Chapter 331: Taming Master (2)

In the heart of the island, surrounded by stalactites, the figures of Axension and Hyacinth were visible within the cave.

“We’ve managed to enter smoothly. Completely unaware that this might be a trap,” Hyacinth muttered, a subtle twist appearing at the corner of his mouth as he gazed at the massive crystal orb at the center.

The greater the opponent’s misconception, the more profound their subsequent despair.

Hyacinth could hardly wait to see the anguished, contorted faces of Jinhyuk and the other humans.

“How should I kill them for the most thrilling experience? Perhaps making them desperately struggle to save each other, only to die helplessly while watching? Or maybe it’s better to slowly torture them to death, starting at their fingertips?”

The thought that he could finally kill Ellis once and for all sent a burning exhilaration through his body.

However,

“Everything is progressing too smoothly,” Axension murmured, hinting at discontent.

Although luring Jinhyuk and Ellis deeper was the desired outcome, the pace was problematic.

“Isn’t it good that things are going well? Why worry over nothing?”

“The god-beast Styliana and the dragon clan should have been holding that bastard back much more than they are now. If anything unexpected happens, we could delay them until the manifestation of the Sub Nigras. But now, the foundation of our plan might be at risk.”

Even if they failed, as long as they could withstand until the manifestation of the Sub Nigras, there would be no variables. Multiplying traps was always the original plan.

“You don’t think he’s somehow calculated this and is rushing on purpose? That would be a delusion of grandeur.”

“Perhaps. Maybe I’m being too cautious. But remember this well. Already two heads of households underestimated that human and lost their lives.”

Silence fell upon Hyacinth at Axension’s words.

Indeed, that was the case.

Amulam of Decasus and Abigail of Levistia, both had crafted their deadliest plans against Jinhyuk.

Yet all ended in failure, their houses now nothing but ash and dust, whirling in the void that remained.

“Don’t compare me with those idiots. Our family is of a different caliber. Besides, you, who smashed Ellis, are with us this time. Our forces alone are capable of waging war against even divine beings.”

It was at that moment Hyacinth clenched his fist when suddenly,

Footsteps echoed.

“Our great lords seem very worried.”

A new figure appeared within the cave, an elder in a black robe—the leader of the Mage Association, ‘Nietzsche’.

“You’re… that mage, aren’t you?”

Nietzsche began, “I was supposed to just watch from outside, but am I already forgotten? If it weren’t for Hastin’s request, I would have no reason to join you…”

Axension and Hyacinth scowled. Mages were a necessary evil, their mere presence distasteful.

But Nietzsche implored, “Do not see me as such a thorn in your side. Would I have come here without the qualifications to mingle?”

Following his words, the atmosphere shifted abruptly.

“You do know that the divine beings above are moving to find the crowns? As you are aware, the crown is a core relic that balances the tower. Of course, vampires especially require one of those, the ‘Unique Crown’ that symbolizes your people?”

Expressions changed immediately.

‘The Crown of Pure Blood’.

Among the seven crowns, it was known as the most pure and beautiful one, often referred to as the ‘Chalice of Beginning’s Blood’.

“How do you… know about that?”

“An ignorant human is aware of things he shouldn’t be…”

The atmosphere grew tense, the lords’ faces turning stone-cold with malice.

“Ugh…”

Mellena behind Nietzsche shivered, unable to bear the daunting pressure.

“Ah, I have no intention of touching upon the sore points of the vampire clans. But to acquire the Crown of Pure Blood, wouldn’t you, too, need some assistance?”

“Assistance? What kind of help could you possibly offer?”

“You may think of humans as mere insects, but remember… even insects have their own strength, as do I, aware of the crown’s existence and name.”

In terms of acquiring information, if the mages excel in anything over the tower’s inhabitants…

It is their relentless pursuit of tower-related intelligence through any means necessary.

“Speak. How did you obtain such knowledge? From those creatures of the demon realm?”

“Ah, would we so easily divulge our secrets?”

However, a dark purple sphere rose next to Nietzsche.

[Summoning the aforementioned water spirit of the ‘Forgotten Element’, Blackness!]

Traditionally, water spirits belong to one of the five basic elements: earth, fire, wind, water, and light.

Yet, the spirit now before them belonged to none, an entirely new entity.

“What are you exactly?”

Even Axension was taken aback this time.

Aware of the existence of the crown and now presented with the sixth spirit, hidden away tens of thousands of years ago, this was beyond their imaginations.

“If you cut ties with Hastin and deal with me instead, I could ensure the upper beings respect your boundaries. Of course, I’ll aid you in acquiring the crown as well.”

Nietzsche began to weave a new scheme.