were trapped in a nightmare, powerless against his monstrous force. Panic surged through her as she pushed futilely against him.
With a sickening grin, Roger extended his tongue—a long, writhing thing that slithered through the air like a snake. Feri's eyes widened in horror, bile rising in her throat as the reality of what he was about to do sank in.
"Come now, Feri," Roger sneered, his voice dripping with malevolence. "Give your future master a sloppy kiss..."
Feri's body went rigid with disgust as Roger's tongue descended toward her face. She twisted her head, trying desperately to evade his touch, but his grip held her firmly in place. Fear and revulsion mingled in her eyes as she struggled to resist.
The vile, wet sensation of Roger's tongue sliding across her cheek sent shivers of revulsion through her body. His cold, slimy saliva smeared across her skin, leaving a trail of filth as he licked her face. Feri shuddered, feeling utterly violated and powerless against his assault.
Meanwhile, Van was fighting for his life against the relentless onslaught of zombie officers and the monstrous dogs. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, but he couldn't afford to falter. The stench of rot and decay filled the air, making it difficult to breathe, let alone focus. And through it all, he could hear Feri struggling, Roger's sickening words echoing in his ears.
"Feri... hang on," Van gasped, forcing himself to keep fighting.
Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through his body, washing away the fatigue that had been dragging him down. Van blinked in surprise as his strength returned, the exhaustion melting away. He didn't know how or why, but he wasn't about to question it. He channeled this newfound power, tearing through the undead with renewed fury.
Out of the corner of his eye, Van saw Agnès wielding her staff, the source of his rejuvenation. She rushed toward him, her staff glowing with a faint, magical aura.
"Van!" she shouted, determination burning in her eyes.
"Agnès!" Van called out, his voice filled with surprise. "You're helping?"
Agnès nodded fiercely. "Yes! Kain may have bitten me, but I'm not his bride yet! I won't stand by and let my friends get hurt!"
Gratitude swelled in Van's chest. "Thanks, Agnès. We need all the help we can get. These things are relentless."
Agnès concentrated her energy, shouting, "Tear!" Water-based projectiles shot from her staff, striking the zombie dogs with deadly precision. The water sizzled and burned against their decayed flesh, throwing the creatures off balance.
Van seized the opportunity, delivering powerful blows to the disoriented zombies. The tide of the battle began to turn as he and Agnès worked in tandem, their combined strength overwhelming the undead.
Meanwhile, Feri fought desperately against Roger's advances. His tongue slithered over her face and neck, drenching her in his vile saliva. She twisted and thrashed, trying to free herself, but his grip was like a vice, his weight crushing her beneath him.
Roger's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with twisted pleasure. "You taste so good, Feri... Now it's time to claim you as mine..." His tongue retracted, revealing a mouth full of sharp, predatory fangs that transformed his once-human visage into something monstrous.
Feri's blood ran cold as she stared into the gaping maw of fangs, each one glinting with lethal intent. She knew what was coming, and fear surged through her like a tidal wave. She fought with renewed desperation, kicking and squirming with all her might, but Roger's grip was unyielding.
Suddenly, the lockdown ended. The metal grates retracted with a clatter, and the heavy doors slid open. A gunshot rang out, shattering the window nearby. Sunlight flooded the room, piercing the darkness and striking Roger's side.
He recoiled with a scream, his skin blistering where the light touched him. The once-dominant vampire was now a hissing, writhing figure, his monstrous form retreating into the shadows.
Feri scrambled away, wiping the disgusting residue of Roger's saliva from her face. She glanced around, assessing the situation with newfound clarity. Roger, weakened by the sunlight, was forced to retreat, his grip on her finally broken.
She looked up to see the source of her salvation—Kevin, Bergard, and René Kincaid standing at the doorway. René, his body bandaged from the wounds inflicted by Kain, held a gun and a remote control, the key to their sudden turn of fortune.
Relief washed over Feri as she scrambled to her feet. With their reinforcements here, she felt a renewed sense of safety and strength. They quickly moved to corner Roger, who hissed in pain and fury, his retreat cut off.
