Chapter 9 - Resolution of Old Grudges (1) (Patreon)

"Codex: Knights of the World Government Federation of Terra, Code of Honor and Rune Knights

Terra has always had a long history of the Knighthood.

In the traditions of Terra, the Knights are traditionally powerful horse-mounted warriors of the Alliance and the kingdoms of humanity. They are usually humans, although other factions have Knights as well, such as the Vampires or Goblins.

They symbolize respect and honor among humans. When one becomes a Knight, he or she is given the title Sir or Dame in front of his or her name. An armored knight on his charger with his cape flowing was a long-established icon of the might of the human armies.

After the events of the Apocalypse and the establishment of the Congregation and World Government, many Magus Families and Rune Crafters started searching for more and more uses of the Runes.

Soon enough, several months after the establishment of the World Government, a new Profession was created, which was titled the Rune Knight. The Rune Knights were and are an ultimate display of power amongst the species of Terra.

Originally, archers, defenders, frontliners, or even mages... they all had the ability to bear Runes on their bodies. A Mid-Tier Rune would raise the might of a melee fighter by thirty percent, putting a 4th-Class being on the same level as a 3rd-Class being.

Right now, the Rune Knights are generally treated as the strategic forces, because not everyone can become a Rune Knight. To be officially termed as a Rune Knight, one needs to have a complete Runic Set of several intertwined Runes inscribed on their bodies.

Depending on the physical capabilities of the individual, the minimum number of Runes inscribed on the body is 3 or more Runes. The ones that have more than five Runes in their Runic Set are viewed as the elite forces of the World Government and that of the Federation Military, and could be a turning point in the battle.

Rune Knights differ based on the Rune Set they used, but the threshold to form a Rune Knight was very high. This made many Noble Houses among the Wizardkin, Magi, Jujutsu Sorcerers, or the other races vie for the creation of Rune Knights among their Household Guards as the core of the Guard and elite force.

This creation of the Rune Knights also brought up a new profession, Runemaster, which was the crafters of the Runes. Contrary to the traditional inscription of the Ancient Runes or Elder Runes, the process of creating Rune Sets was vastly different and required much more finesse and power to achieve.

World Government also ordained the Knights of the Realm, or the Federal Knights. The Federal Knights are Rune Knights, mostly of the Wizardkin, Vampire, Werewolf, or Awakener backgrounds, in the service of the World Government.

Regardless of origin, all Federal Knights follow the Creed of the Federal Knights. It is the Code of Chivalry that every one of them must follow. These commandments of the Federal Knights are an integral part of the Imperial society and even that of the government of the World Government.

1st Commandment: By the Grace of the Magic and Death, we serve through the unbreakable Loyalty, Will, Devotion and Conviction

2nd Commandment: Bear true allegiance to the World Government and The Congregation

3rd Commandment: Work to promote the unity of the World Government, even at the cost of individual liberty

4th Commandment: Defend the domains of the World Government and expand the glory of the World Government too beyond

5th Commandment: Protect the weak and fight for the right

6th Commandment: Always fight the enemies of Order and destroy those seeking Chaos

7th Commandment: Never give up the fight until the foe is defeated

8th Commandment: Never to break faith with a friend or ally

9th Commandment: Honor and valor are reserved for allies; death is judgment for the enemies in battle, where everything is permitted

10th Commandment: Root out and destroy Zombies, Demons, Voidlings, False Gods, and those who Corrupt the Magic, Nature, and Elements, and purge the Corrupt, Heretics, Cultists, Mutants, and Unclean, wherever they may hide."

- Modern Knighthood by Saint Figarland Garling, Supreme Commander of the Knights of God and Patriarch of the Figarland Family

***

Hungary, Budapest, Several Days Later, En Route to the Ördögház

After they returned to Hungary, Shirou and Selene headed directly to the Ördögház, as they were notified that Marcus Covrinus, the 1st Vampire Elder and Primogenitor of the Vampire Race, had been awakened from his sleep.

For Shirou, this would be making things incomparably easier. Shirou and Marcus knew each other very well and could be considered friends, though it had been several centuries sicne they spoke for the last time.

Still, once Kraven was found by Toji and the rest of the bounty hunters who were aiming to get the Bounty of 50,000 Galleons on his head, he would be able to discuss this with Marcus and let Marcus deal with Kraven as he saw fit. 

He was rather curious about what Kraven had to say, though for the time being, it was fortunate that Marcus had been awakened and not Viktor, as it would have been troublesome otherwise.

Shirou still remembered some bits of the Underworld movie plot... somehow, and knew that Victor was the root of many of the problems that would soon be brought to light. In this world, the man was a very powerful Special-Class Vampire, not like Shirou wouldn't be able to defeat him...

But the Reality Marble of the Vampire Elders was something that was as problematic to deal with as the Domain Expansion of the Jujutsu Sorcerers. The Vampire Progenitor had an advantage over the other vampires in the form of Bloodline Suppression.

The originator of the Bloodline could suppress the descendants of the said Bloodline.

For that reason, it would be relatively easy for Marcus to deal with his Blood Descendants, as he could directly forbid them from using their Reality Marble if they had any, usurp the blood, and basically lower their power by another 30%.

Though they were not returning alone, as in the car that was bringing them to the Ördögház, Bellatrix Black was sitting. She wore a similar outfit to Selene, yet very distinctive, because it was like a Victorian suit, but made for a woman.

It was entirely black in color and adorned with the sigils of the House Black. Overall, it gave off the feeling of nobleness and elegance, yet also radiated power and authority. Bellatrix Black was sitting in a luxurious car for the first time in her life and looked around like a small child.

Even though she came from the prestigious Magus Family, this was the first time she was seeing the technology of the normies up close. It was rather a funny sight, but the Wizardkin were probably the most secluded "faction" among the Moonlit World.

The other species, like Vampires, Werewolves, Psykers, Jujutsu Sorcerers, Shapeshifters, Gorgons, Sirens, and others, were much more integrated in the world of the normal humans and were much more acquainted with human technology.

