chapter 26: Terrakula’s terrifying power

Darkness spread over Terrakula's gothic castle, and inside, Steve walked with his usual calm and confident steps toward the dining hall, where Terrakula was waiting for dinner.

He carried a large silver tray, covered with a dark blue cloth, holding a luxurious meal.

The dining table was massive, large enough for many people, yet Terrakula sat alone at its center.

Terrakula (in a calm voice): "You're a little late, Steve."

Steve (casually): "I apologize, Terrakula-sama. I brought your dinner as you requested."

Steve walked over to the table and placed the tray down.

Terrakula (staring at the food, then smirking sarcastically): "Tell me, Steve… when was the first time we met?"

Steve: "Oh… that was two years ago, when I was fifteen. That day, you gave me a new life, just like you did for the others."

Flashback: Two Years Ago

At that time, Steve was just a street thief and a rebel, dressed in old, ragged clothes, stealing food from merchants in Darkova's marketplace.

That day, Steve grabbed an apple from a fruit vendor and ran away before the seller even noticed.

Vendor (running after him, shouting): "Hey, you brat! Give me back my apple!!"

Steve ran quickly, dodging through the crowded market, but he didn't notice that a group of people had been watching him closely.

Suddenly, a group of men moved in, trying to surround him from all sides.

But Steve refused to surrender.

In an instant, he stopped running, and his expression changed—his eyes filled with determination.

He took a deep breath and then attacked the men around him!

Punching, kicking, dodging—

He knocked one to the ground, kicked another in the chest, and jumped over the rest.

His strength was incredible for his age.

One by one, they fell, until no one was left standing.

Steve (running again, frustrated): "Leave me alone!"

No one expected that this young teenager would have such insane physical strength.

From a distance, Terrakula watched everything with sharp eyes, intrigued by the scene.

Before Steve could run again, he suddenly found Terrakula standing in front of him, smiling mysteriously.

Terrakula (calmly, with an eerie smile): "How interesting… You have unusual strength. Perhaps… I could use you in the future. You're quite special, aren't you?"

Steve stared at her, suspicious, feeling something strange that made him freeze in place.

Terrakula (smirking mischievously): "How about changing your life and becoming part of something bigger? You have limitless potential."

Steve: "What do you want from me?"

Terrakula: "I can give you a life of wealth and luxury—something you've only dreamed of. So, what do you say?"

For a moment, Steve hesitated.

Then, with a curious look, he nodded.

He didn't know what Terrakula had planned for him, but he knew that his life was about to change forever.

Back to the Present – In the Castle

Terrakula: "My dear Steve… you know I hate being alone, don't you?"

Steve: "I know, Terrakula-sama. That's why Akira, Nyoro, and I are here—to keep you entertained, ever since Count Dracula disappeared years ago."

Terrakula (taking a bite of her chicken, speaking softly): "I always wonder… what would your life be like if you never met me? Would you still be that lost boy running through Darkova's streets?"

Steve: "I don't know, Terrakula-sama. But my life wouldn't be the same without you."

Terrakula (smirking, her voice teasing): "I suppose you're one of the few people who truly appreciate the life I gave them, aren't you?"

Steve (slightly nervous): "Yes… Terrakula-sama."

Meanwhile, in Darkova's Streets…

Akio, Ken, Ann, and Akira strolled through the city, enjoying the night atmosphere after sunset.

They chatted and laughed, while Ken kept smoking cigarette after cigarette, nonstop.

Akira, growing irritated, noticed Ken's bad habit.

Akira (annoyed): "Oi, you. Can't you stop smoking for even a minute?! You're suffocating us, man!"

Ken (exhaling smoke, completely unbothered): "Mind your own business."

Ann (gazing at Ken dreamily): "Ken-san… You look so handsome when you smoke!"

Akira stared at Ann in shock, his expression one of pure disbelief.

Akira (stunned): "WHAT?! You too?! I can't believe this!"

Ann (smiling happily): "I don't know why, but Ken-san looks really attractive when he smokes. Even though it's a bad habit."

Ken (coldly): "You both love annoying me, don't you?"

