Chapter 295: War Preparations (2) |
The most important thing in war was information.
Knowing the enemy's movements—when, where, and how they would strike—was essential for victory.
And so, the intelligence networks across Auterica began to move, all with a single purpose.
To gather any clues, any information, no matter how small.
Of course, no one in the world knew that this was all orchestrated by a single person.
‘The question is… how much time do I have?’
It had been a while since the Master of Heaven’s Turn Society had left Earth.
But he still hadn’t appeared in Auterica…
‘Either he went somewhere else before coming here… or he’s having trouble entering this dimension.’
Invading a world wasn’t easy.
But he had succeeded several times before, so he couldn’t be underestimated.
Ganghwange was still suffering from the aftermath of his visit!
‘I also need to consider his target. What will he aim for first after entering Auterica?’
In Ganghwange, the Master had stolen the Dragon Heart, the core of the Dragon Veins, the channels that supplied Ki to the world.
The laws and energy structures of each dimension were different, so it wasn't a perfect analogy… but there were still some similarities.
‘There are no Dragon Veins or Dragon Hearts in Auterica. But if I had to guess what he would be interested in…’
Two locations came to mind.
The first was the holy land in the center of the Ion Continent.
It didn't have any practical function like the Dragon Heart, but its symbolic significance as the center of the world and its theological importance as a place touched by God made it a likely target.
He needed to prepare for that possibility, just in case.
And the second…
‘Come to think of it, this is actually closer to a Dragon Vein.’
The avatar and symbol of a god descended upon the earth.
The proof of a miracle, sustaining an entire continent.
A fragment of divinity itself.
The World Tree.
‘…I should have Harris prepare for that.’
It seemed the non-human races of the Enamel Continent wouldn't be able to rest just yet.
____________________
While focusing on defending Auterica, his main base of operations,
He couldn’t neglect Earth either.
After all, Earth, where Heaven’s Turn Society had already established a presence, was practically their home ground.
He couldn’t miss this opportunity to disrupt their operations, especially in the long run.
‘And it would also allow Heinz to grow stronger before the final battle.’
Heinz the Second’s European expedition was progressing smoothly.
Having arrived in Italy, he had immediately contacted a Thermidor agent who had been operating in the shadows.
He had had to handle everything himself in France, his first destination, but now that he had subordinates he could use, he could skip the tedious groundwork.
And as a rival organization in a neighboring country, Thermidor’s intelligence on the Italian vampire clan, Gomorrah, was quite extensive.
‘Efficiency is key.’
He had been taking his time before, but now, there was no room for leisure.
He was constantly traveling between Earth and Auterica, using 「Interdimensional Transfer Formation Summon」 twice a day, and maximizing his efficiency with 「Monarch’s Authority」, the faction management skill.
And as a result.
Kaboom! Rumble—!
“Attack!”
“Ugh! Are Thermidor insane?! How dare they attack us here?!”
“Open the path! Tear apart those pizzas!”
“Those baguette bastards! Kill them all!”
In less than two days, Heinz had arrived at his target’s location.
A mansion located in the mountains near Naples, a major city in southern Italy, the stronghold of Gomorrah.
His subordinates had handled most of the preparations, so it had been a much smoother and faster operation compared to France.
Heinz nodded, his gaze fixed on the mansion, where he could sense a powerful aura.
‘It was a good decision to recruit them. They’re quite useful.’
He couldn't help but think it would be nice if he could subdue Gomorrah’s leader as well, like the Tyrant.
That would further weaken Heaven’s Turn Society’s influence in Europe.
Having reached his destination, he finally encountered the mansion's owner.
“…Barbaric. Barging into a lady’s house without an invitation.”
A spacious and luxurious room, befitting the mansion's size.
A tall, imposing woman, her demeanor radiating strength, greeted him as he entered.
“I almost tore apart the messenger who told me the Tyrant surrendered to some Asian vampire. I didn't believe him… My apologies.”
