Chapter 1967: The Amaterasu Clan Meeting
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Ding!
[You have successfully created the Cultivation Method: [Ancestral Vampiric Abyssal Blood Tree Physique Refinement Method – Initial Stage]!]
[Your Talent: [Vampire True Ancestor (EX)] has evolved into EX+ Rank!]
[All Stats have increased by +5,000!]
"Looks like I’ve gained some new vampiric abilities," Elayne thought, rubbing her chin. "Well, this is more than enough for now..."
She stood up, relaxed her body, and returned to her original form. As usual, she began the day by cooking breakfast for the children and preparing everything they would need.
Her daughter woke up early and spent a full hour practicing swordsmanship against a training dummy in the morning light. Afterward, she sat down to cultivate her Spiritual Root, slowly deepening her comprehension and expanding her power.
Elayne watched her daughter in silence, always ready to answer questions and offer guidance whenever needed.
Once Anna, Elisa, and Monica woke up, the family gathered for breakfast. Olivia and Anna’s mother joined them shortly after, and they all shared a warm meal together.
Not long after breakfast, a visitor arrived at their residence.
"Matsuo?"
"Hello, Elayne-sensei. I’ve come for you and hopefully Elena and the others as well," Matsuo said. "The Great Ancestor has called for a meeting. You remember?"
"Right, I almost forgot," Elayne nodded. "I thought we still had more time to rest?"
Matsuo sighed. "She grew impatient... so she summoned everyone for today."
"Oh, if that’s the case, then there’s nothing we can do," Elayne replied. "Girls, get ready—we’re going with Matsuo!"
After Matsuo waited patiently, everyone changed into their most formal attire and followed him toward the Great Sun Palace at the center of the Amaterasu Clan Headquarters.
Hundreds of clansmen had gathered there, standing in two orderly rows to greet every arrival. Among them were powerful Elders radiating strong auras of Ki, Mana, and Spiritual Energy.
The Elders kept eyeing Elayne and the girls with her, their intense gazes making them feel nervous and uncomfortable.
"Sorry about that," Matsuo sighed. "Security is very tight after everything that’s happened. Everyone is on high alert."
"That’s fine," Elayne nodded. "Don’t worry, Matsuo-san."
They continued inside and entered a vast, beautifully decorated temple hall with golden-yellow pillars and polished wooden floors.
At the center, upon an elevated dais, sat a young Japanese woman with long black hair and striking red-gold eyes. She wore a white-and-red shrine maiden-style kimono and a majestic crown shaped like the rising sun, its golden rays gleaming with jewels. A natural aura of divinity radiated from her, catching even Elayne by surprise.
Surrounding her stood four imposing figures—the Four Cardinal Grand Masters, the strongest members of the sect below the Great Ancestor herself.
Among them was Matsuo’s father, who offered them a gentle, welcoming smile and a slight nod.
"Welcome, everyone," she began as the assembly lowered their heads in respect. "I have called you here for an important meeting. We will discuss what has happened, the current state of our clan, this country, and the world at large—along with what we must do as a clan to protect our nation and secure our children’s future."
As she spoke, everyone quickly took their seats on the floor and looked up at her. Elayne felt a flicker of annoyance at the lack of proper chairs but quickly brushed it aside.
Once the hall fell silent, the Great Ancestor cleared her throat and continued.
"As many of you already know, the events of a few days ago were nothing short of a disaster. Matsuo’s team, sent to cleanse a Canvas Bleed Dungeon, was attacked by a mysterious Heroic Spirit. Later, the two teachers under their protection were assaulted by a powerful Vampire Ancestor unaffiliated with our allied Vampire Clan.
That same day, sightings of the Chaos Gate’s Young Heiress were reported, followed by an invasion from another dimension. The invaders spread Nightmare Essence, transforming people into monstrous Nightmares... We had no choice but to put them down, as there was no way to restore them."
A heavy silence fell over the hall. Those who had not yet heard the full extent of the casualties looked visibly shocked. Elayne felt a crushing weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders and gasped softly in disbelief.
"A proper funerary ritual will be held this weekend. All of you are invited to mourn the loss of our brave clansmen. Worry not—their souls are now guarded by Empress Amaterasu and the Kami. They have been welcomed into Takamagahara, where they shall live in eternal peace and bliss."
Everyone offered a silent prayer for ten minutes. The fragrant scent of incense soon filled the air as servants brought food and drinks—though no alcohol, as this remained a formal meeting. The meal also served to honor the survivors and celebrate their hard-won victory.
"Now, after our prayer, let us begin," the Great Ancestor said. "While we eat, we will discuss many pressing matters. First and foremost: the Chaos Gate’s involvement in these events, the strange reptilian Heroic Spirit, the holy war... and most importantly, you, Elayne."
"...?! Me?!" Elayne, who had just taken a bite of tempura shrimp, looked up in disbelief. She quickly swallowed and drank some green tea before replying. "I’m sorry, but why me?"
"You are our most important guest today. You are one of God Empress Amaterasu’s chosen. You are also a Heroic and Divine Spirit who carries the myths of two other powerful entities within you. Above all, you are the one who neutralized and sealed that powerful Vampire, correct?"
"Yes, it was me."
"Perfect. As you can see, this meeting also includes our valued allies who are not members of this clan: Harumi, Erika, and Frank. You will all be properly rewarded later for your outstanding efforts. The exchange students from Dream Warrior Academy—Maria, Alma, Emily, and Sofia—will likewise be recognized for their excellent work in defeating the Nightmares and saving as many civilians as possible."
They all nodded and bowed respectfully, expressing their gratitude.
"Now, let us move on to more formal matters," she continued. "This war, these events, and the path we must take... Let us discuss them thoroughly."
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