I took one last look at the army in front of us, and then turned my attention back to Melusin. I mean, she feels like a master now, and although she is physically weak, it's hard to say.

"They trapped you too?"

"It's hard to believe, isn't it?" They managed to kill Harold. I heard him scream, and then part of the house was about to fall on top of me. ”

"I just...... How?" How did it turn out like this?"

"You're still so young. You think the Order of the Phoenix is nothing more than a nuisance. On the Old World, they kill someone every ten years or so. We cull them, but they always come back. Always. What you see on the outside is the elite of this generation. They may have been hunting down the Order, they had captured us, and now you're you. ”

"How is that possible?" How did they know we were here?"

"They probably didn't expect you to come. They recently withdrew after a failed assault on the workshop, probably in order to regroup before the final blow was delivered. They took their bodies. I think they must be glad that their trap caught another prey. As for knowing your arrival, you may cross the road as we did. It only takes one Scout to warn them of our arrival, and they have a lot of people willing to take on this role. It's my fault for being arrogant. Carelessness. And now ......"

Melusi

E took a deep breath and trembled. I remember it helped relieve the feeling of choking. For a while.

"We thought there were three vampire families present, and they didn't dare approach the city. They're fanatical, but they're not stupid. They must have thought they could get away with it, and when Mrs. Moore was gone, circumstances proved them right. ”

She clutched her sternum and hissed in pain. If we go to war now, she's basically useless.

If I let her live.

"What happened to Lambert?" Should he go after you?"

I pressed her neck until my claws pulled her blood out. Her breathing quickened, and she closed her eyes to cope with the pain.

"I ask questions."

“Yes…”

"We're in an interesting situation right now. I could kill you, and the people who came with me wouldn't know. Or, you can make my time worthwhile, and I might be persuaded to make some effort to make sure you get through this ordeal in a form that doesn't fit into a funeral vase. ”

"I ...... I want revenge. I don't want to die just yet. What are your thoughts?"

I've been thinking about something that will help me in the long run, and I believe I found it. Melusi

E listened to my three conditions, and finally laughed cruelly.

"Yes, I guess that's enough. This is what everyone deserves. Very good, I agree. I have to admit that I was expecting you to ask me to do something discrediting. ”

"Not everyone likes to see our opponents crawling under our feet like poor worms."

She stared.

"Well, I'd love to see my opponents crawl at my feet like pathetic worms, too, but since you still have access to resources, and because you're one of the most cunning, vicious, and vengeful monsters I've ever encountered, I think I should at least try not to give you an undue reason for revenge."

"That's what it sounds like. Don't worry, you bastard Nelari idiot. Of the people I want to flay alive, you can't even get into the top five. ”

"Good."

Our armistice has been reached, I drag that filthy and depraved prostitute up, and then we calmly return to the knight. The first condition is that she will let me drink her blood when she recovers, and I need to ask for this more often if I want to be strong enough against the most powerful lords. Second, she will help me on the battlefield, once, at a moment of my choosing. The last item is for the hearing to be approved by the House of Representatives.

I have no doubt that I will be acquitted, so I don't need any help to try my hooligans, but the hearing will be held a little later and Jimena has made it clear that the Lancasters are a cunning bunch. Even if they don't take me back, they can still claim compensation for my losses, which is not something I want to waste my time on.

We walked through the streets at a calm pace, without trying to hide. The workshop where the remnants of the cabal are hidden is out of sight anyway, and the Order has blocked the only way out of the fire, content to let us be roasted. There was almost no wind, so it took a while for the flames to reach us, but the air was already filled with smoke and, more disturbingly, the smell of barbecue. When we moved, I thought. We need a plan to get out. This command blocked the only access where they would shoot and pray at those who approached. Even the Cavaliers would have had a hard time breaking through this perfect layout. In fact, I'm sure Aisha would have died if we tried. We'll have to find a way to offset that.

As we passed her tree, Ximena jumped off. Her expression was melancholy, and when she saw the person I was holding was limping away, her expression didn't improve.

"I was surprised."

"You didn't expect me to do it, did you?" Melusin asked in a hoarse voice.

"I thought you would escape the clutches of the mage, but I didn't expect you to be struck down by my own sister's wrath."

Melusin's eyes widened. What Ximena has just done is frankly admit our relationship. It's a sign of support, even though it comes at a political cost to doing so, and that makes me truly happy. Ah, Jime

a。 You're so stupid. In a lovely way.

"We made an agreement." I reassured her.

