“Did you go through the family inheritance ceremony?”
“Yes, I now possess the power of a prince,” Duncan replied respectfully.
Leo couldn’t help but laugh, “Very good. Your vampire inheritance is indeed efficient. Even a minor count can quickly gain the strength of a prince.”
“The power I gained is nothing compared to yours, Master,” Duncan said humbly.
Leo waved his hand dismissively, “No need for flattery. Sit down. What brings you all here?”
Fred spoke up, “Master, in the past few days, there has been significant conflict between the dark clan and the Church, with heavy casualties.”
Leo frowned slightly, displeased. “Didn’t I say no conflicts with the Church before the Dark Conference?”
“Master, we have kept the vampires in check. It was the orcs and wizards who stirred up trouble,” Fred quickly explained.
“Orcs and wizards?” Leo raised an eyebrow. “What was the outcome?”
“Since no vampires were involved, the Church won the conflict.”
“The orcs lost a chief commander, and the wizards lost a high priest.”
Leo thought for a moment and said, “Just like two sides fighting over a clam while the fisherman catches both. Have we identified the elite forces the Church sent to Albion?”
“Yes, eight of the Twelve Cardinals and six of the Twelve Paladins are here.”
Leo sneered, “They sent more than half of their elite. Good.”
Prince Devon stood up excitedly and said, “Master, tomorrow is the Dark Conference. Once you become the leader of the Dark Alliance, the Church’s days will be numbered!”
“Indeed, for centuries, the Church has slaughtered countless vampires. It’s time to settle this score,” other princes echoed indignantly.
Fred gestured for silence and then respectfully asked Leo, “Master, do you need any preparations for tomorrow night’s election?”
Leo shook his head confidently, “In the face of absolute power, any preparation is unnecessary.”
The next evening, somewhere in the western suburbs of Albion, the moon was full and bright tonight.
In the shadow of a giant tree stood fourteen figures: the thirteen vampire princes and Leo.
“Is this the place?” Leo asked.
“Yes, Master,” Fred replied respectfully.
Prince Duncan stepped forward and handed a set of vampire count’s clothes to Leo with both hands.
Leo took the clothes and put them on, covering his face with a hood.
“Prince Fred, you may begin,” Leo instructed.
Fred nodded, stepped forward, raised his hands to the sky, and chanted an incantation.
After finishing the incantation, Fred pointed to the ground in front of him.
A beam of blood-red light shot out and sank into the ground.
The ground trembled twice before something resembling a spire broke through like bamboo shoots after rain and quickly rose into the air.
Soon, a massive tower emerged fully from the ground.
“What is this?” Leo asked curiously.
Fred explained, “Master, this is the Reception Tower. Only through it can we enter Dark Castle.”
“Lead the way.”
“Yes.” Fred placed his right hand on the Reception Tower.
After channeling some dark energy into it, the Reception Tower opened with a rumble.
Once everyone had entered, the tower door closed and began to descend until it was completely underground.
Emerging from the Reception Tower, they found themselves in a spacious corridor.
The walls of the corridor were black, giving off an eerie and ominous feel.
As their footsteps echoed, dim lights flickered on along the corridor.
“How did Dark Castle come to be?” Leo asked.
Prince Devon replied respectfully, “Dark Castle was built over fifteen hundred years ago as the stronghold of the vampire clan. After the Dark Alliance was formed, the vampires offered Dark Castle as its headquarters.”
As they spoke, they reached the end of the short corridor.
At its end was a pitch-black door, Prince Fred opened it.
The scene that greeted Leo was unexpected.
Inside was not dark but brightly lit. The first thing he saw was a vast green lawn like a carpet.
The lawn was dotted with wildflowers, and a peculiar fragrance wafted through on the breeze.
Since the castle was underground, its ceiling wasn’t blue sky but dark red.
This dark red “sky” allowed Leo to see everything clearly around him.
The most striking feature was a grand and imposing ancient castle directly ahead, covering an area as large as two football fields.
As they approached its doors, they opened slowly and automatically. A group of people dressed in black and white robes came out to greet them.
Before coming here, Leo had learned that these were members of one of the three major dark clans: wizards.
Wizards were essentially humans who had undergone genetic mutations through practicing witchcraft and using potions, becoming different from ordinary humans.
Wizards had long lifespans but no ability to reproduce. Their lineage continued by recruiting and training humans who aspired to become wizards.
For this reason, wizards were the smallest in number among the three dark clans.
Wizards were ranked from lowest to highest as gray-robed wizards, black-robed wizards, and white-robed wizards.
A white-robed wizard who became a high priest could possess power comparable to that of a vampire prince.
Leo tried his best to conceal his human aura to avoid premature exposure.
A tall and thin white-robed wizard stepped forward with a smile. “Prince Fred, Prince Cody, Prince Lance, long time no see. How have you been?”
This white-robed wizard looked like a skeleton wrapped in human skin. His pupils were green, making his smile quite terrifying.
Prince Fred smiled back. “Long time no see, Chief High Priest Zach!”
Zach warmly gestured them inside. “Dark clan members, please come in. Many old friends have already arrived.”
Led by Zach and other wizards, Leo and the vampires entered the castle.
At the entrance to the hall, guards bowed deeply and greeted them. “High Priest.”
Inside, they were surprised by its vastness.
As soon as they entered, Zach announced loudly, “Friends from the vampire clan have arrived. Let’s give them a warm welcome!”
Sparse applause followed.
Leo discreetly observed the hall’s layout.
In its center were three large tables arranged in rows.
At the central table sat an elderly man with white hair and a gaunt frame.
The old man looked spirited and wore an opulent white robe with gold trim, exuding nobility and authority.