Camien's study had become their temporary command center. The cold light of the luminous stones illuminated maps and notes spread across the table, along with that jagged piece of metal that seemed like a curse.

Ella's fingertips traced over her father's notes about 'energy resonance' and 'bloodline shackles,' then compared them with the analysis report Samuel had later delivered regarding the recent distribution routes of the 'miracle drug.' A clear thread gradually emerged from beneath the surface.


All the evidence, whether it was the metallic patterns pointing to an ancient lineage of Hunters, or the targeted exploitation of Vein-Alcarte's early research, subtly indicated a chilling direction—within the Hunters Guild, there existed a high-ranking mole, who might even be the mastermind behind the 'Blood Plague.'

"We need evidence, direct evidence," Ella's voice was hoarse from lack of sleep, with faint shadows beneath her purplish-gray eyes. "Evidence that can identify the culprit and expose the entire conspiracy. It must exist, and is likely right inside the Guild headquarters."

Camien stood before the bookshelf, his fingertips brushing across a row of leather spines, finally stopping at a seemingly ordinary copy of 'The Architectural History of Fog City.'


He pulled it out, revealing a small mechanism hidden behind the spine. With a gentle press, the adjacent bookshelf silently slid open, exposing a hidden compartment.

Inside were not gold, silver, or jewels, but several scrolls that were even more ancient, emitting faint magical fluctuations, along with a complex compass-like device crafted from mithril and obsidian.


"Beneath the Hunters Guild Headquarters, there is a forgotten ancient relic core that was later converted into the 'Forbidden Repository.'"

Camien picked up the compass, and the crystal at its center rippled faintly when it came into contact with his aura.

"It houses various forbidden objects that have been collected or suppressed since the Guild's founding, including… the most classified operation archives. If there truly are unspeakable records, that would be the most likely hiding place."

He handed the compass to Ella. "This can help you avoid most conventional barriers and detection spells, and guide you to the 'Forbidden Repository.' But as for the specific defenses inside… I have no knowledge of them."

Ella took the compass, which felt cold and heavy in her hand. She understood what this meant.

Infiltrating the Hunters Guild Headquarters and entering the most heavily guarded Forbidden Repository was nothing short of walking into a dragon's den. Once exposed, she would face double hunts from both her human kin and supernatural creatures.

"I'll go." She didn't hesitate. This was not only to prove Camien's innocence, but also to uncover the truth behind House Vein's tragedy, to stop the spread of the Blood Plague.

The Hunter's creed is to protect, and if the Guild itself has fallen, then purifying it is also the responsibility of protection.

Camien gave her a deep look, a complex emotion flashing through those crimson eyes, seeming like admiration, yet also concern.

"I'll support you from the outside. But once you're inside, you can only rely on yourself." He paused, then added, 'Beware of Herman."

Grand Master Herman.

Ella's mind conjured the image of that old man, always solemn-faced, with eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

It was he who brought her back from the ruins of her massacred family, raised her, and taught her the art of monster hunting. If even he… Ella pinched her palm hard, using the pain to dispel that suffocating speculation.

The operation was scheduled for the following night. Using magical artifacts provided by Camien that could conceal her scent and form, along with her own familiarity with the guild headquarters' layout, Ella moved like a true shadow, silently infiltrating the magnificent building she once considered 'home.'

Everything went unusually smoothly. The compass precisely guided her to avoid patrol teams and warning runes, leading her through the intricate corridors deep underground. The air grew increasingly cold, and the walls transformed from polished stone to rough, primitive rock, as if she were walking step by step into the belly of a giant beast.

Finally, a massive black iron gate, engraved with countless sealing runes, appeared at the end of the passage. This was the 'Forbidden Repository.' The crystal on the compass was now emitting a steady glow, pointing directly at the gate.

However, just as Ella was about to attempt breaking the gate's seal using the method Camien had suggested, something unexpected happened!

"Whoooom——"

A piercing alarm suddenly echoed throughout the underground space without warning! It wasn't triggered by her actions; rather, it seemed to have been set up in advance, waiting for her to step into this final trap! Simultaneously, the path behind her in the passage, as well as the seemingly impenetrable rock walls on both sides, instantly dropped heavy gates gleaming with holy silver light, completely trapping her in this small space."

The effects of her magical artifacts dissolved as quickly as snow under sunlight, leaving her completely exposed in the suddenly bright, daylight-like glare.

Footsteps echoed from all directions, heavy and uniform. Dozens of fully armed high-ranking Hunters poured out from hidden side doors, their silver swords, crossbows, and holy water sprayers all aimed at her.

Their faces showed shock, anger, and the pain of betrayal.

Then, the crowd parted, and a tall figure slowly emerged. It was Grand Master Herman.

He still wore the gold-embroidered white robe symbolizing the highest authority, his countenance imposing, with the claw marks on his left face looking particularly grotesque under the bright light.

His gaze fell upon Ella, with no surprise in his eyes, only a cold, long-anticipated disappointment.

"Ella Vein." Herman's voice resonated like a death knell in the enclosed space. "I received intelligence reports, yet still harbored hope. I never expected you would truly betray humanity, side with the Vampires, and even dare to infiltrate the Forbidden Repository to steal the guild's highest secrets!"

Ella's heart sank as if plunged into an icy abyss. Secret intelligence? Turned into a spy? This was all a trap! From the moment she stepped into headquarters—no, perhaps from even earlier—she had been within Herman's calculations!

