Viktor looked at his adopted daughter with a gentle smile and said:
"In the memories you transferred to me, besides your concerns about the werewolves and Kraven's lies, there was something far more important."
"May I see it?"
Without hesitation, Selene reached into both pockets and retrieved two Dragon Balls.
"Father, these are the Dragon Balls I've found."
"They are the one-star and three-star balls. Once all seven are gathered, you can summon Shenron and make a wish."
"Eliminating the weaknesses of the vampire race and triggering a new evolution—it's within reach."
Viktor already knew her wish through the blood memory.
Removing their racial flaws—this was something Viktor approved of. As one of the two top-tier combatants among the vampires, fixing these shortcomings might even allow them to do away with the centuries-long slumber tradition. Especially since Viktor had noticed that the world had changed significantly during his most recent sleep.
And this matter of wishes… perhaps with a better description, the results could be enhanced. For instance…
Taking the two Dragon Balls from Selene, Viktor weighed them in his hands and asked:
"Do you have any leads on the other Dragon Balls?"
Selene replied:
"I've contacted a black market buyer. He'll arrive tomorrow—we've arranged to meet in the evening."
"He's been collecting Dragon Balls too. I suspect he may have one."
"As for the others, there's a rumor that John Wick in New York has two of them. Once we've handled things here, I plan to take a team there."
Hearing that Selene already had leads on three of the Dragon Balls, Viktor's smile widened.
"Good. Very good."
"You never disappoint me."
"Regarding the Dragon Ball hunt, I'll mobilize all the forces of the vampire clan to ensure its success."
"As for Kraven, I'll give everyone an answer."
"If he truly lied to me, then he'll face the most brutal punishment."
"Guards, bring Kraven here."
Soon, Soren led Kraven into Viktor's presence.
"Kraven, is Lucian dead or alive?"
Kraven dropped to his knees and responded:
"My lord, Lucian has long been dead. I brought back his mark, remember?"
But Soren cut in:
"You're lying. I saw a werewolf wearing a necklace identical to Lucian's."
"What you brought back was merely a scrap of skin."
Kraven opened his mouth to argue, but Viktor interrupted:
"No need for debate. I'll see for myself."
In a flash, Viktor appeared before Kraven, seized his arm, and bit down on his wrist.
Blood flowed into Viktor's mouth, and in an instant, Kraven's memories projected into Viktor's mind like a slideshow.
He soon saw Kraven meeting with Lucian not long ago, witnessing their conversation firsthand.
Viktor's face turned cold.
Kraven had brought back Lucian's skin, and Viktor had chosen to believe him. He had even entrusted Kraven with leading his own faction during his slumber—only to discover this betrayal.
Boom!
Viktor smashed Kraven's skull with a single palm strike. The tremendous force exploded his head on the spot.
Blood splattered everywhere. Though Kraven had strong regenerative abilities, he couldn't regrow a head. He died instantly.
Thud!
Kraven's body collapsed to the ground, blood pooling across the floor.
At that moment, the chamber doors burst open. A squad of fully armed Death Dealers entered. The leader reported:
"My lord, the Council members have been ambushed."
Viktor was stunned.
"What?"
"How is Amelia?"
The squad leader answered:
"Her blood was completely drained. Conn and the others who were sent to receive her were all killed."
Hearing this, Viktor and Selene exchanged glances, then bowed their heads in a moment of silence.
But Viktor growled in fury:
"Damn Kraven… killing you with a single slap was too merciful."
From Kraven's memories, Viktor knew that it was Kraven who had revealed Amelia's travel plans to Lucian.
Selene asked in confusion:
"Why would they want the Elder's blood?"
Viktor shook his head. That part hadn't been in Kraven's memories.
Then Selene added:
"Father, we got the one-star ball from Michael. The werewolves are after him too—it must be because of the Dragon Ball."
"Is it possible the werewolves have one as well?"
The possibility lit up Viktor's eyes, and he immediately said:
"Our top priority is to find the Dragon Balls and eliminate Lucian and those damn werewolves."
"Inform all Death Dealers: war is upon us."
With that, Viktor marched out of the sleeping chamber. He intended to gather all the Dragon Balls and wipe out the cursed werewolves.
As the room emptied, Kraven's blood continued to spill, soaking the ground—flowing steadily toward the coffin where Markus still lay dormant.
…
Elsewhere—
At the werewolf base.
Michael had been brought back by the doctor and Connor. He was tied up, his limbs and mouth restrained.
Now awake, his eyes were unfocused and confused.
Lucian stood before him and explained:
"You've been injected with an enzyme that suppresses transformation. It'll take some time to flush it from your system."
"After all, I need your purest blood."
A nearby werewolf prepared to draw blood, but Michael's violent struggle caused the syringe to fall and shatter.
The werewolf stepped forward and slapped Michael hard.
Smack!
"Enough!"
Lucian shouted, stopping him.
"Go check on why Laz is delayed. With their preparation and strength, this shouldn't be taking so long."
The werewolf sneered at Michael before turning to carry out the order.
Once alone, Lucian approached with a new syringe, smiling as he said:
"I really should apologize. He needs a lesson in manners."
"Speaking of which—my name is Lucian."
He then removed the rope gag from Michael's mouth.
Michael gasped for breath and said:
"Let me go. I already gave Selene the location of what you're looking for."
"She probably has the Dragon Ball now. You won't get it by holding me."
"I don't want any part in your war. Just let me go."
Lucian paused.
"Did you just say… Dragon Ball?"
He had no idea what that was. But from Michael's words, it sounded like the item had been passed to the vampires?
Dragon Ball? Something to do with dragons? A dragon's orb?
…
(End of Chapter)
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