Chapter 14

The next day dawned with unexpected brilliance over Calvard. The sun hung bright in the sky, a stark contrast to the somber pall that shrouded Edith. The city had ground to a near halt, its lifeblood of orbal technology severed by the havoc wrought by Roger's "emp signal." Cars and trains were paralyzed, their once humming engines silenced. The streets were populated by construction workers, Orbal technicians, and IT specialists, all tirelessly working to restore the damaged infrastructure.

Agnès moved through the quiet streets of Edith with a suitcase in hand, her steps deliberate, her mind a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. She had spent the previous night at home, packing her most cherished belongings. Tonight, she would leave Edith behind—leave everything behind—for him.

Her destination was 66 Vantaille District, the heart of Kain's domain. As she approached the estate, its imposing silhouette loomed against the sky, its shadow swallowing her whole. The doors creaked open at her approach, welcoming her into the darkness beyond. The eerie atmosphere within did little to faze her; it was as if the creeping dread of the estate's aura no longer held sway over her heart.

The halls were dimly lit by flickering candles, their weak flames casting elongated shadows that danced across the stone walls. The oppressive silence was broken only by the soft, mocking voice that slipped from the darkness.

"Ah, my beautiful doll has arrived…"

Kain emerged from the shadows, his presence as commanding as ever. He was clad entirely in black—an outfit that seemed to absorb the light around him, leaving him a dark, formidable figure. His eyes, however, gleamed with an unnatural light, a hunger that sent a shiver down Agnès's spine.

"I'm glad you held up your end of the bargain, Agnès," he murmured, his voice a silken whisper.

Agnès managed a faint smile, her grip on the suitcase tightening as she looked up at him. "As promised. I left everything behind for you…"

Kain's lips curled into a smile, a gesture that seemed almost too predatory to be affectionate. "It's still some time before the sun sets. Would you do me a favor?"

Agnès tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Of course. Anything for you, my love."

"Please, follow me," Kain instructed, turning on his heel.

Without hesitation, Agnès followed, her footsteps muffled on the cool stone floors. As she walked, a wave of unease washed over her, mingling with the yearning she felt for Kain. Each step she took felt like another piece of her soul slipping further into darkness, yet she couldn't bring herself to stop. The thought of him—his touch, his voice—called to her in a way she couldn't resist.

But there was another thought, a quieter voice in the back of her mind, one that whispered of the cost of this path she was on. The thought of embracing vampirism, of surrendering her humanity, filled her with a mixture of dread and strange, alluring excitement. She couldn't help but pity Kain in his eternal solitude, a creature cursed to walk alone in the night. Yet, her own desires, carnal and desperate, were a constant, painful contradiction to that pity. She craved him, even as she mourned for the part of her soul she was losing.

They were moving to the upper levels of the estate, the air growing colder as they ascended. Kain led her up the staircase that creaked underfoot, until finally, they arrived at the upper floor. The walls here were adorned with empty portraits. Except one.

That portrait caught her attention. It was of a woman, strikingly beautiful, lying languidly on a couch. Her long, night-blue hair cascaded over the armrest, and her crimson eyes stared out with an almost melancholic intensity. The woman's barren figure, elegant and yet somehow forlorn, seemed to dominate the room.

Agnès paused, her eyes fixed on the portrait. "Who is she?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kain stopped beside her, his gaze lingering on the portrait. For a moment, his expression softened, something almost resembling sorrow flickering in his eyes. "That," he said slowly, "is Elesia. She was my mistress… long ago."

Agnès felt a pang of unexpected emotion at his words. The woman in the portrait exuded a tragic beauty, one that seemed to speak of lost love and eternal yearning. "She was… beautiful," Agnès murmured, feeling a strange connection to the image before her.

"She was," Kain agreed, his voice distant. "She was a cruel woman. Yet she also was my light in the darkness, my solace in the endless night. But in the end, even she couldn't escape the harshness of this twisted world."

Agnès's heart ached as she listened to him, the weight of his loneliness pressing down on her. She pitied him deeply, for the eternity he was forced to endure, an existence filled with isolation and despair. And yet, despite that pity, or perhaps because of it, she felt the carnal pull of desire tugging at her even stronger. She wanted to be the one to ease his pain, to be his companion in the endless night. But at what cost?

As these conflicting emotions warred within her, she turned to Kain, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you… miss her?"

Kain's gaze remained fixed on the portrait, his expression unreadable. "Every day," he replied softly. "But it's a useless longing. The dead do not return, no matter how much you may wish it."

Agnès's breath caught in her throat. She knew then that her own fate was tied to his, that she was stepping into a world from which there was no return. The desire to comfort him, to share in his eternity, was nearly overwhelming, but the fear of losing herself—of becoming just another shadow in his dark world—kept her grounded, if only barely.

Kain finally tore his gaze away from the portrait and looked at Agnès, his eyes once again filled with that insatiable hunger. "After you," he said, gesturing toward a nearby window.

Agnès hesitated, a flicker of confusion crossing her face as she stood by the open window. The wind gently tugged at her hair, carrying with it the scents of the city below. But she trusted Kain implicitly, and so, with a soft "Okay…" she stepped through the window.

The rooftop of the mansion stretched out before her, a vast expanse of slate and stone. The view was breathtaking, offering a panoramic glimpse of Edith and the lands beyond. The city sparkled under the sun's rays, vibrant and alive, a world bathed in golden light. She walked to the veranda, her footsteps light as she absorbed the scene, but there was a nagging question in her mind. Why had Kain brought her up here?

"Kain... why are we here?" Agnès asked, turning to face him.

But Kain lingered behind, standing in the shadows cast by the estate's towering chimney. While she stood bathed in sunlight, Kain remained cloaked in darkness, his form barely visible. His posture was distant, as if some invisible barrier kept him from joining her.

"Kain..." she called out, concern threading through her voice. "What's going on? Why are you standing all the way over there?"

Kain offered her a gentle, wistful smile. "Because this is as far as I can go, my dear."

Agnès's brow furrowed in confusion. "What... what do you mean? Why can't you get closer?"

A soft, almost rueful laugh escaped his lips. "If I were to step into the sun, I would decay and fall to dust."

The revelation hit Agnès like a cold wind. She stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. "B-but you... you can't go in the sun? Wh-why?"

Kain's smile turned bittersweet. "You know what I am, Agnès. Vampires can't stand sunlight. If we do, our bodies begin to decompose."

Agnès blinked, her mind racing to process the information. She had known, of course, what Kain was—a creature of the night, an immortal—but some part of her had clung to the hope that the stories were just myths, exaggerations of the truth. But now, seeing him standing in the shadows, unable to join her in the sunlight, the reality of his condition hit her hard.

"But I thought that was just myth and legend..."

She looked down at her hands, the sunlight warming her skin, then back at Kain. He remained in the shadows, the light of the sun a deadly force that kept him at bay. The stark contrast between them—the living and the undead—became painfully clear.

"I-Is that why you're so far away? You... you can't stand the sunlight?"

"Indeed, my dear," Kain confirmed, his voice tinged with a sadness that tugged at her heart. "I was 17 when I was turned by my mistress. I've avoided the sun for almost 60 years now." He paused, his expression softening with a hint of regret. "And this will be your last day as a mortal as well."

Agnès felt a rush of emotions at his words—surprise, fear, excitement. But above all, a deep, aching sadness for the sacrifice Kain had made, for the life he had left behind. He would never again feel the warmth of the sun on his skin, never again experience the simple joys of daylight. And now, she was about to join him in that eternal night.

