Chapter 248: What a Misfortune!

Island of Gozo.

The Fourth True Ancestor's Underground Mausoleum.

A rough yet cold voice echoed throughout the mausoleum.

Gulp!

Akatsuki Kojou Adam's apple bobbed as he involuntarily swallowed, eyes widening in shock as he stared at the group approaching.

They were tall and muscular, dressed in turquoise uniforms, but...

Akatsuki Kojou focused on their heads.

Not human!

Thick brown fur…

Wolves? Bears?

He stepped in front of Nagisa, his eyes turning serious.

When Yukari saw the group of beastmen, a strange smile curled on his lips.

"Things are really heating up now..."

"I didn't expect even the Black Death Emperor's brother to show up. What's the deal? Are beastmen interested in the Fourth True Ancestor now too?"

"Brother of the Black Death Emperor?!"

Liana and Gajou's eyes widened in shock.

This guy... is no ordinary person!

Tsk!

Liana frowned.

What the hell?

She had invested time, money, and manpower into this, finally making progress...

Only for a bunch of outsiders to show up and reap the rewards?

First it was the Lion King Organization, now beastmen.

If anyone else showed up next, it wouldn't even surprise her anymore.

But seriously...

What did these people take her for?

A tool for excavating the Fourth True Ancestor?

Liana was seriously pissed.

On the other side.

Hearing Yukari call out his identity, the Black Death Emperor's brother crossed his arms and looked at him coldly.

"Looks like your background's not simple either."

Although his face showed no emotion, inwardly he was a little surprised.

Wasn't there supposed to be only one vampire left here?

And a fallen noblewoman at that?

"The Lion King Organization."

Yukari lazily revealed his affiliation.

"The Lion King Organization..."

The Emperor's brother narrowed his eyes.

Among the demon world, that name had some weight.

But in this kind of situation?

Even if the War King himself showed up, there would be no retreat!

Not to mention...

They were a terrorist organization.

A terrorist organization should act like one!

Grinning menacingly, his fur-covered face twisted.

"Lion, tiger, whatever. I'm taking the Fourth True Ancestor!"

Yukari paused for a moment, eyes gleaming with amusement.

This guy really is the living example of "brute strength, no brains."

Take the Fourth True Ancestor?

Forget Lynn's connection to it for now.

Just the power of the Fourth True Ancestor alone.

You think a mere beastman like you can control it?

"Enough talking."

Suddenly, Liana stepped forward.

Her voice was cold and sharp.

"If you want the Fourth True Ancestor, you'll have to get past me first!"

She still felt a trace of fear facing a Snowdrift Wolf capable of suppressing vampires.

But...

A mere beastman couldn't actually kill a vampire!

Liana's emerald eyes gleamed.

With a wave of her hand, two giant wolves, one red and one blue, materialized before her!

"ROAR—!"

The twin wolves lunged toward the Black Death Emperor's brother without hesitation!

"ROAR!!"

A deep roar responded, shaking the entire mausoleum!

Behind him, the beastman army let out an earth-shaking roar.

The air trembled!

A violent gale blew through the space, tossing Kojou and the others' hair into disarray!

Kojou clutched his ears, a piercing buzz ringing in his head!

Too terrifying!!

His face was pale.

Why...

Why was this happening on what was supposed to be a relaxing summer vacation?!

What a misfortune!!

He wanted to cry but had no tears!

Meanwhile.

The twin wolves weren't fazed.

The Emperor's brother didn't change expression.

Then.

His magic exploded!

Boom!!

A terrifying aura shook the air!

Rip—!

His body swelled violently, and his green uniform shredded instantly!

ROAR—!

A monstrous beast's body suddenly filled the underground mausoleum!

BOOM!!

His massive claws swiped down hard!

The two summoned wolves were smacked into the frozen floor with a deafening crash!

Liana's eyes widened.

"Sköll! Hati!"

She stared at the two groaning wolves sprawled on the ice, her pupils trembling in disbelief.

This guy...

How could he be this strong?!

Seeing this, Gajou cast a glance at Kojou and Nagisa, his eyes turning grim.

This wasn't good...

Too many unpredictable variables!

It was one thing if it were just the Lion King Organization, but—

The Black Death Emperor's faction wasn't exactly known for being rational.

Unlike Yukari, they couldn't be reasoned with!

Now he regretted bringing Kojou and Nagisa here.

The operation had been kept strictly confidential.

So why...?

Why had the Lion King Organization and a terrorist group like the Black Death Emperor's faction shown up?

There's a rat among us.

That was Gajou's first thought.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.

He walked up beside Liana, face serious.

He whispered, "Things are getting out of hand."

If it were just him, with his own unique abilities, he'd be fine.

But...

The problem was Kojou and Nagisa.

Liana snapped back to attention.

She glanced at Gajou beside her, surprise flashing in her eyes.

For all the time she had known this clown… This was the first time she had seen such a serious expression on him.

Because...

She glanced at Kojou and Nagisa from the corner of her eye.

Steeling herself, she nodded solemnly.

"Don't worry. I'll protect them."

They were dragged into this because of her.

Naturally, she would take responsibility.

Even if it meant sacrificing her own life—

She wouldn't let any harm come to them!

Whew...

She exhaled, her gaze full of determination.

Meanwhile—

Yukina drew the Snowdrift Wolf Schneewalzer from her backpack again, gripping it tightly.

From that brief clash earlier, she could tell...

The strength of that beastman was likely beyond her.

It was even possible...

That he was at the same level as Dimitrie Vatler.

And if that were the case...

The result would be the same as last time.

She wouldn't be able to win.

Back then—

All she did was hold him off.

The one who actually killed Vatler...

Was Lynn.

But still...

Whether as a Shrine Maiden of the Lion King Organization or a follower of Lynn.

There was no way she would retreat!

Yukina's eyes turned resolute.

She raised Schneewalzer and aimed it directly at the beastman.

(To be continued.)