Michael was planning on meeting the Royalblood Vampires in the Red Ravine, but the unexpected encounter with Kuno delayed his plans.
In truth, he wanted to talk with the Royalblood Vampires to find out more about the supposed artifacts and documents left behind by the Original Vampire to learn more about Kuno. However, his obsession with the Darkwood farms occupied him as of late, so he was unable to catch up to them after that.
"Did you say that the Royalblood Vampires found Gaia?"
The Goddess basically confirmed that the Iron Maiden truly was the Gaia that the Vampires had been searching for. So unless they were talking about a different God, then they were definitely mistaken.
"That's what we've been hearing," Guillermo replied. "We tried to persuade the other Vampires, but they truly believed that the Iron Maiden is not the Goddess we've been searching for."
Michael was curious to know what kind of evidence did these
Vampires see to have them believe so adamantly that they found their supposed Gaia.
"What made them believe so?"
Guillermo paced back and forth in the hallway. "It seems that some humans found evidence of an ancient relic that ties back to the old religion of Gaia. Now, all the Vampires are requesting their help to recover it."
Some humans?
It was very well possible that what they truly found was a genuine article of divinity from the Ancient Era.
"If that's the case, then why are you so worried?"
"It's because we were attacked!" said Guillermo, showing Michael a newly formed scar on his chest. "When we tried to convince the other
Vampires of the truth, the humans started attacking us, saying that we were blaspheming the name of Gaia,
They were trying to make sure that the other Vampires don't find out the truth so that they can manipulate them!
They're being used as weapons to achieve their own goals! If what those humans say was true, then they wouldn't so vehemently reject the notion of the Iron Maiden."
Michael took a deep breath. He already hated those humans before he even met them.
"We must get them to see the light, Michael!" urged Guillermo.
"Alright," he said. "We'll catch them."
Guillermo heaved a sigh of relief. "They're going to be hard to find. If they enlisted the help of the Vampires, then they would be almost invisible to the naked eye."
Michael wasn't worried. "Don't worry," he said, looking down at his shadow.
Then, before he even said anything, Fudge suddenly jumped out from under his feet and landed on the ground with a superhero landing. "Master, you called?"
"I assume you've already started the search?"
Fudge smiled. "Of course, Master. The Shadow Orcs have already tracked them down to a certain cave just a few kilometers off of Metropolis. We can teleport there immediately."
Meanwhile, under the light of the moon, humans covered in a dark robe convened together with hushed voices.
"How has it been with the Vampires?" one of them asked.
"We have the ordinary Vampires under control. Their undying loyalty to their God makes them very easy to manipulate." replied another. "The only one that we have a problem with is the Royalblood."
"Have they not taken the bait?"
The robed figure shook his head. "No. They are skeptical of the whole situation."
"We must control them if we stand any chance of competing in New Sparta," one of them insisted.
"It would have only taken a matter of time to convince the Royalblood... but there's just one problem: the Iron Maiden religion."
The other robed figures almost scoffed. "I've never even heard of that religion."
"They might be located in Metropolis, but they are not big enough to cause us a problem. However, we have encountered a few Vampires who seem to believe that this Iron Maiden is the true Goddess that they've been searching for."
One of the robed figures scratched his chin. "That is a problem... It seems that we have another fraudster competing against us. They are probably also trying to take control of the Vampires."
"We don't have to worry about it," said someone, shrugging. "As long as we can convince the Royalblood vampire, then we'll have the other
Vampires running to our side."
Just then, deep in the night, they suddenly heard an eerie laughter echoing in the wind.
"....he he he he..."
The robed figures looked around, wary of this new intruder. They raised their Mithril Relic weapons, ready to fight.
"Has someone found us?"
"Impossible. We have Vampires helping us in our stealth!"
However, that eerie laughter echoing around them disproved that
immediately.
"...he he he he... the Iron Maiden is a fraud? Hehe he he.... You guys
made a mistake."
One of the robed figures relaxed his posture. "I see... so you're someone from the Iron Maiden religion. Listen, if you don't want any
trouble, then stay in your own lane."
Even though the robed figures were doing their best to remain calm, they were actually alarmed and worried. This mysterious voice must have been someone impressive if they could hunt them down even with all the precautions they took.
Just then, they saw a figure walking towards them.
They tensed.
But as the light from the torches hit the figure's face, they suddenly wanted to laugh.
It was only a boy with golden hair, barely even a teen.
"Are you lost, boy?" asked one of the robed figures.
"Nope," Michael replied. "I'm just here to stop you."
The robed figures chuckled amongst themselves. "Stop us? Who do
you think you are?"
They had never seen Michael before, and therefore knew nothing about the feats of strength he accomplished even though he was a
mere 'boy!
The three robed figures raised their knives in the air, manifesting
their own Divas.
"You probably don't even know what you're facing," said one of the robed figures. "This here is called a Diva."
But Michael didn't even bother looking at their Divas. All he had to do
was look at the Aubility Power in their hearts and knew that they
were nothing to worry about.
He estimated that they were somewhere in between the 3rd and 5th stages of Body Formation.
"Wake up the others!" shouted one of the robed figures.
Then finally, the whole room brightened as the torches on the wall lit
up and more and more people entered through connected tunnels. Michael looked around, noticing that most of them were Vampires. Guillermo, who was right beside Michael, immediately pleaded with his fellow Vampires. "These humans are just using you!"
But the robed figures laughed. "Don't believe them. This Iron Maiden is just masquerading as the real thing in order to trick you, in order to weaken Gaia from her reincarnation."
And surprisingly enough, the Vampires ignored Guillermo's warning and still followed the robed figure's words.
"That's right. You have no power here. Vampires destroy the evil Iron Maiden from this world!" commanded the robed figures.
One of the Vampires looked apologetic as he faced Guillermo. "I'm sorry, brother. But you have strayed from our path. We have seen the true path to reincarnating Gaia. It is not too late for you."