Chapter 14: Breaths of War

Licht (calmly): Everyone’s assembled… we can begin now.

Y walks in with measured steps, sits, and surveys the room.

Y: Tell me… what happened?

Lara (breathing slowly): Three days ago — specifically after Ash left on that mission — a man appeared…

She pauses, then paints the picture:

A tall man, his features those of forgotten nobility from an ancient age. His skin was as pale as moonlight, and his deep red eyes glowed in the dark like motionless embers. His white hair, soft and somewhat long, fell behind his shoulders like a curtain of silk that carries the echoes of old wars.

He wore a long black coat embroidered with silver thread at the sleeves, and a crimson scarf draped about his neck like congealed blood. In his right hand he held a long iron staff whose head was carved with intricate patterns resembling dragon fangs.

Each of his steps was quiet… yet charged with an uncanny awe, as if something ancient had just awakened. His smile was thin, without warmth — a hidden mockery, as if the whole world were a small toy in his hands.

Y (cutting in, cold): …he looks like Dracula.

Lara (continuing): L went out to speak with him; I watched from the window but couldn’t hear what they said. Then King, Lyona and Diona arrived.

King (folding his arms): It’s impossible not to sense him, but L said he wasn’t there to fight, so I held back.

(he adds, in a sterner tone) L asked that he be able to contact you from the royal palace — so she consented.

Ash (looking at Y): When I returned from the mission, L had already left the kingdom.

Y: What about you, Licht?

Licht: I received a message telling me to come to Mond quickly.

Y (thinking): Who sent the message?

All eyes turn to Lyona.

Y (confirming): So your presence was an additional support… in case something happened.

Lyona (nodding): Correct. As I said before, I can see auras.

An aura reflects a person’s feelings: anger, honesty, deceit… and even their strength. And so far, that man — Dracula — is the strongest aura I have seen.

Diona (anxiously): I felt a great danger. Every sense of mine was on edge.

King (serious): Indeed. Engaging him in combat would mean inevitable injuries. That much is certain.

Licht (firm): I understand the situation. I’m here solely to protect the kingdom in case of emergency.

Lyona: And that’s what we all agree on.

Y (in a calm voice): As expected from you, Lyona.

(he pauses, then asks) Do you think I have any chance of defeating him?

King: Yes… but be prepared for the consequences.

Lyona (frank): To be honest, your chance does not exceed thirty percent… even after the evolution of your weapon.

Y (with a faint smile): I didn’t expect you to notice that.

Lyona: Your weapon has developed an aura of its own — it’s undeniable.

Y: So I have only one shot.

He breathes deeply, then continues:

Y: I want to consult with you about something.

All eyes turn toward him.

Y: I want to increase my weapon’s power. L said I would lose if I fought him before the weapon’s evolution completed. Now my weapon is presenting me with new options… and I want to exploit them properly.

Licht (reaching into his pocket and tossing something to Y): Then you should ask Fria.

Y takes the small device and inspects it.

Y: What is this?

Licht: A communication device made by Fria. Put it to your ear and you can talk to her directly.

Y places the device to his ear. Suddenly a familiar voice comes through.

Fria: Licht? Is something wrong?

Y (interjecting): It’s Y. I borrowed the device from Licht to speak with you.

Fria (in a serious tone): It must be important. Tell me… what’s the story?

Y (in a steady voice): The story begins like this…

Fria (thoughtful): I see… there is a way to increase your power. But it requires deep understanding and careful planning.

Y (leaning forward): And what is it?

Fria: Conditions.

Y (surprised): Conditions? … I’ve read about them in the writings I found when I first arrived in this world.

Fria: The idea is simple, but the execution is extremely difficult. Any condition you set will bind to you forever. Yes, it will increase your strength — sometimes even refine how you wield magic — but in return, you must follow it to the letter. It cannot be altered or undone. The more conditions you impose, the harder it becomes to activate… and the heavier the consequences.

Y (thinking aloud): Wait… are conditions tied only to magic?

Fria: Yes. You cannot form one without it. But don’t worry — even you can set a condition.

