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The cave, in its natural state, would have been sheer darkness.

The believers serving the Mother of Earth brought bright light to the deep cavern.

But there is no transparent light here.

Red lighting stains the rocky walls, accompanied by the wailing of sirens that disturb the air.

Shell casings scatter chaotically all around, and glass pieces are sprinkled like snow fallen at dawn.

The corridor shone with the color of blood.

The ominous lighting had overtaken the cave.

In a depth where measuring is impossible, a vivid darkness loomed.

-…Clank- Clank-

The heavy metallic sound of steel clashing echoed ominously for a long while.

Episode 17 – The Tree that Drinks Blood

“Request support from the Judgment Committee, hurry!”

“We need to breach the barricades and destroy the facility now!”

“Are you out of your mind? We don’t even know how many people are still trapped inside; you want to blow up the cave?!”

It was nothing short of a hellish chaos.

Heated arguments and screams, the sounds of agony and pain filled every corner.

“What the hell….”

Camila mumbled as she surveyed the unfamiliar scene.

As the teleportation magic circle flickered, others began to arrive on scene, slightly out of rhythm with the luminous chaos.

The tumult on-site engendered a subtle unease. Emotions can be volatile yet contagiously strong.

Camila couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

“Ibrahim!”

In the midst of confusion, she spotted a man. Ibrahim, the commander of Unit 92541 of the Order of the Holy Knights, also known as the Utrant Holy Council.

He was sitting on a crate, puffing on a cigarette.

“I heard the coffin has been opened. What in the world happened?”

“…A vampire has awakened.”

The feeble answer echoed back.

It was a tone distinctly different from the usual assertiveness he held.

As I stood face to face with him to hear the specific circumstances, Ibrahim’s condition finally came into view.

“…What is all this?”

“As you can see, these… are injuries sustained from fighting.”

His face bore clear signs of distress, and his tattered bulletproof vest dangled loosely.

The military uniform covering his shoulder was shredded as if cut by scissors, and through the rips, blood-soaked skin and stitching scars were visible.

“Where is Saint Veronica?”

“I’m not sure. I saw her earlier down below, but after the lighting exploded, I couldn’t see her anymore.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened to her, but Ibrahim shook his head.

“As far as I could last confirm, Saint Veronica wasn’t even injured. After receiving the report that a vampire had awakened, she took up arms and went out to face it herself.”

“So she didn’t have anyone fighting alongside her?”

“That’s right. Despite the priests urging her otherwise, she insisted on going alone.”

“Hah….”

Damn it. What on earth possessed her to act so recklessly?

For now, it seems Veronica is safe. Just moments ago, during our conversation, her voice and breath had remained steady, and she mentioned that she had no injuries, saying she would contact me later based on the situation.

“We were the last group to escape from the elevator about six minutes ago… no, precisely eight minutes ago.”

Veronica had reached out a mere twelve minutes prior. If the Order had escaped last, it was highly likely that she was somewhere above ground as well. However, given that the casualties’ recovery and headcount were still ongoing, there wouldn’t be an easy way to reach her.

I approached Francesca, who was exchanging words with a group of researchers or scholars, asking her to help locate Veronica. Since she was also gathering information to understand the situation, she readily accepted, saying she would meet with Veronica and report back.

Moments later, returning to my place, I posed a question to Ibrahim.

“What in the world happened?”

Exhaling a cloud of cigarette smoke, Ibrahim began to speak in a calm tone.

“As you have heard, a vampire has emerged. The researcher from Al-Yabd, who first noticed the coffin being opened, relayed the situation. The guards and the Order tried to kill the vampire, but they were insufficient.”

“They couldn’t kill it?”

“If we had succeeded in vanquishing the vampire, we certainly wouldn’t be lingering here.”

Whether it was self-pity or a simple statement of fact, I found Ibrahim’s demeanor quite serene.

I listened intently, and Ibrahim continued explaining in a monotone voice.

“The vampire that awakened from its deep slumber was far more powerful than expected. Blessed ammo and holy water didn’t affect it at all. It withstood the heavy onslaught and broke the seals and wards.”

Blessed ammo, which is prayed over by priests and infused with holy water, stands as a powerful weapon against undead beings.

Unlike the ordinary ammunition produced in munitions factories, blessed ammo is produced by the Inquisition, which means large volumes cannot be manufactured quickly. To channel the essence of destruction against evil, time and effort are essential.

Thanks to this blessed ammo, the Inquisition could obliterate wicked and malevolent beings entirely. The battle spanning centuries concluded in humanity’s triumph.

Yet….

“You say the blessed ammo didn’t work?”

When I questioned again, Ibrahim quietly nodded.

What kind of absurdity allowed a vampire to move unscathed even after absorbing blessed ammo?

“The armor was the problem.”

“Armor?”

“You know those armors that knights used to wear?”

“If you’re talking about those mounted knights… yes. I saw them while touring historical sites back in military history classes.”

“It wore that. I don’t know what sorcery it used, but it didn’t even leave marks on it, despite being shielded by those fangs.”

