Introductions were awkward, filled with nervous laughter and disbelief. The others were students from Japan, caught in the summoning spell by accident.
Alucard, however, sat back, quietly observing them.
Four from Earth. One from Hell.
The king gave them rooms in the palace, luxurious and well-guarded. Alucard, however, declined.
"I'll be leaving in the morning," he said.
Alexander nodded. "Then may your journey be safe, Hero Alucard."
The next day, at dawn, Alucard stood at the castle gates, cloaked in black, his long silver hair tied behind him. With only a sword at his hip and a smirk on his lips, he left without fanfare.
As he walked through the capital city, he noticed it immediately—
The tension.
Shops were closed. Citizens walked with their heads down. Guard patrols were doubled. Children didn't laugh in the streets.
War had drained the life out of the kingdom.
Smoke curled in the distance from burned-out villages. Rumors of demon attacks echoed through alleys and taverns. Even nobles rode in silence, expressions grim.
So this is what the humans look like under fear, Alucard thought. Not so different from the demons they hate.
A few miles outside the capital, in a ruined field littered with bones and scorched earth, Alucard stopped.
He felt it.
Killing intent.
A group of five demons approached—battle-scarred, armored, and armed.
"Human," one growled, mistaking him for prey.
"This road belongs to us. Leave your valuables and die quietly."
Alucard didn't even reach for his blade.
He simply looked up, his eyes glowing faintly crimson.
"You should choose your words more carefully."
One demon lunged.
A flash.
Blood sprayed across the grass as the demon dropped, eyes wide in death.
The others paused.
Alucard cracked his neck.
"Too weak. Send stronger ones."
The remaining demons fled in terror, recognizing the monstrous aura now radiating from him.
Word will spread. And that's fine. Let them come.
Wiping his blade clean, he resumed walking.
He was heading east, toward the demon territories.
Toward her.
The Demon Queen.