"We will soon arrive at the Ördögház."

Selene said as Bellatrix turned her sight to her, as they would be arriving at the headquarters of the Old World Coven. For Bellatrix, the sight of the Ördögház was certainly a majestic

Right now, the atmosphere of the Old World Coven was heavy... very heavy, because Progenitor Marcus Corvinus was awakened by the Vampiric Council and arrived from the ancestral seat of the Vampire Race, Millenium Castle Corvinus. 

Selene knew that the arrival of Marcus was something that had most probably spooked up a lot of people in the Old World Coven, and they would soon enough awaken Viktor so Progenitor Marcus could have a word with him. 

"Toji already got a solid lead on Kraven... and there is also something that I would need to talk about with Marcus once he awakens. The fact that Kraven has been making deals with Kamo Noritoshi is a very serious crime..."

During the time that they were in Great Britain, Toji was working very hard in tracking down Kraven together with Lucian, and if everything went according to the plan, Shirou hoped to arrange a civil meeting between Marcus and Lucian.

Obviously, this would be under the oversight of him, Elder Amelia, and also Muzaka Lunas, Chieftain of the Lunas Werewolf Tribe, which was the strongest Werewolf Tribe in the entire Northern America. 

If Shirou had to say, Muzaka was an absolute monster...

His physical capabilities were certainly top-notch, probably one of the best in the entire world; his regeneration was even more fearsome, and overall, the man was a killing machine.

Most importantly, he was one of the Werewolf Progenitors.

Meaning that his position and power within the Werewolf Species were unparalleled and unchallenged. To completely resolve the dispute between the Lycan Rebellion and the Old World Coven, there would be a need for intervention from the outside in this aspect.

In this regard, Amelia and Muzaka would be a good start, with him acting as the guarantor of the peace between the Old World Coven and the Lycan Rebellion. Shirou had already contacted both of them, and both of them would be arriving at the Ördögház within a few days.

For the Old World Coven, it was a big thing, as it would be hosting a lot of powerful beings while at the same time, there would be tons of other VIPs across the entire Moonlit Side of the World. 

Some of the VIPs have already arrived, at least. Selene was informed that representatives of the Nordic Coven had arrived, and representatives of the Siberian Coven were on their way to the Old World Coven.

So the entire Ördögház was rather packed. 

As they arrived at the Ördögház, Selene looked pretty annoyed from the entire ordeal, because she would be named as Regent of the Old World Coven. This time, it would be permanent as she wouldn't be the Acting Regent.

She wasn't really into this position, obtaining a political post, but it was the decision of Primogenitor Marcus, and she couldn't say no to such an order.

If there was one thing that she was rather pleased about, it was the fact that she was allowed to make the Old World Coven more militarized and redirect more funds toward the Death Dealers.

At least something good would come from her being named as Regent of the Old World Coven.

Selene was "thrilled" at having to rule the entire Old World Coven, one that would most probably be without the oversight of the Vampire Elder... but that was something that Shirou kept for himself.

Bellatrix was rather curious about the Ördögház, as the Ördögház was the home to the Old World Coven, the most powerful of the Vampire Coven, and also the largest. Even though the New World Coven was stationed in the United States... it was already catching up with the New World Coven in terms of strength.

Which was rahter disturbing for the Vampires that were originally from the Old World Coven, because the New World Coven was the youngest out of all the major Vampire Covens. It was created only in the early 19th Century, sometimes around the 1820s or so.

Which made the New World Coven very young, as it was barely something over 200 years old and yet it was already catching up in terms of power ot the Old World Coven.

Indeed, this was absolutely unacceptable for the members of the Old World Coven, but it was something that Selene would remedy in the future. She was very militaristic, and she was a Death Dealer for the whole six centuries.

It was only obvious that the Death Dealers would start taking up the most important roles in he entire Old World Coven and their numbers would be getting drastically expanded to increase the strength of the Coven.

At the same time, the standards of the Death Dealers would be raised.

Quality above everything else.

***

Ördögház, Old World Coven, Throne Hall

It was rather interesting to see how everyone here was walking on edge, the moment Primogenitor Marcus arrived at the Ördögház. It seemed that nobody really liked the oppressive presence of Markus Corvinus, especially when the man didn't even bother hiding that oppressive presence and his very much apparent anger.

Obviously, the Vampire Elder of the Old World Coven was Viktor, but based on Markus's orders, he wasn't awakened, and instead, the Vampire Primogenitor arrived at the place personally.

The Jujutsu Marshall went to meet with Markus alone, without the presence of Bellatrix or Selene, as the two of them went to another place. Selene took the daughter of the House Black to her quarters within the Ördögház, while Shirou would have a private meeting with Markus.

"It has been so long since we last met, Marcus."

Shirou stated as he was looking at the Vampire Primogenitor who was sitting on the throne, previously, it was the place where Kraven was sitting when Shirou was here for the last time. 

Markus Corvinus was someone with whom Shirou was rather very well acquainted.

Though... this was common for all immortals, because if one had eternal lifespans, people tended to know each other as it was easier to mingle with the fellow immortals instead of with the mortals that would fall under the passage of time and wither.

Markus looked exactly as he had the last time Shirou visited him in the Millennium Castle Corvinus a few centuries ago. Only this time, he was wearing his battle armor and was rather more intimidating as he was in a rather bad mood.

One didn't need to be a genius to realize that something had happened during the time he was in the Old World Coven. Based on the tension and atmosphere in the place, it was more than clear that Markus had learned something that greatly displeased him.

"More than 400 years, to be exact. But I guess that you are not here to see old friends, or not?"

Marcus asked lightly, but Shirou could tell that he was serious about the situation, and from the expression of the surrounding Vampire Nobles, it was clear that the Primogenitor was in a very bad mood...

Like a really horrible mood.

"Now... as you probably already know, in Asia, there have been complications when the Acting Regent of the Old World Coven decided to create Coven. Illegal one and one filled with Feral Vampires who were wreaking havoc all around the place."