But despite the sorrow, a thrill of excitement coursed through her. "My last day being mortal? You… you mean you're going to turn me? Tonight?"

Kain nodded, his eyes dark with a mix of emotions. "Yes. This is why I wanted to give you one last day in the sun. And to ask you something."

Agnès's heart fluttered in her chest, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. "What is it? What do you want to ask me?"

Kain's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the city. "When you look out onto the sun-bathed lands... and when you look at the sun, what do you see?"

Agnès turned back to the railing, her eyes following his line of sight. The city stretched out before her, vibrant and full of life, the sun casting everything in a golden glow. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the sunlight wash over her, thinking deeply about Kain's question. What did the sun represent to her? What did this light, this warmth, mean?

"Life…" she whispered softly. "The sun means life. It's warmth, freedom, the passage of time... It's a promise that no matter how dark the night, the day will always come."

She opened her eyes, turning back to Kain with an eager expression. "But... what about you? What do you see when you look at the sun? You've only seen it from afar. What does it represent for you, my dear?"

Kain chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to carry the weight of countless years. "I've always hated it," he admitted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "To me, it's just an annoying gas ball millions of miles away. Even when I was mortal, I never liked it. Whenever I went to the beach, I always ended up sunburned."

Agnès couldn't help but laugh at the image that conjured—the thought of Kain, pale and brooding even before his transformation, avoiding the sun like the plague. "You must have had quite the pasty complexion before you were turned then," she teased, her laughter filled with warmth.

Kain shrugged, his smile widening slightly. "Probably. I always felt safer in the tranquility of the moonlight, to be honest."

Agnès's smile softened, her heart swelling with affection for him. There was something so comforting, so alluring about the way he spoke of the night, of the quiet, peaceful world that came alive under the moon's gentle light. "Yes... the night is more charming than the day. The world slows down, becomes less chaotic. It's... more calming."

She gazed at him, her heart brimming with a love that transcended the fear, the uncertainty, the darkness that awaited her. The idea of spending eternity in the night, of walking through the centuries with Kain by her side, filled her with a sense of purpose, of belonging.

"I look forward to seeing the world through your eyes, my dear," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Even if it means never seeing the sun again."

Kain's expression softened, a tenderness in his eyes that Agnès had rarely seen. He stepped closer, still careful to remain within the safety of the shadows, but his presence felt warmer, more intimate than ever. "Are you sure, Agnès?" he asked quietly, his voice a gentle caress. "Are you truly ready to leave behind the life you've known? To embrace the darkness, knowing that the light will be lost to you forever?"

Agnès took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over her. She knew what she was giving up—the warmth of the sun, the life she had known, the mortality that made each moment precious. But she also knew what she was gaining—a love that transcended time, a bond that would never fade, a chance to walk through eternity with the one who had captured her heart.

"I am," she whispered, her voice filled with conviction. "I'm ready to walk through the night with you, Kain. I'm ready to leave behind the sun, because... because you're my light now. You're my world."

Kain's breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he simply stared at her, his eyes filled with a mix of love, awe, and something deeper—something that felt like redemption. "Agnès…" he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea what those words mean to me."

Agnès smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I think I do, Kain. I think I do."

With a soft, almost reverent touch, Kain reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, wiping away the tear. "I've walked the earth for over half a century, Agnès, alone in the darkness. I've seen entire states fall to ruin, I've watched the world change in ways I could never have imagined. But through it all, I was always alone. Always… until I found you."

Agnès's heart swelled, the depth of his words sinking into her very soul. She stepped closer, reaching out to him, her hand finding his in the shadows. "And you'll never be alone again, Kain. I promise."

Kain closed his eyes, his grip tightening around her hand. For a moment, they stood there, connected across the divide of light and shadow, the sun casting its final rays over the horizon. And in that moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the night to fall.

As the last light of day faded, Kain finally opened his eyes, his gaze locking onto Agnès's. "Then let tonight be the beginning of our eternity," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet, unshakable resolve. "Together, in the night."

Agnès nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation, love, and the thrill of what was to come. She knew that when the sun rose again, she would no longer be mortal. She would be something more—something timeless, something eternal. And she would face it all with Kain by her side.

"Together, in the night," she echoed, her voice strong and sure.

And with that, as the first stars began to twinkle in the twilight sky, they turned away from the fading light of day, ready to embrace the darkness—and each other—for all eternity.

Kain led her through the open window, guiding her silently into the dimly lit corridor. The cool night air caressed Agnès' skin, heightening the thrill already surging through her veins. Her pulse quickened under his firm grasp, the anticipation blooming inside her with every step. He took her to the final door in the left wing, pausing there, a playful smile curving his lips.

Agnès followed his lead willingly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. She could sense something in the air—something dark, intoxicating, and irresistible. When Kain finally opened the door, the sight before her stole her breath. A massive bed draped in deep, wine-red sheets dominated the room, framed by rich purple curtains that cast an almost forbidden allure. The small table beside it held a bottle of rum and wine, each a promise of pleasures yet to come.

Agnès' heart raced as she stepped further into the room, her gaze lingering on the intimate setting. The room felt like it was made for seduction, every detail whispering of nights spent in heated passion. She glanced at the two chairs facing each other, her thoughts racing as she imagined what he had planned for them.

Turning back to Kain, her lips curled into a mischievous smirk. Her voice dropped to a teasing, sultry tone as she sauntered over to the table, her fingers lightly brushing the bottles. "Wine or rum, my love? If we're going to fall, we might as well indulge in the descent."

Kain's eyes glimmered with intent as he watched her pick up the bottle of rum. She spun it playfully in her hand before moving to the bed, her gaze lingering on its inviting surface. She could feel the weight of his stare, the heat of his desire matching her own. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she patted the spot next to her, an unspoken invitation hanging in the air.

"Care to join me, my love?" Her voice was a soft purr, the promise of what was to come evident in every word.

He accepted the invitation without hesitation, taking the bottle from her and pouring a generous amount into his mouth, but he didn't swallow. Agnès watched him with bated breath, her own mouth parting in anticipation. Kain then pulled her close, his lips crashing onto hers, forcing her mouth open. The rum flowed between them, its warmth burning down her throat as their tongues tangled in a fervent dance.

A low moan escaped her as she pressed herself against him, the taste of rum on his lips mingling with the raw desire that coursed through her. The intensity of their kiss sent shivers down her spine, every nerve in her body alight with need.

Without breaking the kiss, Kain's hands began to undress her, slowly sliding the white robe from her shoulders. Her skin tingled with every touch, every brush of his fingers adding to the fire building within her. When she was finally laid bare before him, her breath hitched, her body exposed and aching for his next move.

He stood before her, undressing at a deliberate pace, his eyes never leaving hers. When he was down to just his underwear, the sight of his sculpted form made her pulse quicken. The hunger in her eyes was mirrored by the dark desire in his.

With a devilish grin, Kain uncorked the bottle once more, this time pouring the rum over his own body. Agnès gasped, her eyes widening as the amber liquid trickled down his chest, glistening in the soft light. Her mouth watered at the sight, her body thrumming with anticipation.

"Whoops... I've made quite a mess, my queen," he murmured, his voice thick with desire. "Would you mind cleaning it up?"

Agnès' breath caught at the challenge in his tone. She bit her lip, the thought of what he was asking sending a wave of heat through her. "Oh, I wouldn't mind at all," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, laden with sensuality.

