Chapter 619 - 619: Humility and Sacrifice

Chapter 619: Humility and Sacrifice

[TL: Asuka]

[PR: Ash]

It was a cave. A dark one without any light in it. The structure was like an archbridge measuring nearly 33 feet tall. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like willow branches, as if they would dance with the darkness.

A gust of wind screamed in the darkness, and a storm of debris flew. A crimson doorway in the shape of a whirlpool tore through the air. Two silhouettes leapt out of the doorway and fell to the gravelly ground. A sliver of light shone on them, illuminating their silhouettes. One had twin swords on his back, a viper head medallion billowing on his chest. His eyes were silver, and they gleamed brightly, piercing the darkness like a wolf staring through the air.

The other was a pale, gaunt man with a backpack around his back. He was in a black robe with numerous pockets sewn on it. The air around him smelled like herbs.

“Blood magic portals are a lot more stable than the ones sorcerers use.” Roy turned to the barber-surgeon, his eyes filled with praise. “Felt no vertigo or nausea at all. Why don’t we forge a partnership? You open up portals for the brotherhood, and we’ll pay you every time we use your services. Rare herbs or blood of rare monsters, you name the price.”

The offer tempted Regis for a moment, but he shook his head. “I can do this once in a while, but I’ll have to decline a long-term partnership.” He praised, “Your courage is admirable. You’re coming to the abode with me alone and disturbing the Unseen Elder’s slumber. Do you not fear death at all?” Vissit novelbin(.)c.om for updates

“If the god of vampires wishes to kill me, does it make any difference whether it’s one witcher or ten?” Roy kicked a piece of bone away and turned a corner.

“The only difference is you’ll die with your companions.”

“And the answer is no.”

Regis almost choked, and he was amused, his trepidation soothed a little. This was his first time seeing the Elder in fifty years. Every time he requested an audience, it was with great fear. The suppression coming from their bloodline crushed his resistance, and he was nothing more than dirt.

“To be honest, it would be a waste if a witcher like you dies.” Regis leapt down the 17-foot slope. The cave was already leaning downward.

“What kind of witcher?”

“Ancient coins. They’re hidden around the outer caves, but if you want to collect them, you’ll have to get rid of some unruly critters.”

***

A silver light flashed in the air. A crossbow bolt pierced the dark cave, hurtling toward the ceiling. A cloud of blood burst between the stalactite, and something gigantic fell with a sickening thud, its bones broken. The creature had a humanoid shape, but it had claws as tough as metal knives, and its maw had incisors. Its legs were turned back, just like a werewolf’s, and it had taut muscles. This creature was a killing machine, but brains, blood, and bones were spilling out of the center of its head.

The dying creature glared venomously at the silhouettes in the darkness. The silhouette disappeared, and a silver crescent moon sliced through the dark. The creature was cut, its head flying into the air. Blood spurted from its neck, and its body fell back.

‘Fleder killed. EXP +200. Level 15 Witcher (2300/18500).’

Roy flicked the blood off his weapon. He lamented this battle. Years ago, in the sewers of Vizima, he had to risk his life to kill a fleder, but now he could take one out easily. Once the monster was dead, Roy, out of habit, cut the corpse open like a master butcher. He skinned the fleder, taking its eyes, lungs, claws, and all useful parts of it.

Regis watched on in horror as Roy tucked the remains of the fleder into his inventory space. “Roy, you guys did that to Gruffyd’s body too?” Regis was the color of paper, and he did not look happy at all.

“Higher vampires make for valuable components. Can’t waste them.” Roy gave Regis a knowing look. Regis felt himself shudder. “But don’t worry. I do not attack my friends, so you’re safe.” Roy crouched and rummaged through the pile of bones. It didn’t take him long until he found a rough shell the size of a fingernail. A small half-portrait of a pale, gaunt man was etched on it. “Where did these coins come from?” Roy asked.

“When our species descended upon this land, humanity was still a backward community. Primitive. Some of them witnessed the Elder’s strength during his hunt. In awe of his power, they started spreading the Elder’s stories and treated him like he was a god. They engraved his portrait on their currency and even erected this abode for him, giving him livestock and humans as sacrifice from time to time,” Regis explained patiently.

“The Elder loathes being disturbed for no reason, but he enjoyed the respect and sacrifices the humans gave him. Ever since then, he reined his tribe’s members in and made it a law that his tribe’s members should not massacre humans. Alas, hundreds of years later, despite not being hunted by higher vampires, that tribe of humanity died. Natural disasters. Ever since then, the Elder’s name was no longer spread throughout human communities. Every time he slumbers, it will at least be ten years before he wakes.”

Regis paused for a moment. “You giving him the coin will remind him of this happy past. If he’s pleased, he’ll let you talk.”

Roy nodded. Curiously, he asked, “Doesn’t the Elder need to eat or drink? How does he slumber for a decade?”

“Do not try to limit the Elder’s powers. He is strong beyond imagination. The Elder absorbs the elemental particles from the air around him all the time. Chaos energy, so to speak. It’s a lot better than regular food. Still, every time he wakes, the Elder asks his men to bring him a mountain of game to relish the taste of blood and reminisce about his younger days. The corpses, drained of their blood, become fertile grounds for nekkers and lower vampires to breed in.”

“I see. All the older guys across all species love to reminisce about their past,” Roy said, his eyes twinkling. I bet he loves to reminisce about his old home. “Let’s find some more coins and please the Elder.”