"Really?" In any case, I have completed the reconnaissance of the workshop, although now it is clearly irrelevant. ”

"Isn't it?" I want to know.

Well.

It's doable.

"Now, we should go back to other people. Time is short. ”

"Yes, forget the dawn, and in two hours we will be reduced to ashes."

Jimena and I dragged the slut along to find the squad where we left off. Anatoly seems to be preoccupied, which shows how serious the situation is.

"Ah, you're finally here. Who are you? He asked, pointing to the frail vampire among us.

"A survivor," Jimena replied, "from the Lancastrian forces." Nothing else. ”

Melusi

e No objection. She stared into the distance, sometimes taking a deep breath.

"I see. I'll save the question for later, now we have an emergency. I'm changing the parameters of this mission here. We will break through the army of the Knights and retreat back to New Orleans, where we will find shelter. ”

"So, what are you going to do?" I asked curiously. Anatoly frowned, then remembered that my safety was his responsibility, and it was useless to keep me in the dark.

"We have a well-developed strategy to attack the entrenched forces of order."

"Let me guess: no?"

If eyes could kill, I'd be lying on the ground right now. Anatoly did his best to keep himself under control.

He retorted, "Not everyone will turn around and flee at the first sign of danger, and if necessary, the squad will use their speed and terrain to attack and force the other side to react." Harassing them because they waste bullets on our fleeting forms. As long as we don't get cornered, victory will be ours. ”

Aisha couldn't live anymore. I probably won't either.

"So, your plan is to attack head-on?" That sounds ...... It's stupid. ”

"Girl, unless you have a better idea, let's go now, while the smoke still covers us." Anato's reply in a contemptuous tone.

"Actually, I have a better idea."

Everyone stopped moving. I don't think anyone can stand still like a vampire. Now everyone who comes in has to take a moment to realize that we are not statues.

"So...... So what is that?" Anatoly asked regretfully. Yes, stupid, you shouldn't have given me such a chance.

"Truce with the White Order."

Melusin's breath knotted in her chest, and I looked at her, but she didn't even lift her head. I remember the terrible feeling of emptiness I felt after Dalton's death, which I could only alleviate by consuming half a village's essence, which only Devourers could do. I'm sure she didn't complain. I think this little horn has a spine after all, but it's a pity that it doesn't connect the heart to the brain.

Anatoly almost breathed a sigh of relief.

"I thought you'd surprise me. That's enough, let's go. ”

Hold.

Anatoly's eyes widened in surprise as he realized it was Aisha who was talking. Even Alec's balding stone face showed a look of surprise.

"The price of our attempt is small......" she continued in a timid voice.

"I will not tolerate disobedience. I said, let's go. ”

"She was right," Alec added.

I really like to see the class leader look cramped and uneasy. Mutiny! How interesting.

"Obstacles are tools, enemies are weapons," added the cold axeman. It sounds like he's quoting something.

Anatoly seems to be thinking about it. We can convey a lot of meaning through our body language when we want to. Alaric is neutral at the moment, but Aisha, Alec and Jimena all have their arms crossed, which is a clear sign of disapproval. I'm neutral. I don't want to waste my chance to keep my promise on stabbing that bastard. After a brief period of thought, he confessed.

"Very well, you can go and negotiate terms with them, but Shimena will guarantee your safety. Remember, for every minute you waste, the fire spreads and our window of opportunity shortens. ”

I nodded and left the room, followed by Himena. To my surprise, Aisha followed me.

"Wait! I have what you want. ”

What do I ask? Oh! My weapons!

"Here you go," she declared proudly, handing me the dagger.

Dagger.

"Hmph, Elsa, what about the rest?"

"I just took your vampire sword!"

"Isn't it a rifle?" You know, the kind of thing that would allow me to go on a rampage at the Knights and take out their leaders? Weaken their ranks? The gun?"

“But…”

"What's that toothpick for, isn't it?" She said the real vampire blade. Bold!"

"I'm sorry...... Does this mean ......"

The proud knight looked very depressed. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is indeed an elite group.

"It doesn't make sense," I replied, "I'll do it, as usual." ”

I turned around, and my sister and I walked towards the fortified workshop. A dagger. I swear... It's not a big deal that it's time to implement the next phase of my plan, try diplomacy. First, I need information.

"Can you tell me where the Order is hiding?"

