Chapter 225 Enigma Of Crimson

In the Vampire Lands, located in the far North of the Elnira Kingdom, and in the far West of the Vulcan Kingdom, the assembly of the Vampire Lords — an event that would only happen every twenty years or if there was an emergency situation — was moved forward from the first of February to the sixteenth of January, which was the same day when the Elven Queen, Amara Veridi-yelah Elnira, together with the allies, the Dwarven King, and Artorious Hall, had given the missions to the most trusted companions in the upcoming war.

These missions could be divided into two categories: Commanding and Initiating. The former was about the high-ranking Elves, the Obelisk Organization, and the Dwarven King's loyal subordinates ordering those who were under them to be prepared for various missions to be assigned to each of them. On the other hand, the latter referred to a handful group of individuals, including the members of the Umbra Mercenary, that would do a preemptive strike, such as eliminating the Vampire Soldiers that were camping within less than five hundred meters of the Northern, Western, and Southern parts of the outskirts of the Elnira Kingdom. Although the Vampire Lands' geographical location could be in the far North, it didn't mean that they weren't spread out, monitoring the Elnira Kingdom.

With the orders of the Vampire Lords, these became allowed to be strategically operated since, according to the tradition of the Vampire Race, they weren't able to leave their lands without the permission of a Vampire Lord, who possessed authority under his rule, which was granted by the Crimson Goddess.

***

"We humbly welcome the honorable Vampire Lords of the twelve clans!"

The voice of a Vampire Elder, a sole adviser that possessed historical wisdom far greater than every existing Vampire Lord, reverberated throughout the grand hall of the decentralized Royal Palace located at the capital of the Vampire Lands, Crimson Valley.

This place, located in the center of the Vampire Lands, was considered sacred and decentralized and could only be ruled by the Vampire Elder because, just like the other races, especially the Human Race, the vampires possessed a sole religion dedicated to the Crimson Goddess.

Unless the Apostle of Crimson came into existence after the Crimson Princesses were all chosen and existed in the present time at the same time, the authority of the church would only be wielded by the Vampire Elder.

"May the Crimson Goddess bless us-!"

"For the Crimson, Bearer of Origin Blood!"

"For the Crimson, Bearer of the Origin Blood!"

The massive grand hall of the cathedral seemed to shake at the voices of the noteworthy vampires currently present on this occasion.

Almirah, one of the Crimson Princesses, constricted her ruby eyes at the sight and heard the seemingly fanatical chant for the Crimson Goddess.

'I shouldn't have come with my father, and just prayed in my room.'

***

Almirah scrutinized her surroundings amidst the deafening noise and saw the grotesque architecture of the majestic cathedral dedicated to the progenitor of the Vampire Race.

Hanging on the ceiling was a bloody and delicate art of the previous wars that transpired before the astronomical event, Emergence, happened. Apart from that, on the darkened windows of the cathedral, there were several heads hanging, but these heads were pale and had long ears—the most important physical characteristic of an Elf.

These heads were considered collected souvenirs after the seemingly unending wars.

Furthermore, unlike the pews that could be normally seen within a church, the interior was redesigned for this event as if everyone was attending a ball that's mostly the societal deeds of the human nobles to make a connection.

Circular tables dedicated to each Vampire Lord and their subordinates were situated on either the left or right side, while there was a crimson carpet in the middle where they sauntered on with the demeanor of a lord.

Sitting in one of the intricate chairs located on the far left, Almirah, the Young Princess of a certain Vampire Clan, just watched the spectacle since it would be impolite to ditch this event.

'Also, I already said yes to my father. I can't get back on my word.'

***

The assembly of the Vampire Lords, or the Council of the Crimson Blood, began with the words of the sole Vampire Elder.

"... In the name of our Goddess, the Everlasting Ruby, whose blood shines through the earth, the assembly of the Lords, under the authority bestowed by Her, shall commence!"

The shouts from earlier became more extreme as everyone felt exhilarated at this event.

After some time, standing in front of every guest, including the Vampire Lords on their respective seats, together with their respective subordinates or relatives, the Vampire Elder spoke.

"We will begin the Tale of the Ancient War: Crimson and Viridi, ruby, and emerald—the history and reason of our Goddess' wrath against the Elven Goddess."

Every conference such as this was divided into four sub-events:

Firstly, the Tale of the Ancient War, which would be projected through the sole unholy book created by the Crimson Goddess that told the brief yet infinitely important history between Her and the Elven Goddess. This would also remind every vampire witness at this place of what they were fighting for because, although they were long-lived species like the Elves, 40 years was enough to put out the fire in their hearts. In other words, if they weren't reminded of their unconditional purpose, circumstances such as deserting were likely to transpire. This was the case for Tanya Drusilla's parents, who were former Vampire Nobles, but was punished by stripping their rights because they grew warm and started to question the will of the Crimson Goddess, which also caused their daughter to be sent to the human territory to act as a spy.

Secondly, after the Tale of the Ancient War, there was the prayer that every tongue should mutter. This prayer was termed the 'Red Moon Call' and was led by the Vampire Elder and the Twelve Vampire Lords. It was believed that the Crimson Goddess would regain her original power to unseal the genuine Frozen Thorns used by the Elven Goddess that entrapped her after she was caught off-guard because of a certain 'betrayal.'