She leaned in, her lips hovering just above his chest, where the rum had pooled. Slowly, she began to kiss and lick, her tongue tracing the lines of his muscles, savoring the intoxicating mix of rum and his skin. The taste was heady, and with every stroke of her tongue, she felt herself spiraling deeper into a haze of lust.

Her kisses became more urgent, her hands roaming over his body, tracing every inch of him as she cleaned up the spilled liquor. Each sigh and moan that escaped his lips only spurred her on, her own need growing more desperate by the second.

Kain tilted his head back, lost in the pleasure of her touch. "Yes, Agnès," he whispered, his voice husky with desire. "Replace the taste of rum with your sweetness."

She shivered at his words, her kisses becoming bolder, her touch more insistent. She wanted nothing more than to devour him, to lose herself in the intoxicating blend of rum and his skin. As her lips traveled lower, her entire body thrummed with the need to give in to the dark, forbidden passion between them—a passion that felt like it would consume them both whole.

In that moment, she realized she had fallen in love with the devil, and there was no turning back.

Van, Renne, Bergard, and Kevin stood at the edge of the Vantaille District, their eyes locked on the looming mansion before them. The air was thick with tension, and Bergard was the first to break the silence.

"So... René's spies tracked Agnès to this cursed place? Kain certainly has a taste for the macabre," Bergard muttered, his voice laced with disdain.

Van nodded, his gaze fixed on the ominous silhouette of the mansion. "Yeah, they saw her go inside earlier this morning. She hasn't come out since." His voice was tight, strained with the anger simmering just beneath the surface. He could barely suppress the images of what might be happening to Agnès inside that wretched estate.

Kevin raised his crossbow, and Renne unsheathed her scythe with a swift motion. Van readied his weapon as well, his resolve hardening.

"It's time to bring Agnès back," Bergard said, his tone edged with determination. "And to end this vampire's twisted games."

Van's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes cold and unwavering. "Agreed. We'll make sure Kain never gets another chance to hurt her." He glanced at his companions, each of them a pillar of resolve, then nodded. "Let's move."

They advanced toward the mansion, the air crackling with the weight of their mission. Every step was purposeful, driven by the singular focus of rescuing Agnès. As they approached the massive front door, Van struggled to push away the dark thoughts of what she might be enduring inside. But the images were relentless, feeding the fury that burned within him.

Reaching the door, Van paused, his voice low but firm. "This is it." He took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

The heavy door creaked as it swung inward, revealing the dim, decaying interior. The scent of dust and decay assaulted their senses, and the faint light filtering through the grimy windows did little to dispel the darkness. The four of them stood tense, eyes darting around the room, ears straining to catch any sound that might give away Agnès' location. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional creak of the ancient floorboards beneath their feet.

Van scanned the shadows, his muscles coiled and ready for whatever might emerge from the darkness. But the room remained stubbornly empty, offering no clues. He exchanged a glance with his companions, a silent communication of their shared urgency and determination.

Suddenly, a sound broke the silence—muffled, coming from above. They all snapped to attention, their eyes following the noise to the left wing of the upper floor.

Van's expression hardened. "There's something going on upstairs. Let's go." His voice was urgent, leaving no room for hesitation as he led the way toward the staircase.

Their footsteps echoed on the creaking stairs as they ascended, the sounds from above growing louder, clearer. A human voice, accompanied by a low, sinister laugh, echoed down the hallway. Van's heart pounded as he quickened his pace, his mind racing with thoughts of Agnès.

At the top of the stairs, they found themselves in a hallway lined with several doors. The noise was coming from the last door on the left. Van's breath hitched as he approached it, knowing that Agnès was just beyond. He forced himself to focus, to control the anger and worry threatening to overwhelm him.

As they neared the door, the unmistakable sounds of groaning and slurping filtered through, sending a chill down Van's spine. The realization of what they were hearing—a grotesque feeding—made his blood run cold. He clenched his jaw, barely restraining the urge to burst into the room.

He turned to his companions, meeting each of their eyes in turn. They shared his resolve, their expressions hard and determined. "I'm going in," Van whispered, his voice tight with the effort to remain calm. "Cover me. When I give the signal, get Agnès out and keep Kain occupied. Understood?"

They all nodded, weapons at the ready. Van took a moment to steel himself, then stepped forward and pushed the door open.

What awaited them on the other side stopped them in their tracks.

The room was draped in a sinister red-purple light, the heavy scent of sweat and alcohol thick in the air. Two empty bottles—rum and wine—lay discarded on the floor. The curtains were drawn, casting the room in a shadowy gloom. But the most shocking sight was the scene before them.

Kain stood naked, his form bathed in the dim light, while Agnès knelt before him, equally unclothed. Her head was pressed against his hips, her mouth working over his skin with a mixture of fervor and desperation. Her breath came in short, rapid gasps, and it was clear she was lost in the moment, savoring every taste of him. Kain's head was thrown back, deep groans rumbling from his chest, filling the room with their obscene rhythm.

Van, Renne, Bergard, and Kevin stared in a mix of bewilderment, shock, and embarrassment. The reality of what they were witnessing was far from the brutal violence they had imagined, yet no less disturbing. Their presence had been unnoticed, the lovers too engrossed in each other to care about the intruders.

Van and the others stood frozen in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief as they absorbed the sight before them. Kain and Agnès, both naked, were locked in an intimate act that seemed to taunt everything they'd feared. For a moment, none of them could find the words; the sheer audacity of the scene left them stunned.

Van's mind struggled to comprehend what he was seeing. His jaw dropped as his gaze swept over the two figures, his brain fighting against the reality that had slammed into him like a freight train. Agnès, the woman they had come to save, was lost to them—enthralled by the very monster they had sworn to destroy.

Finally, Van managed to speak, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. "What the hell is going on here?!"

But Agnès didn't react. She was utterly consumed by her actions, her lips brushing against Kain's skin as if nothing else in the world existed. Kain's head tilted back in a sigh, and then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lowered his gaze to meet Van's. His crimson eyes gleamed with contempt.

"I thought we settled our little squabble, Spriggan," Kain said, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Van's expression twisted into something darker, more primal. Seeing Agnès like this—entranced, willingly submitting to the vampire—was like a knife to his gut, twisting with every second. "She's not in her right mind, you sick bastard!" Van spat, his voice thick with disgust and rage.

Then, as if finally acknowledging their presence, Agnès paused. With a heavy sigh, she stood up and turned to face them, her eyes cold and irritated—eerily matching Kain's. The Agnès they knew was gone, replaced by someone unrecognizable.

Van felt a cold dread seep into his bones as he stared at her. The warmth, the fire that had always burned in her, was extinguished. In its place was a chilling, inhuman detachment. He reached out, his voice trembling with desperation. "Agnès, what are you—"

"Enough," she cut him off, her tone as sharp as steel. "You're interrupting us."

Her words struck Van like a physical blow, each syllable filled with an icy disdain that left him reeling. Never had she spoken to him like this. It didn't even sound like her. It was as if she had been hollowed out, leaving only a cruel imitation in her place.

Van could only gape at her, his mind a swirling storm of confusion and anger. Nothing made sense. How could she say this? How could she—after everything—side with that monster? His eyes flicked to Kain, who was now smirking, arms wrapped around Agnès as if she were his prize.

Van's anger surged, raw and vicious. "What the hell did you do to her?!" he snarled, taking a step forward, his hand gripping his sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Before Kain could respond, Agnès spoke again, her voice disturbingly calm. "He didn't do anything, Van. We were just having a... romantic encounter. And then you all barged in."

