The mountain regions of Airom Vagat in the Culcrik Lowlands Plane were rich in various forms of minerals.

Mines were being erected from one place to another as rich minerals could be found. The location was also properly divided among several kingdoms. Some were orcs, and other kingdoms were humans. A clever trade was also established that generally brought a ceasefire. But because of the proximity, orcs and humans guarded the area through mercenaries, barons, and other nobility seeking to make a contribution to the kingdom.

A strange tremor erupted, and the earthquake created a deep passage right at the center of the mountain.

The mountain itself had rich precious rocks, and it was theorized that various mineral deposits would be inside. And so, requests were made to explore it.

The mountain belonged to the borders that the human kingdoms owned. The human kingdoms began to hire mercenaries and knights to explore the cave. But few agreed as they feared that Dark Dependent creatures may have grown inside the cave.

The first mercenary force that entered did not surface after a few days.

A group of rogue vampires that have terrorized a nearby village escaped into the mountain, hoping to refuel their energy and search for a greater power source.

Just several hours after the vampires entered, a group of mercenaries entered and had the same crest as the first mercenary group. It was later found out that the two groups of mercenaries that entered right before and after the vampires were of the Steele clan.

Rumors began to explode as to what was inside the cave, and soon, the nearby town kept observing just what would happen in that mountain. But no one dared to enter the cave if it could threaten the life of the mighty Aron Steele, who knew what dangers lie inside the cave.

In the tavern at the nearby town, which operated as the center for shipping the nearby mines, the mercenaries and guards hired to protect the mines and the cities from various wild beasts spent the night drinking and talking of all that transpired.

There were various mercenaries and venturing knights looking to earn money through missions.

Kyros was among those who escaped and listened at the tales of regulars. He easily identified the crests of some of the knights who were present and could not help but feel angry. Among the group were families that later betrayed their nation in fear of being devoured by the undead march.

Kyros began to memorize the groups present. The drunken boasts of the mercenaries also allowed Kyros to learn of the other families present. Slowly, more and more ‘targets’ appeared. 

After confirming his selection of targets, Kyros stayed a bit longer than planned as he was eavesdropping on the discussion surrounding the unknown Vampire group that entered the cave. As there were presently no vampire kingdoms nearby, it didn’t make sense how the Blood Blade managed to reach Airom Vagat.

“So… those Blood Blade from the Dark Shine Empire was a scouting party,” Kyros concluded.

“If it’s the Dark Shine kingdom, then they should be allied to a Skeleton Order led by that powerful Lich, Stiggma. Could it be that the Blood Blade teleported a group of selected vampires into this region?” Kyros began to wonder.

The strangest detail that Kyros had been pondering over when he saw the Blood Blade was how they reached the Lowlands in the first place. The Dark Shine kingdom hadn’t yet succeeded in their conquest over the East region of the Dark Sea, and as traveling from one end of the sea to reach the Lowlands was difficult, it didn’t make sense how a Noble of the Blood Blade would be here.

Kyros was very cautious in killing Zid Blood Blade as he didn’t know the situation outside. His previous talks with Aron confirmed that the humans were still unaware of the rising tension in the Dark Sea that would later spill over to the Lowlands and soon reach the Midlands. But Kyros could only act in caution, fearing that more of the Blood Blade clan was near. 

His relief in learning that the Blood Blade clan has not yet created a foothold allowed him to conclude that the group of Zid Blood Blade was sent to create a foothold.

“It has to be teleportation. But if the Blood Blade is far away and will require costly magic to teleport, how will Fate move and send me my enemies? Calaminus, is there a teleportation power that can send powerful warriors at great distance with low cost?”

“No way. Teleportation increases the higher the level a person is. Sending those vampires alone would have been very costly. Since you say that it is a kingdom on the East side of the Dark Sea, it would require immense energy and a high price if they plan to send someone who is level 30. Even Liches cannot easily afford that price!”

“I see. Then is Fate leading a team of humans to attack me? But how? Could it be through a series of coincidences?” Kyros pondered.

“Ah… Whatever… If the enemy is human or orc, my plans will still work. I can start now.” Kyros sighed.

Suddenly, a dark shadowy figure moved out of his body. And soon, two dark beings stood near where Kyros was.

Several strange shadow beings also began to appear and crawl to the floor, and some were even flying and sticking to the ceiling.

The hooded figure of Kyros was now warped in thick darkness. Only the mouth of Kyros and his red eyes could be seen as he stood up and revealed himself.

The sudden strange scene shocked the mercenaries as they looked towards Kyros.

“I’m sorry. It’s time for me to feed. Be glad! Rejoice! You are food to the great Cracky Batcheeks! Become the meal to the Coven of the Cracks!”

Kyros laughed hysterically and sent his minions to attack the nearby mercenaries.

