Chapter 146: A City of Vampires

Chapter 146: Chapter 146: A City of Vampires

Ronan continued his journey after recovering from his injuries.

The battle against the Eight-Star King Realm demon had taught him an important lesson. Although his numerous traits gave him an advantage over most creatures of the same realm, there were still monsters whose natural strength could overwhelm him.

He couldn’t afford to underestimate his opponents simply because they were only one or two stars above him.

Fortunately, his injuries had mostly healed, and his Essence had recovered sufficiently for him to continue exploring the Abyss.

As he moved through the wilderness, he occasionally encountered groups of demons and ghouls. However, he no longer wasted his time killing creatures that couldn’t provide useful traits.

His targets had become more specific.

He needed powerful creatures, preferably those with unusual abilities that could complement his existing traits.

Unfortunately, such creatures weren’t always easy to find.

The Abyss was enormous, and although its wilderness was filled with monsters, finding a suitable target sometimes required traveling for hours.

Ronan was beginning to grow impatient when he noticed something unusual in the distance.

He stopped on a rocky hill and looked toward the horizon.

At first, he thought he was looking at another collection of ancient ruins. Several enormous towers rose above the distant landscape, their dark silhouettes visible even through the thick crimson mist.

However, the longer he observed them, the more he realized that they weren’t ruins.

There were walls and behind them were numerous buildings arranged in an orderly manner, extending across a vast stretch of land.

And beyond the enormous gates, countless figures moved about.

Ronan’s eyes narrowed.

"A city?"

He had expected to encounter settlements eventually, especially after learning that vampires possessed considerably more intelligence than ordinary ghouls and low-level demons.

Still, seeing an actual city in the Abyss was different from merely imagining one.

He activated Predator’s Perception and examined the distant structures more carefully.

The city was enormous.

Its outer walls stretched for several kilometers, reinforced with dark stone and strange metallic structures. Several watchtowers stood at regular intervals, while large formations covered parts of the walls.

Beyond them were countless buildings, ranging from ordinary-looking residences to enormous mansions and imposing castles.

The streets were crowded with vampires.

Some walked in groups, others rode strange creatures, and a few traveled in carriages pulled by beasts that Ronan had never seen before.

There were even shops.

Actual shops selling weapons, armor, and other items.

Ronan stared at the scene for several seconds.

’So the vampires have developed civilization to this extent.’

He had already suspected that the Abyss contained more than mindless monsters and scattered hunting parties. Now, he had finally found evidence of just how organized some of its inhabitants were.

And this was only a city near the border.

He couldn’t help wondering what the deeper regions looked like.

However, he quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

Exploration could wait.

For now, the city presented him with a much more interesting opportunity.

Vampires.

Thousands of them, possibly even more.

Ronan smiled.

"This place might be exactly what I need."

---

He didn’t approach the city immediately.

Instead, he remained on the hill, observing its movements from a distance.

He could sense several powerful auras within the walls, but one stood far above the others.

The aura belonged to a vampire residing somewhere near the center of the city.

Peak King Realm.

Ronan’s expression became serious.

That was no ordinary opponent.

A Peak King Realm vampire was far stronger than the Seventh-Star King Realm beings he had encountered recently. Even if Ronan possessed superior physical attributes and numerous traits, fighting such an opponent directly would be extremely dangerous.

He wasn’t interested in testing his luck.

At least, not yet.

’The ruler of this city must be that vampire.’

Ronan continued observing the city, paying particular attention to the movements of the guards and the vampires who entered and left through the gates.

The city had several entrances, but the main gate appeared to be the most heavily guarded. Powerful vampires patrolled the walls, and the formations covering the gates seemed capable of detecting intruders.

Breaking into the city would be possible, but it would also attract unnecessary attention.

Ronan had no intention of announcing his arrival before he understood what he was dealing with.

Instead, he decided to begin with the vampires who left the city.

They would provide him with information, and if they possessed useful traits, he could obtain those as well.

It was a simple plan.

And, more importantly, it didn’t require him to confront the Peak King Realm ruler immediately.

---

His first target appeared less than an hour later.

A group of five vampires emerged through a smaller gate on the eastern side of the city. They were accompanied by several demonic beasts carrying supplies, and from their movements, Ronan suspected they were heading toward the wilderness to gather resources.

He followed them from a distance.

The vampires traveled for several kilometers before entering a forest.

Only after they had moved away from the city’s watchtowers did Ronan make his move.

He appeared in front of them.

The vampires immediately stopped.

Their leader, a tall man with dark hair, narrowed his crimson eyes.

"Who are you?"

Ronan smiled.

"Someone with a few questions."

The vampire frowned.

"Do you know who we are?"

"Not particularly."

The man’s expression darkened.

"You’re courting death!"

He raised his hand, and the other vampires immediately spread out.

