[445] Showdown

As night fell, August and his group arrived at the venue for the evening's grand banquet—aboard the Oceanus Grave II, a vessel epitomizing luxury.

Accompanying August and Natsuki, the two invited guests, were Kanon, Yukina, Sayaka, and even Beatrice. Technically, bringing uninvited guests was a breach of etiquette, but for August, rules were a trivial matter.

The group stepped onto the deck of the Oceanus Grave II, where many of Itogami Island's prominent figures were already mingling. Wealthy tycoons and high-ranking officials filled the space, each exuding an air of importance. Yet, unbeknownst to them, the true purpose of the banquet had little to do with their presence.

For most of them, this was simply a social gathering. But for August, the evening had a far more significant agenda.

Kanon and Yukina, both wide-eyed with wonder, gazed around in awe. Such extravagant settings were new to them. Sayaka and Beatrice, however, appeared far more composed, having seen similar sights before.

Although Sayaka and Yukina were of the same generation, Sayaka's broader mission experience had made her more seasoned and mature.

"All right, Yukina, Sayaka. Take Kanon and explore the ship for a bit," August instructed.

"Hmm? August-niisan, where are you going?" Kanon asked, tilting her head.

"I'm going to meet the host of tonight's banquet. Don't worry; I won't be long."

"Okay," she replied obediently, nodding.

August couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at her sweet and compliant nature. Kanon embodied the kind of innocent charm every man dreamed of in a companion.

With that, Kanon, Yukina, and Sayaka remained on the main deck while August, accompanied by Natsuki and Beatrice, headed toward the upper levels of the ship.

Despite passing several of Vatler's vampire subordinates along the way, none made any move to stop them. The mere presence of the "Witch of the Void" was enough to deter any thought of interference. Natsuki's reputation as a legendary hunter of demonic beings was known far and wide.

On the second-level deck, August finally came face-to-face with his target—Dimitrie Vatler, the so-called strongest vampire beneath the ranks of the true ancestors.

"Well, well! The renowned 'Witch of the Void' has graced us with her presence. What an extraordinary honor," Vatler greeted, his voice dripping with mock formality.

"Shut it, snake charmer," Natsuki snapped coldly. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even bother acknowledging you."

"My, how harsh," Vatler chuckled, unfazed by her hostility.

Then, his gaze shifted to August. The moment their eyes met, an inexplicable thrill coursed through Vatler's entire being. Every cell in his body trembled, as though he were standing before a creature of unimaginable power.

Could this man truly rival the true ancestors?

"I can scarcely believe it," Vatler murmured, his tone a mixture of awe and exhilaration. "That someone of your caliber exists in this world…"

For the first time, Dimitrie Vatler, the arrogant vampire noble, bowed his head in genuine respect. His excitement was palpable, his expression almost unnervingly distorted by his fervor.

Even Natsuki, known for her composed demeanor, glanced at August with a flicker of surprise. Was he truly a being of such monstrous strength that he could command such reverence from Vatler?

"I am Dimitrie Vatler of the Warlord's Empire," the vampire introduced himself, his voice trembling slightly.

"I know who you are," August replied coolly. "I came here tonight specifically for you."

"I am truly honored," Vatler said, his tone almost reverent.

"You've earned it."

"Then, if I may," Vatler said, his eyes gleaming with unrestrained excitement, "allow me the privilege of witnessing your strength, my lord."

In an instant, Dimitrie Vatler's noble demeanor twisted into something far more primal and menacing.

A whirlwind erupted around him, a manifestation of his immense magical power. The gale tore through everything nearby, scattering objects and people alike. Vatler, the vampire reputed to be the closest in strength to the true ancestors, was proving that his reputation was no empty boast.

"Utpala! Sagara! Vananda!"

At Vatler's command, three massive, serpent-shaped familiars materialized, their forms coiling ominously over the ocean's surface. The pressure they exuded was immense, a tangible sign of his power. Out of respect for August's strength, Vatler held nothing back. A weaker foe would have been beneath his notice, but this man—this enigma—deserved everything he had.

The three serpentine beasts didn't stop there. Before the astonished eyes of onlookers, they began to merge. Scales fused, energy surged, and their forms combined into a single, terrifying entity.

The resulting familiar was a massive, deep gray serpent adorned with violet patterns across its body. Razor-sharp spikes lined its back, and it glowed faintly with a dangerous purple hue. Its maw, capable of spewing devastating beams of energy, radiated with destructive potential.

"So, this is what they call a 'Familiar Fusion,'" August observed, his voice calm but tinged with admiration. "Impressive."

August didn't hold back his praise. Combining three lesser familiars into one had created a new beast that neared the power of a true ancestor's familiar.

"My lord," Vatler said, his face a mixture of battle lust and wild excitement, "please, grant me the honor of witnessing your strength!"

"As you wish." August's tone was steady, his expression unshaken. "Come forth, Reaper."

With a shimmer of energy, a figure appeared in midair—a humanoid entity clad in pristine white robes, wielding a massive cruciform weapon. Its form radiated a sense of overwhelming presence despite its relatively modest size.

Vatler narrowed his eyes. While it was true that a familiar's size didn't always equate to its strength, this one seemed… small. Could it really pose a threat?

The massive serpent roared, its deep hiss reverberating through the air as it lunged at the Reaper, jaws wide enough to swallow it whole.

Boom!

Yet, the expected outcome did not occur. Instead of devouring its opponent, Vatler's three-in-one serpent was sent hurtling backward with staggering force. The scene left everyone momentarily stunned.

Even Natsuki, who rarely showed surprise, couldn't hide the flicker of astonishment in her gaze. The strength of August's familiar far surpassed her expectations.

"Spectacular," Vatler exclaimed, his expression manic with delight. "What an extraordinary familiar! But now, I'll stop holding back. Let's see how far you can go!"

With another deafening roar, the serpent opened its maw, unleashing a torrent of freezing frost and ice.

In response, the Reaper raised its massive cruciform weapon. A moment later, a fiery explosion erupted, consuming the frost in a wave of heat so intense that it vaporized the ice instantaneously.

Even Vatler's fused serpent was caught in the blast, its massive body scorched with severe burns as the flames dissipated.

Just as the tides seemed to turn, a sudden attack came from the side. Another serpent familiar, hidden beneath the waves, struck out and shattered the Reaper's head in a devastating blow.

For a moment, silence fell.

Then, with a faint shimmer of light, the Reaper's damaged head began to regenerate, reforming in the blink of an eye.

"Manasa! Takshaka!" Vatler cried, summoning two more serpentine familiars.

The two new beasts rose from the sea, joining the battlefield. Along with the fused serpent, they formed a deadly triangle around the Reaper, trapping it in the center.

The situation suddenly grew dire. Three powerful serpentine familiars against a lone Reaper—an uneven match that tilted the scales against August.

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