"Everything except the walls has a lot of protection, although most of it is rushed work. The entry points are the windows, the office entrance, the carriage entrance, and the basement. There are shutters and fences on the windows, and the office and wagon doors are in front of the workshop, so the entrance is not blocked. The cellar door was the most heavily guarded and was made of steel. There are no shortcuts to get in, and I suspect they'll shoot as soon as they see you. ”

"Is it possible that they will survive the fire?"

"Nope. Even if the workshop is not made of wood, it is not the flames themselves that kill mortals, but the smoke. They will suffocate before their retreat is set on fire. ”

"Hmm. Take me to the cellar. I might be able to get through. ”

The workshop is rectangular. The door to the cellar is at the back, opposite the other two entrances. The road is covered with piles of crates and other cluttered debris. I suspect the workers are just throwing things out there that they don't use. Their carelessness is a favor because we can go undetected.

Shimena pointed to the door, which was a double steel door that leaned almost horizontally against the wall. There was a thin line that wasn't completely closed, and from this line I could hear painful and muffled whispers. Under the smoke, I smelled a little fresh and old blood. I understand now.

"They buried the wounded in the ground. If they are occupied, they may plan to flee there. ”

"It was funny, but it didn't help. What are you going to do?"

I can feel the wards here. There is an alarm, but most often they increase the durability of the substrate. It can only be blown through by a direct hit by a cannon. However, it has a significant weakness. The space between the two doors was narrow, but not so thin that my claws couldn't get in. I bet they forgot to reinforce the rebar.

"Of course, knock politely."

I grabbed each piece of glass, got down on my knees, and snorted, combining the power of Herald with my essence for extra power.

A month ago, I couldn't have bent steel easily.

A month ago, I wasn't a master.

With a terrible sound of metal torture, the staircase leading downstairs opened. At the bottom of them, a man with a bandage on his arm suddenly woke up and stared at me in bewilderment. I walked down calmly, Gimena stayed behind just in case. Soon, I found myself in a spacious room with a stone floor.

There were a dozen people lying there, all of them wounded. Most of them were men, with gray-haired veterans and burly young men, I think he wanted to grow a beard. There are also women. A grandmother-like hand holding a stump, and a girl with curly black hair and a lump the size of a quail egg on her head. They all stared at me intently, their expressions ranging from disbelief to pure fear.

There was only one person standing, a young woman with teary eyes and white hair tucked tightly under a nurse's hat. She slowly held up a trembling hand wearing a mage's gauntlet. Before things change, I raise my hands to indicate that they are empty, which is a general gesture of peace. The absence of weapons does not mean that we are harmless.

"My name is Ariane. I would like to talk to your leaders and propose a truce. ”

No one moved, and I understood why the nurse's eyes looked like liquid. When she opened her mouth, large tears flowed down her eyes.

“Bwaaaaahahahaaaaaaa……”

She began to cry. Her face turned red, and snot dripped down her nose. Her still raised hand shook but didn't put it down.

She cried like a fountain all the time.

It just can't stop

Most of the wounded are now awake, looking at each other and the crying nurses, overwhelmed.

And cried.

It's a bit embarrassing.

The door opened, and a mage walked down the stairs.

"Sora Aoi? Is something wrong?"

He froze as soon as he saw me.

"For Christ's sake, Jebidiah, not you. Go back and call Jonathan and the dog, Ariana wants to talk to you," said a gray-haired veteran impatiently.

Jebediah opened and closed his mouth a few times like a stranded fish, then turned around and mechanically climbed up. Moments later, climbing footsteps and sirens echoed throughout the building. The upstairs door suddenly opened, and two men walked in.

The first was panting, holding a gauntlet and a large cavalry saber in his hands. He wears a more elaborate white uniform than the others and has a thunderous expression. He had a long gray beard and a serious expression, and he looked like an old general in battle.

The second figure walked in very calmly and without fear, though not carelessly. His familiar dark eyes immediately saw the situation.

I'll admit I was surprised. When he was in Marquette and wanted to up, I knew his name was Bradley. He was a member of the Order at the time. It's so convenient for a mortal to be able to change allegiances so easily. His heartbeat is the only one stable here. He must have guessed that it was me by name. There are so few of us, it's impossible to have another vampire Ariane.

Still, now that I think about it, if there is, I'll have to find her and convince her that I'm the most a-of them all

ia

ist.

As soon as the old man saw the nurse who was still sobbing, he rushed down the stairs like an angry bull.

"I swear, if you hurt her......" he began.

Threaten me?

"If I hurt her, then what?" I hissed softly, completely releasing my aura. About half of the wounded were mages, who trembled in the face of the onslaught of the North Pole. Even the old man's footsteps staggered. As fast as I show it, I pull my presence back until it's fully integrated into my heart.

