Chapter 77: Ambush

The night descended upon the city as expected. After a full day of toil, people drifted into dreams, leaving only a few souls wandering the streets.

“Is everything in place?” Near a residential house, an elder in white robes questioned the person beside him.

“We’ve dispatched fifteen Class-A Blood Hunters and a hundred Class-B Blood Hunters. All preparations are complete; there’s no chance they’ll escape again,” the subordinate replied respectfully.

“Good. Pass down the order—everyone on full alert. They’ve entered the city; they’ll certainly come here to investigate.” The elder in white let a cold smile play at his lips. “Tonight will be their last.”

“Yes, sir.” The subordinate answered with deference, then turned and left to relay the command.

“Is this really the right thing to do, Silent?” murmured a red-robed elder standing next to the white-robed one, his tone heavy with regret.

“Hmph, what use is regret at this point?” the white-robed elder retorted with disdain. “We’re far past the point of turning back.”

“I only hope your decision isn’t wrong. Humanity can’t endure much more upheaval. One misstep, and extinction awaits,” the red-robed elder fretted.

“Rest assured. As long as we capture the Vampire Princess tonight, their kind won’t dare make a move. We’ll force the Blood Clan to sign a new treaty—one that favors us. That will be our victory,” said the white-robed elder with confidence.

“But we’re up against a Vampire Prince this time—an invincible presence,” the red-robed elder could not hide his worry.

“Hmph, when did Blood Reaper become so timid?” the white-robed elder sneered. “This was our decision. Like it or not, you must comply.”

“I know. Don’t worry, I’ll do everything I can. Even if I wanted to stop now, it’s already too late,” the red-robed elder, Blood Reaper, answered helplessly.

“Target sighted, moving this way—alone,” came the report just as the two S-class Blood Hunters fell into silence.

“All units, prepare yourselves. At any cost, she must be captured. The future of humanity rests on this battle,” the white-robed elder commanded.

“Yes, sir,” came the resolute response from his forces.

After nightfall, I awoke from my slumber, my mood foul from a day’s rest disturbed. I left the abandoned building, wandering guided only by an old, familiar pull within my heart, not knowing where the path would end. I simply drifted forward.

“Princess Liliana, it’s been quite a while.” As I entered a human residential area, a white-robed elder appeared before me.

“Who are you? Why block my path?” I asked icily, unamused by his sudden appearance.

At my question, the white-robed elder hesitated, then anger flashed in his eyes. “Princess Liliana, you do have a selective memory. Naturally, the affairs of a mere human are beneath your notice, but your humiliation is something I will never forget, you damned vampire!” His voice rose to a furious roar.

“Humiliation? More likely you brought it upon yourself. I have no time nor interest to waste on disgracing a lowly human,” I replied with scorn.

“You…” The elder’s hand trembled as he pointed at me, words failing him.

“That’s enough, Silent, you’re losing your composure,” a red-robed elder appeared at his side, then addressed me courteously. “Your Highness Liliana, we hope you’ll come with us. We wish to avoid conflict, but we cannot guarantee your safety otherwise.”

“Mortal, is that a threat?” My voice grew colder still.

“Certainly not. I am merely negotiating,” the red-robed elder replied politely, though his tone brooked no refusal.

“Blood Reaper, why waste words on a vampire? Seize her at once!” The white-robed elder had regained his composure. “All units, begin the operation. Capture this vampire at any cost. If you can’t, kill her,” he ordered coldly.

“Silent, this wasn’t the plan! Do you intend to provoke the wrath of the Vampire Prince himself?” The red-robed elder cried out anxiously at the change in orders.

“Hmph. Blood Reaper, I command this mission. I have the authority to alter the plan as I see fit,” said the white-robed elder, his lips curling into a satisfied smile as he watched the Blood Hunters swarm around me.

“Silent, are you mad?” The red-robed elder stared in disbelief at his comrade. “You’ll bring about humanity’s ruin!”

“I know what I’m doing. You needn’t interfere. Just do your part. If we capture her, your fears won’t materialize—so focus on how to catch her,” the white-robed elder replied impatiently.

“Silent, I’ll report this to Radiant Sun when we return. I won’t let you act so recklessly. The future of our kind is no gambler’s stake,” the red-robed elder retorted furiously, then reluctantly turned to join the fray.

“Princess Liliana, let’s see how you escape this time. What use is being the Vampire Princess now? In the end, you’ll become a prisoner of a mere human,” the white-robed elder scoffed.

At his command, dozens of Blood Hunters surrounded me. I could sense the formidable magic emanating from each, five of whom had already achieved the power of a Duke. The red-robed elder who joined the encirclement gave off an aura of subtle menace. This was more than I had anticipated; I hadn’t expected so many formidable adversaries among these lowly humans.

“Your Highness Liliana, nearly all of the Blood Hunters Guild’s elite are here tonight. Not even a Vampire Grand Duke could escape. Don’t struggle in vain—come with us,” the red-robed elder made one last attempt at persuasion.

“Is that so?” I glanced around. “It is indeed a formidable force. But it’s still not enough to keep me here,” I replied scornfully.

“Blood Reaper, enough talk. Kill!” The white-robed elder lost patience and barked the order.

With that, the Blood Hunters attacked from all sides—swords, axes, bullets whistling through the air. I sneered, unfazed, my hands extending razor-sharp blood-red claws as I plunged into the melee. The clash of steel and cries of pain rang out around me; in moments, several Class-B Blood Hunters were wounded and forced to withdraw.

Witnessing the scene, the red-robed elder sighed softly, drew a blood-red curved blade from his waist, and charged toward me.