Meanwhile, Van and Agnès finished off the last of the zombies, standing amidst a pile of rotting corpses. They were exhausted, their bodies drenched in sweat, but victorious.
A sudden hiss echoed through the room, drawing their attention. Van and Agnès turned to see Roger, trapped in a corner, surrounded by Feri, Kevin, Bergard, and René. The vampire was clearly weakened, his monstrous form trembling under the sunlight that had invaded his sanctuary.
Van and Agnès joined the others, positioning themselves to completely surround Roger. The atmosphere was thick with tension, everyone bracing for what the desperate vampire might do next.
Roger glared at them with pure hatred, his voice a low, venomous hiss. "You will all pay for this, you filthy humans!"
But Van and the others stood firm, their resolve unshaken. Van's gaze was steely as he spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension.
"The only one who's going to pay for this is you, Roger. Your reign of terror ends here."
Roger's monstrous grin stretched wider, revealing his sharp, jagged teeth. "Kekekeke... That might be true, but you're in for more than you bargained for."
Van and his friends exchanged a knowing glance. They were well aware of Kain's grand scheme, yet the uncertainty of what Roger had up his sleeve kept them on edge. Still, Van's gaze remained firm as he took another step closer.
"What are you getting at, Roger?" Van demanded, his voice steady.
Roger's sinister grin deepened. "It means you've bested me, Van. But I'm just a fledgling... Lord Kain is far more powerful than you can imagine. You'll never stand a chance against him." His gaze shifted to Agnès, his tone dripping with malice. "And you, my dear, will become his bride, his queen. You have no choice but to surrender to him. He always gets what he wants. Even if you manage to thwart one of his plans, he's always two steps ahead... Kekekekeke."
A wave of apprehension swept over Van's companions, the mention of Lord Kain's infallibility striking a chord of fear. Van, however, clenched his fists, his determination unshaken.
"We'll deal with Kain when the time comes," Van declared. "But right now, Roger, you're the one we're taking down."
Roger cackled, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement. "Oh, how naive you are, Van Arkride. Just like Master said."
Van's brow furrowed at the taunt, but he refused to let it rattle him. "Naive? Maybe. But at least I'm not a pawn blindly following a puppet master."
Roger's laughter grew louder. "Yet this puppet master still controls the strings. Not just mine, but yours too. Do you really think Lord Kain didn't anticipate that you amateurs might beat me? You've won a skirmish, nothing more—a meaningless victory."
Van's agitation grew as Roger's words sank in. The bitter realization that they were mere obstacles in Kain's grand design was hard to swallow.
"We're just pawns in his game, then? Just pieces on a board?" Van asked, his voice laced with frustration.
Roger nodded eagerly. "Oh, we're all just pawns in Kain's grand scheme." René's eyes narrowed as he interjected, "The revival of Brunestud."
Van and the others shot René a startled glance. "Brunestud? What the hell does that mean?" Van questioned, confusion tinging his voice.
René's expression turned grim. "From what I've gathered, Kain intends to resurrect an ancient entity known as Brunestud—a godlike being with immense power. Kain believes this resurrection is the key to his ultimate goal."
The revelation stunned the group, their faces a mix of skepticism and disbelief. The idea of resurrecting such an ancient, powerful entity was almost too much to comprehend.
Roger's laughter rang out again. "Yes... In one week, during the long eclipse, the sun will be blotted out by the moon, and my master will roam freely. His army of the Dead, the wild beasts of Zemuria he tamed—all will gather in the streets of Edith, slaughtering its people. Their blood will fuel the ritual. With the Septium vein's power beneath Edith, Brunestud will rise, granting Kain unimaginable strength. And then... humanity will fall."
Van clenched his fists tighter, anger and determination flaring up inside him. "That's insane! Thousands would die just to resurrect some ancient being. We can't let this happen. We have to stop Kain, no matter what."