I'm very clear.

The nurse collapsed to the ground, and the other wounded dragged her aside. Weak people. No, she's a therapist. They have a purpose of their own and should be respected.

"I'm here to discuss a truce and a temporary alliance," I said.

"Why should I believe what you say, monster," replied their leader, who was still furious though I rebuked him.

"You should," Bradley said.

All attention turned to him. Normally, I'm good at figuring out leaders and influencers in the crowd, but in this case, Bradley's low-key presence misled me. Everyone else looked at him with respect, almost in awe. I didn't expect that. Let's see if we can take advantage of this.

"What do you mean by that, Jonathan? The old man asked.

"I've seen her before. Despite our hostility, she kept her word. ”

"You survived the battle against the vampires?" A young mage asked in admiration.

"I tried to trap her, but failed. She grabbed me. ”

Hearing these words, everyone in the room stared at him with renewed fear and respect. Obviously, it is useless to pierce their wards in a matter of seconds with trickery and expertise, but this scoundrel says a word, and I am censored? Typical.

"She let me go because I amused her. She kept her word. I'm sure we can trust her," he continued calmly. I remember saying the same thing when we were negotiating. Is the person showing any emotion? I don't know who I have to pity him, his enemy or his lover.

The crowd nodded, and even the old man went from anger to contemplation.

"Well, I'd like to hear your advice."

"First of all, I propose a truce between our two factions for a week."

"Done. What's next?"

It was better than I expected. Then the next step should be easy.

"I propose to create a temporary coalition to face a common threat."

"Aligned with you?" Never! He spat in anger again.

I screwed up, didn't I?

"Wait a minute," said a woman's voice in the room, which was silent. The one who spoke was the old woman who was missing a hand. She stood up from where she had comforted the red-eyed nurse she had been holding. Her skin was pale and there were deep pockets under her eyes, but her voice was firm and her expression was cold and resolute.

"Sigismund Abelard Kurich, please say a word. Privately. ”

What is the full name of treatment? Someone is in trouble.

"Woman, did you choose the right time?" Sigismund Abrad Kurridge, visibly nervous, asked.

"Don't force me to say it a second time."

The gloves are off. The proud warrior leaned over to his mate, and they talked in a low voice. I could hear them very clearly. This is a long-standing debate. On the one hand, "Can we trust them?" and "I won't die and won't get caught working with vampires". On the other hand, we have "All the kids will die of your stubbornness, you pig-headed fool" and "One more hour and you'll be caught dead, all right." "We have no choice." I let them continue the argument, turning my attention to the former Gabriel.

Does Gabriel have that word? Anyway, right now.

"So, Bradley ......"

"My name is Jonathan now."

"Jonathan. Is this your new identity?" I asked amusefully.

"In fact...... That's my real name. ”

"Hmm."

It tastes like the truth. Queers. Could it be that he is more honest with the current alliance than with the past one?

"How did you become a member of a respected group of mages?" They're sure to look at your past loyalties with distrust," I whispered, so low that the crowd watching me came over with both surprise and horror to eavesdrop on fun.

"I told you I was tracking down a group of evil magicians."

"I remember."

"I followed rumors and horrific crimes to find their hiding base. The White Party is also investigating them. That's how we got connected.

"I'm amazed that you're willing to expose yourself like that."

"I didn't. I took two of them to scout and arrested them for interrogation. They told me about their loyalty. I think we can benefit from cooperation. ”

"That can't have been a year ago. What's going on... Dog? Trust you. ”

"Black Dog is the military leader of any white cabal. Kurridge was in charge of the war. ”

"He seems to respect you."

"When I joined, they thought throwing spells was the same as fighting. I proved them wrong. They were open to non-magicians, after which they changed the way they trained. ”

"You did this?" This attack on the Lancaster? Trapped?"

Jonathan smiled softly, and some might miss it. His smile has a sad and fragile quality that makes me want to paint fleeting moments. I remember his face in case I need it later. If we succeed.

"I would advise against this. However, the leadership will not accept Cyril's losses without retaliation. I came because I knew I could save some lives. ”

An act of courage and sacrifice. I wonder, how many of them ended up bringing more cattle to the tribe? In vain. Cyril must be the fledgling one mentioned by the maid. He had changed his clothes and was on his way to an unknown place as Lady Moore's retinue.

But I understand their feelings very well. If my people were caught, I would do the same. Before we could continue, the couple returned. The woman sat heavily, visibly frowning, as the black dog walked towards me. He is tall and looks like an intimidation with his size and girth.