It was an outrageous testimony.

No matter how strong armor might be, that was only a tale before the advent of devastating weaponry.

The invention of gunpowder heralded the end of walls and full-body armor, while the emergence of magic concluded the declining era of knights.

Of course, in times when muskets prevailed, even some form of breastplates existed, however, the penetrating power of modern cartridge ammo is incomparable to muskets.

Modern replicas of medieval armor made using today’s techniques are penetrated by rifle rounds like cheese, yet the claim that an eight-hundred-year-old armor could withstand rifle ammunition was simply nonsensical.

“No, logically…”

Just as I was about to counter Ibrahim’s claim, a sudden thought crossed my mind.

Is this really a situation that can be explained with logic?

Corpses from eight hundred years ago are moving, humans are conjuring magic and divinity with their bare hands, and creatures bearing animal ears are forming societies. These are phenomena that my logic cannot begin to explain.

If logic fails, the problem isn’t the situation; it’s the premise itself that’s utterly flawed.

If a coffin contains a corpse that moves, then it wouldn’t be odd for armor from eight hundred years ago to withstand rifle bullets.

As that thought struck me, my mind felt a little clearer.

Swallowing the words that nearly escaped my throat, I took a moment to breathe and opened my eyes.

“Is there any remaining way to kill the vampire?”

“There are still options.”

Silently, I raised my gaze and met his. Ibrahim also started to watch me silently.

A moment passed in silence.

“…Follow me.”

The commander of the Order took a final draw from his dwindling cigarette, stubbed it into the sand, and rose.

“The weapons depot is this way.”

*

The place Ibrahim led me to was a trailer not far away. Armed soldiers stood guard in front of the black container, and a pad was mounted on the steel door.

Inside the container lay a trove of weaponry. Silver knives, aged scriptures, modern firearms, and electronic devices—all were standard issue weaponry of the Order of the Holy Knights.

“All the weapons here were airlifted from the holy site. Some are for our use, and some belong to the inquisitors.”

I checked a pistol wrapped in cushioning foam and asked,

“All of them are blessed, right?”

“Of course.”

Ibrahim explained the purposes and uses of the weaponry stored in the container.

“Since you’re a soldier, you know how to handle firearms and explosives. Let me briefly explain the vampire’s weaknesses and special equipment.”

“First, this small object that resembles a flat disk is a bomb embedded with holy water and silver beads. Holy water and silver serve as weaknesses against all undead. Pressing the button releases a blade that buries deep enough to withstand a werewolf’s struggles, so handle it with care when throwing.”

“This stick that looks like a flare is a makeshift flamethrower. It sprays holy fire fed by oil infused with divinity…

“These are weapons, and fire has been the most reliable means to annihilate the undead since ancient times. It’s single-use, but you can reload it with a cartridge for reuse.”

“This thread is made of silver. With its strong tension and durability, it can restrain movement, and since it’s sharp, it can also be used for traps in emergencies. In the past, they used this to bind vampires and drive stakes into their hearts to kill them.”

While packing the weapons, he took out an ammunition box from the drawer and handed me the bulletproof vest hanging on the wall.

“You’ll use this ammunition and take the bulletproof vest as well.”

“What is this?”

“It’s armor-piercing blessed ammo with talismans embedded in the bulletproof vest.”

Since it was his first time in such a situation, he couldn’t guarantee the performance of the armor-piercing rounds.

But when it came to the bulletproof vest, he could say one thing for certain.

“It might not completely block a direct attack from a vampire, but at least it will protect you from the darkness they wield. If you’re lucky, you might escape serious injury even after encountering a vampire.”

“Does it really work?”

“It’ll at least prevent you from becoming a cripple.”

As Ibrahim said this and threw off his shirt, the wound on his shoulder came into view.

While I fastened my buckles, he began to gather his bulletproof vest, having changed into clean combat gear. As I glanced at him, I blurted out a question.

“Are you going to fight?”

“Of course.”

It was a resolute answer.

He didn’t seem to have any intention to back down. The priests, who looked like members of the Order of the Holy Knights, also entered the container to gear up and load the magazines.

“Ibrahim, brother.”

“Oh, Inquisition Officer. What can I do for you?”

“Could you lend me your ear for a moment….”

One of the Inquisition Officers whispered something into the commander of the Holy Knights’ ear. The content was inaudible, but judging by the subtly darkened expression on Ibrahim’s face, it didn’t seem like good news.

Sure enough, Camila, who had dashed in breathlessly, shouted at me from the entrance of the container.

“They’re not here!”

“What do you mean they’re not here?”

“Francesca is looking for Saint Veronica, but she’s not in here! Right now, inside….”

Her finger pointed somewhere, and feeling anxious, I dashed outside to confirm the direction where Camila was staring.

“Oh, damn….”

In the steep reddish-brown rocky crags, a crowd had gathered at the entrance.

There, an elevator led to the facility.

*

Shouts were exchanged. An old priest wrapped in purple fabric shouted with veins popping in his neck.

