Chapter 172 – The vampire prince: Sephiroth

Translator: ChuRen/ YuQiChen

As Shax, the towering figure and Carter’s most reliable subordinate, announced he had caught a suspicious black cat, Tang Qing’s heart skipped a beat.

A black cat?

Could it be…?

Hurrying forward, Tang Qing inspected the scene. Indeed, the cat was all-black, with glossy fur and mesmerizing green eyes that sparkled like agate, looking disdainfully at everyone.

“This is my cat!” Tang Qing hurriedly approached, snatching the net from Shax and freeing the black cat, cradling it protectively.

“Gentlemen, this is my little cat, not a villain,” Tang Qing explained nervously while holding the black cat close.

Standing at nearly two meters tall, bulky and muscular, Shax had a slightly simple-minded demeanor, earning him the nickname “Big Dummy” among his companions. He gawked at the maid before him, seemingly lost for words.

Could she be the heroine from the East, as Princess Lily described?

She was even lovelier than he had imagined.

Shax was Carter’s most capable subordinate; it was inconceivable for anyone to easily wrest something from his grasp. Yet, here he stood, blushing and unable to meet Tang Qing’s eyes, stuttering as he asked, “I-is this cat truly yours? It’s so black…”

Tang Qing, still cradling the cat, met Shax’s gaze and earnestly explained, “This is my black cat. It’s well-behaved and harmless.”

“Is that so…” Shax observed the maid’s fair visage and her unique dark eyes, nodding slowly, “Yes, indeed… very cute.”

Carter rolled his eyes silently.

Shax, known for his bravery during missions, seemed to lose his wits when faced with an adorable young girl.

Ignoring Shax, Carter approached Tang Qing with the cross in hand.

Tang Qing, clutching the black cat with trepidation, watched Carter closely, his lips pressed together anxiously.

“Don’t be afraid, Anne. I’m just conducting a routine check,” Carter reassured.

As Carter neared, the black cat swiftly extended its claws and viciously scratched Carter’s outstretched arm.

After leaving a sharp scratch on Carter’s arm, the black cat attracted his attention, pawing at the cross before nonchalantly pushing it away, showing minimal interest as if it were a dull toy.

Retrieving the cross, Carter apologised to Tang Qing, “I apologise, Miss Anne. It’s crucial for us to inspect every passerby as a precautionary measure.”

Tang Qing nodded, carefully examining the black cat in his arms, ensuring there were no issues aside from its displeased expression.

“This lady, your cat is adorable, just like you…” Shax, mustering up courage, timidly approached Tang Qing, his voice gradually lowering, “Could you tell me its name?”

Focused on the cat and worried about its reaction to the cross, Tang Qing absentmindedly replied, “My cat is indeed cute. Its name is… Coal Ball.”

Finding the name quite fitting, Tang Qing lifted the black cat and joyfully called out, “Coal Ball, Coal Ball.”

In response, the black cat shot him a disdainful look.

“Anne! Anne!”

A crisp female voice rang out, and Tang Qing suddenly found himself enveloped in the embrace of a sweet-smelling young girl.

“Anne, my brave friend, I’m so glad to see you safely back,” Princess Lily rushed over.

“Those cursed vampires didn’t bother you, did they? Anne, are you all right? Let me see.”

After ensuring Tang Qing was unharmed, Princess Lily finally released him, relieved to find him safe and sound.

Touched by the princess’s kindness, Tang Qing smiled and replied, “Thank you for your care, Your Highness.”

He shared the information he had gathered at Castle Csejte with the princess, including the plight of the blood slaves imprisoned in the dungeon.

Deeply sympathetic, the princess offered Tang Qing some medicinal powder and a small, exquisite dove. With the press of a switch, this dove could guide lost individuals back to the capital of Ireland, regardless of the maze or illusions they faced.

As night fell, Tang Qing knew it was time to return to Castle Csejte before the butler woke up.

