Two of the forces who could be considered the leading figures of the Dark Expanse were now actively moving, primely being The Grand Mage Edrusim and the Infernal Lords. There was another figure that stood at the peak of the Star Forging Realm similar to Edrusim who at this point in time was not actually rallying the numerous Vampyre Clans spread out in the Dark Expanse, but he was actually nearing the Verittas Fortress to confront the 9th Infernal Lord for the mystery of why he had the abilities of Ancient Vampyres, and find out exactly what the connection was!
Chapter 495 A Star Forging Expert Arrives
Noah's mountainous form had reduced as he floated in the void of space, his eyes overlooking the tens of thousands of bodies floating in a mess of bloody gore. The Harbingers were clustered around him as they sensed their Master's introspective look, Barbatos and Kazuhiko being the ones that could still bypass the aura that Noah released to be the ones actually conversing with him at this time.
"We've come a long way, little fish."
The fiery Barbatos had gradually become more and more docile over time, her gaze currently shaking incredulously as she observed their surroundings with sparkling eyes.
When she chose to betray her own kind and follow Noah, she had done it for her own selfish reasons of wanting to be free to do whatever she wanted, and she had thoroughly enjoyed her time since then to the point where she still could not believe it.
Traveling wondrous worlds and being a part of a unique one that was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Enjoying the ridiculously talented being's company and food, as well as achieve a realm of power that was out of her wildest imagination.
All of it was made possible by her decision to follow this single man, and now she floated in the void of space of the Dark Expanse, having just stood against a powerful being at an entire stage above her as she and those working with her achieved victory.
It was unbelievable, surreal, and most of all exciting!
Her wild heart was feeling calmer and calmer as she experienced so many things the past few months, her gaze towards the bloody void of space actually holding a tinge of happiness.
Behind her, the hidden face of Elena that was filled with wild fanaticism glanced at Noah, numerous thoughts crossing through her mind that only she knew! At this point in time, another voice resounded out to the right of Noah.
"I just want something at least similar to the abilities you have. Come on, what skill tree did you unlock that gives you chaining chaos lasers? Or the abilities in the Blood Lord skill tree, I should at least be able to get those? Right?"
Kazuhiko was looking at Noah in an imploring tone as he had observed the spectacular abilities he released to decimate the Celestials, wanting the same for himself as he also wanted to dominate the battlefield in such a way!
"Haha, I'll tell you the route I followed for Blood Lord, you should be able to reach it if you can raise your proficiency fast enough."
Noah laughed as he replied and stopped staring at the bloody expanse of space, looking at Kazuhiko and Barbatos as these were the few figures who could still converse with him with ease, reminding him that he still had those he could comfortably talk to and even joke around with!
He glanced at the rest of the Harbingers that were no doubt reveling in the victory as they counted their spoils of the battle, sending his thoughts across as he saw the forces of the Verittas Fortress look towards them.
"You guys head back to the Spiritual World first, I'll deal with everything else here."
The Harbingers ascertained his words as the numerous figures around him began to disappear one by one, where he was soon only left with the silent but sharpened Infernal Legion that floated powerfully in the expanse of space.
He sent a command for them to remain stationary as he went towards the figures of Commanding Mage Turner, the Dark Wizard Shanora, and the Royal Vampyre Rokku who was looking at him while constantly fidgeting.
These three World Rank experts had been cleaning up the battlefield while ascertaining the losses and taking care of the tens of thousands from the forces of the Prime Worlds that had surrendered, the fate of these beings that were not necessarily blameless in the war but could still be considered victims being treated in a very humane manner!
Some of them fully believed in the propaganda of the Celestials and came to the Dark Expanse with that purpose, others were skeptical and only came along because the Celestials oversaw the Light Expanse and could not really be told no when they gave a directive.
There would have to be clear distinctions in the future in how forces such as this would be handled, as those in the Dark Expanse could not just open themselves up to attacks or not defend themselves against those that didn't have the title of Celestials but still participated in the war nonetheless.
Noah had his own thoughts for the future as he glanced at the spread forces of crestfallen beings, the memories he had collected for those that died from the many Prime Worlds set aside to be used for something grand in the near future!
"I have to give you our heartfelt gratitude for helping us keep control of the Verittas Fortress and not allow the Celestials further into the Dark Expanse, O Infernal Lord."
Commanding Mage Turner had began speaking to him in a much more respectful tone than before as he neared, the other World Rank experts actually turning mute as they could not even bring themselves to address him!
Noah nodded towards them as his mission here was finished, where he would soon go back to report to the Infernal Realm. His gaze landed on the Royal Vampyre as he had an entirely separate train of thought about this being and the tens of thousands of Vampyres that still stood behind him, all of them having quizzical expressions as they looked towards him but neither of them bringing themselves to say anything.
Noah knew his display of abilities of the heavily advanced Blood Lord skill tree would catch the attention of the huge faction of Vampyres in the Dark Expanse, and he had done this intentionally as he waited to see if they would be provoked enough to move, his bloodline allowing him immense leeway when it came to Vampyres!