The mercenaries began to fight back. But they were helpless. The shadow ghouls could not be hurt as they kept on stabbing the men. Two familiars even began killing people.

Seeing the undefeated forms of darkness, most fled the horrifying scene!

The barkeeper stood in horror as he was trapped in the corner and could only watch as the shadow approached.

But suddenly, a tall knight stood and unsheathed his sword, and with a great slash, it struck the shadow and blew it back!

“Paladin!” Kyros shouted.

The Knight drew his sword high and revealed a sword worthy of Nobles.

Some of the mercenaries who remained were stunned to hear the noble job.

“I have found you! Bloodline Vampire of Ancient Cracky!”

“Knight of the Light?! You dare disturb my mission?!” Kyros shouted in anger. 

“Give us the True Heart of the Ancient that you stole!”

“Why should the True Heart of a vampire be kept by filthy humans like you!”

The two charged at each other and began to fight.

The shadows began to attack the Paladin, but they were all thrown back at the wild swings of the Paladin.

Suddenly, a bright light exploded out, and a strange heat could be felt.

A pained scream erupted, and the moment the light went out, the shadows, along with cloaked person, retreated and broke out of the window.

The surviving mercenaries looked in shock at what happened.

“Tend to the wounded and be on your guards. Cracky Batcheeks is here!” The Paladin shouted.

“You must all beware! That man holds a legendary artifact that commands the power of an Ancient Vampire! You must tell your kingdoms of this! You must tell everyone that a darkness is befalling this world!” The tall knight quickly ran and broke out of the same window where the dark figure disappeared to.

The tavern went into a panic, and all of the towns were roused at the words of the Paladin.

Kyros and the ‘Paladin’ were now hiding in the dark forest along with the other members of the Coven.

The two had worked together to put on the show of faking a Paladin, and Kyros even brought out the torch and poured out a huge chunk of his mana to make it create a powerful burst of bright fire. Kyros stored the torch at the last second and left.

With that, the fake scene of a Paladin fighting was completed.

“Good acting!” Kyros praised.

The Knight was rather happy about his performance.

“You know… You should consider saying the names of these three knight vampires. You never addressed them individually, and it’s about time to do so.” Calaminus complained.

Listen to the man, Kyros.

“Fine.” Kyros rolled his eyes.

“Alright. Here’s the plan. We divide into three groups. Avary, Scarlet, and Gregory, you attack any group with this crest.” Kyros drew a strange insignia at the ground.

“Going by your strength and the level of knights they have, you should be able to fight them. You’ve faced a horde of lizards. Experience teaches you things and hardens your resolve. In short, in front of these mercenaries, your courage should be twice as strong. You also have leveled up and underwent the purest form of vampire strengthening. Take courage and fight them. Remember, you are to bite them and turn them.”

“Yes, Lord Kyros!” The three nodded courageously. 

Kyros then turned to the three knights that he has never called by name. Like, ever.

“Hunter, Hems, and Hemsey.” Kyros called.

“You three brothers have the greatest courage among the knights. Uncle told me of your bravery that pushed you three closer to death than the rest. And now, you are as close to death, and in fact, you embody it. Therefore, the task that I will have you do will be different from the vows of knighthood that you took.” Kyros explained.

“Lord Kyros. No need to worry about that.” Hunter smiled.

“Although I’m sure I’ll make a fine Paladin, as we just saw… I’d rather be serving you. I do not know what great mysteries you hide. But those three knights have died and their vows with them. We are the Coven of the Nephilim.”

“Yeah. And if biting and turning people into mindless vampires is the first mission, then let’s get it on!” Hemsey added.

“You really don’t have any complaints about killing people?” Kyros asked.

“Which family are we after?” Hems asked.

Kyros drew another insignia on the floor.

“It’s the mercenary group, Havoc Bringers.”

“Oh… Then I’m good.” Hems sighed in relief.

“Really?”

“That family, the umm….”

“Corinth.” Hunter continued.

“Right. The Corinth Family has actually been one of the families that have been pressuring and secretly attacking our family. That Mercenary group is also an unfavorable group. But no one touches them because of their backers.”

“If it’s just these people… I guess I can. But Lord Kyros… If-“

“Don’t worry, Hems. I won’t make you attack the innocent. That’s why I scouted ahead to pick our targets.” Kyros laughed.

“That’s great!” Hems sighed in relief.

“That’s right! Lord Kyros. The Corinth family also has support from a nearby kingdom. Killing them will make things worse!” Hemsey remembered the connection that the Corinth family had with a certain high-ranking official in a nearby kingdom.

Kyros smiled.

“That’s exactly the plan! Our goal is for everyone to spread the news. It’s part of our grand quick cash and quick level gain initiative that uses Fate to our advantage!”