This was something that enraged the Primogenitor of the Vampire Race to no end, because the creation of the Feral Vampires was something that was the greatest taboo in the Vampire Race. 

Ferals were spreading Bloodplague, which was a deadly disease even for the Vampires, and it was an extremely dangerous thing. Not to mention, Ferals were attacking anyone and everyone as much as they wanted, which was attracting unwanted attention.

"I am aware of that... Kraven acted in cahoots with the Lycan Rebellion. I already managed to interrogate some of his goons and uncovered that Kraven has let Lucian live."

Even though Markus was speaking calmly on the surface, his power was radiating around him, and the pressure was making the weaker Vampires faint on the spot, because it was too much for them.

"You need to rein in that nasty temper of yours, Markus. It seems that during the past four hundred years, you didn't change even a bit."

Shirou sighed desperately because Markus had one of the hells of a temper. 

He certainly wasn't the easiest person to get along with, and he was prone to erupting... anger issues were rather serious to him, and he could rage rather well. 

"Ts... That rat was planning to take over the entire Old World Coven for centuries. What is worse... Viktor... one of our Elders was participating in the plot, as he wanted to wrestle the rulership over the Vampire Race from me."

It was evident that Markus was seething with utter rage, and the man was on the verge of exploding. Fortunately enough, he was meeting with Markus without the presence of Selene, or the situation would become even tenser.

"So what did you find? You are more engaged, and this is something personal, isn't it?"

Shirou asked as he knew that even though Markus was rather hot-headed most of the time, he was aware that he could keep calm and ready when the situation called for it.

"Viktor knows the location of William's prison... and he was also the one behind the murder of Selene's family."

When Shirou heard that, it was no wonder that the Vampire Primogenitor was so pissed off...

William Corvinus was one of the two Primogenitors of the Werewolf Race, but contrary to Muzaka Kallikratos, who managed to control and master his bestial instincts, William was a different story.

He went mad and started slaughtering everything right and left, to the point where it became dangerous to let him live. Though he was also a Special-Class Werewolf and extremely powerful, with regeneration, making it virtually impossible to kill him.

So, it was decided that William would be imprisoned, and everything was done during the time when Markus was in deep slumber, as Markus wouldn't allow his brother to be imprisoned.

In the end, some Vampires and Werewolves, together with Wizards and Magi, managed to capture William and imprisoned him at the undisclosed castle that was built by none other than Selene's father.

Then the location was put under the Fidelus Charm and a few other nasty spells, and everyone who was participating in the construction of William's prison.

Even Shirou didn't know the location of William's prison, as the Fideuls Charm wasn't put just on the location, but also on the existence of the Bounded Fields, Wards, and Curtains that were protecting the prison.

"Where is Viktor?"

Shirou asked as Markus's expression soured once again, followed by a small outburst of the Cursed Energy from his body. It seemed that something went wrong, because Markus was in a really bad mood when Jujutsu Marshall asked this question.

"He was woken up by one of the Kraven's goons and disappeared from the Ördögház before I could interrogate him on his treason."

Shirou just raised his brow, hearing that, considering the fact that the Ördögház was the headquarters of the Old World Coven, which was the biggest and first of the major Vampire Coven in the world, they really had some serious security issues.

"He will appear... And soon enough, we will have Kraven in our hands. Kraven is Viktor's most loyal underling. I believe that he will spill everything that he knows, and if not, you can still drain his blood."

Toji already had solid trail on Kraven, and with the help of Lycan's trackers, it was only a matter of time until he would be caught. In the end, unfortunately, for the former Regent of the Old World Coven, there were not many ways through which he could leave Europe, much less Hungary.

Old World Coven long ago issued a notification, and now, Wizards and Magi can cancel the magical transportations while their own Vampires were keeping an eye on the borders, airports, and everything else together with the local military that was controlled by them.

Nobody knew where William was imprisoned aside from a very small number of people, and most of the people who knew were either killed or died from old age. Obviously, Markus knew that due to William's condition, he couldn't be allowed to roam freely.

It was not an option at all.

Still, Markus never abandoned the thought of freeing his brother, but nobody knew where the prison was or who the Secret Keeper of the Fidelus Charm was. It was clear that it was even Viktor, or else Markus would have obtained the location of the prison a long time ago.

Though now, there was a chance for him to find the prison where his brother was being kept and rescue his brother.

And now, there was a perfect opportunity to do so, even though Shirou wasn't really that enthusiastic about his plan because releasing William Corvinnus from his prison in the state he was in was stupid.

He was nothing but a feral beast, that was governed by his instincts and would bite and eat anyone that he saw. Not to mention, the containment of the Special-Class Werewolf was an utter pain in the ass.

"Then I shall wait. I saw that you brought a Magus with you."

Markus, as the Vampire Primogenitor, was very well aware that the relationships between the Vampires and Wizardkin generally were not the best ones around. Though at the same time, it was also true that Vampire Covens often had dealings with the Magus Families.

Everyone functioned on the concept of mutual benefits, and it was working rather well for most of the time. Vampire Covens usually had more of a magical lore than most Wizardkin Schools combined together... the older the Coven was, the more lore they had as they were hoarding everything like a dragon that was hoarding its gold.

"She is from House Black. The Patriarch of the House Black sent her here to negotiate something with the Old World Coven and perhaps the entire Vampire Council, but I am not privy to that."

Shirou stated that he wasn't really informed by Arcturus Black for what purpose he had sent Bellatrix here, but he was sure that it was something important.

"There is also something that I need to speak with you, Markus."

Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room quieted down. 

"I managed to get into contact with Lucian, leader of the Lycan Rebellion army, and we agreed that it would be most prudent to enter the ceasefire as we are solving the problems. I have already spoken with Lady Amelia and Muzaka Kallikratos, and this motion is being supported by other important figures in the Moonlit World."

Markus didn't say anything as he was already pretty angry, but he wasn't that angry at the imaginary meeting with Lucian. In the end, for the Vampire Primogenitor, he didn't really care that much about the Lycan Rebellion and its conflict with the Old World Coven. 