His red eyes turned to the Royal Vampyre Rokku as he decided he might as well begin with the Vampyres here, but at this moment, the aura of a powerful being began to descend onto the Verittas Fortress.
…!
The gazes of the World Rank experts moved as they looked up in shock, noticing a red streak of light barreling forth towards them as their bodies unconsciously moved their essence in case it was a new enemy, but they calmed down as they sensed the descending aura that felt more and more familiar.
RUMBLE!
It brought with it space rumbling majesty as the figure of aged but devilishly handsome Vampyre appeared in the void of space above the Verittas Fortress. Bright silver hair running down to his shoulders and shockingly red eyes that showed experience and age glanced around. His eyes were squinting as he locked them towards the tens of thousands of Vampyres, and then towards the being they were all wondering about!
OOOM!
His power wildly flew out as it announced grandly- the Star Forging Realm being, the Vampyre Ruler Vladivostok, had arrived!
Noah's eyes glanced at this being calmly as a rumbling voice rolled out from the aged face.
"I'll have to take some of your time to ascertain a few things, O 9th Infernal Lord."
…!
Chapter 496 Kneel!
The Grand Mage Edrusim had already stopped watching the feed of the Verittas Fortress as he continued to be increasingly busy, numerous communications reaching him as he sent back even more commands to start getting the forces of the Dark Expanse ready.
He was in the middle of glancing at an enormous Star Chart which outlined the numerous stars littering the Dark Expanse, observing how he could possibly move the forces and their distribution in order to withstand the coming legions of Celestials.
He was one of the key figures who had to work and communicate with the Infernal Lords, know the movements of
the clans of Vampyres, as well as manage the Mages and Wizards that were spread out across the Dark Expanse.
He was extremely busy after watching this first battle, and it was why his mood turned extremely sour when he received the news that in the Verittas Fortress where the battle had just wrapped up, the leading figure of Vampyres, Vladivostok, had appeared to confront the 9th Infernal Lord!
"You fool, you better not sow discord right at the cusp of a war!"
He uttered out as he also recalled the abilities he had observed from the Infernal Lord that seemed extremely similar to those from the Vampyre Clans, but he did not think they would be something major that would cause this being at the Star Forging Realm to move.
"Bah, watch things here, I'll be right back."
He sent a command to the Commanding Mages around him as his figure shimmered with the color of stars, disappearing from the Mage Tower as he also now went towards the Verittas Fortress, hoping that one of the leading figures of the Dark Expanse would not sour the relationships between the Infernal Lords!
---
The three World Rank experts from the Verittas Fortress looked towards the appearing Vampyre Ruler, Vladivostok, as their eyes opened wide in shock!
The peak Star Forging Realm being at the cusp of entering the ultimate realm in the Novus Galaxy had actually made himself appear in front of them, with his attention directed towards the brightly shining Infernal Lord.
They recalled the numerous skills that this fearsome being had displayed on the battlefield as they made some connections, watching to see exactly what hidden mysteries were about to unfold.
But they would not get a chance to, as they tensed while observing the Infernal Lord not send a single word of reply, his expression calm as if nothing had happened while he glanced at Vladivostok!
A trace of anger seemed to appear on the Star Forging being's face, but he tried not to show it as he had to first get to the bottom of why this Infernal Lord had the abilities of Ancient Vampyres.
Vladivostok glanced at Rokku who was standing by the side awkwardly, his face shaking at this behavior as he glanced at the other World Rank beings by the side watching on in anticipation. He waved his hands and cast forth a [Blood World] to make sure whatever mystery he was about to uncover remains hidden, the expanding bloody domain going on to cover him and the figure of the Infernal Lord who still had not made a single move or uttered any words!
OOOM!
Those in the surroundings watched as a Blood World fully encased the newly arriving ruler of Vampyres as well as the Infernal Lord, whatever anticipation for them finding out the mysteries shattered as their senses could not even penetrate to see what was happening within.
Inside the blood world, Vladivostok spoke once again, this time with a more firm tone as he recalled the levels of power between him and this Infernal Lord.
"I do not intend to cause any conflicts with the Infernals, and am only curious about the abilities that only our Ancestors knew that you have freely displayed. This is especially so because of your...unique Origin that I had to come."
His words were not looking down in any way as he knew the status of an Infernal Lord and what it signified, but he was still talking in manner of a senior talking to a junior because of their levels of power!
Noah glanced at this being at the Star Forging Realm as he actually adopted a light smile. This was because when he stared at this powerful being a rank above him...he actually felt not even an ounce of threat.
This was because his bloodline, his very origin- told him that this being was considered nothing more than another Vampyre in the eyes of the one holding the bloodline of the Progenitor!
One must recall that this was the Ruler overseeing the faction of Vampyres in the entirity of the Dark Expanse! This was a Star Forging Realm expert, someone that was a step away from the highest realm that anybody had achieved in the Novus Galaxy...
Noah glanced at the Vampyre that was the central figure of the numerous Vampyre Clans in the Dark Expanse as he spoke out calmly.
