In the grand hall of the Royal Palace of one of the twelve Vampire Lords, Zebel, together with the Lord of the Black Sky Disorder, and some others, presented themselves as an audience on this cold, deep night.
Various high-back chairs and a long mottled table were erected from the ground with the wave of the hand of the Vampire Lord. These high-back chairs were dark and crimson in luster. Zebel, as well as her companions, wearing a dark hoods, helped themselves as they had taken their seats.
At this moment, including the Vampire Lord's existence, as well as his equerry or the closest aid, and a few more others that he trusted, there were roughly around 30 to 31 individuals in this grand hall that was molded with the great architecture, though the atmosphere was serene and dim as there were only crimson lights that served as everyone's lights.
"A blessed night for this destined meeting, shall we begin then?"
After the Vampire Lord greeted them, he introduced himself as he stood up from his throne and addressed the audience. This action somewhat shook some of the human audience like Zebel because they never expected that such a lord of this place would stand up just to make an introduction.
"I am Karim Vlad Salem of the Bloodmist Clan."
Wearing dark and white thick clothes that symbolize royalty, he spread his arms wide as he spoke with dignity, but the guests didn't say anything as an act of respect. In addition, they were on guard since they were in a foreign territory, though they were pretty confident that they could get out of this place unscathed, however, it would be a little draining for them.
"We greet the Vampire Lord of the Bloodmist Clan. As for reciprocity, I am the lord of the organization, Black Sky Disorder, Kai Hiroshi. It is our pleasure to attend in your presence."
The lord of the Black Sky Disorder, the archenemy of Artorious Hall because of unwritten history that happened in the veiled Trial of the Stars, presented himself, which then prompted his companions to do the same.
"Greetings, Vampire Lord of the Bloodmist Clan. I am Jezebel Sai Irael, short for Zebel. I am the spokesperson of our lord, how shall I address you?"
Zebel said her full name as she asked how to call the Vampire Lord because it would be troublesome as they weren't certain if they could call him just by his name, especially in the presence of the other vampires that the Vampire Lord trusts enough to stay in this meeting that would certainly dictate a certain future.
"You can address me as Salem. Since you are not under my wing, it will be alright to drop the 'Lord' before my name."
The acquaintances of the Vampire Lord, Salem, didn't make any objections because for them, whatever their lord wishes, must be taken as an absolute.
After introducing themselves, the Japanese-born leader of the Black Sky Disorder got to the point as his mouth spoke of the plan to bring down, or even to just make a hole in the mysterious dark curtain or the so-called Black Veil.
"...Project Black Veil…"
Salem, the Vampire Lord muttered as various thoughts surfaced in their mind. As the Vampire Lord of the Bloodmist Clan, he wasn't ignorant about the existence of the Black Veil that's covering the Western World, blocking all access and any form of possible visibility.
Pondering for a moment, looking around and scrutinizing everyone, he asked as his arms were on the armrest of the high-back chair.
"...What's in it for me…? Also… there are other eleven similar to me, but why did you choose to approach me in particular?"
After a few seconds, before Zebel could answer the question, Kai Hiroshi interjected in a cold voice.
"Because we've appraised that you are the most ambitious lord among the Vampire Clans."
Salem instinctively cackled upon hearing the words of the lord of the Black Sky Disorder.
"...HAHAHA-!"
Although he was laughing, Salem almost instantly realized one thing as his aura seemed to become explosive, causing Kai Hiroshi, Zebel, and the others to put their guard up.
"...We are spying on human territory as an act of caution if a threat – a person or technology – will be born, but you humans dared to commit an act of espionage on the Vampire Lands?!
Before any of the members of the Black Sky Disorder could make a response, Salem continued:
"...It might look wrong to be angry on my part since we are doing the same, but it's unbelievable how vile humans can be just to commit something to destroy themselves.
"Interesting… truly, interesting-! HAHAHA-!
"Say no more, I'll accompany you in destroying your own kind for whatever reasons you all have, that's if the benefit is worth my time."
Kai glanced at Zebel with a discerning look. The latter then nodded before speaking something that piqued the interest not only of the Vampire Lord but his other subordinates.
"...We have verified the existence of the Branch of the World Tree, Yggdrasil."
"...What did you just say?"
The Vampire Lord's demeanor completely changed upon hearing such a piece of news. To begin with, anything that's related to the World Tree that was loved to death by the Elven Race contained a value that surpassed imagination.
He was surprised because he knew that Zebel was referring to a Branch of Yggdrasil that was not attached to the World Tree, which meant that this branch was either in a certain place or in the hands of a person.
Zebel then recounted the information they had gathered, which was given by a spy that seemed able to monitor every corner of the Orion Continent.
After some time, the Vampire Lord Salem saw no hint of hesitation or doubt to Zebel's information as a twisted smile formed on his face.
"...You got yourself an ally."
With that, the deal and the plan to destroy Project Black Veil had been formulated.
***
"My Lord, whatever command you have for us, we will serve you until our last breath."
