Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 2065 The Vampire Army

A day later, the vampire army arrived.

As the last light of day slowly retreated from the horizon, the vampires emerged like a tide of shadows and blood.

One moment, the plains before the adventurers seemed empty. The next… they were there.

Hundreds of figures had appeared in the distance without warning. Pale faces glimmered beneath the fading light. Crimson eyes stared across the battlefield. Black robes and armor covered their bodies, blending together until they resembled a vast sea of darkness.

Their sudden appearance sent a wave of unease through the adventurers. Those who had been resting stood up and began putting on their armor. Others immediately moved toward their assigned positions.

Night was falling. And vampires hunted at night.

Many of the adventurers had expected the battle to begin immediately. They had spent days preparing themselves for this moment, yet now that the enemy stood before them, the reality of it felt different.

It was no longer a distant war for survival and freedom. Their enemies were there.

Several scouts quickly returned with their reports. After reporting, they quickly joined their squads, preparing for the battle to begin.

Gregor had a frown on his face as he murmured, ”Is this some scheme? They havenʼt set any ambush? No smoke and mirrors? No diversion? Our rear is secure? What… is going on?”

For all their reputation as cunning predators, the vampires had made no attempt to surround them. It was almost as if they did not consider it necessary.

Aramen, who had stayed in this secret plane longer than any other adventurer, had a better grasp of the vampiresʼ mentality.

He spoke quietly, coldly, ”Hubris.”

Indeed. The vampires were simply too arrogant. They had come openly. They had crossed the plains and stood directly before the adventurersʼ army without bothering to hide their presence. They believed they did not need tricks. They believed their strength was enough.

”Looks like their Generals are approaching,” Kesha said solemnly.

Adamʼs eyes squinted. ”Looks like they wanna talk before the carnage begins. You know, pretend to be the beautiful, civilized species that they so love to think they are.”

Umlo snorted in ridicule. But he did not disagree. He turned to Aramen to give out commands. The old man indeed had the most seniority. Even Adam did not dare challenge it because of the manʼs prestige.

Aramen thought for a moment before nodding. ”Letʼs hear what they have to say.”

The six councilors gathered. Then they walked together to the center of their battlefield. From the other side, eight vampires separated from their undead army.

The adventurer army was nervous, and it showed. The vampire army, on the other hand, hooted and cackled. It was as if they knew that the battle would end up in a one-sided massacre.

Even Adam was a little taken aback by their attitude.

They shouldnʼt have been so laid-back, he thought to himself.

They must have all heard about how I slaughtered four of their Generals. And yet theyʼre acting so eager to fight?

Either theyʼre fearless or foolish or…

Adamʼs gaze shifted to the snow-white-haired vampire.

Did she have a hand in it? He wondered.

She does use enchantment and illusion magic, so itʼs not impossible.

Sandra, oh, Sandra…

Adamʼs lips curled into a smile.

The two sides finally met.

On the side of the adventurers, Aramen took the lead. On the side of the vampires, it was, unsurprisingly, Sandra who stepped forward to speak.

While the councilors were warily gazing at all the vampire generals, the vampires only had eyes for Adam. Their crimson eyes flashed anger, hatred, hostility, and even fear.

Adam noticed it. He tauntingly grinned.

One of the vampire generals was about to snap, but Sandra raised her hand, silencing him before he could begin.

She turned to Adam with a graceful smile.

”We meet again, Bucca.”

Adam grunted in response.

Aramenʼs eyes bore into Sandra. ”What of our deal?”

”What deal?” Sandra blinked innocently.

”Donʼt play coy with me, creature.” Aramenʼs eyes narrowed. ”Your king promised us—”

”I know. I know.” Sandra waved her hand dismissively. ”His Majesty will show you the way out and whatnot. However…”

Her words turned cold. ”We stand in your way.”

”And what happens when you donʼt?” Aramenʼs voice turned colder still.

”Defeat us and you can leave the secret plane,” Sandra said frankly. ”Oh, you might need to face His Majesty, however. He has deemed this battle beneath himself.”

”Hah!” Luca let out a loud snort. ”Isnʼt he just hiding in his castle? Afraid heʼll die again?”

In a split second, all the vampire generals released their auras. Their faces turned absolutely ferocious, and they bared their fangs menacingly. For Sandraʼs part, she acted quite flawlessly as well.

No one disrespected their liege!

In response, the councilors released their powerful auras as well. Aramenʼs was the most suffocating of them all — more so than Adamʼs.

Just when it seemed that the two sides would pounce on one another, Sandra let out a tired sigh. She raised a hand again and motioned for her fellow generals to calm down.

”I do have a missive from His Majesty,” she said in a tired voice. ”Please, listen.”

One by one, the vampires and the councilors retracted their aura. Though their hostility still remained in their eyes, it was no longer so tangible.

Sandra retrieved a scroll and unfurled it. Then she began reading it in a solemn voice:

”Adventurers. You have done well to survive this long. But your recent actions have angered me. Thus, I see no reason to allow any of you to continue living within my kingdom.

”However, I am a magnanimous king. Defeat my army and you shall have your chance at redemption. Defeat them and you may leave my kingdom and return home to your loved ones.

”That is my final offer. Choose your fate.”

Sandra put away the scroll only to be greeted by the fierce expressions of the councilors. No surprise there. Contrary to Jacobʼs message, there was hardly a choice for the adventurers. They could only win. Or they could die.

”Well then,” Sandra said with a beautiful smile. ”We shall begin the battle at midnight. Rest assured, we will stay true to our word. Unlike you deceitful races, we vampires are proud and reliable.”

The other vampire generals snickered and prepared to leave. Sandra glanced at the dark expressions of all the councilors, her gaze settling on Adam a few moments longer. Then she, too, turned and left for her camp.

A moment later, Adam heard Sandraʼs voice inside his head:

ʼThe eclipse is tomorrow, my dear. If you wish to save your woman, you will do well to reach the castle before sunrise. And do stick to the plan.ʼ

Adamʼs expression was grave.

Sunrise…

His heart wanted to rush to Genevieve right this instant, turn the castle upside down, and rescue her. He inhaled slowly and deeply.

Then he turned around, following the other councilors to camp.

Suddenly, Adam frowned as he sensed something. He turned his head and noticed several of his serpents returning to him.

There they are! he thought in slight relief.

I wonder what took them so long…

The vipers slithered around his legs and soon settled in his arm. They turned back to strands of his hair, and the translucent white maggots were absorbed by him.

Adam closed his eyes and took in all the information.

Then he froze.

His eyes snapped open, and he looked toward the ground.

What in the nine hells are they planning?!