Y (with a faint smile): So even with my weak magic, I can still do it. That’s good.

(directly) What if I gave all of my magic to the weapon?

Fria (gazing firmly): That is the path most suited to you.

Licht (agreeing): I second that. Transferring all your magic to the weapon will noticeably boost its strength.

Ash (practical): But Y doesn’t rely on magic in battle. Even if he sacrifices it, what will actually change?

Y (lowering his voice): My magic is weak… I doubt sacrificing it will make much difference.

Fria (with a confident smile): Oh, it will. Imagine Dansleif, with his immense magic, sacrificing one hundred percent. The result would be the same as if you sacrificed one hundred percent.

Y (startled): The same result?

Fria: The system measures in percentages, not raw quantity. A full sacrifice of your essence equals a full sacrifice of another’s. The true difference comes from how the condition is crafted — and how wisely it’s used.

Fria (serenely): But know this… abandoning magic is unheard of here. Everyone relies on it. To relinquish it entirely… that, in itself, is a harsh penalty.

Licht (serious): There are indeed people who use conditions, but they keep them secret. Knowing an opponent’s condition gives you a terrifying advantage.

King (cutting in): Exactly. Imagine fighting someone who suddenly starts explaining his magic — that explanation might be the condition required for activation. If he casts it without meeting that condition… the punishment could be death itself.

Y (remembering): I’ve noticed something in my weapon. When I take repeated magical damage, it releases a powerful magical strike. Is that a condition?

Fria (nodding): Exactly. Your weapon stores magical energy from successive hits, then releases it in a burst when the condition is met.

Ash (recalling): That explains what happened against Dansleif… the meteor charged the weapon, and the strike was unleashed once the condition was fulfilled.

Lyona (curious): Then does that mean Diona has a condition for her magic as well?

Diona (surprised): Me? I don’t remember ever setting one.

Licht: Logical… but still possible.

Y (with a sly smile): Interesting…

Y (finally asks): If I transfer my magic into the weapon, how much stronger will it become?

Fria: It can’t be measured by a fixed number. The increase might be ten percent, or fifty — it depends on the condition itself. For you… the increase would be considerable.

Y (nodding): That makes sense. But how exactly is a condition activated?

Fria: It’s a spiritual act… only between you and yourself.

⸻

Y (rising slowly): That’s why… I need to see Dracula with my own eyes. Only then can I form a plan.

(he pauses, then continues) I know the battle will be brutal. I’ve read about conditions since I came to this world. I even used the technique against Dansleif… but all it managed was a single wound.

Ash (cautious): Conditions are a double-edged blade. They can make you stronger… but they will shackle you just as firmly.

Y (resolute): That’s exactly why… I’ll sacrifice all of my magic, when the time comes. If that’s the only way to become stronger, then so be it. I’ll take the risk.

(turns to Ash) By the way… where is the Vampire Kingdom located?

Ash: I know the way… but a massive barrier protects the region.

Y: Lara, can you head to Margaret’s tavern?

Lara: That’s fine.

Y: Let’s go, Ash.

Ash shifts into her fox form, leaps onto Y’s shoulder, and he darts forward toward the decennial boundary that surrounds the Vampire Kingdom.

Licht (murmuring as he watches Y disappear into the distance): He’s grown stronger…

Lara: Lyona, I’ll head to the tavern.

Diona: I’ll come with you.

King: Let’s all go.

Another Journey Begins — Inside a Carriage

The carriage rattled along the dirt road, silence hanging heavy for a while before it was broken by Kyōjirō’s voice.

Kyōjirō: So… what is your goal, Garb?

Garb lifted his gaze toward the horizon through the carriage window, his voice deep and steady.

Garb: I want to find my old friends… and learn what became of them after all these years.

His hand clenched into a fist as he added:

Garb: That is why we’re heading to the Kingdom of Rokara.

Kyōjirō (thoughtfully): Then your true destination… is the Ancient Library.

Garb (nodding slowly): Yes. That is my goal.