As long as the conflict didn't endanger the existence of the Vampire Race, the rest of the Vampire Council wouldn't care that much about it.

Primarily because some conflict was good for the Vampires. 

They were species that thrived in the violence, conflict, and war. 

In the end, the origin of the conflict between the Lycan Rebellion and Old World Coven was primarily due to Elder Viktor, who killed the lover of Lucian, who was also Viktor's very own daughter, Sonja.

Markus knew that if not for that, then the Werewolves wouldn't be fighting against the Vampires in Europe. Ironically, though, Markus was aware that fighting against the Lycans was counterproductive in the great scheme of all things, and there was no point in that.

With the advancement of human progress and technology, Markus was aware that they needed to put their attention and resources into what truly matters. 

The danger that humans, with their technology, represented to the species of the Moonlit World was immense. This was something that all species across the entire Moonlit Side of the World unanimously agreed upon.

"If you can manage to pull it off, then we agree. But now, considering the fact that Lucian is alive, we need to capture Viktor and present him alive to Lucian, or else the conflict would still continue. The bad blood between the Vampires and Werewolves of Europe is too big to ignore."

Markus agreed with what Shirou proposed, even though this would be met with displeasure from some Vampires in the Old World Coven and perhaps some other minor European covens that were under the rule of the Old World Coven. 

But one bad look from him, they would immediately back down, because nobody would dare to protest against his ultimate authority over the entire species. This was very similar to Shirou's authority in the Jujutsu Society.

As the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer in existence, as well as the oldest and also the creator of the Jujutsu Sorcery, his word had the ultimate power, and what he said, with that they went.

Without question or resistance.

Every time and always.

"Then we are in agreement. After we capture Kraven and deal with Viktor, we will hold a conference and resolve the conflict between the Old World Coven and the Lycan Rebellion. When I spoke with Lucian, the only thing that he cares about is Viktor's head."

This was indeed the truth, because the only thing that Lucian wanted was Viktor's head and nothing less. In truth, Lucian didn't care even a little bit about the conflict with the Vampires en masse; he only cared about the revenge for Sonja.

If that was delivered, then it would be highly probable that Lucian would agree to peace between the Lycan Rebellion and the Old World Coven. Lucian himself wanted to end the conflict, as the only thing that he cared about was Viktor's head, and he admitted that even the Werewolves across Europe wanted and needed some peace.

"It seems that the Council has decided to name Selene as the next Regent of the Old World Coven..."

Shirou muttered as they then proceeded to talk about some more lighthearted matters on hand.

"The Old World Coven now needs someone who would rule with an iron hand and return things to the way they were before Kraven was named as the Regent. Previously, the Old World Coven was the most militaristic and strongest out of all Vampire Covens... and now?"

It was clear that Markus, as the Primogenitor of the Vampire Race, held a great deal of disdain for the current state of the Old World Coven. Usually, the Covens were exclusive domains of the Elders who were in charge of the Covens. 

"And look what has happened to it after the rule of Kraven? Bunch of self-centered nobles who are constantly indulging in blood and rogies... Death Dealers are underfunded and not receiving enough support from the Coven, and instead, the money is used for the luxurious and opulent lifestyle of the nobles and other pieces of treasure that are just a waste of space."

Markus named Selene as the new Regent of the Old World Coven for a very simple reason.

He knew that she would be able to put the Old World Coven back on its track and make it great again. Even right now, after the decades of mismanagement, the Old World Coven was the strongest and biggest Vampire Coven of all.

Even though the New World Coven located in the United States was quickly approaching their numbers and strength. Primarily due to the development that stemmed from the cooperation between the various species in the Americas and peaceful coexistence. 

The only problem that was plaguing the New World Coven was the Demons that were appearing here and there, sometimes in great numbers, and they represented a grave threat to anyone, be it Moonlit or Mundane.

"Well, it seems that rainy days are coming for the nobiltiy of the Old World Coven under her leadership..."

Shirou muttered as Markus just chuckled as he himself held a great disdain for the so-called nobility of the Vampires. Most of them were just lazy asses that were doing nothing all day long...

Interestingly, this problem was most notable only in the Old World Coven during Kraven's rule.

The other Covens didn't have much of this problem, but it seemed that to ensure his power, Kraven had been ignoring and breaching a lot of internal rules of the Vampire Council over the past centuries.

Including giving a lot of privileges and power to a group of people that has, over the centuries, evolved into the Vampire Nobility of the Old World Coven. Kraven was giving them privileges, and they, in return, supported Kraven in his rule and helped him to deal with any and all dissent within the ranks of Coven.

Markus was sure that, because it was a very well-known public secret, Selene abhorred the local nobles, so he could see that they would be stripped of their privileges and conscripted into the Death Dealers.

"I will inform you once we capture Kraven."

Shirou said as he then ended his meeting with the Vampire Primogenitor and went to find the room that he was assigned in the Ördögház. Now that Markus was aware and Viktor wasn't in the place, Shirou decided to remain within the Ördögház instead of returning to the Four Seasons Hotel, where he had previously been.

***

When the Jujutsu Marshall went to his chambers, he had to admit that when it came to luxury, this room was even more opulent and luxurious than his own room at the Headquarters of the Jujutsu Association.

He was never one to spend money and resources on useless luxury, but that wasn't a problem for the Vampires, as their entire race was turning around, enjoying their very long life and the luxuries of life.

Everything in the Old World Coven was one degree, where even some of the richest people on earth could envy the Vampires living in the Ördögház. It seemed that tomorrow he would have some nice, not really, talk with Selene.

He could imagine that she was already thrilled at the idea of being the Regent of the Old World Coven, but at the same time, she got a free hand and was personally backed by Primogenitor Markus Corvinus.

Which meant that she could do what she wanted.

Shirou seriously doubted that she would be sparing the Nobles of the Old World Coven from anything. At least something good will come from it... though, now Shirou pondered how she would react to the news about Viktor and some things.

The murder of Selene's family.

The culprit?

Viktor.