“Why did you only just realize that Saint Veronica is inside! Can you still call yourselves members of the Order of the Holy Knights and Inquisition after this!”

“Please calm down, Your Excellency!”

“You go report to the Holy See. And inform Saint Lucia… tell her the best you can.”

The male monks tried to persuade him, but the bishop resisted fiercely. The aged priest vented his frustrations, while the priests who were reprimanded lowered their heads like they were being accused of ancient heresy.

The researchers mumbled in disbelief.

“The sunset is almost upon us… if this continues, the vampires might rise to the surface.”

“Didn’t we lower the thick walls? Three iron gates, over 30 cm thick, are there, enclosing them in a coffin made of lead, silver, zinc, and concrete, hundreds of meters underground. They can’t break free easily.”

“But didn’t you all see? It walked past the statue of Lord Izrael, who slayed the demons, stepping over the salt barrier…!”

“Who touched it in the first place? Everything was normal until ten minutes ago; who on earth did something foolish?”

“No one touched it. We set up trap magic within 5 meters of the coffin. No one could approach it or get close. There were a few guards monitoring the coffin.”

The priests of Al-Yabd lowered their voices, looking uneasy.

“This is all because of the cultists. We must advise the priest to severely punish those who only pursue ideals while letting cultism go unchecked.”

“Enough! The Commission of Punishment dispatched ‘Farsa.’ If they’re on the scene, they can easily seal the vampire.”

“If we lose ‘Farsa’ now while over twenty members of the Holy Knights and ‘Mostar’ are trapped underground….”

“First, we need to promptly resolve the issues happening in the facility. Once the priest finishes praying, I’ll report. With that person who fought alongside the Empire’s duke, the vampire shouldn’t be an issue at all.”

Francesca looked at the crowd with a grave expression.

“There are still people left inside the facility who couldn’t escape, yet no one is concerned about those left behind.”

Contempt, coldness, and ridicule dripped from her words, yet no one paid attention. Or perhaps they were pretending not to hear.

“It’s surprising that they didn’t even realize the saint is inside and just evacuated together. Of all people, the priests of the cult should have known better, right?”

“Well, who knows.”

I’m unsure about the number of personnel residing in the facility, but just counting the people gathered here, there seemed to be at least 300.

“Checking the surveillance equipment, it turns out that the Inquisition and the Order of the Holy Knights were all deployed to battle, while the researchers and scholars fled to escape from the vampires.”

The confusion that arose from the intertwining of those entering to fight and those fleeing to survive peaked when a vampire appeared around the corner.

A frantic struggle of those trying to get even slightly away from the vampire.

Sharp claws raking across necks over chin straps, and the pressure coming from all directions.

The chaotic noise of gunfire led a researcher to roll on the floor, and a janitor, too weak to stand, crawled on all fours.

To buy time for the civilians to escape, the guards and priests launched attacks with all their might, but the vampire remained completely unfazed.

At first, they formed a defense line and could hold their ground. However, when the lights suddenly flickered out without warning, everything flipped.

Darkness swallowed the entire facility, leaving no choice but to escape.

The guards and inquisitors only just managed to grab the civilians on the escape route and slip away, while the Holy Knights, who continued to resist the vampire until the end, could not even recover the casualties and had to retreat. Or perhaps they got lost in the darkness and couldn’t find their way out.

Saint Veronica’s presence was nowhere to be found except for the moment she left the room.

I checked the light and muttered.

“Of course, since the people meant to protect the saint left her behind, it’s only natural they’re treated like sinners. Still, as they made the best choice under the circumstances, there might be some leniency.”

Francesca, who heard that, smiled faintly and asked.

“Are you not worried about your sister at all?”

“Worrying has to account for the person, right?”

What kind of person is Veronica? Isn’t she a survival expert who managed to survive the tug-of-war of the Imperial Guard HQ, Inquisition, and Military Intelligence Agency?

Different fields aside, when it comes to survival, she truly rivals Bear Grylls.

“And it would also be strange for a saint who fought off demons to fall victim to a mere vampire, right?”

She had just spoken to me on the phone, lively as ever. If it’s Veronica, she must still be alive.

With the light fastened to the bulletproof vest, the final checks were finished. After loading the blessed ammo into the chambers, I scanned my surroundings.

“Is everyone ready?”

Francesca, gripping the rune sword engraved with strange characters, nodded. A clink came from her leather pouch hung at her belt, filled with alchemy potions.

Camila, who had been repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fist, also answered energetically.

“Yes!”

“Let’s go.”

As I tapped her shoulder, the members of the Order of the Holy Knights, who illuminated the darkness with their light, boarded the elevator.

Camila and Francesca entered, and after the door closed, I exchanged a brief conversation with Ibrahim.

“Are you a priest too, Ibrahim?”

“That’s right.”

“Then please say a prayer for us.”

So we can return alive.

No sooner had I finished speaking than a loud noise echoed.

– Kuuwoooong…!

The elevator carrying the humans began to descend.

Into the darkness, hundreds of meters below ground.

 

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