#128
Pureblood (3)
The moment he ascended to Pureblood, Heinz II’s senses expanded limitlessly.
His transcendent perception, which had reached synesthesia, surpassed all boundaries, bringing space and even time within his grasp—.
With the heightened state of his mind, he was able to sense a portion of the flow of causality that filled the world.
‘So this is how Purebloods fought all along.’
Heinz instinctively realized.
If he poured just a bit more thought into it, he could touch the edges of that flow.
‘Though the consumption of mental energy is significant and limited to the surrounding area within Heinz’s power… at this rate, the existence of the lesser beings won’t dare approach.’
The result of ‘evading’ had already been established before the opponent could use any means, and once he decided to attack, the ‘hit’ was determined at the moment he thought it.
How on earth should he contend against such an opponent?
‘If Briki hadn’t been here, it would have been tough for just Harley and Heinz to engage in a war of attrition…’
The reason the two could continue their normal clashes with Bisk Yufershi was entirely due to her control over the situation.
Had she not been there, Hans, an entity of elevation, would have had no choice but to step in.
It could be said that he had luck on his side in many ways.
And that luck was still continuing.
《The entity has achieved conditions for growth. Skills “Concealment” and “Transparency” have evolved into the special skill “Existence Denial.”》
As his rank rose with the Pureblood, the two abilities that he had devoured from the vampires of other dimensions combined and evolved.
And they bore an unusual name right from the get-go.
‘…This too has been influenced by the power of the Pureblood. A stealth-type skill that denies the very fact of being detected by twisting causality. It seems to have improved significantly in every aspect compared to before.’
It would be nice if other skills had evolved as well, but it would be greedy to wish for that much.
As Heinz subdued the power bubbling up from within his body, he opened the entity information window.
[Entity Information]
-Entity Name: Heinz II
-Race: Vampire (Pureblood)
-Common Traits: “Mind Hub,” “Persona,” “Lucid Dreaming”
-Entity Traits: “Bloodline (Pureblood),” “Hybrid Evolution,” “Blood Mystery,” “Refined Blood Essence,” “Existence Denial,” “Acceleration,” “Enhanced Regeneration,” “Insight”
-Special Notes: Forcefully inherited and evolved the Pureblood using “Hybrid Evolution.” Can exert slight dominion over the Yufershi bloodline. All abilities have explosively grown, and he can manipulate parts of causality.
‘Oh, I didn’t expect this.’
Domination over the vampire who is the descendant of Yufershi.
It seems that by devouring the Pureblood, the influence over it came along as well.
While the phrase ‘slight’ attached to it indicates that the authority had significantly diminished rather than normal inheritance…
‘Since I was going to use “Refined Blood Essence” anyway, it doesn’t matter. Still, this should make things a lot easier.’
It goes without saying that having someone who can be controlled, even slightly, is much more manageable than someone who actively resists and sharpens their claws.
Just as he was mulling over how to absorb the Yufershi, who were spread across the entire continent, in a beneficial manner…
“Hmm.”
As Heinz turned to look, smiling with satisfaction at the situation, he made eye contact with Briki, who had been watching him curiously with half-closed eyes.
“Hrm— Truly impressive, isn’t it? It’s my first time witnessing the birth of a new Pureblood. Especially through devouring one of our own.”
Even at the moment he was sinking his fangs into Bisk Yufershi’s nape, she simply stood by and watched as he achieved Pureblood status through kin devouring.
If Heinz became a Pureblood, she surely understood that her abnormal status would mean she could no longer oppose him.
‘Of course, Harley is on guard just in case, but she could have intervened if she wanted to, yet she just opted to watch.’
At this point, it could be confidently assumed there was no animosity.
Now that she had become a Pureblood, she wouldn’t be able to handle Heinz anyway.
“That’s my skill. But Briki, I must admit it was largely thanks to you. I will surely repay this debt.”
“Hmm— Anyway, since I was involved in this situation, a little bit of time will be enough. I have quite a few things I want to discuss with you.”
Gone was the sharp demeanor from battle; she replied leisurely, sagging like pickled cabbage.
Since it was necessary to understand her intentions, it was important to create a space for a serious conversation.
However, for now…
“Ahahaha! What a truly rare spectacle this is! But since I’ve finished my revenge, I suppose I’ll be heading back! I left my work behind and came here!”
Harley, who had been quietly observing, naturally stepped forward and greeted them.
Now that the joint operation of Harley and Heinz had successfully concluded, it was time to disband the party.
“Indeed, Harley. You were a great help. I shall not forget this kindness.”
“Oh, it’s no big deal! They touched my friend first! Moreover, aren’t you and us of the Hubert Association on the same boat? Wahahat!”
“Then I look forward to our future collaboration. I’ll also make sure to pay closer attention to the Hubert Association’s side.”
“I’d appreciate that! Then I’m off!”
Just after the conversation intended for show concluded, Harley confidently disappeared through the door and out of the building.
With the battle over, Mulo’s barrier was released, and since it was Heinz, the Lord and the Pureblood, who had granted permission, no one would stop him.
“Hmm, is it really okay to let him go just like that? There are numerous suspicious parts from the very beginning…”
Briki, who seemed to have dozed off with half-closed eyes, mumbled sleepily.
“It’s fine. I already have something in mind.”
Heinz lightly dismissed her concerns.
Then, he sent her, who had now begun to doze off while standing, back to her lodging and went to tidy up around the area.
‘For a while, I’ll be incredibly busy.’
From assessing the clan’s situation right after the battle to managing the remnants of Yufershi, and preparing for future responses.
There was still a mountain of work left to do.
*
In one hand was a long two-handed sword, and his entire body was clad in thick black armor.
While the figure bore a human shape, there was not a single person present who could consider him human.
