Blood Awakening: The Strongest Hybrid and His Vampire Bride

Chapter 781: The Patriarch’s Promise

The elevator descended slowly, while Nikolai stared at the three idiots standing beside him. The cheerful music playing above their heads ruined what should have been an intense moment.

‘I’m going to fucking kill Ryan one day…’

However, a faint smile appeared on his lips, knowing at least their loyalty was genuine.

If there was one thing Nikolai no longer doubted, it was the willingness of these three men to follow him into hell. They had faced so many near-death moments together that one more wouldn’t matter much.

‘Though this time, we might actually die.’

Until now, they always had some way to escape.

Whether through unexpected help from an ally, a fortunate awakening or forcing their way through with nothing but strength.

The reality that Nosferatu would be different had finally sunk in. The entire island belonged to Alucard, and the mad scientist hiding within its depths had already proven capable of defeating him.

‘Focus.’

Nikolai bit the tip of his tongue to force the dark thoughts to the back of his mind.

Ding!

[Welcome to the Central Command Floor, Lord Commander!]

“…”

“…”

Ryan looked up, as if he found the ceiling fascinating.

“Ryan.”

“Yeah, brother?”

“After this war, remind me to beat the shit out of you.”

“…Okay.”

Alexei’s shoulders trembled while Vernan laughed, causing Nikolai to sigh as he stepped through the elevator doors.

‘These fucking idiots.’

The former Patriarch’s meeting hall remained unchanged. An enormous oval table occupied the centre, surrounded by comfortable leather chairs, while the old Volkov family crest hung against the far wall.

Yet the costly decorations and classic furniture clashed with the monitors, cables, and communication gear in the room.

‘Grandfather would have a heart attack.’

Or maybe not.

That old bastard might enjoy the sight of his family commanding an army from the very room where he used to argue with other clan elders over trivial matters.

Nikolai chuckled before glancing towards the people waiting inside.

More people showed up than he expected.

Officers from the Volkov family, commanders representing the affiliated clans, several senior members of Leona’s combat maids, and representatives responsible for maintaining the clan’s security and logistics.

More so, because of the many races joining the meeting. With many unfamiliar faces belonging to the smaller families he’d accepted into Volkov territory over the past six months.

‘There really are a lot of them…’

The moment Nikolai entered, the various conversations stopped.

“Patriarch!”

Everyone stood.

“…Ah.”

Nikolai felt a little uncomfortable.

No matter how many times he had experienced this, the sight of dozens of powerful warriors bowing towards him was something he couldn’t adjust to.

“Alright, sit down. We don’t have time for this ceremonial shit.”

A few of the older commanders looked surprised, but they soon obeyed.

Ryan leaned closer.

“Very dignified, Lord Commander.”

“Shut up.”

“Hahaha!”

Nikolai ignored his friend and approached the head of the table, where a large projection displayed the northern portion of S-City. Next to it lay a detailed map, illustrating the coastline and the projected position of the island.

Even now, he couldn’t believe they’d managed to steal the information necessary to locate that ridiculous place.

‘We might not even have two days left before the route becomes unreliable.’

Nikolai pulled out his chair.

“Alexei.”

“Boss?”

“Let’s start with the current situation.”

The large werewolf nodded before activating the main display, with a low hum, several figures and graphs appeared.

[Volkov Emergency Mobilisation]

[Registered Personnel: 4,312]

[Combat-Ready Personnel: Approximately 3,600]

[Remaining Personnel: Support, Medical, Logistics and Other Duties]

Nikolai rubbed his chin.

This was information they discussed on the roof, but now dozens of elders and the members of the council sat in silence, watching him.

‘It’s a little repetitive…’

Nikolai rubbed his chin.

“Not bad.”

Alexei glanced towards him. “The numbers are better than expected. We’ve received considerable support from the smaller clans since the eastern wall incident.”

“Mhm.”

“Most of them understand that if the Volkov family falls, they won’t survive much longer either.”

‘Well, that’s true.’

Nikolai couldn’t deny that simple logic.

Many of these smaller families had originally avoided becoming involved in the conflict between Volkov and Nosferatu.

Some feared retaliation.

Others just wanted to survive without choosing a side.

However, after the Blood Moon and the attacks on S-City, there wasn’t much room left for neutrality.

“So, let’s discuss the important part.”

Nikolai leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table.

“We’re not taking the entire army to Nosferatu.”

Several commanders exchanged glances.

A middle-aged werewolf sitting near the far end slowly raised his hand.

“Patriarch, may I ask why?”

“Because we’d be fucking idiots if we did.”

“…”

Nikolai pointed towards the map of S-City.

