” What quest must I do for you? ” The clone asked Arandale with a straight face as it hoped that it could be a doable request.

” Haha- here ” Arandale said with a chuckle as he snapped his fingers.

[ Codex Quest – Kill the weakened abyssal mage Zogaroth and free the codex of his corruption.

Participants limit- None, adventurers are free to add as many participants as required for this mission.

Time limit – none

Quest reward – Knowledge of the sealing method ]

Do you wish to accept?

Yes

No

The clone read the quest and looked at Arandale with a smug face, the semi-crazy bastard must have some big secret as to why he chose to seal Zogaroth in the basement and did not kill him outright.

This quest was by no means simple…

” If you are so powerful yourself, Arandale, why do you need me to do this for you? Why can’t you kill him yourself? I’m only a tier4 adventurer after all ” The clone asked with suspicion as Arandale’s golden eyes suddenly turned into deep black as he stared maliciously at the clone.

The clone could feel Arandale’s murderous intent seep out as he witnessed his crazed state in full glory, however, Arandale never attacked as he barely restrained his urges.

” Master can control us with an imprint he has left on our bodies.

Us disciples cannot fight him, only you outsiders can!

I will give you a ring that will help you resist his contaminating aura for 30 minutes, but that’s the maximum that I can do ” Arandale replied to the clone as the clone closed his eyes and contemplated for a bit.

When he opened his eyes, he let out a deep sigh as he clicked ‘ yes ‘ and accepted the quest.

Arandale beamed at this outcome as he tossed the clone a ring.

[ Runic Protection Ring ] – A one time use item that can help you resist the corruption of death aura for 30 minutes.

” There is only one entrance to the basement levels underneath and it’s through the master’s personal residence.

It should be a building with a conical top right underneath the biggest bioluminescent light source in the city ” Arandale said as he snapped his fingers once again and ejected the clone outside the mage tower onto the street below.

**********

( Cervantez’s POV )

” It has begun? ” The emperor asked aloofly as he flung the report in his hands aside.

” Father, the night king has begun decoupling his territory’s trade with the other light faction monarchies.

He has amped up production of raw materials and launched a military recruitment drive.

From the pace at which he is doing things, the timeline seems to be 2-3 years before he can arm himself to the teeth and confidently declare his rebellion ” Prince Aman said as he reported to his father.

” How are you handling this? ” Cervantez asked his son with anticipation as he expected him to take ideal measures as the future ruler of this monarchy.

” I’m interfering with his purchase orders, heckling his merchant groups, infiltrating his mass army recruitment campaign with spies and simultaneously building up an information network within his territory.

Even if a war breaks out with him against us, I will make sure that it will be as late as possible and we won’t be taken by surprise when that day eventually comes ” Aman replied as Cervantez nodded with pride

He had taught his son well and with the next great war looming over their heads, Cervantez was happy that some of the state burdens could be handled by his son.

” What about Avans, Omar and Regus? Have they picked a side yet? ” Cervantez asked as Aman closed his eyes in helplessness.

” They are money grubbers’ fathers, all three of them.

They want to play the role of the pimp in this war and sell weapons to both sides and make a profit.

Avans seems to have made some secret deal with Lucifer, while Regus only cares about the welfare of the vampire state and does not care about external matters.

Both of them think that they can weather the upcoming war neutrally, but Regus is definitely building strength silently, he does intend to join if the conditions are favourable or the war comes to his footsteps ” Aman reported as Cervantez cliqued his tongue

Cervantez long knew that the only allies he truly had were the True Elites Kingdom and the Won Knight Monarchy, but he expected the other light faction rulers to at least resist the dark faction forces if need be.

But apparently the money grubbing bastards had no intentions of putting themselves in the war path.

” If I’m not mistaken, Satan’s commander in general is that tier7 werewolf, right? The one whose ancestors fought the war against the vampires in Ixtal? ” Cervantez asked his son

” Yes father, although the other monarchies might get away with not participating in the war, I believe that for better or for worse the vampires won’t enjoy that luxury.

Satan has promised his general Ixtal in return for his loyalty and service, and there is absolutely no way Regus Aurelius let’s them invade vampire lands ” Aman replied as Cervantez smiled.

Although Regus Aurelius was not a self willing participant in the fight against the dark faction, it was comforting to know that he most likely would be forced to participate.

The feud between the light and dark faction ran deep, all the way back to the chaos era 5000 years ago, however, the feud between vampires and werewolves was even deeper which stemmed from their existence itself.

********

( Meanwhile Max )

Max was stunned when he saw the clone teleport beside himself suddenly as it startled him.

Before Max could even blink, Zippo had already taken action and restrained the clone’s hands into a armlock as the shadow guard was at full guard.

Only when it was confirmed that it was indeed the clone and not an impostor who posed danger did Zippo let the guy go as the clone transferred the ‘ MASSIVE ‘ loot to Max and began explaining the quest and the corresponding situation.

——–

/// A/N – I’m sorry guys, but there will be only two chapters today. I won’t count them in the bonus, and will resume the count from 13 tomorrow ///