Akira (grumbling, looking at Ken): "You need to stop. Do you want to die at twenty, you depressed idiot?"

Ken (putting another cigarette in his mouth): "Don't underestimate me."

Akio (laughing): "Man, you're so stubborn!"

Akira (grinning slightly): "Well, I think I should head back now."

Akio (surprised): "Huh? Why? We were having fun!"

Akira: "Terrakula-sama needs me at the castle. I work for her."

Akio (eyes widening in shock): "WHAT?! Did you just say Terrakula?!"

Akira: "Yeah. Is there a problem?"

Akio (stunned, staring at Akira): "We… We actually came here looking for—"!

Before Akio could finish, Ann quickly covered his mouth.

Ann (surprised): "Wait… So this castle in front of us… is the Crimson Duchess Terrakula's castle?!"

Akira (stopping, smirking slightly): "Listen… I think I should invite you to something special tomorrow."

Ann (pausing, confused): "An invitation? To what?"

Akira: "To a party at the castle. Terrakula is hosting one tomorrow, and she's expecting some important guests. Since you guys came all the way here… I think it'd be fun to see you there."

Akio (shocked, trying to process what he just heard): "A party… at Terrakula's castle?! I can't believe this!!"

Akira (grinning confidently, laughing): "Of course. Just don't cause trouble—like you always do."

Akio: "Alright, thanks!"

As Akira spoke about the upcoming party, a subtle shadow moved behind them.

Terrakula was watching from afar, hidden in the darkness, a wicked smile forming on her lips as she observed the new visitors.

Terrakula (to herself): "Good… Akira did it before I even had to think about it. This will be a perfect opportunity to see them all up close."

Her gaze shifted to Ken, who stood there, listening to Akira attentively while smoking his cigarette.

Terrakula (her eyes widening slowly, her grin growing darker): "So… this is Yukaji Ken? Quite handsome… He will certainly entertain me tomorrow."

Akira started walking away towards the castle gates.

Akira (waving at them): "Meeting Terrakula-sama is never boring. Just make sure to wear your best clothes!"

Terrakula continued to watch them carefully, knowing that tomorrow night would not be ordinary.

She silently entered the castle, walking up the grand staircase to the upper floor, where Lionel's prison cell was located.

When she reached the iron door, her eyes fell on leftover food—crumbs of bread and small pieces of cheese scattered on the floor.

Terrakula (smirking slightly): "How interesting… Akira has really grown up and changed. He's no longer the selfish teenager I once knew. That means…"

Her smile darkened as she stepped inside the cell, where Lionel lay on the ground, asleep.

She watched his quiet breathing, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes.

Terrakula (softly, reaching toward his face): "Did you ever think about the consequences of being here?"

She placed her cold hand on his forehead, then whispered seductively yet chillingly into his ear.

Terrakula: "Wake up, little one… It's time."

Suddenly, Lionel felt something cold touch his forehead.

His eyes snapped open, but before he could react, he felt an overwhelming force pressing down on him.

Terrakula had lifted his head gently, holding him in place.

Terrakula (grinning wickedly, leaning closer to his neck): "Did you really think that fool would save you?"

Lionel (his voice weak, trembling): "W-What do you want from me?"

Terrakula (tilting her head slightly, then laughing): "I want to taste you, little one. Don't bother trying to escape… You are my toy now."

Before he could resist, her sharp fangs sank into his neck!

His eyes widened in horror, and a piercing scream tore from his throat.

Lionel (screaming): "No… NO!!"

But Terrakula ignored him, drinking his blood slowly, savoring his suffering.

Terrakula (chuckling darkly, still feeding): "Delicious… but so weak. You can feel the pain, can't you? But this is your reality now—there is no escape."

After a while, she pulled away, looking at him calmly.

Lionel's vision blurred, his body trembled, and he was on the verge of losing consciousness.

She left him there, sealing the cell door tightly before descending to the middle floor.

Akira returned to the castle, and the first thing on his mind was checking on Lionel.

He headed straight for the upper floor, quietly opening the cell door.

His eyes searched the dimly lit space—and then he saw it.