“Look at the city. How many people live here? How many families depend on our protection?”

“…Quite the number.”

‘Of course it fucking is. You all brought hundreds of people to the clan, but only a handful can fight.’ Most of the smaller clans brought women, children and those who couldn’t fight with them. He didn’t blame them, smaller clans suffered under the strong when disputes happened.

The small clans fought as fodder.

First their squires died, then their purebloods.

He continued.

“With these numbers… Even if we kill Alucard and Franz, what happens if that damned Blood Moon activates while we’re away? Are we supposed to celebrate our victory while everyone here slaughters each other?”

“Nor is there a guarantee the SSS won’t take action…” another elder, Seraphina of the council and Nikolai’s knight, added.

“So do you still complain?”

The man’s expression stiffened.

“…No, Patriarch.”

“Exactly.”

Nikolai leaned back in his chair until it creaked. “I’m not interested in conquering Nosferatu. I don’t want their fucking castle, their territory or whatever disgusting treasures they’ve accumulated over the centuries.”

His golden eyes narrowed.

“I want Alucard and Franz dead, and whatever they’ve done to that moon stopped. If we have to decimate them to the last leech, then so be it.”

A long pause followed.

Though Nikolai noticed several people nodding in agreement.

At least they understood the purpose.

He wasn’t leading an army to expand the Volkov family’s influence.

“Three hundred people.”

Nikolai raised his hand before anyone could but in or interrupt.

“That’s the maximum support force we’ll assemble near the southern coast. Whether they travel with us will depend upon the situation and the information gathered before departure.”

Ryan activated another portion of the display, revealing the vessels they’d stolen during the harbour operation.

“We’ve already secured the two Nosferatu transports. The engineers who operated them also agreed to work with us, so getting the ships moving won’t be a problem.”

“However…” Alexei continued, “The navigation data remains our biggest limitation.”

Nikolai nodded along with his words as more and more of the council and elders nodded in approval.

“Mhm. That’s why we’re not wasting another day.”

The projected coastline expanded, and everyone watched the familiar landmass rotate before tapping the area surrounding their departure point.

“The three hundred will provide support, maintain our withdrawal route and help extract anyone injured during the operation.”

“And the actual assault force?” asked one of the commanders.

“Fifty to a hundred.”

“?!?!”

Several people stood in protest, but soon froze.

“Sit down.”

Because of Nikolai’s powerful growl.

“Patriarch, with respect, that’s…”

“Suicide?”

The man hesitated.

“…Yes.”

At their words, Nikolai could only smirk. “So what?”

“?!”

Many of their faces became pale, while some gave Nikolai strange looks of resignation.

“I do not plan to die, this mission is not one of death or sacrifice.”

His answer caused several people to stare at him with different expressions. “But do you really think it’d be smart to take our full force to an island with mortars, cannons and other high-tech anti-monster weaponry?”

Silence.

“Just believe in my men and me, I will not lead you astray.”

“C-Can you swear on your name… as the patriarch and leader of the Volkov clan?” The one who asked was an aged werewolf, someone from his grandfather’s era.

Nikolai stared into his eyes and, without any bullshit, replied. “I swear.” After he replied, the old man stopped speaking and closed his eyes. The room became restless for several minutes before his wrinkled lashes snapped open.

They stared at each other for a few seconds, some pulled back.

It felt as if they were expecting another complaint from the elder, but to their surprise, his lips curled into a smile.

“Understood, forgive my insolent challenges. I will follow you to the end, Patriarch!”

“Good.”

The elder’s approval seemed to have a strange effect on the others, as those who had been hesitating began nodding in agreement. Several even offered to join the assault force themselves, causing Nikolai to smile.

‘Well, at least we’ve settled that.’

He was just about to move on when Alexei activated another projection, displaying the names of those qualified to join the operation.

“Boss, we’ve already prepared a preliminary list based on combat ability, experience and their previous missions.”

“Oh? Let me see.”

Nikolai leaned forward with genuine interest.

However, before he could examine the names, Ryan cleared his throat. “…Brother, there’s one problem.”

“What now?”

Ryan glanced towards Seraphina, who found the documents in front of her rather interesting.

Nikolai frowned.

“Oi, what’s with those expressions?”

“Well…” Ryan scratched his cheek. “We’ve already received several requests from your wives.”

“…Requests?”

Alexei sighed.

“Nikita and Selene have both volunteered for the assault team.”

Nikolai’s smile vanished.

‘Ah, fuck.’

Nikolai had been avoiding the strange pile of documents on his desk. He was sure they understood that when he asked them to stay home and protect the children. Yet judging by Seraphina’s expression…

‘They’re not the only ones, are they?’