Van felt like the ground had been ripped out from under him. Her words were like daggers, each one plunging deeper into his heart. "You... you're serious? You willingly... with him?" His voice cracked with disbelief, the idea so absurd, so wrong, that he couldn't wrap his mind around it.

He wanted to shake her, to somehow snap her out of this nightmare. But even as he burned with the need to reach her, he knew it was futile. She was too far gone, and that realization sent a wave of despair crashing over him.

"How could you do this?" Van's voice wavered, choked with emotion. "You know what he is, what he's capable of! And yet you let him—"

But he couldn't finish the sentence. The words stuck in his throat, choked by the whirlwind of emotions tearing him apart. He shot a venomous glare at Kain, who watched the exchange with that same smug grin, as if he was savoring every second of Van's torment.

Kain chuckled, a sound that made Van's blood boil. "I thought we had this conversation already, Spriggan. Agnès is mine now. She's no longer your friend, your ally. She chose me, chose this life. And what you interrupted today? Just the beginning of many passionate nights we'll share." His eyes gleamed with malice as he added, "So, if you would kindly get the hell out of my house, we'd appreciate it. Unless, of course, you want me to rescind the deal I made with her?"

Van's fists shook with the force of his barely contained rage. He wanted nothing more than to tear Kain apart, to make him pay for what he had done to Agnès. But the mention of a deal made Van pause. Attacking Kain now would mean losing not just the fight, but Agnès as well—possibly forever.

"You're really going to turn her into one of you?" Van's voice was a low, dangerous growl, thick with loathing.

Kain's grin widened. "Of course. She'll be my Queen, my sweet bride. Together, we'll roam the nights in Zemuria, feeding on the unsuspecting. How many times do I have to say it before you get it through your thick skull, Spriggan?"

The image of Agnès as a Dead Apostle, condemned to a life of darkness, feeding on the innocent, filled Van with a nauseating dread. "You'll destroy her," he whispered, the words a desperate plea more than an accusation.

Kain sneered, his gaze shifting to Agnès. "Am I destroying you, my dear? Do you feel mistreated?"

Agnès met Van's eyes, her expression utterly devoid of the warmth he once knew. "No, Kain," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "I'm exactly where I want to be."

Van's heart shattered, the last remnants of hope crumbling into dust. He had lost her. The realization was like a knife twisting in his chest, but even in the depths of his despair, the fire of his anger refused to die. This wasn't over. He would find a way to save her—even if it killed him.

Agnès' reply came cold and detached, like a dagger driven into his chest.

"No. Not at all. Kain treats me far better than any man ever has."

The words hit Van like a sledgehammer. The icy tone, the utter lack of emotion—it was as if she'd been hollowed out, leaving behind nothing but a shell that Kain had filled with his own twisted desires. Agnès was slipping away from him, and the realization was unbearable. He wasn't just losing her—she was already gone.

Beside him, Renne clenched her teeth, her grip tightening on her scythe. "How could you?!" she spat, her voice trembling with a mix of rage and something deeper, something darker. Van glanced at her, catching the turmoil in her eyes. He could see it, the anger, the helplessness—but there was something else there too, something that sent a chill down his spine.

Kain's smirk deepened, his gaze shifting to Renne. "I merely kept my promise and gave her everything she desired," he said smoothly. "Just as I promised you, Renne. But you turned me down. Still, I am a merciful lord. If you apologize, I'd gladly extend my hand to you again. The offer still stands."

Van's stomach churned. The audacity of this monster was staggering, but then again, he wouldn't expect anything less from a Dead Apostle. He turned to Renne, searching her face for reassurance, but what he saw only deepened his concern. She was struggling, the temptation gnawing at her, and it terrified him.

Renne gripped her scythe even tighter, her knuckles white as she forced the words out through clenched teeth. "I'd rather rot in hell than become one of you…"

Van felt a surge of pride at her defiance, but it was fleeting. Kain's words were sinking in, burrowing into Renne's mind like a parasite. The vampire's influence was undeniable, and it was starting to unravel something inside her.

Kain laughed, a sound that sent shivers down Van's spine. "Oh? But the last time I had my way with Agnès in front of you, Renne, you seemed quite... jealous, didn't you?" He glanced at Agnès, who nodded with a detached, almost robotic calmness.

"He's right," Agnès said, her voice devoid of warmth. "I could feel your desire when you watched us."

Van's heart twisted painfully as he looked at Renne, her expression a cocktail of anger, shame, and something he couldn't quite name. There was no denying it—Renne had felt something when she'd seen them together. Whether it was jealousy, longing, or something more dangerous, it was there, lurking beneath the surface, and Kain was using it against her.

Renne's eyes flickered with a mix of rage and confusion, her internal struggle written all over her face. This revelation had shaken her to the core, and Van could do nothing but watch as she grappled with the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Kain, sensing the tension in the air, chuckled darkly. "Ah, Renne, you truly are something else. To hold onto some semblance of dignity despite your... desires. It's impressive, really. Admirable, even. But…" He paused, his eyes narrowing with a cold gleam. "You'll give in eventually. Sooner or later, your lust will consume you, and when it does, I'll be there, waiting with open arms."

As if to emphasize his point, Kain's hands moved possessively over Agnès's body, making her shudder with pleasure. She sighed, her cheeks flushing as she leaned into his touch, the sight twisting a knife in Van's gut. Kain placed a lingering kiss on Agnès' cheek, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "And when that time comes, Renne, the three of us will have plenty of 'quality time' together. Heh."

Van could barely stand it. The sight of Agnès—his Agnès—blushing under Kain's touch, the sickening intimacy between them, was too much to bear. His heart ached with jealousy, a raw, burning need to tear Kain apart and save her, but the despair that followed was crushing. Agnès was lost to him, and now, Kain was coming for Renne.

Kain's gaze shifted to Van, his smirk widening. "Jealous, Van? Come now… If you'd just stop hunting me down and accept your inferiority, I might extend the same offer to you and your friends. Why suffer fighting a losing battle when you could join us and live for eternity?"

Van's fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling with barely contained fury. The idea of joining Kain, of becoming a Dead Apostle like him, was repulsive. The thought of giving up his humanity, of succumbing to the darkness, was something he could never accept.

"I'd rather die than join you," Van growled, his voice steady and unwavering. He refused to give in, to let the darkness take him like it had taken Agnès.

Kain chuckled again, clearly amused by Van's defiance. "Ah, that's the answer I expected from you, Van. Stubborn to the very end. But that's your biggest flaw, isn't it? You cling to your humanity like a frightened child. But how long can you hold on? How long until the darkness consumes you too?"

Van gritted his teeth, determined not to let Kain get under his skin. He knew the vampire was trying to weaken his resolve, to make him doubt himself. But he wouldn't give Kain the satisfaction.

"I'll hold on as long as I have to," Van said, his voice a low growl. "Until the day I die, if that's what it takes."

Kain's eyes narrowed, a cold laugh escaping his lips. "So stubborn. But you're only fooling yourself. No matter how hard you try, the darkness will always be there, gnawing at you, tempting you. And one day, it'll consume you, just like it has Agnès."

Van's heart ached at the mention of Agnès, but he forced himself to push the pain aside. He couldn't let Kain win. He couldn't let the darkness take him too.