Then, third to last, there's the formal discussion of the Vampire Lords regarding the plans for the upcoming war that they usually initiate, which was to be expected by their opponents any time soon, especially when the 40-year mark was reached. This kind of discussion, during the hundreds of years of war, was known as Blood Rebirth, since the main purpose, superficially, of the seemingly unending war was to free the Crimson Goddess from the hands of the Elven Goddess.

Lastly, after the formal discussion and formulation of the plans, it was time for the Feast of Nature. This event was similar to the normal ending event of a ball, at least in human culture, however, during this time, every vampire present would then drink the preserved blood of the Elves collected in previous wars, along with the words of gratitude to the Crimson Goddess.

These four events — the Tale of the Ancient War, Red Moon Call, Blood Rebirth, and Feast of Nature — were recurring parts of the Vampire Race's history.

***

"...In our Goddess' name, I deeply hope that the purpose of our existence is only for Her.

"Everything… everything is for the freedom of our Goddess that's sealed by the vile Elven Goddess!

"It is only for Her and for Her alone!

"May the Crimson Goddess guide and bless us from Her seal!"

The fanatical Vampire Elder shouted zealously, and all alike clapped and shouted praises and longing for the emancipation of their Goddess. Due to the unholy pressure exerted by their presence, an average human would instantly explode upon entering an area that's at least a hundred meters away from this event.

After some time, as the floating historical records projected the scene of the ancient past, the Vampire Elder then continued:

"We will now begin the Red Moon Call. Please, guide everyone that's under your rule. Oh, honorable Vampire Lords!"

Everyone stood up from their seats, and one after another, the Vampire Lords spoke with conviction, their crimson eyes seemingly tethered to the floating unholy book that emanated an ancient atmosphere.

***

"In my name, as the twelfth lord, Duradel Vlad Salem of the Rainfire Clan, dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"In my name, as the eleventh lord, Killian Vlad Salem of the Disruption Clan, dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"In my name, as the tenth lord, Dregan Vlad Salem of the Bloodcalm Clan, dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"In my name, as the ninth lord, … dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"In my name, as the eighth lord, Karim Vlad Salem of the Bloodmist Clan, dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"...Crimson Sky Clan, dedicates my life and soul to our Goddess!"

"...Blood Earth Clan..."

"...Hell Blood Clan..."

"...Sea Blood Clan"

"...Scorching Crimson Clan..."

"...Vlad Clan..."

"...Salem Clan..."

Every Vampire Lord's name had the suffix 'Vlad Salem' on their names, which removed their former surname as an act of devotion to the Crimson Goddess. According to historical records and traditions, the 'Vlad Salem' was attached as a symbol or reminder of their status and grand purpose.

After some time, as the words of devotion escaped the mouths of every Vampire Lord, the unholy book that was floating in front of them, screened in everyone's crimson eyes, emanated a deep, thick crimson aura. A few seconds later, this formed a certain facial structure as the dignified and cold voice of a woman echoed throughout the cathedral.

"Oh, my children. Your devotion is deeply heard.

"My soul echoed and is now filled.

"I will bless you all with your loving dedication.

"Please, harm, and eliminate, especially the puny Elves closely related to the World Tree, in my name!

"For my constraints will be broken, and the Vampire Race will ascend to new heights!

After those words, the enigma of the Crimson Goddess continued, but this time, her words weren't understood by everyone.

"XX-"

Then, with those incomprehensible words, the extreme crimson aura died down, rather, everyone in the room gained the blessing and the authority to spread it to those who weren't present at the moment.

***

"Praise the Crimson!"

"Praise the Crimson!"

A few seconds after the subtle image of the Crimson Goddess dissipated, Almirah, who was also kneeling, felt chills run down her spine.

She never expected that such a thing would happen because, as one of the Crimson Princess, she never attended such an event before.

When the number of the Crimson Princesses was yet to be completed, they were tasked to recite a prayer alone to one-way communication with the Crimson Goddess because, based on the words of the unholy book passed unto them, this act of devotion would help the Crimson Goddess in a way that's not specifically written.

Glancing around, Almirah saw other vampires crying with their hearts out because of the few-second presence of their Goddess.

However, for some reason, her mind was adrift and thought of the person... A human, she wanted to befriend.

She couldn't understand, and she felt like it was a bad decision to come to this place.

'...What's happening to me...'

***

After the Tale of the Ancient War and the Red Moon Call, the Blood Rebirth then proceeded as planned.

Looking at the table of the eighth lord, Karim Vlad Salem, the other lords' expressions contained incredulity and simply disbelief.

"...A branch separated from the World Tree?"

One of the Vampire Lords muttered, and Karim only responded with a nod before he continued:

"I will handle that certain territory of the humans based on the information brought back by the spies we have sent.

"This will aid our Goddess and our entire race greatly!"

"That is indeed the case, but how certain is that information?"

One of the Vampire Lords inquired, which was then answered by Karim.

"...I can not ascertain that, but... in my name, Karim Vlad Salem, trusts that information fully and will execute my role in freeing the seal of our Goddess."

The Vampire Lords didn't say any more upon hearing his conviction because a Vampire Lord's words that used his name on the line were never to be taken lightly.