The Regressed Blood Knight’s Strategy

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]

Chapter 157

“Burn this place down quickly!”

Fifth Elder's subordinates had set up explosive spells all over the research facility. They were designed to go off after a set time.

“Is everything done?”

“Yes! We erased all traces neatly.”

“Good. Now, we return to the House of the Sun.”

When Fifth Elder gave the order, the scattered priests gathered together.

As they were about to leave the hidden territory, Fifth Elder’s magical communication orb started to chime.

“Who could it be?”

As he answered, an image of someone appeared in mid-air.

“Aren't you from the Lord’s guard?”

The Solar Knights.

They were the strongest force on the continent, comprised of the most powerful knights.

Each one of them was an absolute powerhouse. Any country would want to recruit them if they knew their strength.

- Lord First Star has dispatched us to Orchid Kingdom, to eliminate Kane Rehinar. It seems like you’re also erasing traces and preparing to return to the House of the Sun.

“Indeed. Our research findings must be kept secret from the continent.”

- Delay your return. Lord First Star has ordered you to capture not only Kane Rehinar but also the Poison Lord.

“Both of them at once? Will the Solar Knights handle the task alone?”

- In addition to us, two thousand troops from the House of the Sun, the Destruction Knights, and the Priests of Radiance have all been mobilized.

“Gasp! So the elite forces of the House of the Sun are moving just to capture Kane Rehinar and the Poison Lord?”

- Lord First Star’s patience has worn thin. If this mission fails, his wrath will cover the earth.

Gulp.

Fifth Elder swallowed dryly.

This meant it was a matter of great importance.

Fifth Elder steadied himself and asked,

“What do you need us to do?”

- We’ll arrive at the Orchid Kingdom soon. Release all the Death Fiends.

“You plan to attack the Orchid Kingdom amidst the chaos?”

- We’ll use this opportunity to erase Orchid. We’ll also stimulate the Demon Forest’s hidden territories, so be prepared.

“When should we release the Death Fiends to cause chaos?”

- We’re nearly there.

“Then I’ll release them now and join you.”

Fifth Elder ended the communication and turned around.

“The plan has changed. As you heard, the elite forces of the House of the Sun seem to have arrived in Orchid.”

“Oh! Are we to fight alongside them?”

“Consider yourself lucky. Fighting with the elite of the House of the Sun is a great honor.”

It had been a long time since they’d made a move.

The elite of the House of the Sun hardly ever mobilized.

They were only seen if the House of the Sun was in grave danger.

But now, they were mobilized to kill Kane Rehinar.

“Disarm the explosive spells and inject maximum Oblivion energy into the Death Fiends and mutated monsters.”

“Then do we release them into the city?”

“Release the existing forces first and prepare for immediate deployment.”

“Yes, Fifth Elder.”

The Oblivion injectors were reactivated.

“It’s fortunate we didn’t release that one.”

A giant scorpion.

It was a fierce venomous creature, the spiritual beast of the Orchid Kingdom.

With that creature alone, they could produce an endless supply of Death Fiends and Oblivion Monsters.

“Heh, I’ll ruin this country.”

Meanwhile.

The Solar Knights’ commander stood atop a mountain overlooking the Orchid Kingdom.

“Commander, we’ve stimulated all the hidden territories nearby.”

“How many in total?”

“There are fifteen hidden territories.”

“What’s the rank of the monsters?”

“Three 5th class. The rest are 3rd class.”

“Not bad. It’d be great if there were a 6th-class mutated monster too.”

“Shall I make one?”

“That’s a good idea. Create a strong one.”

“Recently, the Blood owl has grown extremely powerful. It’s been devouring monsters of the same rank one by one, as if it no longer has any natural enemies.”

“Connect that hidden territory here.”

“Yes, Commander!”

The House of the Sun possessed a unique trait: the ability to easily open the gates to the hidden territories that had been sealed. This was a divine power granted exclusively to the House of the Sun.

Not only could they open these territories, but they could also redirect the pathways of distant realms. With this power, the House of the Sun was nearly invincible. In ancient times, they used this strength to destroy and subjugate numerous nations.

Now, this power was about to re-emerge into the world.

Buzz

A portal opened, and a bipedal owl appeared—a mutated monster with entirely red feathers: the Blood Owl.

“Grrrrr.”

The Blood Owl, emitting beast-like sounds, received its command.

“Turn that city into ruins. Leave no human alive.”

The Blood owls charged toward the neutral Orchid Kingdom, followed by other mutated monsters from the hidden territory.

Thousands of troops amassed, their numbers soon reaching ten thousand.

“We advance too!”

The commander of the Solar Knights drew his sword and raised it high.

The elite soldiers surged down the mountain, advancing toward Orchid.

* * *

Blata, who was eating his meal, sensed something unusual.

“Kane! We’ve got enemies.”

“I feel it too.”

The ground began to tremble. Thud, thud, thud.

A massive force was converging on Orchid.

“The Death Fiends and mutated monsters aren’t the real problem.”