Kain's gaze drifted to Kevin and Bergard. "And you, dogs of the Septian Church, will succumb to me as well. I've heard of the Gralsritter. You'll all make fine additions to my loyal subjects."

Van's blood ran cold, but he stood his ground. He wasn't going to let Kain destroy everything he cared about. No matter the cost, he would fight until the bitter end.

Kevin and Bergard stood resolute, their faces set in stoic determination. They had faced countless dangers before, but nothing as insidious and twisted as the threat before them now. Kain, the once proud warrior, had degenerated into something unrecognizable in his zealous pursuit of Elesia's ambition—a grotesque shadow of the man he once was.

Kevin stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "We are the Holy Knights of the Gralsritter. We serve the Septian Church and fight against the darkness. We will not join you, Kain, nor will we allow you to drag us into your twisted quest."

But then Kevin paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the man before him. "Kain... I really don't get you."

Kain arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And why is that?"

Kevin continued, his voice calm yet cutting. "I spoke with Mark Miller after he staked you with his oak tree weapon and imprisoned you in that coffin. He told me everything about you. You were born into a long line of warrior monks—a shinobi driven by revenge against your traitorous father who slaughtered your entire family. Your mother, your sisters, your cousins… You dedicated your mortal life to the path of vengeance. And after decades of bloodshed, you got what you wanted. Your father died by your hand, your comrades fell as heroes on the battlefield, and your mistress was killed by another vampire. Everyone you cared about is dead. So why, Kain? Why are you so obsessed with fulfilling her dream and resurrecting this Brunestud monster? She's gone. Why are you still clinging to this?"

Kain's eyes darkened as Kevin's words struck a nerve. He fell silent, lost in thought for a moment, his mind drifting to memories long buried. "You speak the truth," he finally said, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability. "My life has been nothing but hardship and loss. My loved ones are all gone, leaving me to walk this world alone."

His gaze grew distant, clouded with the ghosts of his past. "But my mistress… my beloved Elesia… she lives on in my memories. Her dream was to resurrect Brunestud and bring about a new era. I cannot let her down. I won't rest until her dream becomes reality."

Kevin studied Kain's face, trying to read the depths of the powerful Dead Apostle's mind. "Why, though?" he pressed. "Why are you so determined to follow her dream, even decades after her death? Is it just loyalty? Or is there something more?"

A sneer curled Kain's lips. "It's so much more than loyalty. It's the only thing I have left to honor the person I loved most in this world. The only way to fulfill the oath I made when I became her disciple."

Kevin nodded slowly, but then he asked the question that cut straight to Kain's core. "And what about everyone you've hurt? Everyone you've killed to fulfill this goal? Do you feel no remorse for the lives you've destroyed?"

Kain's gaze hardened, his eyes boring into Kevin's. "No. I don't. Why should I? No one cared when I was a mortal. I was just another soul lost to the tide of history. So why should I care about the fate of others now?"

Kevin didn't flinch, meeting Kain's intense gaze without fear. "Perhaps no one cared if you lived or died back then, but that doesn't justify the atrocities you've committed. You claim to love your mistress, yet you're so blinded by your hatred that you can't see the evil in your actions. You've become the very monster you once swore to destroy."

Kain's smirk deepened, his voice dripping with contempt. "Love and hatred are two sides of the same coin, Gralsritter. Love isn't some pure, untainted emotion. It's a whirlwind—affection, resentment, lust, obsession… a bond that's as much mental as it is physical. Hatred's no different. And as for 'evil'? I abandoned those notions within a week of becoming a Dead Apostle under Elesia's tutelage."

He recited his mistress's words with fervor, as if they were sacred scripture. "'Morality and humanity… what are words like those truly good for? They are just pointless concepts that hold us back. We, as powerful creatures of the night, have no use for them. We need not feel ashamed of our nature because of them.' She ingrained that philosophy in me, molded me in her image. And I'll ingrain it into Agnès, so she can carry it on to her own spawn."

Kevin listened, a conflicted look crossing his face. He could see how deeply Elesia's teachings had influenced Kain, how she had twisted him into this creature before him. But understanding didn't mean acceptance.

"So she turned you into this... this monster," Kevin said quietly, his voice heavy with sorrow. "A creature that knows only death and destruction. And yet, despite everything, you still love her. You still cling to her dream as if it's all that matters."

Kain's smirk faded into something darker, more reflective. "She was my sire. My maker, my mentor… my everything. Just like a human parent, she shaped who I am. Only, she was a powerful vampiress who sought to rid the world of the weaknesses of Dead Apostles and achieve true eternity. She believed that everything crumbles in time—wealth, power, love, it all turns to dust eventually. But death… death was the one thing she believed could be conquered."

Kevin tried to grasp the twisted logic in Kain's words, the desperate yearning to defy time and achieve something eternal. But he couldn't shake the horror of the cost.

"And at what cost, Kain? You've caused unimaginable pain and suffering. So many innocent lives lost in your quest to defy mortality. Just because you and your mistress couldn't accept death as a natural part of life."

Kain's eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, something human—a flicker of doubt, perhaps—crossed his features. But it was gone as quickly as it came, buried beneath the weight of his obsession. "The cost is irrelevant, Gralsritter," he whispered, almost to himself. "Only the dream matters. Only her memory matters. I have nothing else."

Kain's icy gaze swept over the group, his voice a dark whisper of arrogance. "In the end, death claims us all. Whether it's illness, an accident, or old age—what difference does it make if it's by the fangs of a vampire? I, for one, prefer to eat rather than be eaten. And since I've taken a liking to Agnès, I'll save her from mortality by granting her immortality."

Kevin's face remained impassive, but his voice rang with firm resolve. "You've been a Dead Apostle for so long that you've forgotten the value of mortal life. But the Gralsritter haven't. We won't stand by while you and your mistress destroy everything in your path. We will put an end to your schemes and bring justice to those you've devoured."

Kain tilted his head, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "And how do you plan to do that? Mark Miller is dead. His precious oak stakes are gone. You couldn't defeat me before—just a mere Rank VI Dead Apostle—and now Agnès is about to join our ranks. Together, we'll spread across Zemuria like a shadow, procreating our bloodline. Soon, Dead Apostles will be as common as mortals, and I intend to weave my lineage deep into Zemurian society."

Kevin's jaw tightened, his mind racing. Kain was right; the odds were against them. Without Mark Miller, their chances were slim. But he couldn't let Kain's words shake his resolve. "So, your plan is to corrupt more lives, turning people into mindless slaves bound to your will?"

Kain rolled his eyes with a sneer. "You church dogs are so predictable. No, I don't seek slaves—I seek a covenant, a family. We will grow and spread like any other lifeform until Zemuria is ours. Even you, Kevin, will fall to me, Agnès, or one of our children one day. It's only a matter of time. And when that night comes, I'll strip away your pathetic mortal beliefs and teach you the true ways of our kind."

Kevin's gaze hardened, a fire igniting in his eyes. "You underestimate us, Kain. The Gralsritter have faced countless threats and emerged victorious. We won't let you or your bloodline consume this continent."

Kain's laughter echoed through the room, dark and mocking. "Then you must kill me... and Agnès."

The weight of Kain's words hung heavy in the air. Kevin knew the Dead Apostle spoke the truth. If they wanted to stop him, they'd have to kill him and the woman he once knew as a friend. But taking on a Rank VI Dead Apostle, especially one as powerful as Kain, was no small feat.

"I would gladly end your existence, Kain," Kevin said, his voice laced with conviction. "But I'm not foolish enough to underestimate the danger of facing you alone. We'll need reinforcements if we're to have any hope of success."