Their auras erupted as they prepared to attack.

Ronan sighed.

He had hoped they would be more cooperative.

The first vampire rushed toward him, swinging a curved blade at his neck.

Ronan caught the weapon between two fingers.

The vampire’s eyes widened.

Before he could react, Ronan twisted his wrist and struck him in the chest.

The impact sent the vampire flying into a tree.

The others charged simultaneously.

Ronan moved among them, avoiding their attacks while delivering precise blows. One vampire was thrown against a boulder, another had his weapon shattered, and a third was knocked unconscious before he could even complete his attack.

Within moments, the fight was over.

Only their leader remained conscious.

The man stared at Ronan with undisguised fear.

"What... what are you?"

Ronan crouched before him.

"That’s not important. I have some questions about the city."

The vampire swallowed.

Ronan smiled faintly.

"And I’d appreciate it if you answered them honestly."

---

Several minutes later, Ronan had learned quite a bit.

The city was known as Bloodfall City.

It was one of the major vampire settlements near the outer regions of the Abyss, and its ruler was a Vampire Lord who had occupied the Peak King Realm for many years.

The ruler’s name was Varkos.

According to the vampire, Varkos had established his authority through strength, crushing rival groups and forcing the surrounding vampire settlements to acknowledge his rule.

Under his leadership, Bloodfall City had grown considerably, attracting vampires from distant territories.

The city also possessed an extensive network of scouts and patrols, allowing its ruler to maintain control over the surrounding wilderness.

Ronan listened carefully before he asked.

"How many powerful vampires are inside the city?"

The captive hesitated.

Ronan’s smile disappeared.

"Do I need to ask twice?".., Ronan eyes glowed as his aura pressed down on the vampire.

The vampire hurriedly answered.

"There are several King Realm vampires serving the lord! Some command the guards, while others manage the city’s territories. I don’t know their exact strength, but they’re all powerful!"

Ronan nodded.

That was useful information.

He asked about the city’s layout next.

The vampire explained that Bloodfall City was divided into several districts. The outer district contained markets, residences, and facilities used by ordinary vampires. The inner district housed the more powerful families, military barracks, and important institutions.

At the center stood the lord’s castle.

The castle was protected by powerful formations and guarded by Varkos’s strongest subordinates.

There were also underground passages connecting several parts of the city, although the vampire claimed he had never entered them.

Ronan memorized everything.

He asked about the city’s defenses, the patrol schedules, and the locations where vampires gathered in large numbers.

The information gradually painted a clearer picture.

Bloodfall City wasn’t simply a settlement filled with vampires.

It was a well-organized territory ruled by a powerful individual, with a military structure and defenses that made a direct assault extremely risky.

Ronan finally stood.

"Good. You’ve been helpful."

Relief flashed across the vampire’s face.

"Then you’ll let me go?"

Ronan tilted his head.

"Did I say that?"

The vampire’s expression froze.

A moment later, Ronan ended his life.

He wasn’t interested in leaving witnesses who could report his presence to the city. After absorbing the vampire’s blood, he examined the other corpses, but none provided a trait worth acquiring.

Still, the information alone had made the encounter worthwhile.

Ronan looked toward Bloodfall City.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"So, Varkos... a Peak King Realm Vampire Lord."

He wasn’t planning to challenge the undead immediately.

Instead, he intended to learn more about the city, understand its defenses, and discover the best way to deal with its ruler.

Ideally, he would capture Varkos alive.

A Peak King Realm vampire who ruled a major city in the Abyss would possess far more information than an ordinary vampire hunting party.

And Ronan had something very specific he wanted to know.He needed to find Selvara.

He needed to discover where she had gone after escaping their battle, how much influence she possessed, and whether she had already begun gathering reinforcements.

Varkos might know the answers.

Of course, there was also the possibility that he and Selvara were allies.

If that were the case, things would become considerably more troublesome.

Ronan wasn’t particularly worried about the possibility, but he wasn’t going to ignore it either.

He returned his gaze to the city.

For the next few hours, he remained hidden near the outskirts, observing the gates and studying the movements of the patrols. Whenever an isolated group of vampires left the city, he followed them, gathering whatever information he could.

He didn’t attack every group.

Some were too powerful, while others traveled too close to the city walls. There was no reason to risk exposing himself unnecessarily.

He was patient after all, Bloodfall City wasn’t going anywhere and neither was its ruler.

As the crimson sky gradually darkened, Ronan finally retreated to a secluded cave several kilometers from the city.

He sat down and reviewed everything he had learned.

A city with thousands of vampires.

Several powerful King Realm subordinates.

A Peak King Realm ruler.

And a possible source of information about Selvara.

Ronan couldn’t help smiling.

’I’ve found myself a rather interesting target.’

He leaned against the cold stone wall and closed his eyes.

Tomorrow, he would continue his investigation.