The one who had turned her into a Vampire.

It would be a rather good mess.

He didn't understand why Markus put this burn on his person, though Shirou pondered how to tell her the news. He knew that it was a rather sensitive topic, and Selene considered Viktor her father.

The news of his betrayal of the Vampire Council hit her much harder than that of Kraven, as she never liked Kraven in the first place. For her, Kraven was always that annoying, pompous idiot who tried to hit on her, but Viktor was like a father figure to her.

Which wasn't really that surprising, because Selene was very similar in appearance to Viktor's daughter Sonja. The fact that Viktor disappeared from the Ördögház probably the moment when he was awoken was testament to the fact that he plotted something against the interests of the Council.

Now that even Viktor has escaped, searching for him would be even more troublesome than searching for Kraven. Compared to Kraven, who was just some random, useless Noble Vampire, Viktor was a Special-Class Vampire.

Though Shirou knew that it was useless in searching for him, because it would be nigh impossible to find him if he didn't want to be found. No... it would be much easier just to wait and let Viktor do what he wanted.

Shirou knew that Viktor would make a move sooner or later; most probably, he would try to kill Kraven, as Kraven was probably one of the few people in the entire world who could accuse him of something.

So, they needed to find Viktor as soon as possible.

***

Somewhere in the Budapest, Underground Sewer System

For the past few days, Toji was on the hunt for the former Regent of the Old World Coven, Kraven, and just yesterday, he got a solid lead on the man.

For better efficiency, he borrowed several trackers from Lucian, who happily agreed to the request, because it would mean that they could proceed with their deal with Jujutsu Marshall.

Now, they found an apparent hiding place where Kraven was holed up with a few of his goons, who were the last ones that were loyal to him. Or rather, they were the ones who were too involved in the entire mess, where it became impossible to leave Kraven.

With the fact that the entire Hungary was under a very strict lockdown, it would be nearly impossible to leave Hungary or even the entire Central Europe for somewhere else. 

Toji stood in one of the tunnels that led to the old underground bunker from the times of World War II, which was deep underneath the city. This place was marked by the Lycan Trackers as they discovered the traces of Kraven's smell and pointed to his place as the place where Kraven was hiding.

The Sorcerer Killer had his Inventory Curse wrapped around his body as he looked at the enormous steel doors that led to the bunker. 

"No visible Enhancements, Curtains, Wards, Bounded Fields or anything... either too arrogant, ignorant, or they were betting that nobody would bother with a place which appears to be as mundane as possible."

Toji muttered as he looked around and saw that there were practically no defenses.

The supernatural kind of defenses, like one would have expected.

"Well then... let's get over it. 50 grann Galleons are waiting for me..."

He grinned as he thought of the reward on the Kraven's head, which was staggering 50,000 Galleons, which was a lot. 

Like really, really a lot.

And Toji loved money.

He stepped forward in front of the doors leading to the bunker, and with a single kick, he destroyed the doors to the bunker that weighed several tons. A deafening sound was heard through the entire area of the tunnels, as he was sure that the Vampires inside were already notified of his arrival.

Not like he cared, because neither of them was really noteworthy.

Most of them were just 2nd-Class and only one was 1st-Class being, so it was that kind of threat, where he didn't even need to draw out some of his more powerful Cursed Tools. For that, he only took out a rather ordinary-looking Katana, which was a 1st-Class Cursed Tool.

Looking at the first two Vampires that rushed at him, Toji disappeared from his spot, as he landed behind them. For the observer, it seemed like he had teleported, but in fact, he was so fast that it only seemed to be like teleportation.

In the split of a moment as he landed down and dusted his clothes, two heads and several arms dropped from the bodies of the Vampires, as they were instantly killed.

Toji didn't even bother looking back, as he continued deeper into the bunker, noticing that it was rather big, but from the overall structure and architecture, this wasn't a bunker that was built to accommodate a lot of people.

If he had to guess, it was built for a few very important people. Most probably built during World War II and finished during the Cold War. Probably, the higher-ups of the Communist Party of Hungary were building here a safe place where they could retreat.

That would also explain the kind of luxury and rather big individual rooms that were in the bunker; sometimes they were too big, which was rather contradictory to the purpose of the bunker, as they were taking an unnecessarily large amount of space.

Nevertheless, he continued to the inner area of the bunker, where he finally saw, or rather, where he finally sensed his target. 

He could still remember the feeling of Kraven's Cursed Energy as he met with the former Regent of the Old World Coven. Obviously, due to Toji's special constitution and condition, it was nigh impossible for anyone below the Special-Class to perceive him as an actual threat.

His power stemmed from the Heavenly Restriction, which gave him really frightening, immense physical prowess that was on the same level as that of the strongest Werewolves, as he was getting older and trained more and more.

Toji quickly scanned through the room, as he identified another four Vampires, with one of them being the target. 

Kraven.

The rest were on 1st-Class Vampire and the other two were 2nd-Class Vampires. 

Without waiting for them to do anything, Toji disappeared from the spot, as he delivered a kick to the nearest Vampire and threw the Cursed Katana at the other one, which pierced through his heart in a mere moment.

Vanishing from the spot, he drew out the Katana from the corpse of the 2nd-Class Vampire, as the one that he had kicked just crashed against the wall.

Without wasting any time, he hacked toward the 1st-Class Vampire that raised his sword to defend himself, but before he could do anything, Toji's weapon already cleaved the unfortunate Vampire in half.

"For the centuries that you have lived... I have really expected more."

To say that he was disappointed would be an understatement of the situation.

Though... what was the right now problem was that, as he looked around, he couldn't see Kraven, only one bat that was frantically flying away as Toji summoned a set of chains from the Inventory Curse.

The Chain of a Thousand Miles.

A Special-Grade Cursed Tool that had the appearance of a perfectly normal kusari. However, it has the ability to keep extending endlessly as long as its user doesn't allow one of the ends of the chain to be seen.

There was a clip on the front end that could be used to connect to other Cursed Tools in order to extend their range. The Chain of a Thousand Miles can also be swung by the user as a blunt force weapon on its own, or both applications at the same time.