Roger sneered. "You can't, Spriggan. Kain's been planning this for decades now. Even the hunter Mark Miller couldn't stop him, and neither will you. If you want to survive, you'd better beg him to turn you. Serve him, and he might grant you immortality. Or refuse... and perish with the rest of Edith. Hehehehehe..."
Van shook his head firmly, his resolve unyielding. "I'd rather die a human than live as a slave to a madman."
Kevin, Bergard, and René nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. The thought of bowing to Lord Kain was utterly unacceptable.
Roger's cackling faded, replaced by a cold, almost rational tone. "Then you will die... What a shame."
Van's resolve only hardened further as he met Roger's gaze. "We'll see about that. We won't go down without a fight."
Roger sighed, his voice dropping to an icy whisper. "You have one week left to live. If I were you, I'd enjoy it." He pulled up his straitjacket, revealing an apparatus strapped to his chest. The manic grin returned. "Lord Kain gave me one last order should I fail."
Van and the others watched in shock as Roger unveiled the device. A chill ran down Van's spine as he narrowed his eyes. "What the hell is that?"
Roger's smile widened. "A suicide bomb. Enough to take out even a fledgling vampire like me. But that's not all. There's more... Master gave me some 'homework' to prepare for his grand plan."
Van and his companions exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Homework? What kind of 'homework'?"
Roger's grin stretched wider. "I hypnotized the geeks in the Intelligence Division and ordered them to hack every computer in the city. And my Dead did some 'handy work' on the antenna."
Shock registered on Van's face, mirrored by his companions. René's expression grew even more serious. "They hacked the city's system... and tampered with the antenna? This is getting worse by the second."
Roger giggled. "Once my heart stops, the antenna will send an electromagnetic pulse throughout the city, frying all orbal technology. All security systems will be down... And the signal will also detonate the bombs my master's Dead placed—at the tram station, the harbors, the roads, even the airport."
The implications were staggering. The destruction would be catastrophic. Van's mind raced, trying to process it all. "You're saying Kain's Dead planted bombs all over the city? And if that signal is sent, they'll all go off at once?"
Roger nodded. "Yes... and Edith will be completely cut off from the rest of Calvard."
Van felt a sickening realization. They were trapped, isolated from any outside help. "So that's it. We're on our own. But why isolate the city? What does Kain gain from that?"
René's eyes widened. "He wants to prevent any outside intervention—other nations, the Bracer Guild, even the armies stationed outside Edith. This city will be Kain's personal hunting ground for the ritual."
Van's expression darkened as he absorbed this final piece of information. The city had become a trap, a playground for Kain's nightmarish plans. Van's resolve steeled further. "We can't let that happen. We have to find a way to stop Kain's plan. We have to at least try."
Roger laughed maniacally. "Good luck, Spriggan! And to your friends too! We'll meet again in Gehenna. And then I'll pay you back for denying me Feri. Kyahahahaha!" He pulled the trigger on the bomb.
Time seemed to slow as Van and the others watched in horror. A flood of emotions surged through them—fear, anger, determination. Van gritted his teeth, bracing himself for the explosion.
The blast was deafening. A massive shockwave knocked everyone off their feet. Smoke and debris filled the air, obscuring everything. For a few agonizing moments, there was nothing but silence, broken only by the sound of Van and his companions struggling to rise, shaken and disoriented.
Van shook his head, trying to clear the dizziness and the ringing in his ears. He staggered to his feet, scanning the smoke-filled surroundings for his friends. His voice cracked slightly as he called out, "Is everyone okay?"
"Is everyone okay?" Van's voice cut through the lingering haze of smoke and dust, sharp with concern.
Slowly, his companions gathered themselves, shaking off the shock of the blast. One by one, they confirmed they were physically unharmed, though the tension in the air was palpable. Bergard let out a heavy sigh, massaging the back of his head. "That was too damn close for comfort..."
Kevin rubbed his forehead, his expression dazed. "Yeah... way too close. We were lucky this time."
