Everyone is buzzing about the blood moon fruits, and their excitement is palpable for some inexplicable reason. I recently learned about these mysterious fruits from my mother. They possess the incredible ability to accelerate the evolution of vampires by absorbing their essence.

Motivated by my desire to achieve the coveted vampire lord status before the tournament, I have set my sights on absorbing the essence of these fruits. However, with the unexpected arrival of the tournament, my main concern now lies in cultivating their power within a mere three days.

Suddenly, Edward interrupts once again, his commanding voice capturing everyone's attention.

"Since the ceremonial proceedings have been postponed until after the tournament, we have one more matter to address before we leave. Firstly, the king's awakening from his Slumber has been commanded by his own decree. Secondly, I shall report every detail of the events transpiring here to the king, holding nothing back." Edward's declaration echoes through the hall.

Upon hearing his words, a collective unease spreads among the gathered attendees. Audible gulps can be heard, except from a select few vampire lords who remain composed. Bryce, among them, shows no signs of apprehension.

After the announcement, people rise from their seats and exit the hall in silence. Edward's words seem to have left a bitter taste in their mouths.

Currently, I find myself seated in the same car as my mother and Zamira. Surprisingly, Zamira insisted that both Mom and I join her in her vehicle—a request that momentarily perplexes my mother. As we comply with Zamira's wishes, Stella and Carter, who were absent during the ceremony, suddenly appear and join Zagrath in another car.

Our car moves at a leisurely pace, guided by its precise autopilot system, which excels at maneuvering in tight spaces.

For about two minutes, uninterrupted silence fills the car. Judging by Zamira's expression, it's clear that she has much to say but struggles to find a starting point. Likewise, my mother diverts her gaze to the side, looking out the window without making eye contact with Zamira, who sits beside her.

Sigh... These two seem hesitant to engage in conversation. I wonder how my mother will react when she discovers the truth about Zamira and me, hehehe.

But before that, let's break this silence and encourage some discussion.

"Was everything that happened today expected?" I ask softly, leaning my head against the plush headrest of the car.

My question raises eyebrows from the women. To them, it seems rather obvious, but it serves as an ideal icebreaker.

"Who could have anticipated such an occurrence? It seems that I have become soft lately, or perhaps our family's influence has diminished?" Zamira murmurs, concern coloring her expression.

"I don't think it's the latter. The bitter truth may be that we are no longer feared as we once were. A vampire lord had warned me about the potential exploitation of the tournament by other vampire lords before the King's awakening." My mother interjects, catching Zamira's attention.

"Which vampire lord was that? They are all deceitful creatures," Zamira replies, her face contorting with disgust.

"Lord Gale. He attended Jake's wedding alongside Norris," my mother responds.

"Ah... That depraved man..." Zamira mutters, repulsion evident on her features.

"He told me that Norris is also against us. He instigated the rebellion. That despicable swine! I trusted him!" my mother exclaims.

"I don't trust any of those vampires. They are all hypocrites. Each one of them is only after power and personal gain," Zamira mutters, her index finger resting on her chin as she ponders something.

"Jake, the warlock you mentioned, where did you meet him?" Zamira asks, curiosity coloring her tone, while my mother's interest is also piqued by the question.

"I encountered him somewhere... Although he wasn't as formidable when I first met him, I could sense the dread emanating from him, even as a noble vampire myself," I explain to the women.

"I have a bad feeling about that guy. He's a notorious assassin, responsible for countless killings. Rumor has it he has taken numerous lives across different planets. My father despises him passionately because he tarnished the reputation of our kind. Though, in recent years, his horrific tales have faded from people's memories," Zamira remarks, appearing somewhat perplexed.

"Do you think you can defeat him?" Mom suddenly interjects, causing Zamira's stoic demeanor to raise an eyebrow.I think you should take a look at historical

"It's a simple question. I can easily overpower him. However, that man must have some wicked and treacherous tricks up his sleeve," Zamira responds.

"Ah... Jake, what do you suggest we do?" Mom asks, turning her gaze toward me.

"Well... It's quite straightforward. Most elite assassins carry a lethal array of poisons that quickly incapacitate their victims' nerve cells. I don't believe Zero is an exception. Moreover, engaging him directly could be dangerous, as we're unaware of the blood powers he possesses. However, there is one person capable of countering all his attacks," I say, a smile gradually forming on my face.

"And who might that be?" Mom and Zamira inquire simultaneously.

"That person is none other than myself..."

"Ah... I'm not entirely comfortable with this idea," Mom admits, her expression betraying her concern.

"Me neither," Zamira adds.

"To ensure our victory without a doubt, I need your assistance, Zamira," I declare, my smile widening.

"And what would that be?" Zamira asks suspiciously, scrutinizing me.

"Blood moon fruits..."

?andasnovel·?om "..."

"..."

"..."

"B-Blood moon fruits! I need those blood moon fruits from my garden. I want to harness their power and transcend my current state," Zamira stammers, her voice tinged with determination.

"But it sounds like a rather painful endeavor," Mom chimes in, her worry evident once again.

Upon hearing Zamira's words, I chuckle softly.

"From what I understand, the warlock stage represents the pinnacle of vampire evolution. Consequently, the blood moon fruits won't be of any help to you anymore. You can only surpass your current state by becoming a god slayer," I explain to a bemused Zamira.

"Y-You mean I can reach the same level as your father without further evolution?" Zamira questions, her words punctuated by a slight stutter.

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