Short, black hair, dark eyes, smoky eye makeup, black lipstick and nail polish, and tattoos covering her body.
The warrior woman, dressed entirely in black, flexed her impressive muscles, a low growl escaping her lips.
‘…Definitely different from the Tyrant.’
Unlike the Tyrant, whose power was mainly derived from his unique skill, this woman’s aura pulsed with the raw power of her blood factor.
As if she was about to pounce and tear him apart.
And the sheer quantity of that energy was comparable to the Sacred Bloods he had encountered in Auterica.
‘I thought it would be difficult to transcend purely through blood factor without resorting to unconventional methods… No, that was just my preconceived notion.’
Every dimension was different. There was no reason to assume there weren't other ways to achieve transcendence.
And she was an awakened individual, an exception to the rules of this world!
The problem was that without her cooperation, it would be almost impossible to completely subdue her.
‘Even the Tyrant was a close call… I’m not confident I can control that much blood factor.’
He didn't know what kind of problems might arise if he failed.
It was safer to just absorb her completely.
It was a shame, but he couldn’t afford to take unnecessary risks.
‘I’ll find a suitable second-in-command and have the Tyrant back her up.’
It wasn't a bad plan, considering France's proximity and the Tyrant’s mobility with his shadow abilities.
So, he had to quickly deal with Bestia (Beast), the vampire leader of Italy.
That way, he could choose a replacement before the situation outside escalated.
Heinz adjusted his suit jacket and spoke, his voice calm and collected.
“Let’s end this quickly. I have a lot to do.”
“Hahaha! You’re confident! It’s been a while since I felt this thrill! To think there was another one like that Romanian Duke!”
Kaboom—!
And as soon as he finished speaking,
The upper floors of the mansion vanished.
If he hadn’t prepared a barrier, the damage would have been much greater.
Rumble—!
“Khaha! Strong! You’re strong!”
“Hmm.”
Bestia, now transformed into a beast-like form befitting her name, charged towards him.
She looked more like a werewolf than a vampire, but it didn’t matter. She still possessed blood factor.
“I can’t just let a wild animal bite people.”
Heinz unleashed his full power.
Their bodies clashed, their overwhelming physical strength shaking the very foundations of the mansion. Their blood magic power surged, their auras colliding, distorting space and tearing reality.
It was a world-shaking battle, forcing the other vampires to retreat as the mansion crumbled around them.
And it wasn’t over until long after the mansion had been reduced to rubble…
“Gah! Incredible… It’s no wonder the Tyrant surrendered. Maybe… I can actually defeat him…”
“Let’s end this.”
“Wait! You took that French guy as your subordinate, why not me?!”
“…What are you trying to say?”
“Hehehe… Do you need a good attack dog?”
He had acquired a surprisingly obedient pet.
Of course, she had lost more power than the Tyrant in the process, but the enhancement from 「Refined Blood Essence」 had more than made up for it.
《New blood factor acquired. The individual’s presence becomes more distinct due to the influence of the special skill “Hybrid Evolution”.》
And when it was all over,
‘Hmm? Could this be…?’
Heinz… no, Han Seong-hyeon…
…realized that he could further evolve 「Avatar」 with 「Unique Skill Enhancement」.
___________________
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, located in the south.
“What brings you here, Doctor?”
The Duke, the head of Heaven’s Turn Society’s European branch, greeted his unexpected guest.
“Uhyaha! We have an important matter to discuss! I couldn’t wait, so I came right away! It’s almost time!”
He wore a dirty lab coat, out of place in the luxurious mansion, and his every movement was frivolous and undignified, spitting as he spoke.
But the Duke, impeccably dressed in a noble’s attire, just frowned and stroked his beard.
Even though Doctor was a high-ranking member of the Master’s personal guard, one of the Society’s strongest warriors, this was a meeting between the European Branch Manager and his subordinate.
He had to maintain a certain level of decorum.