I don't think it's funny.

Invade. Dissuasion or punishment

The dog's face turned pale and he took a step back, and that's when I realized I had let out a low hissing sound, showing a little fang.

"Stop your pathetic attempts, old man, I had nightmares that they would swallow you whole, and then live to tell this story. You're nothing," I growled.

"Sigismund, dear, can you not be as stupid as a pig's head for a minute?" The old woman asked in a seemingly calm voice. The dog gave her a quick, angry glance, though he also calmed down.

rights. We - - - - - - "

A couple of people were snickering.

"As I said, we have decided to consider your proposal. A coalition. What are your thoughts?"

It's fast.

"First of all, I would like to ask, do you have any plans to get out of this situation?"

The old man was immediately suspicious, but Jonathan replied calmly as usual.

"I collected all the black powder that was left and blasted it with the clay pots we found here. I'm going to detonate them on a hunter's trail in the south. ”

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"This is not a well-known fact. The explosion extinguishes the flames, but if there is fuel, the flames rekindle. I'm sure that's enough to get some of us through. ”

I looked around and understood the implications. The road will be very hot and smoky. Those who pass successfully will have minor burns and lung damage. The wounded will be left behind. Will they really do that? I imagine the White Cabal is suicidal idealists. After all, they attacked a vampire city.

"I never said it was a good plan," Jonathan said, amused by my sluggish responses. Others drooped their eyes because they were depressed.

These people are desperate. My intrusion only distracted them for a few minutes, and then the idea of their imminent death returned. I shouldn't worry about this alliance. The contempt of their leaders aside, they have matured.

I just need to give them hope and they will take it away from me. I'm sure I have a good idea. Gunpowder was the last tool I needed for the plan I had been considering.

"I would offer another option. Our main problem is not so much firepower, but troops. Dig a hole or blow up a way to escape, the problem is still the same. The order is against you and at us, and you are too slow to escape their wrath. If they are defeated, the northern road is opened and you can safely return home with the wounded. ”

"We know," the dog snapped, "that it's stupid to just attack head-on." ”

"If we use the right tools, it won't. Their advantage is the presence of a choke point, their ranged weapons and tight formations. I have ways to counteract or even use these advantages against them. It's going to take my group and yours working together. We need ......"

I exposed my thoughts, doubts were replaced by attention, and then there was a blooming excitement. "Yes, it's doable," said their bright faces. Jonathan assists by tweaking and correcting, and even the old black dog offers some advice based on his mage's abilities. It took us less than five minutes to come up with a workable plan. A miracle.

"Give me a moment, I'm going to tell everyone upstairs. Unless there is significant opposition, I will confirm the alliance, and then while you gather allies, we will implement the plan. This...... Is it acceptable?"

Oh, he's trying diplomacy. How lovely. I nodded, and he crawled back upstairs and looked behind him in horror, as if I was going to suddenly kill everyone around me. Jonathan followed him without saying a word.

I was alone, standing in the middle of the room, while a dozen people stared blankly at the vampire. I don't like being in the spotlight like that, unless I'm playing a role.

To my surprise, the nurse broke the unsettling silence. I remember her illness was called albinism, which made her sensitive to sunlight. Then we have something in common.

"How could I not feel you?" Your presence is hidden," she asked, in a faintly offensive voice. She probably blames me for her breakdown in public. Before I could come up with a proper answer, I found myself quoting Sinid incorrectly.

"I'm a vampire master, why can't I control my aura?"

When pathological curiosity turns into terrible respect, the mood changes again.

Did it work?

It works!

Oh Sinid, master of half-truths and rhetoric, I bow to your experts for bragging rights. Your pompous rhetoric makes me look in awe of those mortals. I will never doubt you again, great man.

The nurse seemed discouraged by the proper punishment. I was a little disappointed that her spine was gone so quickly.

"It takes a lot of courage to face me," I said, remembering that she had almost soiled herself and could do nothing but stand there crying like a fountain.

"To protect your children."

I realized I was serious. She is not a warrior, but a healer. She still stood there, facing death. Valuable prey. No, not prey. Remember, Ariane, don't eat your allies. This is important.

"Thank you! Well, I mean, you can't tempt me, Night Beast!"

And she ruined everything.

"Sora, help me up," the old woman interjected in a tired voice.