Kain's grin widened, his eyes glinting with cruel delight. "But here's your problem, dear hunter: Edith is cut off from the rest of Calvard. The eclipse begins in a week, and with it, the Black Mass—the ritual to revive Brunestud."

Kain's words sent a shockwave through the group. Kevin's eyes widened in horror. The Black Mass was a catastrophic event that could unravel the very fabric of reality. If Kain succeeded, it would spell the end of everything.

"You can't be serious," Kevin whispered, dread creeping into his voice. "You're really going through with the Black Mass..."

Kain's grin turned wicked as he stroked Agnès' cheek, his touch possessive. "You disrupted my agreement with Agnès when you interrupted us. I made it clear—I would refrain from the ritual if she joined me. She held her end of the bargain, yet you persist in pursuing me. It seems a demonstration of power is in order."

Kevin clenched his fists, a storm of anger and despair swirling inside him. The situation was more dire than he'd realized. Time was running out, and the fate of the world hung in the balance.

"You fool," Kevin spat, his voice trembling with righteous fury. "Do you have any idea what you're about to unleash? If the Black Mass succeeds, it will destroy everything we hold dear. You'll plunge the world into chaos and ruin."

Kain nodded, a sickening smile stretching across his face. "Yes," he whispered, his voice dripping with anticipation. He turned Agnès' face to his, locking her in a gaze filled with dark promise. "And then, Agnès and I will make love while you meet your end."

With that, Kain pressed his lips to Agnès', a display of dominance that sent waves of revulsion through the room. Kevin's eyes widened in shock and disgust. The sheer blasphemy of Kain's actions left him momentarily speechless.

"You... you monster," Kevin finally choked out, his voice filled with loathing. "You would commit such sacrilege in the name of your twisted desires. You disgust me..."

Renne and Bergard stood beside Kevin, their faces mirroring his horror. The thought of what Kain was doing to Agnès, the audacity of his sacrilege—it sickened them all to their cores.

"How can you do this, Kain?" Renne's voice trembled with rage. "How can you treat Agnès like some prize to be won? You have no morals left in you, no humanity."

Bergard's voice was cold and unyielding as he spoke. "You are a disgrace, Kain. A heartless monster who seeks only chaos and destruction."

Kevin took a deep breath, his resolve hardening as he locked eyes with Kain. "You may have power, Kain, but you have no honor, no decency. You're nothing more than a puppet, dancing to the tune of that treacherous dead mistress of yours."

Kain chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "Ah, the words of a mortal knight, blinded by his own faith. Honor and decency... Foolish notions for a Dead Apostle like me. I'm unbound by such petty morals. I do as I please, and I take what I desire. Just like the Nosferatu of Romanian folklore."

Kevin's expression darkened as he recalled the tales Mark Miller told him about the Nosferatu—a vile creature of the night, driven by its own twisted desires, willing to do anything to satisfy its hunger. "So that's what you see yourself as, then? A monster, driven only by your selfish desires."

Kain cackled, the sound echoing off the walls. "That's an apt description, indeed. It's what I am. And soon, it's what your dear Agnès will become."

Kevin's gaze flickered to Agnès, still trapped in Kain's cold embrace. The thought of her being twisted into a creature like Kain, her humanity stripped away, left him cold with dread. The very idea of her becoming a soulless demon of the night, lost to darkness forever, was unbearable.

"No... I won't let that happen," Kevin's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. "I refuse to let you corrupt and destroy her."

Van's voice cut through the thick tension, sharp and unyielding. "He's right. We won't let you turn Agnès into one of your twisted creations. We'll stop you before the Black Mass happens—count on it."

Renne nodded, her voice steely with determination. "We've faced powerful foes before and always emerged victorious. This time won't be any different."

Kain scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Please... The enemies you've faced were nothing but jokes compared to me and the great Brunestud. I've done my homework on Zemuria's so-called big players. Ouroboros—a society of cowards and misfits hiding in the shadows? The D.G. cult—talentless hacks tinkering with demon DNA? Gilliath Osborne, the Blood and Iron Chancellor? He's only dangerous because of his cunning. And Gerard Dantes, Almata—a gang of criminals feeding off the scraps of the D.G. cult. You dare compare me, Lord Kain, Nosferatu, disciple of Roa, to this pathetic lot? I'm insulted."

Van's expression hardened, the Dead Apostle's arrogance igniting a fire within him. "You may sneer at those we've faced, but it doesn't change the fact that we triumphed. And we'll do the same with you, no matter how powerful you think you are."

Kain laughed, his fangs glinting. "Agnès? Fetch your staff. I could use your help."

Agnès hesitated, but then her hand trembled as she reached for her staff. Van's heart sank as he watched her, his voice laced with panic. "Agnès, wait! Think about what you're doing!"

Renne's voice joined his, urgent and pleading. "Agnès, you can't do this! Don't listen to him!"

Bergard stepped forward, his voice stern and commanding. "Agnès, this isn't you! Fight it!"

Kevin's voice was steady, but underneath was a layer of concern that belied his sternness. "Agnès, I know you're still in there. Don't let him control you! Remember who you are!"

Agnès turned to them, her expression torn, her knuckles white as she clutched her staff. Her voice trembled, filled with conflict. "I... I don't know what to do. I can't stop myself..." The glimmering red of Kain's bite on her chest caught their eyes, a dark omen of the blood bond taking hold.

"I'm sorry," Agnès continued, her voice faltering. "I've made my decision. I belong to Kain now. I'll be his... Queen. He's everything I ever wanted in a man. He respects my choices, unlike you, Van. He never patronizes me. He sees me as a woman."

Van's heart ached at her words, the betrayal cutting deep. "No, Agnès... You can't let him do this to you. That's not love—it's enslavement. He's deceiving you, manipulating you!"

Renne stepped forward, tears welling in her eyes. "Agnès, please... You're stronger than this! Don't let him trap you in his darkness!"

Bergard's voice was resolute, filled with unwavering support. "Agnès, we care about you. We don't want to see you chained to this monster. You're a bright soul, full of light. Don't let him extinguish that!"

Kevin looked at her, his voice tinged with desperation. "Agnès, we may not have been perfect, but we've always fought for what's right. Don't let him fool you. We're on your side—we care about you!"

Agnès looked at them all, her eyes filled with torment. The bond with Kain was tightening its grip on her heart and mind. "I... I want to believe you. But he's given me something I never had—a sense of purpose. He makes me feel desired, cherished... loved."

Van's voice broke with emotion as he tried to reach her. "Agnès, that's not real love. Love is built on trust and mutual respect. What he's offering is a lie, a twisted illusion. He's using you, not cherishing you!"

Kain's voice cut through like a knife. "Lies, Agnès! Remember, I promised to spare Edith and your friends. Would I have done that if I didn't care about you?"

Van clenched his jaw, seeing through Kain's manipulation. "That doesn't prove anything. True love isn't about making deals or grand gestures. It's about genuine sacrifice and commitment. He's fooling you!"

Kain snarled, his patience fraying. "Don't you dare lecture her about love, Spriggan! You talk about commitment, yet you abandoned Elaine and René!"

Van's face darkened at the mention of his past. The wounds were still raw, and Kain's words struck deep. "That's... different. Circumstances forced me to leave them, but I never stopped loving them. My commitment to them is as strong as ever. Don't twist my past against me."