The glowing red eyes and the blazing black magic aside, the oppressive aura of death emanating from him was something no human could possess.
And above all, they all knew this being quite well.
For those who walked the path of magic, he was a legendary figure.
“…Death Knight Lord, Karam.”
“The commander who leads the undead army… how did such a monster end up here…!”
With the sudden activation of the barrier cutting off the outer world, an assault was initiated immediately.
The defensive systems laid thick from the entrance were all destroyed, and the Chimera and modified dark knights stationed as guards could not even temporarily slow his approach.
In such a circumstance, he quickly reached the core of the hideout, leaving the black magicians of the Oath of Reversal in Tulk Kingdom trembling with fear.
“…Recently, there have been an increasing number of branches suddenly losing communication. I had thought the order of the church had begun their offensive. Could it have been the undead army that caused this?”
Oldman, the chief responsible for this branch and one of the elders of the Oath of Reversal, murmured quietly, frowning.
The fact that the undead army had moved directly meant that the resurrected Undead King was keeping watch over them—and…
It also implied that they had no choice but to abandon their plans to profit between the continent and the Undead King.
‘…Let’s put that aside for now. Right now, relaying this information is the top priority. Judging by how thorough they appear to have prepared, this looks like a significant operation…’
Having sorted out his thoughts, he looked around confidently.
The dark knights lined up in formation, and the black magicians already preparing their spells.
Their numbers were at least in the hundreds.
This place served as the central headquarters governing all branches of Tulk Kingdom and was on a different level from the others who had lost contact.
Despite the sudden ambush breaking through the entrance, those stationed there were merely decoys to buy time.
The real forces had thoroughly prepared while buying time at the headquarters.
‘No matter how formidable Karam may be, he has limits as a singular entity. Even if he were to summon lower undead, there would be restrictions.’
Moreover, this place was their base, naturally equipped with defensive spells helpful for securing the location.
Buffs for allies and debuffs for enemies, along with all sorts of minor dark magic.
[Oh— this is more than I expected.]
Muttering quietly, Karam faced them.
Thanks to the effects of the mental influence magic, fear was eradicated, and the concentration of the men surged to their limits, their fighting spirit becoming as sharp as blades.
Seeing the elite troops who feared not even death, a satisfied smile emerged on Oldman’s face.
“Though I don’t know why the Undead King is targeting us, to come here alone, it seems he views us as quite the joke, doesn’t he, Karam! You will pay for this arrogance!”
With a booming voice filled with conviction, he raised his dark magic, preparing destructive spells.
No matter how thorough their preparations were, their opponent was a monster recorded in history; thus, it was crucial to unleash all their strength to minimize damage to their side.
However, before he could weave the spell…
[See, Karam… the girl didn’t request your support for nothing, did she…?]
[Hmm, indeed. It’s unavoidable if I am to fulfill the command given by the King.]
From behind Karam, another presence emerged.
A woman clad in a black veil and dress, her figure slightly blurry yet distinguishable.
Simply hearing her voice made one’s mind blur, shaking their will to live…
“Banshee Queen, Olivia…!”
Oldman’s expression twisted.
If it were only Karam, it might be manageable, but the addition of one of the undead army’s commanders made the situation alarmingly dire.
Moreover, it appeared that she wasn’t alone, as ghostly undead began to reveal themselves one by one.
But unfortunately for them, the number of commanders arriving at the scene didn’t stop there.
Suuuu—
In an instant, the ground around them began to darken, emanating an ominous aura.
From within the bubbling darkness…
Puhwaak—!
Clatter— clank!
Kikikikiki!
From headless Dullahan to skeleton knights, countless undead began to crawl out endlessly, filling the area in no time.
[Puhah— they did prepare quite well, but there is not the slightest chance for you lot.]
With a sinister voice, the last to emerge from the darkness was Dwell, trampling the black magicians.
Three commanders from their side had joined this event for the thorough capture of the foes.
The overwhelming difference in strength made Oldman grit his teeth in despair.
Death Knight Lord Karam, Banshee Queen Olivia, and on top of that…
“…An Archlich too? What on earth is the reasoning behind this level of escalation?!”
For reference, while Dwell was renowned for his excellent strategic skills in handling hordes of the undead, his reluctance to step forward meant that his name was not widely known.
[…I am a loyal servant of the Undead King, Dwell McKane! You better remember my name!]
Shouting indignantly at the response of the others, he boasted loudly, but given the circumstances, it was unlikely that his name would spread far.
Naturally, not a single human would escape from this place.
A short time later.
Thus, another small war, which took place behind the scenes, quietly concluded without anyone knowing.
However, as Olivia worked to tidy up post-battle, she found herself in urgent need to move once the job had yet to be fully wrapped up…
[Girl, Olivia… I have called upon you at the behest of the King…]
The Undead King Hans had summoned her personally.
[Olivia, I’ve found some interesting subjects this time around.]
Hans’s gaze fell upon those suspended in the air, bound by black chains.
[These are the members of the Oath of Reversal who attempted to infiltrate Talia. Upon a brief glance, I noticed it seems one of them is of executive level.]
The presence of the Oath of Reversal indicated that their intervention had followed shortly after the movements of the Yufershi Clan.
No matter how decentralized they might be, they could not casually expend a force of that level.
‘Even if commands were relayed through various means, Olivia should be able to trace those signals.’
And if her tracking, combined with the interrogation results from the Yufershi Clan, it would simply be a matter of time before uncovering the whereabouts of those orchestrating this event.
[Investigate these individuals to uncover the location of their masterminds.]
[As the King commands, I shall follow…].
Thus, another task was handed to the busiest figure of the so-called Undead Legion.
Olivia, with her pale, almost transparent face, bowed obediently.
After all, being too capable can also be a concern.