He threw the chaisn at the escaping bat, as it struggled to rid itself of the chaisn, but it was futile, as the bat fell on the ground with a helpless squeak.

"This was easier than expected... what an easy cash."

Toji said as he picked up the bat that he put in the chains, and then threw it behind his back, as the bat struggled fiercely. Now, he needed to deliver this bat to the Old World Coven and claim the reward.

Fifty thousand Galleons was a lot.

Just the mundane gold alone that was used to make one coin was worth several thousand dollars, but the Galleons were made from the Magic Gold created by Goblins and Dwarves, to prevent duplication and crashing of the economy.

That was the reason why it was so precious, and the buying strength of the Galleon was strong.

It couldn't be replicated.

Not like Muggle currencies that the governments could print as much as they wished...

50,000 Galleons was a huge sum even for a powerful Clan and Noble Families in the Moonlit World. When some normies were entering the Moonlit World, they were paying outrageous sums of money to Gallenon, due to the Galleon Protection Law.

This law was accepted on the grounds of the International Confederation of Supernaturals, but it was generally implemented to the point. When the mundane person was entering the Moonlit World, there was a limit on the amount of Galleons that they could exchange with the Gringott Bank, Black Monolith Bank, or Vaultbank for good exchange.

The good exchange was that, the person, usually a Muggleborn wizard, brought a specific amount of ordinary gold that would be exchanged for Galleons at a ratio of 2:1, in favour of the Magic Gold.

Aside from that, the International Confederation of Supernaturals Acts strictly forbade the usage of ordinary gold to buy more Galleons or the usage of Muggle Money to buy Galleons. 

Though...

That didn't prevent Magi, Wizards, and Jujutsu Sorcerers from selling some Galleons for outrageous prices. Shirou knew that some Sorcerers in Japan were selling Galleons to muggles for several hundreds of thousands of dollars or equivalent things.

Gold, diamonds, precious gems, and everything.

The entire system was created in a way that would allow the people of the Moonlit World to exploit those outside. This was rather understandable, because it was specifically related to the Wizardkin, who were most commonly troubled by the influx of wizards from the Normie World.

Muggleborns.

Obviously, the rich and old Aristocrats, Wizarding Families, and Magus Families were not keen on these people obtaining any high standing in their society, and thus, they have created this system where most of the Muggleborns would be financially dependent on the more powerful Wizard and Magi.

***

Hungary, Budapest, Ördögház, a Few Hours Later

"What is that?"

Shirou asked as he looked at the unconscious bat that was bound by the chains, as he, Toji, Markus, Selene, and a few Death Dealers were in the meeting room. It was clear that Kraven would die either today or at a later date, but before that, some interrogation was needed to learn about the true extent of his operations.

"That is transformed Kraven in his bat form. Young man, could you please release him... for some talk?"

Markus asked as Toji shrugged his shoulders,as he retracted the Chains of Heaven and released the overgrown bat from its confines. Even though Markus's tone of voice was low, there was undeniable anger and murderous intent behind it as he looked at the unconscious Kraven.

As the bat was released from its confines, it started morphing back to the familiar form of Kraven that was lying on the ground. As Markus saw Kraven change back from his bat form, his pupils narrowed as he looked at the Kraven and instantly appeared above the former Regent of the Old World Coven.

When Markus appeared above Kraven, the former Regent's eyes snapped open as he looked at the Primogenitor of the Vampire Race with evident fear in his eyes. Kraven realized that his plan to create the Far East Coven was most probably a bit of a rushed decision, but in truth, what he didn't expect was the fierce retaliation from the Jujutsu Sorcerers.

From what he knew, the Sorcerers didn't meddle in the affairs of the other species within the Moonlit Side of the World. The real problem started when the Vampires started contracting the Bloodlust and becoming Bloodfiends. 

And once a Vampire succumbed to the Bloodlust and became a Bloodfiend, it would start attacking everything and anything without any care, which was creating problems for the Jujutsu Association and the Ministry of Magic in Japan.

Obviously, Kraven didn't care about the Wizardkin, as most of them were insignificant in the eyes of the Vampires, and Sorcerers wouldn't really bother unless it was related to the Cursed Spirits.

What he didn't know or work with was that these Bloodfiends that were spreading like a plague, which they were... as the Bloodlust was indeed a very serious disease that could easily infect newly turned Vampires, could easily reveal the entire Moonlit World to the Normies.

And that was something unacceptable...

"Your Majesty, ple..."

Kraven didn't even get to finish the words, as Markus lifted him up with a single hand and crashed his body against the wall. In a mere moment, two huge leathery wings sprouted behind Markus's back as they stabbed through the shoulders of Kraven.

Essentially binding him in one place as Markus sank his fangs into his neck and started drinking his blood. When the Vampires drank blood, they could also see some memories of the person to whom the blood belonged.

The stronger the Vampire was, the more they could discover from the blood, and Markus, as the Primogenitor of the entire Race, could essentially see everything and anything from the blood that he drank.

It didn't take long for Markus to obtain everything that he wanted from Kraven.

"Are you finished?"

Shirou asked as Markus dropped Kraven on the ground. The former Regent of the Old World Coven was still alive, which was rather surprising.

"Yes, and I got everything that I need... Khan, bring him to the Millennium Castle and throw him into the Altar."

Hearing the words of the Primogenitor, chill spread through the bodies of all Vampires, because this was a fate that was even worse than death. 

Within the Millennium Castle Corvinus, in the deepest and most secret parts of the ancestral seat of the Vampire Race, was the Sacred Blood Altar. Below the Altar itself was the pond of blood...

If a Vampire was thrown into the pond of blood, the Sacred Blood Altar would dissolve his body, his Magic, his Essence, and even his very own Soul. Their entire very own existence would be assimilated by the Sacred Blood Altar and return to the embrace of the blood.

This was the most common method of execution within the Vampire Race, because this way, the Vampires that were executed would be used as resources for the other Vampires to increase their strength.