Kain's eyes blazed with triumph as he pushed harder. "So you let circumstances tear you from those you love. Hypocrite!"

Van's anger flared, his voice rising. "You're the hypocrite, Kain! You're manipulating Agnès, twisting her feelings, and you dare talk to me about love? I may have been forced to leave, but I've never stopped fighting for those I care about. Don't you dare question my love or my commitment!"

Kain's cold whisper slithered into Agnès' ear, sharp and venomous like a serpent. "If Van truly loved Elaine, he would have never left her. Like he would leave you. But I won't ever leave you, Agnès. I will love and cherish you for all eternity—long after your so-called friends have turned to dust."

Van clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his anger in check as Kain's words tore at the old wounds he'd tried to bury. "You know nothing about love," he spat. "True love isn't about possession or control. It's about respect, trust, letting the other person make their own choices. Your version of love is nothing but a delusion—selfish, possessive, and bound to end in pain."

Kain's voice was a dark caress, filled with an unsettling calm. "Loving someone is selfish by nature, and that's okay. Love is a subjective feeling that makes one person want to be close to another, no matter what. When that feeling is reciprocated, a relationship is born. And Agnès has reciprocated my advances."

Van's expression hardened at Kain's detached definition of love. The Dead Apostle's perception was warped, twisted beyond recognition. "What you're describing isn't love—it's obsession. A desire to possess and control, not care for someone's happiness or freedom. You're only satisfying your own desires. That's not love, Kain. That's ownership."

Kain sneered, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Yes, I crave her—and she craves me just as much. Don't you, Agnès?"

Agnès trembled, her emotions a storm inside her. She barely managed to whisper, "I... I do. I want him. I can't live without him anymore."

Van's heart sank, her words stabbing through him like a knife. "Agnès, please, listen to yourself! You've been brainwashed! You're not in your right mind. You don't know what you're saying!"

Kain's laughter echoed through the room, cold and mocking. "Oh, listen to yourself, Van. That sounds a lot like control, doesn't it? She fell for me, and I for her. You just can't accept it because I'm a vampire. You're blinded by your own prejudice against us Dead Apostles. You're no better than the villains you've fought before—just another self-righteous fool."

Van's fists clenched tightly, anger coursing through him. Kain's words were like poison, but he refused to let them break him. "This isn't about what you are, or what I am. It's about right and wrong. You're not in love with her—you're using her, manipulating her, and she can't see it because she's blinded by your lies."

Kain's smile widened, his voice dripping with condescension. "They're not lies. They're the indisputable truths of the world. Deep down, even you know that. Agnès, show your friends what happens when someone questions you and belittles your feelings."

Agnès clutched her staff tighter, her heart torn between the bond she'd formed with Kain and the loyalty she felt toward her friends. Her eyes flicked to Van and the others, pain and anger warring in her expression. "I... I don't want to hurt anyone. But... Kain has been there for me. He's treated me better than all of you combined."

Van's heart ached as he heard her words. The bond between her and Kain was growing stronger, pulling her further away from them. "Agnès, please. You have to fight this. Don't let him control you like this. You're stronger than this…"

Renne stepped forward, her voice filled with concern. "Agnès, we care about you. We don't want to see you hurt. This bond with Kain... it's not real love. It's a trap. He's using you."

Bergard joined in, his voice firm but kind. "Agnès, we've been through so much together. Don't let this vampire twist your feelings. He's not who you think he is. You don't need him."

Kevin added his voice, his usual cheerfulness replaced with earnestness. "Agnès, please. We're your friends. We're here for you. Don't throw that away for this monster. You're better than this."

Agnès looked down, her voice a fragile whisper. "No... I'm not..." She hesitated, then her voice hardened as she continued, "When Kain manipulated my classmates and they had their way with Renne, I just watched... Not in disgust... but in pride. I thought Renne was a fool for defying Kain. When he came to my dorm... and made love to me... when he bit me..." She pointed to the bite mark on her chest, her voice breaking. "It felt ecstatic. And when we made love, right before you came in... Despite how shameful it was... I enjoyed it. I didn't feel sympathy when Kain killed Mark Miller and turned him into a zombie."

A tear slid down her cheek as she looked at her friends, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry, everyone... but I'm not innocent, or bright, or beautiful... Deep down, I'm selfish and crave attention. I'm just as despicable as Kain and Almata."

Her words hit the group like a sledgehammer. The revelation was a shock that left them reeling, their perceptions of her shattered. Van's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw slack. Bergard's usual calm was replaced by a stunned silence. Renne's heart felt like it was breaking in two. Kevin's eyes filled with a deep sadness.

Agnès gave them a sad smile. "I'm sorry... But I guess I was always meant to be Kain's woman. To become a Dead Apostle. I'm sorry, Van. Renne. Mister Zeman. Father Graham. I'm sorry that I'm such a disappointment."

The group was speechless, their minds struggling to process what they had just heard. The Agnès they thought they knew had revealed a darkness they'd never imagined. It left them frozen, unsure of how to respond.

Van was the first to find his voice, though it was shaky. "Agnès... No... you're not a disappointment. You're not a monster. You're..."

He trailed off, his words failing him. The turmoil inside him was too much to put into words. Bergard placed a hand on his shoulder, a silent gesture for him to take a moment to gather himself.

Renne stepped forward, her voice trembling with pain. "Agnès... you don't have to apologize. You've had dark moments, but that doesn't define you. We still care about you, no matter what."

Kevin nodded, his voice soft but sincere. "Yeah, Agnès. You're not a terrible person. You're just... lost. We can help you through this. We're here for you."

Kain's voice cut through their words like a knife. "She doesn't need your help. What she needs is to accept this part of herself and use it as her strength. And I'm going to teach her that."

Van's eyes narrowed, anger flaring again. The Dead Apostle was trying to twist Agnès further, turning her pain and darkness into something even more destructive. "Agnès doesn't need your twisted lessons. She needs compassion and understanding, not whatever you're trying to make her into."

Kain smiled, his voice smooth and persuasive. "Agnès, it's time. If you want to overcome your darkness, you need to control it, use it as a weapon. Sometimes that means hurting others. Van and your friends barged in on us, interrupting our private moment. Do you really want them to keep doing that? No? Then show them who's in control here."

Agnès' eyes widened as Kain's words sank in, the twisted logic he spun striking a chord deep within her, feeding her guilt and shame. She glanced at her friends, her heart aching, but the pull of Kain's commands was overpowering. Slowly, with trembling hands, she raised her staff.

Van noticed the shift in her demeanor, the inner battle playing out on her face. His heart pounded with desperation as he tried to reach her. "Agnès, no! Don't listen to him. You're stronger than this—you don't have to do this!"

Renne stepped forward, her eyes pleading. "Please, Agnès, we're your friends. We care about you. Don't let Kain control you."

Kevin's voice shook as he added, "Agnès, we can help you. You're not just a weapon to be controlled. You have a choice."

Agnès clenched her teeth, a throbbing headache intensifying. Torn between Kain's allure and her friends' pleas, she tried to cast a spell—but couldn't. With a scream, she dropped her staff, clutching her head and collapsing to the ground. "Stop it! Stop it! All of you, just stop!" she cried out in agony.

The sight of Agnès writhing on the ground, tormented by conflicting emotions, was heart-wrenching. Van and the others rushed to her side, their faces etched with concern. Van wrapped his arm around her, trying to soothe her through the pain. "Agnès, we're here. Just breathe, focus on us."

