The start of their journey was truly difficult for all three. Wounds in their souls and lingering obsessions still clung to them, but now, at least, they had a common path forward.
Not because they shared the same purpose. Not because they completely trusted each other.
But simply because they needed each other to survive.
Three individuals met in this place, as if by predetermined fate.
Outside the dilapidated grand hall of the Solar Order headquarters, the faint light from the remaining magical lamps illuminated two figures intently studying a map spread out on a stone table.
John and Jack—each pointing, debating the route they were about to embark on.
In a corner of the room, Mira casually munched on a chicken leg. She seemed to have recovered faster than normal, despite her severe blood loss not long ago. Something about her appeared different—but no one mentioned it for now.
John pointed at the map, his voice slow:
"Jack, see here? This is the fortress city where we stand. A remnant of Ashengrave."
Jack frowned, nodding:
"Ashengrave… the name sounds as bleak as this era."
John offered a faint smile:
"Don't lose hope yet. This world—its name is Aetherion. A sacred name, passed down through generations. Once a green planet brimming with magic and life… now only blood and perpetual red clouds shroud the sky."
He pulled up his sleeve to wipe dust off the map, revealing continental boundaries—a tear dividing vast lands.
"The continent of Aetherion is divided into twelve great kingdoms. All are now under the control of the Vampire Empire. Specifically:"
Noxvalen – The central capital of the Vampire Empire
Crimsonveil ,Ashengrave,Duskar,Ebonreach,Velmora,Gravenhold,Vermillonis,Nightwither,Obliviscaris,Bleakhaven,Thornshade,
John took a deep breath and continued:
"To reach The Mountain – rumored to be where the last sunlight still exists – we will have to cross at least four kingdoms: Ashengrave, Duskar, Ebonreach, and Nightwither."
"The distance? About 2,500 kilometers… under the absolute control of the Empire."
Mira's voice cut through the solemn atmosphere.
"What?! Two thousand five hundred kilometers??"
She nearly choked on her chicken, coughing violently. "Are you kidding me? I'll probably turn into a vampire before we get there!"
Jack also frowned, his hand clenching into a fist.
"That far? How long will it take us?"
John nodded, as if he had calculated it beforehand.
"If everything goes smoothly—which I'm sure it won't—we'll need at least three months. Three months of continuous travel, facing dead lands, Vampires, and even other living humans."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Mira cast a worried glance at John.
"And there's another problem…" John said, his voice lowering. "Silverium."
His eyes flicked to Mira—who had just escaped death, but couldn't escape the curse in her blood.
"Currently, we only have one vial of Silverium. Mira will need a dose every two days to prevent the transformation. If we miss even one beat, her soul will vanish."
Jack bit his lip, guilt weighing like a stone in his chest.
"That can't happen… Is there anywhere nearby that sells Silverium?"
John nodded faintly, a thin glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"According to your account, the nearby black market—where noble Vampires used to buy Silverium to keep their slaves—is our first objective."
"If we're lucky, we'll find more Silverium. If not…"
He left the sentence hanging. But they all understood the outcome.
Jack gripped the Last Light sword, his eyes blazing.
"Then what are we waiting for… let's go!"
He looked at John with eagerness. However, John slowly shook his head, his eyes seeming to hold something unsaid.
"Hold on. Before we go… you two, follow me."
His voice was deep and firm, carrying the weight of someone who had witnessed too much loss.
Jack and Mira exchanged glances, then without another word, quietly followed him.
The trio walked through the main hall of the Solar Order headquarters, their footsteps echoing in the vast, cold space.
They ventured deeper into another corridor, where there was another silver door—smaller than the grand gate at the entrance, but still exuding a solemn majesty. John stopped, his gaze contemplative as he looked at the sun emblem carved on the door. He placed his trembling hand on the symbol and chanted:
"Silver makes you die, the Sun makes you burn."
A dry "Click" echoed. A faint golden light spread from the sun emblem, then the mechanical gears inside the door began to whir, emitting heavy, ancient sounds.
The silver door slowly creaked open, revealing thick darkness within.
John lit an old oil lamp, casting its dim light into the room.
The scene unfolded before them…
A vast storeroom—ancient, covered in cobwebs and a thick layer of dust. But beneath the dust, gleaming suits of armor, swords, bows, shields… all were still preserved in sturdy glass cases, steadfastly resisting the ravages of time.
John raised the oil lamp high, hanging it on a hook in the center of the ceiling. Warm golden light flared, illuminating the entire room, revealing hundreds of neatly arranged weapon and equipment trays, so organized it was as if the hunters had only just left yesterday.
He smiled, his voice echoing through the room:
"Welcome to the armory, you two. We can't go far empty-handed, can we?"
Mira almost squealed, her eyes sparkling like a child stepping into a candy store for the first time.
"Wow… this is amazing!!"
Unable to contain herself, she pranced among the weapon racks, constantly peeking, admiring each item like a newly unearthed treasure.
It seemed that the recent trauma and obsessions had temporarily receded—making way for the excitement befitting her 18 years. Jack simply stood still, subtly glancing at Last Light resting on his back.
He chuckled softly:
"I think I already have my weapon… this thing chose me, so I guess I'll leave the armory to you two."
He scratched his head, his voice a little awkward but also full of pride.
John cast a sharp, stern glance at Jack, his brows furrowed. Meanwhile, Mira was still absorbed in her selection, completely oblivious.
"This fool…" John muttered.
He crossed his arms, his eyes serious as he looked directly at Jack:
"Are you planning to swing that sword around everywhere? I told you—the fewer who know about Last Light, the better."
"The last situation was unavoidable. If it's exposed again, the entire Empire will know about you, not just Vampires."
John sighed, his eyes reflecting genuine worry.
"Not to mention the Elite Vampire attire you're wearing is far too conspicuous. Wandering around out there like that is no different than putting up a 'Here I am, come get me' sign in a black market. Remember, Jack—we let one escape, and I firmly believe he won't let it go."
Jack scratched his head, forcing a smile, then involuntarily stopped smiling as he felt the seriousness in John's words.
The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy. What would happen next?