The clash began like a storm.
Vampires and werewolves rushed toward each other with wild force. The ground shook as claws met blades. Red light and dark shadows mixed together. Vampires moved with sharp speed, their weapons glowing, while werewolves charged forward with raw power, their bodies filled with rage.
Cries echoed through the night.
Some vampires were thrown back by heavy strikes. Some werewolves were cut down by clean slashes. The smell of blood filled the air. The moon above watched silently as the battle grew larger and more violent.
Aijack stood at the front, blocking a powerful werewolf strike with his bare arm. Klein moved like lightning, his dual blades cutting through enemies without pause. Allisa stood behind, supporting and protecting the wounded.
But in the chaos, something went unnoticed.
Several werewolves slipped away.
They moved fast and silent, entering the Castle of Foreverness through broken paths and shadows.
Inside the castle, Oban stood alone in a hallway.
He could hear distant sounds of battle, but they felt far away. His mind was heavy.
What should I do in this situation? he thought.
Suddenly, he felt something familiar.
He turned around.
"Amrin?" Oban said.
Amrin stepped out from behind a pillar, smiling lightly. "You look confused."
Oban sighed. "There's a war outside. And I'm standing here, not knowing what to do."
Before Amrin could reply, her expression changed.
She stopped smiling.
"Oban," she said quietly, "something just entered the castle."
The air felt cold.
Oban turned his head sharply.
A figure stepped out from the shadow.
It was a man, but his eyes glowed unnaturally. His nails were long and sharp. His aura felt wild.
Without warning, the man attacked.
Amrin moved instantly, blocking the strike and pushing him back.
"Go!" Amrin shouted. "I'll handle him!"
Oban hesitated.
Should I help her? he thought.
He turned and ran down the hall.
But suddenly—
Another figure dropped from above.
Oban jumped back just in time as sharp nails cut the air.
"Huh?" Oban said. "Another one?"
The second guy charged at him.
Oban clenched his fist and punched with all his strength.
The punch landed.
But the guy caught Oban's hand easily.
"Too weak," the guy said coldly.
He pushed Oban hard.
Oban flew back and slammed into the wall. The impact cracked the stone, but Oban quickly rolled and stood up.
His breathing grew heavy.
"This won't be easy," Oban muttered.
He pulled out his vampiric blade.
The blade glowed brighter than before. It felt stronger. Sharper.
Oban rushed forward and slashed.
But the guy vanished.
He moved like light itself.
Oban's eyes widened. "I can't even see him…"
The guy appeared behind Oban and struck again, but Oban barely dodged.
Think, Oban told himself.
Suddenly, he had an idea.
He bit his lip and let his blood drip onto the ground.
The system flickered on.
[Blood Manipulation: Activated]
The blood spread across the floor.
Then it froze.
Ice formed instantly, climbing upward.
The guy froze in place.
Oban didn't waste time.
He rushed forward and slashed hard.
The strike sent the guy flying down the hall.
The enemy rolled and slowly stood up.
"That's all you've got, boy?" he said with a grin.
Oban sighed. "Oh man…"
He charged again.
Both of them attacked at the same time—blade against sharp nails.
Oban landed several clean strikes, pushing the guy back step by step.
With one final kick, Oban threw him out through a broken wall.
Silence followed.
Oban stood there, breathing hard.
"I won," he said quietly.
But then—
A heavy sound echoed.
The guy stood up outside.
His body began to change.
Bones cracked. Muscles grew. Fur spread across his skin.
He was no longer human.
He had taken his true werewolf form.
Oban's grip tightened on his blade.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
The moonlight shined brighter.
Chapter ends.