"You come in front of me and do not even acknowledge me, nor do you show the respect of a junior to their Senior. Are you looking to be stripped of all your power and strength?"
"...!"
Vladivostok had a startled expression as he heard ones he never expected, turning his head to the side as he wanted to confirm he heard correctly- his face gaining a trace of anger thereafter as he now spoke out while freely releasing his vibrant power.
"I have been nothing but polit-"
"Do not speak."
RUMBLE!
In the middle of his sentence, Vladivostok was cut off as he heard the words of the 9th Infernal Lord once more, but this time around, they actually held a tinge of authority...authority that actually caused his mouth to unconsciously close!
…!
His heart shook as at this moment as he wanted to speak, but he found he was unable to! At this instant, his mind moved at extremely high speeds as he was being guided towards a shocking and terrifying conclusion as his eyes dilated more and more while he looked at the figure of the 9th Infernal Lord.
To him, an aura had begun leaking out of the being in front of him, an aura that made his very origin shake as a thought arrived in his mind that told him the truth, but he still could not believe it as his mind felt like it was exploding!
Noah moved closer and closer to the Vampyre Ruler as he floated until he was just a few inches from his face, glancing towards him with cold eyes as he understood the bloodline system of the Vampyres was really absolute. This being with a rank higher than him, could actually not do a single thing to harm him! He glanced at the shaking eyes as he spoke out with a tone befitting the ruling figure of a certain race, causing the shock of Vladivostok to only increase thereafter.
"Kneel."
RUMBLE!
A simple word, a single command.
THUD!
Even though they were in the starry and dark void of space, the sound akin to someone's knees hitting the floor resounded as Vladivostok's body involuntarily kneeled, his thoughts finally being affirmed as the eyes of this Star Forging Being looked up towards the red glistening eyes of someone extremely special to the race of Vampyres!
"Kneel, and properly welcome your Progenitor."
…!
Chapter 497 A Master and Servan
Vladivostok finally felt his mouth having the ability to move again as he glanced up towards Noah with a shaking face holding an unbelievable expression within the wide Blood World the two of them were in. His silver hair danced wildly atop his aged head, his facial muscles nearly spasming at the shock.
"H-how...Ah!"
He uttered beneath his breath only for a second before his seasoned mind adapted and he looked back down, speaking out with a shaking voice that held a tinge of respect and fear!
"Thi- this lowly servant greets the Progenitor, and hopes you will grant me mercy of for my actions!"
The Star Forging Vampyre Ruler hurriedly blurted out words nobody would ever expect to hear him say to someone an entire realm above him, but as the Vampyre felt his bloodline begin to boil just because he was near this being, his disbelieving thoughts finally settled as he admitted to himself that somehow, unbelievably- this Infernal Lord in front of him actually held the Bloodline of the Progenitor, a being with the purest bloodline of his race!
He did not understand why or how, but he knew it to be so! He remained on the ground as his body shook, the shock and fear he felt gradually wiping away as it soon began to turn into a sense of...excitement.
"Rise. I'll take the time to discuss many things with you later, but if you have made your way here, so will others soon."
Noah glanced at this being that was going through one emotion to another as he spoke, Vladivostok rising as his disbelieving expression was completely wiped away, now looking at Noah with an expression of reverence as his mind finally felt like it was moving freely again and he understood the importance
of the Progenitor standing in front of him.
This was the Progenitor himself! His appearance here meant a great deal of things for Vampyres, as he was the singular leader of their race!
Vladivostok forgot all about his bearing of a Star Forging expert, of a being that had been overseeing the many Vampyre Clans in the Dark Expanse as he knew in front of the being with the purest bloodline, realms of power made no difference!
His heart did not feel any sense of weirdness or unwillingness the moment he affirmed the being in front of him really was the Progenitor, his tone even trying to be more servile as he spoke towards him.
"I had no idea of your coming, O Progenitor, but it can only mean for a grand future for all of us. My rash coming here will most likely cause someone like Edrusim to come by. What are your commands?"
A voice akin to that of a servant asking their master rang out, Noah glancing at this being as he felt the vibrant power of the Blood Progenitor grant him utter control of a being an entire realm above him.
He had many plans in mind on how he should move forward before the full scale war broke out, and he had a great deal of things to get done before then, but now he also had the Vampyres of the Dark Expanse on his plate! He thought of the skill trees to advance, the planets to connect to, and the numerous fantastic things like the upgrade of a world or worlds into a realm, his mind moving as he chose a certain point in time to fit the Vampyres as well!
"Gather the Vampyre Clans of the Dark Expanse, their leading figures, and their most powerful forces in a week and then send me the coordinates. At that time, I will descend to properly take a look at the powerful beings of my race that have only become a mere faction of the Dark Expanse."
The more he spoke, the more respectful and servile the Star Forging being in front of him became, his next words causing a reaction that confirmed Noah's choice to add the Vampyres of the Dark Expanse on his to do list even with all the things he had to do.
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