Kyōjirō fell silent for a moment before asking in a more personal tone:

Kyōjirō: And what about your daughter?

Garb (with a faint, weighted smile): Don’t worry… she’s in safe hands.

⸻

In Another Carriage — A Plan to Entice the Huntress Queen

On the other side of the road, another carriage advanced steadily. Inside, Kaguya fixed her gaze on King Ragnar before speaking with firm seriousness.

Kaguya: So, who will be our target?

(she leaned forward slightly) This plan of training someone from Rokara… it can’t be random, can it?

Ragnar (with composure): Correct. Our target is a girl named Lunaria. Her magic allows her to forge blades and command them.

Kaguya (remembering): Milena had an interest in her, didn’t she?

Ragnar: Yes. Because of her swordsmanship. But her magic’s nature has always been her downfall — she repeatedly lost to opponents weaker than herself.

Kaguya (thinking aloud): I see… she’s a fitting choice. But how do we train her to overcome that flaw?

Aris (cutting in coldly): We’ll think about that later.

Kaguya (with a faint smile): You’re right. There’s no guarantee the plan will succeed from the very start anyway.

In Mond — The Main Street

While King, Lara, and Diona walked ahead, a quiet conversation unfolded in the back between Licht and Leona.

Licht: I have a question for you, Leona.

Leona (turning toward him): What is it?

Licht: It’s about the message… why didn’t you choose Anna?

Leona (calmly): Right now, everyone is busy pursuing multiple objectives, and there aren’t many people available. The main reason I chose you is because of the opponent… Dracula. Choosing Anna might make her uneasy, especially since she couldn’t accompany Y this time.

Licht (focused): So my being here isn’t just to protect the kingdom, but also to ensure Ash can go with Y, isn’t it?

Leona (smiling): Exactly. Ash was determined to go… you can consider that the main reason.

Before he could continue, King stopped and spoke:

King: We’ve arrived at the restaurant.

⸻

They all entered and sat around a wooden table. A waiter approached, placing a dish in front of them.

King: But we haven’t ordered anything yet.

Waiter (smiling): It’s a new dish… we’d like to hear your feedback.

Lara stared at the plate for a moment, then tasted a bite. Suddenly, surprise flickered across her face. She stood up and walked straight into the kitchen, where she found herself face to face with Margaret.

Margaret (cautiously): Who are you?

King stepped in behind her, reassuring:

King: This is Lara… she’s like an older sister to Y.

Lara (looking directly into Margaret’s eyes): This food… Y taught you how to make it, didn’t he?

Margaret (sighing): Yes. It was part of an arrangement.

Lara: And did he teach you any other dishes?

Margaret: He did. (shows her a small list)

Lara (smiling confidently): Just as I thought… let me help you cook.

Margaret (firmly): Are you sure? I won’t go easy on you.

Lara: No need to. I expect you to keep up with me.

And so they began cooking together as everyone else watched from a distance.

Leona observed with a faint smile, but then noticed a faint aura in the corner of the restaurant.

Leona (quietly): There’s someone in the corner.

Diona (moving closer): Are they cloaked? (then whispering) Yes… they are.

From the shadows, Liz emerged.

Liz: You too… you can sense auras?

Leona: I can see them.

Diona: And I can hear your breathing.

Liz (startled): What…?

Leona (with a subtle smile): Seems you’re special… you must have spoken with Y before.

Liz (cautious): You… know Y?

Leona: He’s my uncle.

Diona: And my brother.

Liz (bewildered): I don’t understand anything anymore…

Leona (seriously): Anyway, would you like to join us? We need someone like you.

Liz: And why should I join you?

Leona: Because three days ago, you were there… watching Dracula. You didn’t run — you chose to see for yourself despite the massive difference in strength.

Liz fell silent, and Leona continued with a smile:

Leona: Y has a strange ability to recognize people using only his senses. In this restaurant, for example… you, the owner, and even that waitress — all of you are strong. My job in the guild is to evaluate new members by sensing their auras. Y, on the other hand, relies only on his senses… and he’s never once been wrong.

