"For now," Orion continued softly, "I’ll keep your blood within my crown, reserved as a special gift for your beloved leader."
The vampire general’s eyes widened in horror, realization dawning upon him too late. "You... what are you planning...?"
Orion simply smiled coldly, eyes gleaming mercilessly. "Hmm, I shall let you die as a curious ghost." His voice hung ominously in the air as his cold smile deepened.
Without another word, he lifted the Realm Guardian Sword gracefully, flames dancing serenely along its blade. The vampire general, on his knees, desperately tried to summon his remaining strength, attempting to rise, yet his battered body refused to obey.
"Wait—!" the vampire general shouted and gritted his teeth, eyes widening in sudden realization and fear. But Orion moved with ruthlessness.
In a fluid, elegant motion, the sword sliced effortlessly through the air, cleanly severing the vampire’s head from his shoulders.
For a split second, the vampire general’s expression froze, etched in horror and disbelief, before his head rolled away, landing softly onto the scorched ground. Dark blood spilled freely, staining the earth with the general’s ignoble demise.
Orion sheathed his blade calmly, exhaling softly as he looked at the now-lifeless body with indifference. A moment of silence filled the battlefield, the only sound the faint crackling of the lingering flames.
"Finally silenced," Orion murmured quietly, more to himself than anyone else.
Before the quiet could linger too long, a cheerful, excited voice chimed beside him, breaking the solemnity.
[Master!! You killed him so effortlessly! (≧ω≦)]
Lumi said energetically, her system screen form bouncing cheerfully in mid-air.
Orion chuckled softly, his eyes warming slightly as he glanced toward Lumi. "Yes, after my improvements, I can easily fight someone a level above me, at least among these bloodsuckers."
His gaze drifted thoughtfully toward the vampire general’s corpse. "But still, they are far stronger than even geniuses like my club members. I wonder what’s up with that."
His contemplation was abruptly cut short, senses suddenly tingling sharply. Orion’s head snapped upward, his eyes narrowing sharply as he felt multiple powerful presences rapidly approaching from the horizon.
Each aura radiated a familiar sinister energy, marked by that unmistakable bloodlust and darkness.
Orion calmly rose into the air, robes fluttering gently as he surveyed the approaching threats.
Within moments, shadowy figures burst from the horizon, swiftly closing the distance with astonishing speed.
One by one, nine vampire generals appeared, their scarlet eyes locked unerringly onto Orion, their expressions fierce and resolute.
***
Far away, seated comfortably upon his ornate throne within the massive, shadow-draped war chariot, Valerian observed the spatial storms surrounding the titanic celestial staff slowly dissipating.
His pale fingers tapped rhythmically upon the armrest, eyes reflecting quiet anticipation and intrigue.
Suddenly, Valerian’s serene expression shifted slightly, his crimson eyes glancing sharply toward a distant horizon. His lips curled slowly into a delighted, malevolent smile, sensing clearly what had just transpired.
"Oh? You defeated my general?" Valerian’s voice was soft, cultured, yet laced with a dangerous edge. "Good. Finally, someone worth my time here."
Raising one hand gracefully, he extended his senses outward, locating Orion’s presence clearly. With a subtle motion, he transmitted Orion’s exact location directly to the consciousnesses of his nine remaining generals.
"Bring him to me alive," Valerian commanded softly, his voice echoing in their minds. "Don’t fail me again."
Instantly, the generals responded, halting their futile global search and pivoting sharply in Orion’s direction.
Each one surged forward, powerful wings beating furiously, a collective storm of violent energies tearing across the sky toward their prey.
Valerian leaned back comfortably into his throne, the faint smile lingering as he softly murmured, "Let’s see how you fare now, little draconian. Don’t disappoint me."
***
One of the generals, a towering figure cloaked in dark armor, sneered disdainfully. "You may have defeated that useless bastard, but your luck ends here, human."
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