Salute To The General

After escaping from Malarnor, Max made his way to the vampires' headquarters.

Lux and the other vampire princes were sitting at a long conference table. They were sipping crimson blood elegantly while chatting happily.

When they saw Max appear in a disheveled state, however, their expressions changed.

Lux chuckled and was the first to pipe up teasingly, "Why, if it isn't Max, the fourteenth vampire prince who vowed to lead the rise of the vampires. What's going on? How did you get yourself into such a pathetic state? Don't tell me you were hunted down by humans." "Hahaha!"

The princes, including Vivien, laughed mockingly at Max.

Max looked livid.

The moment I turned into a vampire, I knew I wouldn't be able to hide it for long. However, I didn't think it'd get exposed so quickly. It happened so much sooner than I'd anticipated. Initially, I planned to use the summit to turn the Eight-Nation Alliance's representatives into my bondslaves. Then, I was going to let them return to turn more people into vampires until, eventually, even the bigwigs of their nations quietly became one of us. It'd be a complete takeover. When that time comes, I'd command my bondslaves to initiate several wars, wiping out most of the human race on those battlefields. By then, it'd be time for us vampires to rise up. We could take advantage of humankind's rapid decline as they're embroiled in the suffering of wars and disasters to gain power. Then, I would've accomplished my great mission. Alas, never in a million years did I expect someone would foil my plan right at the beginning, with the culprits being Nathan and the Curia. Moreover, after exposing my identity, there's no longer any place for me among the humans or in Ariarica. And as if that's not bad enough, I still have to endure my fellow vampires' ridicule even after I returned to this place, defeated and exhausted.

He spat out furiously, "You're all a bunch of good-for-nothing losers. No matter how pathetic I become, it's all for the sake of the vampires' grand plan. As for you, you're no different from rodents who're frightened of the light. You hide away in the darkness, drifting through life without purpose. May I ask what right have you to mock me?"

As soon as he said that, his words elicited ire from Lux and his fellow vampire princes.

Vivien even slammed her palm on the table. "You're the one who messed things up, so why don't you go and scream at the Curia or Nathan Cross if you dare? Don't come crawling to us and put on an act. In terms of seniority, we're all of a higher rank than you. You've no business behaving with such insolence in front of us."

"I don't have any respect for you lot," Max replied, his gaze cold.

Lux's expression darkened immediately. "How dare you! It looks like we'll need to teach you a lesson today."

No sooner had he said that than he prepared to attack Max personally.

At that moment, however, the crisp, clear sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from outside. Everyone turned around and saw Lyanna, the Patriarch's maid, approaching them at an unhurried pace.

She turned to Lux impassively and said, "Max is right. Those of you

the have no right to c

who

belongs to en.kikistie

who does the

Lux and the rest were stunned and angry.

Then, she immediately added, "That's what the Patriarch said, not me."

"The Patriarch is awake?" Lux asked in surprise.

"The last time the Patriarch met with

Max, he gave Max a drop of

ancestral blood so that he could use it to save his life at a crucial moment. When Nathan killed the clone formed from that drop of blood, the Patriarch awakened from his deep slumber," she explained.

Lux and the others bowed their heads

our

was

son and said guiltily

that the Patriarch's slumber disrupted."

Looking at Max, Lyanna said, "Follow me. The Patriarch specifically asked to meet with you."

"Of course," he replied hurriedly.