Liz (whispering): Why me?

Leona: The real question… why not you?

She went on:

Leona: You’re exceptional at hiding and controlling your aura — that’s rare. But what sets you apart even more… is your courage.

Leona: I’ll make you an offer. Join Y for one mission. After that, decide for yourself.

Liz (hesitant): I don’t think that answers my question.

Leona: You’ll find the answer only with Y. I just evaluate people.

Leona turned to Margaret:

Leona: What do you think?

Margaret: This girl… she’s very much like Y.

Lara (smiling): You’re right.

Margaret (calmly): But the important thing is how Liz herself feels.

Margaret stepped closer to Liz and said:

Margaret: The choice is yours. Choose wisely… so you don’t regret it later.

After a long silence, Liz spoke firmly:

Liz: I’ll join… but on my conditions. First: I do as I please. Second: I’m not obliged to take on any mission. Third: the guild must visit this restaurant once a week.

Leona (with calm resolve): Agreed… but on our conditions as well. First: no betrayal. Second: complete your missions precisely. Third: we want you to become a Huntress.

Liz: A Huntress…?

Leona: By the way, there’s no leader in our guild.

Liz: What about Y?

Leona: You can consider him the leader… but he always refuses to lead.

Leona (with a small smile): Anyway… welcome to the team.

Y dashed forward, Ash transformed into a small fox clinging tightly to his shoulder.

The wind lashed against their faces, and the road unfurled beneath their feet like a stream of endless night.

Ash (cautiously): Do you have a plan if a fight breaks out?

Y (half-smiling, half-serious): I have a plan… of sorts. But I can’t rely on it completely. We’re facing a strong opponent.

Y (after a pause, thinking aloud): Leona, King, and L all confirmed how difficult it would be to defeat him; the battle will be hard on us. I have an idea, but carrying it out is complicated… and there’s no guarantee of success.

Ash: What is it?

Y (whispering): In a single moment, I’ll activate all the conditions and use the dwarves’ technique to pierce his defenses… but that depends heavily on the kind of opponent we face.

Ash: So we need to deceive him somehow, right?

Y (smiling firmly): You’re starting to understand me. Place your hands on every blade — I’ll use your magic to mislead him, and I’ll borrow your fire.

Ash: My weapon’s ready. All I need to do is avoid using fire magic for the time being.

Y: Exactly. If the battle starts, I’ll channel your magic to make him believe it’s mine.

Ash (straightening, eager): Very well. We’ll be there soon.

⸻

Castle of the Vampire Clan

The grand hall resembled an ancient tribunal: black columns stretching high into a ceiling studded with glimmering fragments, shadows slicing through the air in heavy silence.

On the throne sat a man of commanding presence. Before him stood L, her composure unwavering, her silence carrying the weight of defiance.

Man on the throne (coldly): L, you know the importance of your role in the coming battle. We expect your cooperation.

L (calmly): All I want is time… to speak with Y.

From the side came a voice dripping with mockery:

Scornful voice: Leaving the clan has made you weak… you’ve become a servant to a mere human.

L’s lips curved into a frigid smile, merciless and sharp:

L: Even so… I could crush you with ease.

Fury flared in the man on the throne, but before the tension could ignite further, a deep, resonant voice thundered through the hall:

Commanding voice: I want no quarrels before the war — is that understood?

The voice continued, firm and absolute:

Commanding voice: Everyone, prepare yourselves. That is all.

The decree was issued, and the gathering receded like shadows returning to their posts, each preparing for the war to come.

⸻

L left the hall and climbed to a high rooftop in the heart of the clan. There she sat, gazing at the moon, as though reading secret messages within its light.

From behind her came a voice:

Voice: I never knew you loved the moon, L.

She turned with a faint smile:

L: A little secret. I’m glad to see you, Lyn.

Lyn (smiling back): And I, you… sister.

They stood together in quiet companionship, a delicate silence stretching between them — a silence heavy with the weight of the war ahead, and of secrets too fragile to be spoken aloud.