"Are you sure?" One of the young men asked, "The fighters have not yet agreed." ”

She glanced at him, and he shut up. Slowly, the wounded who were able to stand up were helped up by their comrades. Nurse Sora closed her eyes, and a pulse of energy swelled out of her chest. The energy spread harmlessly through the room, and I now remember what I had lost.

Corrupt.

Whenever I walk around the field hospital, I feel the stench of cracked intestines and the sour smell of wounds. That's not the case anymore. It smelled of fear, pain, and blood, and I was used to it. The rest are gone.

Is this some kind of healing magic? Interesting. I can understand why the Lancasters would pick talent from the Order. I myself was tempted, though I thought I could come up with a better way than open war. I believe I've understood the nature of openly negotiating as a vampire. Because from a mortal point of view, it's crazy to work with me, I just need the prey to find itself in a ridiculous environment and show up with the same choice.

Just like I just did.

It is madness to walk through the fire, leaving the wounded behind, in vain hoping to escape a command war. The world has gone crazy, so doing crazy things is the path to salvation. I'm no longer a fledgling tormented by hunger and thirst. I can have working relationships with powerful people, who don't have to be vampires.

When Jonathan poked his head out of the upstairs door to speak to me, my attention returned to the present.

They agreed. Wait for us in front of the workshop. ”

Too...... It's so arrogant! In Appendix I of the previous recommendation, I will establish working relationships with those in power and teach them proper etiquette! Surrounded by raging fire, surrounded by fanatics who have vowed to destroy you, these are not enough to make you commit such a debauched act. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons!

I got angry and left the building I had come from to meet Ximena. She glanced at me quizzically.

"What's the matter, sister, don't they agree?"

"Oh, they have, they just don't respect me very much."

"Oh, sister, haven't you had enough of groveling servants?" Please allow me to help. ”

She bent down and limped to my feet.

"Oh Mithris, your genius is incalculable, and your wisdom shines like a lighthouse! Please allow me to defile your toes with my unworthy little things!"

"I'll tell Ancha where your soldier fetish comes from."

"Elimination!"

We stood in the corridor leading to hell. Red flames and smoldering shells make up the world, and dark clouds obscure the sky. The flames flickered, casting dancing shadows that turned into mocking demons when I wasn't looking. The suffocating smoke stung my eyes and breathless lungs like acid, and that's not the worst.

The only exit is forward, through a well-trained, well-equipped, deep-digging team of vampire slayers, which isn't the worst either. No, the worst thing was the heat, it was a physical wall that crushed my body and mind like lead. It erased my thoughts and brought me to my knees with its domineering presence.

It tells me that I am not of this world and that I need to be purified. It tells me that my time is ticking and sooner or later, it will catch me. The heat will consume me, leaving nothing but ashes.

Moving is torture, standing is a pain, but I'm still struggling to move forward. No sweat can protect me from the wrath of hell. Even through my coat, it sends embers to kiss my bare skin, blackening it like paper. The dark voice in my head screamed and tormented me. It wanted me to run away, to find the darkness and cold, to welcome me in its blessed embrace, but I persevered. I have to.

Duckweed!

A silver bullet struck the door, sending a slight shock through my arm. For a moment, I hesitated, and the makeshift shield dropped a little.

Hide.

I hissed and took it back.

"Don't move," the commander screamed, not firing any more shots. Even with my senses, I could barely hear him, because of the roar of the fire, the squeaky and harmony of the dying house.

We move on.

I was at the front of the formation, with Jimena and Team A's muscles around me. They held torn doors and plates, facing forward, just like the Roman legionnaires of the past. The weight of these lids is beyond the capacity of a human being, and that's what we're going to do. We walked slowly and measured to prevent cracks in the makeshift walls. Behind us and on both sides, carriages laden with wounded men were covered with tarps, protecting the flanks from the unbearable heat. Behind us, the mages walked very low. Their faces were covered with wet rags, they clung to the ground, tears dripping from their abused eyes.

I must be crazy to make this suggestion. Perhaps I should have listened to Anatoly, when he declared that he was not an honorable shield bearer for a group of poor arrogant Magellans.

Ah, who am I lying to? Knights will suffer the most. It's so hot, it's too hot for them. It made me realize how urgent my situation was and how I struggled with my own nature. No amount of training can make me face all this without fear.

"Calm down," Jonathan said in a hoarse voice. His voice pulled me back from my panic. I'm focused on moving forward one step at a time. Fire. I know, I, shut up.

Fifty steps. We move forward at a steady pace. We didn't have time to rehearse, and we didn't have a second chance.