After the guests had been escorted out discreetly of the Vampire Lands, left in the grand hall of the Royal Palace, his right-hand man spoke with a voice of loyalty upon learning the information about the existence of the Branch of Yggdrasil.
"...I appreciate your gesture of loyalty, and as the Lord of the Bloodmist Clan, your efforts will be rewarded, especially after I get my hands on that branch that fell into the hands of a human girl."
Aside from the Apostle of Crimson that the Vampire Lords were skillfully preventing to be born in this world, there's another way to receive something powerful from their progenitor or the Crimson Goddess – it's to corrupt anything related to the World Tree, Yggdrasil by infusing their blood on it.
According to one of the unholy orders of their Goddess that was passed down to generations, managing to corrupt it in any way would cause the Elves to be weakened, but the Vampire Race would feel the opposite effect. Then, the ones that caused the deed would receive an exceptional blessing from the Crimson Goddess.
In other words, if Salem of the Bloodmist Clan managed to get his hands on such a Branch of Yggdrasil, he could be the strongest Vampire Lord to exist in the present.
"...Yes, my Lord. We will await your orders."
Lord Salem didn't respond to his right-hand man, instead, he whispered something randomly.
"Human names are quite fascinating."
***
On this cold late night, Samantha Hall, alone in her lodging, stood up by the window and scrutinized the grandeur scenery of nature that's reflected in her lustrous brown eyes.
After an unknown period of time, she asked the entity in her head.
<Can you tell me what kind of power Lyra Mihaela has?>
Considering the knowledge that the mysterious womanly entity in her head possessed, Samantha didn't ask anymore if "she knew" about it, but rather frankly requested her to spill such information.
As one of the spectators in that battle, she, too, was somewhat perplexed. Also, she didn't want to admit it, but she felt an inexplicable sense of dread at that time.
After a few seconds, Samantha let out a sigh of relief upon hearing the dignified voice.
<...Neglected Evil.>
<...Huh? Neglected Evil? What does it mean, though?>
<...It means that it's something that shouldn't be discussed!>
Samantha's skull slightly echoed as the entity's voice was raised to some degree. Before Samantha could retort, the entity's voice resounded.
<...But… since it's you, with me, it'll be fine to at least give you general information about it.>
<...Then what is it?>
<...Just like you… she isn't eligible to make a Star Contract with any higher being because her existence is the embodiment of someone's evilness. However, there's a catch: the girl named Lyra is meant to be neglected and shunned, as long as her patience doesn't reach rock bottom or else it'll be a disaster.>
Samantha ruminated on the entity's words.
<...Embodiment of someone's evilness, you say? I'm confused as heck! But since it came from your mouth, I mean her being a dangerous individual, then how to prevent something from happening?>
<That's another catch: You don't because almost every individual will neglect her existence after some time. In fact, you should not have any interest in her by now, but it's because of your Stigma and my existence that you have thought of her.>
Samantha felt a pang in her heart as she realized something.
<...What kind of power is that… to cause temporary oblivion on others just for the sake of being left alone?>
She thought that it was cruel, but the entity in her head interjected.
<...Whatever you are thinking, the only help you can do is to avoid discussing such power with her, especially since you are now aware it's called Neglected Evil.>
***
After some time, Samantha and the entity in her head continued chattering.
Aside from the enigmatic power that the Vice President of the Disciplinary Committee possessed, they discussed the near future such as the Umbra Mercenary's missions and the incoming war against the Vampire Race, which seemed quiet as of now because, vampire scouts aside, there was no sign yet of their aggression.
<To be honest, I'm certain that I'm not the only one who felt shocked in that meeting hall.>
Samantha recalled the meeting with the Queen of Elnira and the King of Vulcan. Because they couldn't say anything at that moment, Samantha and Russell's Chaos Companions felt electrified as they casually heard about the looming war.
<Hmm. Well, I don't care about the others, but if it goes sideways than what I'm expecting, then I'll lend you a hand.>
<Ha... No matter how hard I think about it, it feels like you're continuously lending me a hand just by giving me words of wisdom.>
<Words of wisdom? Then, I guess you already failed in obeying some of my so-called wisdom.>
<...Huh?>
Samantha pondered the entity's words. As her mind seemed to not arrive at a conclusion about what command she didn't do, the entity in her head continued with a somewhat serious tone.
<...In regards to Russell Moon. Didn't I tell you to control your emotions?>
<...Ah... Ha->
Samantha became flustered as she remembered the previous words of her guide seemingly living in her head.
<Sigh, do what you want. You're still human, after all. But don't say I didn't warn you that you will only regret having that particular emotion for him in the near future.>
***
Time quickly passed by and the ending of the El-Vul-Or Tournament was nearing.
In the arena surrounded by the spectators above, a Human and an Elf were facing each other.
It was Han Jiho and Ilsevel, the individual that was supposed to fight Samantha if she didn't default by fulfilling the mission entrusted to them.
Seeing the spectacle with his deep blue eyes, Russell whispered to himself with anticipation.
'This will be a great match!'
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