Renne knelt beside them, her voice calm and steady. "We're right here, Agnès. Push away the voices. Focus on your breathing. We've got you."

Kevin gently placed a hand on her arm, his voice soft. "You're safe with us. We won't let anything happen to you. Just hold on."

Bergard crouched down, his voice firm and reassuring. "You're not alone, Agnès. We're in this together."

Kain looked down at the group, his face twisted with hate and disgust. "So, you still cling to your friendships, huh? I should have turned you the moment you agreed to join me. None of this would have happened." He sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

Van's eyes blazed with fury as he glared at Kain. "You bastard! This is all your fault! If you hadn't manipulated her, we wouldn't be in this mess!"

Renne's voice trembled with anger. "You've preyed on her vulnerabilities, twisted her mind and heart. You don't care about her—only your own twisted desires."

Kevin's disgust was palpable. "You're treating her like a toy, manipulating her for your own gain. You don't give a damn about her feelings or well-being."

Kain hissed, "I'm done explaining myself to you. Fine, have it your way. The Black Mass will happen soon, and my monsters will rise to slaughter every human in Edith. Once you're all dead, I'll claim Agnès again. And you, too, Renne," he sneered.

Van's heart sank as Kain spoke of impending destruction, dread mixing with his anger. "No… This is madness! You can't bring that kind of devastation to Edith. All those innocent people… they don't deserve this."

Kain's voice grew more menacing. "You signed Edith's death warrant the moment you pulled Agnès away from me. For that, I'll stain the streets with blood—men, women, children. Their lives will end in horror. Enjoy your last week." Kain grinned, his body beginning to warp and twist.

Van felt a chill as Kain's transformation began. Soon, a monstrous creature stood before them, its form twisted into a two-meter-tall bat-like being. Kain's once-human features distorted into a nightmarish visage, sharp teeth and claws gleaming. His wings, each with a span of two meters, unfurled as he let out an ear-splitting scream.

The group recoiled, their ears ringing from the creature's shriek. A powerful gust of wind from its wings forced them to stumble back. Then, with a mighty leap, the creature crashed through the roof, leaving a gaping hole as it soared into the night sky.

They watched in shock and horror as the monstrous figure disappeared into the darkness, the reality of what they had just witnessed slowly sinking in.

Kevin gulped, his voice shaky. "So that's Kain's true form... No wonder Mark Miller called him a monster wearing the skin of a man."

Van nodded slowly, still processing what had just happened. "Yeah… That was it. Kain's become something beyond our worst nightmares—a demon preying on the weak."

Renne's voice trembled. "And he's planning to destroy Edith because we opposed him. We have to stop him. But how can we defeat something like that?"

Bergard sighed deeply, his gaze shifting to Agnès, who lay unconscious on the floor. Van knelt beside her, checking her pulse. "She's out cold, but I don't think she's physically hurt. Her mind, though… it's in shambles."

Renne looked at Agnès, her worry evident. "We need to get her somewhere safe. Kain's done a number on her mind. Who knows what kind of damage he's inflicted?"

Van nodded, lifting Agnès gently into his arms. "Let's take her back to the office. We'll protect her and help her recover from this nightmare."

Kevin watched Van carry Agnès and nodded in agreement. "But what about Kain? He's going to unleash hell on Edith soon. How are we supposed to stop him?"

Bergard walked in silence, his jaw clenched tight as he followed the group. The tension in his body was palpable, a storm brewing behind his eyes. The others noticed his uncharacteristic quiet, exchanging worried glances before Van ever so gently broke the silence.

"Bergard, what's going on? You've been really quiet all of a sudden," Van asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Bergard seemed to snap out of his thoughts, hesitating before he answered. "Oh... I was just thinking about something," he said, though the tightness in his voice gave him away.

Van wasn't convinced. He furrowed his brow, sensing there was more behind Bergard's words. "Thinking about what, exactly? Is it Kain... or Agnès?"

Bergard sighed heavily, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. "Both of them, boy."

Van could feel the gravity of the situation in Bergard's tone and pressed further. "Talk to us, Bergard. If something's on your mind, we need to hear it. We're all in this together."

Bergard hesitated, his voice growing tense. "What I'm thinking... you won't like it. It'd be abhorrent to you, boy."

Van's unease grew, a knot forming in his stomach. He glanced at the others, their faces mirroring his concern. "What do you mean by 'abhorrent'? Just say it, Bergard."

Bergard looked at Van, his expression pained and conflicted. "Do you remember when Renne told us about Mark Miller's visit to Aramis, and the story he shared about that old Nosferatu film?"

Van nodded, his expression hardening. "Yeah, I remember. What about it?"

Bergard's voice was strained as he spoke. "As much as I hate to admit it... maybe we should consider using Agnès to take down Kain."

Van's eyes widened in shock. "What?! You want to use Agnès to fight Kain? Are you out of your mind? She's already been through hell—we can't push her into more trauma."

Bergard nodded grimly, knowing how horrible his suggestion sounded. "I know it's wrong. But what if we let those two... indulge their darker desires? Maybe it'll distract Kain long enough for the sun to finish him."

Van stared at Bergard in disbelief, his voice shaking with anger. "You're seriously suggesting we let Agnès fall back into his grasp? To use her as bait? That's insane! We can't sacrifice her like that."

Bergard's eyes narrowed, a battle raging within him. "I know it's twisted. I know it's wrong. But how do you plan to take down Kain now that we've seen what he really is? Do you think the Grendel will be enough?"

Van clenched his teeth, the truth of Bergard's words cutting deep. They were woefully underprepared, and Kain's monstrous form was unlike anything they had ever faced. "I don't know, but there has to be another way. We can't just throw Agnès into the fire—we can't let her get dragged deeper into Kain's darkness."

Renne's voice, filled with concern, cut through the tension. "I agree with Van. We can't sacrifice Agnès. There has to be another way, something we haven't thought of yet."

Kevin, looking troubled, nodded in agreement. "Using Agnès would be a huge gamble—a risk we can't afford to take. We care about her too much to use her like that."

Van felt a wave of relief, grateful that the others were on his side. "Exactly. We need to find another solution. Agnès isn't a pawn in this game, and we can't treat her like one."

Bergard sighed, his expression still conflicted. "Morally, I'm with you. But we're running out of options. If we had more resources, maybe an entire team of Gralsritter, things would be different. But right now... we're stretched too thin."

Van ran a hand through his hair, frustration gnawing at him. He knew Bergard was right; they were running out of time and ideas. "Damn it... There's got to be something we can do, something that doesn't involve putting Agnès in more danger."

Kevin spoke up, his voice heavy with concern. "We're only seven people. How can we possibly take on someone like Kain with what little we have? The odds are stacked against us."

Renne added, her voice tinged with frustration. "We're outnumbered and outmatched. We need something to turn the tables in our favor, anything at this point."

Van clenched his fists, the feeling of helplessness creeping in. "We can't give up. There has to be a weakness, a strategy we haven't thought of yet."

Kevin stroked his chin, deep in thought. "Maybe we're going about this the wrong way. Instead of trying to fight Kain head-on, maybe we should focus on incapacitating or distracting him. Buy us time to figure out a more permanent solution."

The group fell into a heavy silence, each lost in their thoughts, grappling with the terrifying reality of their situation. The dimly lit room felt oppressive as the seconds ticked by, each one bringing them closer to the inevitable confrontation with Kain. The sound of the clock's steady rhythm was the only thing that broke the silence, a reminder that time was slipping through their fingers.