I forgot where we were. I didn't dare to check the progress through the cracks, lest the wall be destroyed. I could only stare at my boots and take one step at a time. My whole life has turned out like this, and every time a snowflake of error appears, I bite down and add a small burn to my ever-growing collection. One step, suppress my screaming instinct, one more step, continue. It goes on and on. It never ends. It never stops. My arm hurts.

Stop.

I almost missed the signal and needed to get my foot back. There are sounds all around us. Disrupted by order?

I lowered my shield in case the bastards of the Order decided to shoot my toes. I bent down and looked out through the hole where my hand had been.

A couple of heteros in thick coats wanted to flank us from the side. With their backs to the flames, they sneak around the edges of the flames. They are trying to surround us.

"The shield takes a step forward, the mage prepares." Jonathan said calmly.

The first wing-back finds the gap and prepares to shoot.

"Thunderbolt! Someone yelled, and Gabriel was strung up. A few more rushed to the side of the carriage and fired indiscriminately, but most of them crashed into the side of the carriage. The composition of the Order was not in their favor. The flanks had to be moved from cover to a suitable position, while our mages could shoot safely and, more importantly, in groups. The commander, realizing this, revoked his order.

"Stand back, back off, tighten the formation."

Here it is.

"Raise your shield and move forward!" Jonathan said firmly. I realized that the temperature was dropping. We're doing it, we're leaving the fire behind. And now, standing in front of me are those who are responsible.

Ah, yes.

Soon.

Soon.

"Stop!"

We are so close. I could hear the Gabriels' heartbeats, their controlled breathing and the terrible prayers they muttered. They have spears, and we don't. They have gunpowder, we don't. Their shield will stop our spells. We have to rush over, and when we drop our shields, they unleash barrages and cut us like wheat.

Or so they think.

"Now lob! Jonathan screamed, and a dozen improvised explosives swirled over our heads and landed in the middle of them. Cries of frustration echoed as some of the enemies ran away, pushing others away, disrupting the formation. Several people picked up heavy clay pots, hoping to send them back, but without success. Jonathan is a master of technology and his fuses are perfect.

A homemade grenade exploded. Blood mist erupted in the ranks of the enemy, and limbs and internal organs splashed everywhere like raindrops. Their discipline was temporarily weakened by the incredible shock.

"Now, charge! Jonathan yelled.

Finally!

I roared angrily, lifted the door, and threw the protection of heavy metal and wood in front of a very surprised enemy shieldman. The heavy piece of hardware smashed into the three men, squashing them like bugs. Around me, projectiles began to fly towards the astonished Order. As I expected, they didn't know how to face the combined power of mages and vampires. I hurried forward, and soon, there was no more room for deep thought.

I killed.

Chopping around, hiding under others to dodge bullets, stealing pistols. Pushed back by faith, he cut off a heel on my way to depne, and killed a man on my way up. Throw the corpse to my enemies, shoot a man who shouts orders, stab, maim and roar, bite. You need me, I'm here. My soul sings as the air fills the air with the smell of death and blood, the clamor of battle, and the screams of men and women fighting for the death. They do not break, nor run away. They stood up and fought. They unite and regroup.

We are not dealing with bandits, but with dedicated and well-trained groups. Worthy enemies. I have pain in my flank. A deflected bullet hit me. I stole more guns from standing people and corpses. Kill the chiefs and take their heads. Other knights galloped across the battlefield. They disrupted the formation, forcing the Gabriels to either react or die, while the mages and soldiers of the White Cabal rushed forward. Behind them, some of the wounded got up from their wagons and waited for an opportunity to shoot spells at their targets.

This is not enough.

Every now and then, our mortal allies fall under a hail of bullets. As I watched, the old woman, who was missing a hand, walked up to the nurse. Her chest exploded in a red mist, and she fell, her face contorted with pain. Aisha is missing an arm. Alec's every move is bleeding black, and his stature makes him a target for everyone.

I realized something was wrong. Ala

ic, A

atole, Jime

Alas, even the weakened Melusi

e were on the edge of the battle on the other side, defending while Alec and Aisha, though bogged down, slowly advanced towards them. Vampires don't fight to win, they fight to escape, and they're right. It's a smart move. Our alliance is not official, we are fighting against the same enemy, nothing more.

We never said we were going to stay.

I lost focus for a moment, and a bullet pierced my shoulder. Sizzle. It hurts, damn it. I can't... I can't...

I don't know what to do.

Aisha got through it with the help of Shimena, but just as I watched, Alec was shot in the back of the head and fell forward. He was immediately surrounded by shield bearers, and at the same time one man took out a silver spike.