There was an ominous presence, a bright and detestable power, rapidly approaching, stirring something nauseating within him.

From afar, he could see a group of riders on horseback, the figures magnifying in his vision.

“It’s the House of the Sun.”

Their armor bore the emblem of the sun. Only members of the House of the Sun wore that emblem.

“Is this place so significant? Or did First Star lose his temper at my provocation?”

Or perhaps they were targeting the Poison Lord.

First Star was a figure seeking to ascend to godhood. To do so, he needed to absorb great power—power equal to or greater than his own. The Poison Lord was the perfect target.

Not only was the Poison Lord here, but so was he, making it worthwhile to send in the forces of the House of the Sun.

“Judging by their choice of the Poison Lord as prey, it seems he’s close to ascending.”

The Poison Lord was someone he had allowed to roam free until now.

But sending in the troops even with him here indicated First Star wanted to save time, aiming to absorb both him and the Poison Lord at once to attain the power he desired.

"We need to get to the House of the Sun quickly."

"Just anyone thinks they can become a god. Every century, there’s always one fool who tries this nonsense," Blata muttered, cursing First Star.

“Your Grace!”

Mikhail, sensing the ominous energy, joined them immediately.

"Did you handle everything?"

"I took care of everything in sight. Chrysalis devoured them in one go."

"It looks like the House of the Sun didn’t just unleash the Death Fiends but also released other mutated monsters from the hidden territories."

“They’re completely insane,” Mikhail said, nodding in agreement.

“The House of the Sun must disappear from the continent if we’re to have peace.”

It was true. The ideology of the House of the Sun was mad. Humans weren’t meant to become gods. No cult could match this level of fanaticism.

Despite their claims of divine power, they were too cowardly to show themselves, always sending subordinates instead.

"Can we handle this alone? They’re also sending in some powerful support."

Even the proud Golden Dragon agreed.

“We can fight them, but we can’t stop them all. While we battle them, some will breach the walls.”

“Do we really need to fight this hard? This isn’t even Rehinar's territory,” Mikhail said.

As Mikhail finished, Caspian also joined them.

"You’ve fought hard for Orchid. Even if you choose to withdraw now, we won’t hold it against you."

"But if that army crushes Orchid, where do you think they’ll go next?"

“You mean the Rehinar territory?”

“Of course. I’ve killed their elders and thwarted First Star’s plans time and again, and that’s led to this outcome. I'd much rather fight here on foreign ground than on my own doorstep.”

Though some might call it selfish, anyone would act as Kane was doing.

Caspian laughed heartily.

“Haha! Then will you lend your strength to Orchid?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. We will never forget this kindness.”

At Kane's decision to help Caspian, BOOM!

A massive explosion sounded from within the castle.

Kane immediately told Caspian to take charge inside.

“It sounds like an explosion from the hidden territory inside. It seems the elder is using a diversionary tactic. You should focus on the inner defenses. We’ll protect the outer walls as best as we can.”

“Understood. Good luck.”

With his guards, the Poison Lord entered the castle.

Kane drew his two BloodSky Blades and transformed them into a bow.

“Blata, I need your strength.”

“Heh heh, it’s my time to shine!”

Blata emerged from Kane’s side and grew in size. Consuming so much Oblivion energy had made him radiate an ominous aura.

“Chrysalis, intercept from the air.”

“Leave the sky to me.”

Chrysalis’s body became enveloped in light and grew larger and larger, transforming into a gigantic golden dragon that took flight.

“I’ll hold them off from a distance as much as I can. You two, make a stand at the front.”

Mikhail and Blata charged toward the oncoming wave of Death Fiends and monsters.

Kane began firing mana arrows continuously into the sky.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the castle in the Shadow Isles, Desdemona gazed at the moon.

Even as she stretched her bare skin towards the moonlight, or revealed skin beneath her clothes, it didn’t bother her at all.

All thanks to the Kane.

Now, whether night or day, her activities were unhindered.

And it wasn’t just her.

Everyone in the Shadow Isles had been freed from the chains of restraint.

As Kane grew stronger, so did their power.

“Isn’t it about time for him to call for us?”

Seeing her stare out the window for days, worried nobles cautiously asked her.

“My Lady, is something troubling you?”

“It seems our master has forgotten us.”

“How could he forget, especially now that our restraints have been lifted? Please, there’s no need to worry.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

Just as she turned away, a bloody glow swirled in her eyes.

“The Blood Summon… You felt it too?”

She wasn’t the only one to react.

All the vampires in the Shadow Isles received the Blood Summon.

“Is it our master calling us?”

“No, this happens when immense power is used, and it reacts to ensure the well-being of its contract holders in case the master is in danger.”

"Now that our restraints are gone, perhaps a walk to visit him wouldn’t hurt?"

“Let’s do just that.”

As if waiting for this moment, she transformed into a bat and left the Shadow Isles.

With their restraints lifted and their powers enhanced, the vampires were now stronger than ever. As their master’s power grew, so did theirs, making the vampire race nearly unrivaled in strength.

[Translator - Helga ]

[Proofreader - Lucky]