Lionel was lying on the floor, his face pale, his eyes foggy and unfocused.

His body was shaking, and blood was still dripping from his wounded neck.

Akira (shocked, staring at Lionel): "Lionel… What happened to you?"

He rushed forward, examining the boy's weakened body.

A strange tightness formed in his chest—a feeling he couldn't explain.

He tried to bury it, but it was still there.

Akira (his voice low, his fists clenching): "That damn woman… She did it already!"

Lionel weakly turned his head, looking at Akira with half-closed eyes.

Lionel (his voice barely above a whisper): "A-Akira… I… I felt pain… I can't… breathe…"

Akira felt a storm of emotions inside him.

For years, he had tried to suppress his feelings, to act like nothing mattered—but now, looking at Lionel's fragile form, something inside him cracked.

Akira (his voice tense): "Damn it…! He's burning up!"

Without hesitation, he lifted Lionel onto his back, carrying him carefully.

For so long, he had followed Terrakula's rules, believing he owed her—but now… his heart refused to leave Lionel behind.

His breath was heavy, and each step he took felt heavier.

A harsh truth settled in his mind—he had to make a decision.

As he carried Lionel, the boy's small hands clung to him, but soon, Lionel lost consciousness.

Akira's heart pounded, and he tightened his grip, running down the hall.

Akira (whispering fiercely): "Lionel… I won't let you die!"

As he neared the large exit doors, a sudden movement made him stop.

A figure emerged from the shadows.

Terrakula stood in his path, a cold, unreadable smile on her face.

Terrakula (calmly): "It seems you're too late, Akira."

Akira (his voice low with anger, his body tense): "You… You did this to him!"

Terrakula (smirking): "Oh? How adorable. A monster rescuing a human child? That's new."

Akira (his patience breaking): "That's enough! I have served you for years, followed your orders without question… but I will not harm an innocent child! I swore to repay you, but this—this is too much!"

Terrakula's red eyes gleamed with mockery.

Terrakula (laughing softly): "Oh, Akira… Did you really think this was just about a simple promise? You know well… I don't follow the rules of emotion or morality."

Akira (his body trembling with suppressed rage, his claws twitching): "You don't have the right to hurt people just because you can! I won't stand by anymore!"

Terrakula (stepping closer, her voice cold and amused): "And what do you plan to do about it? You are nothing more than a piece in my game, Akira. No matter how much you resist… you can't escape me."

Suddenly—

Terrakula moved with inhuman speed, her hand lunging for his throat.

Akira tried to dodge, but she was too fast!

Her grip tightened around his neck, and her eyes gleamed with cruelty.

Akira (gasping, struggling): "You… won't… kill me…!"

Terrakula (whispering coldly): "No, darling… But I will teach you what happens when you defy me."

As she tightened her hold, Akira felt a searing pain inside his body—a force beyond his control.

His blood itself was moving—being manipulated.

Akira (his breath ragged, in agony): "What… are you doing to me?!"

Terrakula (grinning darkly): "I'm playing with blood."

Akira felt the blood inside his body shifting uncontrollably. His left hand clutched at his chest as he tried to resist, but with each step Terrakula took, the pain intensified until it reached his heart, forcing a scream from his lips.

Akira (in a pained, low voice, groaning in agony): "I… won't… let you… kill me…."

But Terrakula paid no attention to his words. She used her power to force him to walk on his feet despite his near-collapse, her eyes filled with disdain.

Terrakula (in an eerily calm, low voice): "You seem to think you hold some great importance to me, but the truth is, you are nothing! And I am more than willing to kill anyone who defies me!"

She then began dragging Akira's battered body through the long corridors of the castle. He was half-conscious, unable to move, and it seemed she had completely forgotten Lionel by the door in her fury toward Akira.

The moment Terrakula left, Steve entered the castle. As soon as he stepped inside, his eyes widened in shock—Lionel's small body was sprawled on the floor, his face pale. The scent of Akira's blood was thick in the air, staining the ground around them.

That moment alone froze Steve in place, his breath catching at the unsettling scene before him.

Steve (whispering in disbelief): "What… happened?"

To be continued…