‘Even if he’s an uncouth barbarian.’
Noblesse oblige!
It was the duty of a nobleman to maintain his dignity.
The Duke closed his eyes and nodded slowly, indulging in his self-importance.
And as he did so, Doctor continued to chatter.
“That Phantom has started moving in Italy. He’ll be here soon. We should check the preparations. I like to see things for myself!”
Phantom.
The Duke’s face twisted slightly at the mention of that name.
‘What’s so special about him…?’
He had reluctantly agreed to Doctor’s demands, but he was still dissatisfied with the situation.
He, a member of the Master’s personal guard, and his clan, Dracul, had to set a trap for a single vampire from Asia?
Phantom’s actions in France had been impressive, but it wasn’t enough to change his mind.
‘I could have easily wiped out both Thermidor and Gomorrah. I just haven't had the time because of Dracul’s recent expansion.’
Unlike other level 9 vampires, who were limited to a single country, he controlled the underworld of over ten countries in Eastern Europe.
He was known as the ‘Strongest in Europe’ even by the various intelligence agencies.
That was his reputation. He was the ruler of Dracul and the undisputed king of Eastern Europe’s underworld.
“…So, we’ll have to start moving tomorrow! I’m sure you’re busy too, Duke, so don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of everything!”
Doctor’s rambling finally ended.
The Duke, who had been half-listening, nodded absently, stroking his beard with a satisfied smile.
He was glad he didn't have to deal with that obnoxious man any longer today.
“…It’s getting late. Why don’t you have dinner before you leave? It wouldn’t be proper to neglect our guest.”
“Oh? I’m actually quite hungry! I won’t refuse your generous offer!”
He magnanimously offered Doctor a meal.
After all, it was the duty of a nobleman to be hospitable.
And he, as a vampire, could just have a few sips of blood without having to actually eat anything.
He snapped his fingers.
The doors opened silently, and servants, their footsteps like ghosts, quickly set the table.
“Wow! What a feast! Magnificent! …But… what is that?”
Doctor, who had been clapping excitedly, suddenly stopped and stared at a particular dish.
He couldn’t help but glance at the Duke.
“I heard you liked pizza, so I had them prepare it.”
Such thoughtful consideration.
The Duke, pleased with his own attentiveness, smiled confidently. Doctor’s gaze returned to the dish.
A round pizza, topped with various ingredients, the aroma of melted cheese wafting through the air.
It was definitely something he often ate.
But there was a problem…
“…Pineapple?”
It was a Hawaiian pizza.
Doctor’s face twisted in disgust.
He raised a hand to his mouth and, his expression serious, stared at the Duke.
“…Do you… eat this?”
His face was a mask of disbelief, as if he had just discovered that a close friend was a cannibal.
There was even a hint of disgust in his eyes.
“…I thought you liked it.”
The Duke retorted, a troubled expression on his face.
He had prepared the dish specifically for his guest, and this was his reaction?
But Doctor just shook his head firmly and spoke coldly.
“Duke, there are things you can eat, and things you can’t. And pineapple pizza is definitely the latter. How can such an abomination even exist?!”
He began to rant about the horrors of Hawaiian pizza, his voice rising in indignation.
The Duke, seeing the situation escalating, closed his eyes and quickly cut him off.
He regretted offering him a meal.
“I see. I’ll keep that in mind. I was also going to offer you mint chocolate ice cream for dessert, but I suppose I should cancel that as well. I had a feeling you might be prejudiced…”
“Ooh ho ho—! Mint chocolate is the best! The refreshing sweetness… It’s the perfect dessert! You have excellent taste, Duke!”
“…”
“Mint chocolate, unlike other chocolates with their lingering aftertaste, has a clean finish! You don’t even have to brush your teeth afterwards! And it’s…”
The rambling continued.
The Duke gave up on trying to reason with him.
Perhaps it had been a mistake to even try to have a conversation with this madman.
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