Tang Qing listened to Shax’s heartbreaking tale and the tragic loss of his sister at the hands of a vampire. Touched by his pain, Tang Qing offered his support and understanding.

“So, you became a knight to protect others from the harm of vampires, right?” Tang Qing asked sympathetically.

Shax nodded solemnly. “Yes, vampires are the bane of my existence. I follow Commander Carter because he’s the only one I’ve seen capable of defeating vampires. I’m willing to sacrifice my life to make them pay for their crimes.”

Thinking of the blood slaves in Countess Bartory’s dungeon, Tang Qing couldn’t help but sigh at the suffering inflicted on innocent girls.

“Anne, you dared to infiltrate Castle Csejte alone. You are the bravest girl I’ve ever met. You must protect yourself, as that she-devil is not to be underestimated,” Shax warned, lowering his voice.

“Do you know, Commander Carter told me that Castle Csejte keeps so many blood slaves to sacrifice to the sleeping Vampire Prince.”

“The Vampire Prince?” Tang Qing remembered what System 99 had mentioned—the primary antagonist in this world called… Roth something…

“Yes, the Vampire Prince,” Shax spoke with dread, lowering his voice further. “He is the ancient and formidable leader of the Midnight Blood clan, the Prince Sephiroth.”

Just uttering the name seemed to carry a heavy weight of sin.

“Vampires are divided into various factions based on their lineage, and the strongest among them is the Midnight Blood clan. Legend has it that Prince Sephiroth was born during the ‘Blood Night’ that occurs once every millennium.”

“It is said that on the night of his birth, the moon turned blood-red, the sky was permeated with an eerie crimson glow, and the entire night sky seemed dyed in vivid red hues. The celestial signs changed, the heavens and earth mourned, and all evil creatures seemed to show reverence and celebration for this supreme king.”

“The birth of Sephiroth marked the emergence of humanity’s greatest enemy, the vampire race.”

As the weight of such dark revelations settled in, Tang Qing couldn’t help but ponder the immense challenges that lie ahead in facing such a powerful and ancient foe.

Tang Qing nodded in acceptance of the formidable powers attributed to the Vampire Prince Sephiroth, realising the depth of evil and strength he possessed in this vampire fantasy world. In this world, Sephiroth was indeed the most formidable and malevolent presence.

Shax continued on with fervour, expressing his deep-rooted hatred for vampires and his determination to see them vanquished. He clenched his fists, symbolising his willingness to sacrifice everything to fight against the darkness brought by vampires.

While Tang Qing didn’t harbour the same deep-seated hatred as Shax, his firsthand experience in the blood prison had instilled a sense of revulsion towards vampires. His mission to protect Princess Lily and Commander Carter from the Vampire Prince’s hands only solidified his resolve against these dark creatures.

Witnessing Shax’s passion, Tang Qing reassured him, “Don’t worry, Shax. Good will always triumph over evil. I believe Commander Carter and Princess Lily are the ones who can change the fate of humanity. They will defeat these demons and restore peace to the people of Ireland.”

As they walked, Shax vented his frustrations and anger towards the vampire race and the Vampire Prince, while Tang Qing silently comforted him, cradling the quiet black cat.

Finally, before nightfall, Tang Qing returned to Castle Csejte. As the black cat fell to the ground, it transformed into the pale, bloodless-faced youth, Julian.

Earlier, he had seen the maid sneak out of the garden in a suspicious manner, having assumed she was frightened by Countess Bartory and about to flee the castle. To observe her escape route from the complex castle surroundings, Julian had transformed into a black cat.

In his weakened state, exposed to sunlight for too long while trying to catch up with her, he inadvertently fell into a poorly laid trap.

Unexpectedly, he witnessed the dramatic events unfold between Tang Qing and Shax.

“What is your purpose in coming to Castle Csejte?” Julian challenged Tang Qing coldly, his demeanour hinting at an impending storm.

The author mentioned that they took the name Sephiroth from a villain in Final Fantasy.

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