It's not going to happen. I stepped forward and grabbed the dead Gabriel with a loaded pistol. I absorbed the essence of Natalis and the werewolf as much as I could, and threw the corpse out. Prayers were not enough to stop their dead comrades, and the ranks collapsed backwards. I aim and shoot those who want to kill, through the cracks of their defenses. Anatoly will be there right away. He grabbed Alec's feet and pulled the burly man out as if he had no weight. I follow up.

The world is getting colder and darker. The vampires escaped, including Elsa.

The Order is bleeding and dying in our wake.

I stop. The bullet in my abdomen would come out of the wound and be replaced with undamaged skin, which is the benefit of being a master. I'm still fully capable. I can still fight, but I don't need to.

It's done.

I've done what I set out to do. The people I wanted to save all escaped, and the rest were small people. I can now go, leave the fire behind and rest in the gold-leaf baroque building we call ourselves, however, I won't.

This is wrong.

My instincts tell me. Those are the allies I left behind. I only obeyed the letter of the agreement, not the spirit of the agreement. Those mortals around us have shown bravery and valor in the face of inevitable death. They are worth it. They are......

They are mine.

Sort of.

I'm not going to give up my stuff to those stubborn bastards.

I turned around and faced this red-painted world, my instincts and thoughts aligned for the first time since the battle began. It's going to be dangerous, yes, but also exciting. I'm going to face this horror, I'm going to overcome it. My soul sings, and my heart beats once. I felt the thumbs up from the watchmen. I think it likes it to do what it wants me to do whatever it takes.

I know what to do.

I whistled, and behind me came the sound of heavy black horses' hooves, like war drums. The other vampires stopped and looked at me with blank masks standing aside, grabbing the harness as she went.

"A real nightmare...... Aisha whispered in awe.

Yes. Métis people, come on! For blood, freedom and gunpowder!

As we approached the melee again, I picked up the spear sideways. Most of the members of the Order gathered around their leader, a tall man with a battle flag.

Perfect.

When they heard nightmares rushing from behind, some turned back, some prayed or screamed to alert their friends, but in vain.

The chief turned and saw me. He turned.

I roared.

I threw the spear like a javelin.

The projectile passed through his chest without slowing down, and then through the back of the man facing the mage.

Then Métis completed her task in their crowded ranks. When the body of a heavy warhorse hits the body of a soft mortal, physics plays a merciless role. The team behind flew like a windmill. Yes, we are where we belong. Métis stopped halfway through and basically released her bad temper. She lifts her front legs and shortens the person she stepped on. Its hind hooves dent its shield and skull as it kicks, and it steals its ears and nose with each bite. I'm not idle, either. I picked up a spear to protect her flanks, but soon, as the poor girl hissed in pain, our predicament became clear. Someone shot her! Don't you dare. I shushed and turned around. Some of the musketeers had already pulled away and started shooting.

I can't reach them.

I'm too late!

Then their heads began to fall. Jimena is here, and it's easy to pick them out of place.

"Come on, guys, one last push!" Jonathan screamed on the other side.

Then, something I never expected happened.

"Back off," Gabriel shouted authoritatively, "back off!"

His men all took up their shields as much as they could, stopping shooting. They grabbed the wounded and slowly retreated in defensive formation, looking like a large turtle. I used the distraction to return to the ranks of the Order. I stopped to check on Métis's health, and a scratch on her chest slowly healed under my watchful eye. She'll be healed.

Fear left me, and I sighed.

It's too dangerous. She almost died. Was it wise for me to bring her into such a fight? She doesn't have my speed, and the bullets will fly. There is only one reasonable solution. I'll have to get her a full set of amulets, Devgou made, because I'm not going to give up riding her into battle, and I don't think she either.

As the cabal fighters laid down their arms and looked around in disbelief, silence descended on the battlefield.

The battle is over. The night was ours, but no cries of victory resounded in the night sky. Only eyes of disbelief and cries of relief. Only 15 cabal orders remain, which came from an organisation some 52 days ago. Many of the wounded will recover, but they still lose almost half of their number. A terrible blow.

I don't sympathize with them at all. It was stupid for them to attack at the beginning. If Jonathan hadn't been here, none of them would have returned. I climbed back on top of Métis and made her turn. The red and swollen eyes were full of sadness. I took one last glimpse at the old dog, who was holding the body of his dead wife.

I don't care, my mission is done.

"Our deal is done," I said, and then rode away into the night.