Kraven, as the Special 1st-Class Vampire, was certainly worthy of this punishment, because this punishment was issued only to the 1st-Class Vampires and above.

Sometimes, even 2nd-Class Vampires were given this punishment if they were close to reaching the 1st-Class or had some sort of mutation or weird powers that were making them stronger on average.

The former Regent of the Old World Coven didn't even have a time or opportunity to beg for mercy as he was dragged away from the room.

"I need to return to the Council for the time being. It seems that Kraven had really extensive deals with various enemies of the Vampire Race to the point where he even worked with some human pharmaceutical company to develop weapons against Vampires and Werewolves so he could maintain his supremacy over the position of the Regent... and that Samira... traitors all of them..."

Markus managed to learn everything that he wanted from the Kraven's blood, and the more he learned, the more engaged he became. Though he had to admit that the man was a good schemer and was rather smart...

For most of the time.

Indeed, his last scheme with the Old World Coven was pretty stupid, but that could be attributed mostly to bad luck. If not for the Bloodlust that was creating Bloodfiended Vampires, then even Shirou admitted that he wouldn't have cared about the Vampires and the Far East Coven.

Unfortunately, something went wrong, and they went Feral.

Bad luck.

"If Kraven worked together with humans on developing weapons against Vampires and Werewolves, it would be considered the highest treason against the Statue of Secrecy. Markus, this needs to be addressed instantly."

Shirou said as he understood the gravity of the situation because it was pretty much fucked up the situation was and now, they would need to resolve it quickly. 

"I will contact the International Confederation of Supernaturals so someone in the United States can handle it. It seems that Kraven was rather smart and chose one of the less-known companies in the United States, the one that is heavily involved in military research for that..."

It wasn't like the Muggle governments were unaware of the existence of Supernatural.

They certainly were, but there wasn't much that they could do about it, especially when the majority of them were controlled by the Supernatural factions from the shadows. If you have beings that could withstand even Nuclear Weapons with their sheer bodies, it was smarter to join them rather than oppose them.

The International Confederation of Supernaturals was the Moonlit version of the United Nations.

Basically, just a glorious meeting place between the major players in the Moonlit Side of the World. The International Confederation of Supernaturals didn't have any authority or their own forces, because practically no factions wanted to create something that would have authority over them.

This was specifically true for the factions that were created or backed by the Special-Class beings.

Jujutsu Association, Vampire Council, Magi Families, Psyker Families, Werewolf Tribes...

Not even a single one of them really liked the idea of having some internal national government that would have executive power to intervene in their matters.

Though Shirou knew that one would be needed in the future.

"I will contact the Addams Family... among the Psykers, you won't find more influential and more powerful factions. You send a message to the New World Coven. This problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible."

Shirou said as he decided that he would step in because this was a rather problematic situation. The common consensus among the Moonlit Factions was to hide from the Normies and not involve them in the Moonlit World.

What Kraven did could be considered a breach of the greatest degree that one could commit in the Moonlit World. At least, this matter would be handled by the local factions in America, because it was rather far from them.

"So can I now go and claim the bounty?"

After some time of silence, amid the serious atmosphere, Toji voiced his thoughts as he was already thinking about the high bounty on the Kraven's head. This needed to be handled as soon as possible, and all offenders and people involved in the project needed to be executed.

"You can go."

Shirou said, as Toji wasn't needed for this, as he had done his part already.

"We need to set up the meeting with Lucian and reach consensus on the matter already. Most of the conflicts between the Werewolves in Europe and the Old World Coven are solely due to Viktor."

Markus nodded as he heard the words of Jujutsu Marshall and agreed to meet with Lucian and the leadership of the Lycan Rebellion Army to solve this matter. He admitted that this endless fight benefited no one, and on the contrary, it was constantly weakening the Old World Coven.

Among the other Covens, while the Old World Coven was also the biggest and strongest one, over the centuries, its strength was slowly declining due to the constant war with the Lycans, while the strength of the other covens was rising.

"Muzaka and Amelia are already en route to Hungary and they should be arriving soon. I will contact Lucian and arrange a meeting. Once the ceasefire is established, we can collectively hunt for Viktor and bring him down."

Markus nodded as he needed to return to the headquarters of the Vampire Council in the Millennium Castle, Brunestud, to execute some traitors. The fact that Kravne managed to obtain some support among the other parts of the Vampire Race was rather disturbing...

Though most of the support that he obtained was basically just a trick.

The one where he told the people that he was acting on behalf of Elder Viktor...

This allowed him to obtain and rope in the help of the Regent of the Siberian Coven, Samira, who was equally ambitious as she was stupid. Which wasn't really surprising, because the Vampires of the Siberian Coven were not the most cunning around, but they were also rather powerful warriors on their own.

Aside from Samira, the rest of the co-conspirators in Kraven's schemes were not particularly high-ranking Vampires, nor were they specifically powerful or skilled. 

What was shameful was their number, though, because Markus obtained a list of around one hundred and fifty-six names that were all traitors to the Vampire Council. Most of their crimes consisted of selling secrets of the Council and Coven to the enemies of the Vampire Council, be it Grimoires, Artifacts, and other things. 

Kraven himself had business dealings with the Grayback and his Moonsnatcher Gang, which dared to attack and rob one of the fortresses under the Old World Coven, stealing some of their most valuable secret Lore.

And then, he had dealings with the Dark Wizards and Magi, including the Dead Apostles, which was only added ot the infinitely long list of the crimes that the former Regent of the Old World Coven committed.

"As you wish. I will be back in two days."

Markjus then looked at Selene, who straightened her posture as she looked at the Primogenitor of the Vampire Race.

"As the Regent of the Old World Coven, the most important task is to rebuild the military strength of the Old World Coven as soon as possible. Any means necessary are acceptable, and losses are too..."

The eldest Corvinus stated as he then teleported away, leaving in the room only Selene and Shirou. Selene was pretty smart to realize what Markus wanted from her, and it seemed that she could go with her wish and start exterminating the Vampire Nobles in the Old World Coven that were just leeching on the resources and expanding the Death Dealers by a huge margin.