"I have not betrayed anyone!" Ella straightened her back and refuted clearly, her gaze fearlessly meeting Herman's. "I was investigating the truth about the Blood Plague! And all the clues point to someone within the guild! They point to you, Herman! You created the Blood Plague, you orchestrated House Vein's tragedy years ago and framed Camien Alcarte for it!"

Her words fell like a boulder into still water, causing a stir and whispers among the surrounding Hunters.

Herman's face showed no trace of emotion, only the corner of his mouth curled into a cruel sneer. "Poor Ella. Bewitched by vampires and blinded by false familial affection, you've even started fabricating lies, slandering your mentor and foster father." He raised his hand, holding a crystal that contained a faint sealed aura—it was a remnant of Camien's power, obviously a carefully prepared 'evidence.'

"The vampire stench on your body, along with this crystal that recorded your conspiracy with Prince Alcarte to infiltrate the guild, are irrefutable evidence!" He looked around, his voice suddenly rising with inflammatory intent. "Look at her, everyone! This is the fate of someone who indulges in darkness and abandons the light! She is no longer a Hunter, but a traitor to humanity!"

"Seize her! If she resists, kill without hesitation!"

With the command given, the Hunters around no longer hesitated, and launched their attack on Ella with fury and determination! Silver light flashed, holy water splashed, and crossbow bolts whistled through the air! They were once her comrades, but now they had become enemies seeking her life.

Ella drew her Silver Dagger, her form moving like a phantom within the narrow space, parrying, dodging, and counterattacking!

Her movements remained precise and vicious, but with each strike, her heart seemed to bleed. She couldn't deliver fatal blows—these were her deceived kinsmen! Yet their attacks were all lethal!

"Clang!" With a crisp sound, she deflected an incoming silver sword, the impact numbing her wrist. From another side, a stream of holy water grazed the edge of her cloak, burning it with acrid white smoke. The disadvantage in numbers and terrain put her in constant peril.

Just as a poisoned crossbow bolt was about to strike her back—

"BOOM!!!"

With a tremendous boom, the thickest holy silver gate that imprisoned her bulged inward and deformed as if struck by an invisible giant hammer, then exploded open under the impact of a violent surge of dark energy!

Fragments of stone mixed with twisted metal splashed everywhere, dust filling the air. A figure appeared at the shattered doorway like a demon tearing through the night.

It was Camien!

He was no longer that understated presence hidden beneath a gray coat. He had resumed the true form of a Vampire prince, his silver hair floating without wind, crimson eyes burning with hellish fury, his entire being radiating a terrifying aura that made one tremble. He had clearly been through an intense battle, his formal attire somewhat disheveled, even a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth, but that powerful force belonging to an ancient being made the very air in the entire space freeze.

His gaze instantly locked onto Ella who was surrounded and looked somewhat disheveled. After confirming she was unharmed, that cold killing intent surged like a tide toward Herman.

"Herman…" Camien's voice was as deep as an echo from the abyss, each word carrying bone-chilling coldness. "Your show is about to end."

His appearance substantiated Herman's accusations of 'collusion,' yet also brought the only variable in this desperate situation.

A flash of cruel satisfaction passed through Herman's eyes, but it was overshadowed by the rage of having his authority challenged. "Alcarte! You dare set foot on the sacred ground of Hunters! You're seeking death!" He raised his scepter high, powerful holy light beginning to gather. "Everyone! Execute the Vampire prince and the traitor Ella! For the glory of humanity!"

More Hunters poured in from the depths of the passage, instantly escalating the battle, making it more brutal and chaotic.

Camien moved like a black storm, with Hunters being driven back wherever he passed. His power was domineering and direct, all to carve a bloody path for Ella. Ella followed closely behind him, daggers dancing, eliminating threats that came from the flanks. Back to back, amidst flashing blades and splashing holy water, they formed a small but solid defensive circle.

Trust becomes unspoken in life-or-death moments. He came, knowing it was a trap, he still came.

"The Forbidden Repository door!" Ella called out urgently between parries. "The evidence must be inside!"

Camien understood immediately, unleashing a powerful dark shockwave that temporarily pushed back the enemies in front of them. He grabbed Ella's arm, his voice quickly sounding by her ear: "Change of plan! We leave first!"

In his hand appeared a scroll inscribed with complex spatial runes, its edges already beginning to burn, emitting unstable energy fluctuations.

"Trying to escape?" Herman sneered, as the holy light at the top of his scepter condensed into a blazing light spear, carrying the power to purify everything, whistling towards them!

Camien violently shielded Ella completely behind him, using his own body to forcefully block that fatal strike!

"Thud—" the muffled sound of a blade piercing flesh rang out. The light spear penetrated his shoulder, bringing out a spray of dark-colored blood mist. His body violently shuddered, his face instantly turning paper-white, but his motion of tearing open the space scroll didn't pause for even a moment.

"Trust me!" he growled to the terrified Ella in his arms, using his last ounce of strength.

Intense light devoured all perception as space twisted frantically. In the final moment before her consciousness was torn away, Ella only saw Herman's face, full of murderous intent and unwillingness, growing more distant amidst the bursting holy light and spreading dark energy.

The blood of betrayal soaked the temple of faith and stained this hasty escape path leading to the unknown.