René, however, was already thinking ahead. His eyes narrowed, and his voice was firm. "We need to get out of here. Now. There's no telling if Lord Kain has more of his agents lurking around."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Staying in this area was too risky. Kevin scanned their surroundings, his nerves on edge. "But where do we go? The whole city's under Lord Kain's control. We're trapped."
Van clenched his fists, his mind racing to find a solution. The realization of their dire situation hit him hard. With Edith completely isolated, their options were limited. The explosion had shut down all orbal technology—the city's lifeline. Cars were stalled in the streets, trams had ground to a halt, and the massive widescreens that once broadcasted the news were now lifeless and dark. The streets were flooded with confused and frightened citizens, their voices rising in panic as they tried to comprehend the sudden collapse of the infrastructure that once kept their city alive.
As Van and the others stepped out of the ruined police building, they were greeted by a scene of growing chaos. Smoke billowed from fires that had ignited in the distance, and the smell of burning metal filled the air. Without the guiding hand of orbal technology, the city had plunged into a state of disarray. The people of Edith were on the streets, bewildered and scared, unaware of the monstrous fate that awaited them when the long eclipse would soon plunge them into darkness.
Van's heart sank as he took in the sight. The thought of the city being at the mercy of Lord Kain's twisted ambitions was almost too much to bear. His resolve hardened. "We have to find Lord Kain's headquarters and stop this before it's too late."
Bergard, carrying the unconscious Kilika, grimly agreed. "And we need to do it fast. This is just the beginning of his twisted plan."
Van's eyes darkened. He knew Bergard was right. Time was running out, and the stakes were getting higher by the minute. Kevin, still scanning their surroundings, voiced what everyone was thinking. "But where do we even start? This whole city's gone to hell."
René, ever the strategist, interjected with a calculated suggestion. "We need to split up and cover more ground. It's risky, but it might be our best shot at finding clues about Kain's hideout."
Van considered this carefully. Splitting up in a city swarming with Kain's minions was dangerous, but it made sense. Before he could voice his concerns, Agnès spoke up, her voice steady. "René's right. We can gather information faster if we divide into smaller groups."
Van nodded reluctantly. "You have a point. But we need to stay in touch somehow."
Kevin grinned despite the tension. "Maybe we should agree on a rendezvous point. That way, we can regroup if anyone finds anything—or if things go south."
René's expression was serious. "Agreed. But we also need to ensure each group is well-equipped to handle whatever comes our way."
Bergard, firm as ever, added, "We should make sure those in worse shape aren't left vulnerable. Feri, Kilika, and I can't confront anything head-on right now."
Van nodded again, appreciating the logic. "Then we'll split into two groups. René, Agnès, you're with me."
The two nodded, their faces set with determination. Van then turned to the others. "That leaves Feri, Kevin, and Bergard in the other group. Watch your backs out there."
Kevin saluted with a cocky grin. "No worries. With me and Big Bear here, we'll be fine."
René's mind was already on their next move. "So, what's the plan? Do we start with the other Almata buildings Kain bought?"
Van considered their options. "Yes, that's our best lead for now. René, do you have a list of those properties?"
René sighed, pulling out a small notebook. "We already checked 66 Vantaille District. Kain won't go back there. That leaves Tyrell District 44, Auber District House 7, Riverside Storage Room 13, Central Station Street 55, and House 88 in Centre Marche."
Van's mind worked quickly, weighing their options. "House 88 seems the most likely, given how close it is to the central market. It's worth checking first."
Agnès and René agreed, readying themselves for the mission ahead. René added, "If Lord Kain is watching, he'll expect us to check the most obvious locations first."
With their plan set, Van, Agnès, and René headed toward Centre Marche, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on their shoulders. As they navigated through the increasingly chaotic streets of Edith, they remained on high alert, aware that danger lurked around every corner. The city's isolation, the shutdown of its orbal technology, and the growing unrest among its citizens were all stark reminders that they were running out of time. They had to find Lord Kain's base—before the eclipse brought an even darker fate upon them all.