Right now, after Selene was promoted to the Regent of the Old World Coven, Khan, the black-skinned Vampire who looked like a ripped bodybuilder, was promoted to the position of Commander of the Death Dealers.

"Why is Primogenitor Markus so keen on capturing Viktor with such murderous intent?"

Selene had already noticed something that was happening, and because she was sharp, she realized that there was something in the shadows that she didn't understand, and something that was very serious.

If not...

Then Primogenitor Markus wouldn't have looked like he wanted to rip Viktor apart for several hundred times over and over.

She was aware that Viktor did something that was was't considered as Council firmly and even decided to escape from the Old World Coven as he was woken up by some of the Kraven's goons.

"..."

Shirou looked at her without saying anything for a few moments, as he knew that she wouldn't stop bothering him until he told her everything that she wanted to know.

Now he really wanted to curse Markus, who didn't really bother with informing Selene about all of these things, and especially that Viktor was the one who was responsible for killing her family, which was interconnected to the building of William Corvinus's prison.

"Come on..."

Selene said after some time of silence, as Shirou, in the end, relented, because she would have learned of this thing either way. 

"The reason why Markus is angry with Viktor is that... Viktor knows the location of the prison that houses William Corvinus... and Viktor was also the one who killed the chief builder of William's prison, leaving there only one sole survivor... his daughter named Selene."

As he said that, he could visibly see that she was shaking as some repressed memories were awakening, and something that she thought she had forgotten was remembered. Her Cursed Energy was going haywire and out of control because the Cursed Energy was generally linked to the emotional state of the person using it.

Fortunately, she calmed down soon enough as the Cursed Energy Levels decreased accordingly. As a Special 1st Class Vampire, if her Cursed Energy got out of control, it could destroy large parts of the mansion.

At least in this room where they were currently in, before the defenses of the Ördögház kicked in and neutralized the threat. 

Selene, meanwhile, was...

Totally enraged as she heard the revelation, but deep inside, there was something that she consistently questioned and suspected about Viktor. It wasn't sitting well with her subconscious, why he had chosen exactly her.

Calling her the "Princess of the Old World Coven" wasn't out of the question, because she truly embodied the role. Her adoptive father, Viktor, was the technical ruler of the Old World Coven as the Vampire Elder who had oversight of the Coven.

Shirou knew that it would take some time for Selene to calm down completely, and he himself wasn't really good at consoling other people. He knew that what Selene carved right now was the truth and most probably revenge.

"Well, I am not really sure what to say right now... the only thing that I can say is that, sooner or later, we will find Viktor and then you would be able to obtain all of the truth and revenge that you want."

Shirous stated as Selene took the words calmly and in the end, calmed down completely as she knew that it was only a matter of time before Viktor was captured. Part of her didn't want to believe it, but the truth was iron-clad.

She knew that this information was coming straight from Kraven's memories, and Kraven obviously knew a lot. In the end, if he didn't know a lot, then he wouldn't be able to survive so long and also scheme so much.

***

One Day Later, Undisclosed Location, Hungary

Kallikratos Tribe was one of the strongest Werewolf Tribes... not only that, but it was also one of the Primogenitorial Strains of the Werewolf Species. The Werewolves on Earth either originated from Muzaka Kallikratos or William Corvinus.

These two were the most dominant strains of the Werewolf Species. Each of them had its own advantages and disadvantages as they were unique in their own right.

The Corvinus-strain Werewolves underwent significant transformations; their animalistic side, the wolfish side, was much stronger and more powerful. When they were transformed, they transformed the overgrown wolf that was able to stand on both of its legs.

Meanwhile, the Kallikratos-strain Werewolves were more attuned to the Aura and Aura Manipulation, and they were more combat-like. Unlike the Corvinus-strain Werewolves, the Kallikratos-strain Werewolves transformed into hybrids, with transformations occurring in 99% of cases, resembling a mix between man and wolf.

Muzaka has a tall, muscular, fair-skinned body, covered with large battle scars that testify to his prowess as a warrior. These scars, not completely healed, also serve as trophies and symbols of power.

He has long grey hair, with greyish eyes, and wears rather simple-looking light brown pants and a red blazer with white fur lining. Still, despite his rather calm appearance, there was an aura of beast and power dwelling beneath it.

Behind Muzaka were two other people.

The man appeared to be a huge, muscular individual with brown eyes. He had light grey hair, which was rather long and tied into a somewhat Mohawk style.

While the woman was slim, she still had the build of a warrior. She had light brown hair that extended past her shoulders and pink eyes. Like the man next to her, the aura of a warrior was unmistakable as she was one of the strongest Warriors in the Tribe.

Warriors were not only an occupation, but it was also something akin to a title and rank in their social hierarchy. This was especially true for the Werewolves that were descended from the Kallikratos-strain, as they were more combat-like and their society was more martial-based than the other strain of the Werewolves.

"We are already close to the Ördögház."

The male of the two stated as they were nearing the headquarters of the Old World Coven, where the meeting between the Vampire Council and Lycan Rebellion Army would take place to resolve the grudges and stop the centuries-long conflict.

Everything was being organized by the Jujutsu Marshall of the Jujutsu Association, Amakusa Shirou Tokisada, on behalf of the Old World Coven due to the friendship between the Primogenitor of Vampires and Father of the Jujutsu Sorcery.

"I know..."

Muzaka, as the Lord of the Werewolves, replied with a bored voice, because if not for the intervention of Shirou, he wouldn't have bothered with this. However, he also acknowledged that the conflict between the Old World Coven and the Lycan Rebellion Army was escalating out of control.

Even though the Werewolves of the Lycan Rebellion Army were from a different strain, they were still wolves, and a senseless loss was a senseless loss. The conflict was going on for many centuries, and it claimed countless lives, and for what?

Nothing...

Just schemes and vengeance.

"Hopefully we can resolve this entire mess as soon as possible... what a pain in the ass."