On the outside of the castle, Reina and Helen were running, urgency propelling them forward with Thomas and Carmilla by their side. The air was thick with tension, and the distant sounds of clashing swords echoed ominously in the background.
"Listen, I want you to immediately go with the other children through the secret escape tunnel immediately." Helen urged, her voice steady despite the chaos surrounding them. "I will see to it that a few of our knights accompany all of you"
"Mother, we can fight too" Thomas exclaimed, his youthful determination shining through as he glanced at his mother, pleading for her acknowledgment.
"No, Thomas" Helen replied firmly, her expression softening slightly as she met his gaze.
"You are too young and some of these people here are too strong, they are wearing top grade armour, your attacks will not be effective enough to cause any real damage, let alone kill them. They also have more battle experience."
Helen knew how much her son wanted to prove himself, and she could see the hours he had dedicated to training reflected in his eyes. But this was not the time for youthful bravado. "You and the other children will be taken to a secret bunker. If we win this battle, we will come for you as soon as it is safe."
Carmilla's voice trembled with worry. "Aunt Reina, what about my mother?" Her eyes widened, filled with fear for her parent's safety.
Reina looked at her with a hint of sadness in her eyes "I am so sorry, Carmilla but your mother has to stay and fight. But do not worry, we will send everybody to hell and come get you all"
As they increased their speed, Carmilla glanced around and saw the vampires clashing with the mercenaries, the ground littered with fallen bodies—mostly those of the mercenaries. However, there were still a lot of the Storm Hornet's men alive, they came well prepared as some of them used vials that contains holy water. Also, others wielded vials containing holy water that is mixed with garlic which seared the flesh of the vampire knights, causing them to howl in agony.
From a distance, one of the Storm Hornets' mages spotted the fleeing group. An evil smirk crept across his face. "Bloodsuckers trying to escape with their blood sucker kids. No one will escape, the Crimsons must die today". The mage then used his staff to create a sharply pointed rock and he hurled it towards Reina's group.
While they were still running, Thomas felt angry and unhappy that he cannot help his family in this dire situation. Suddenly, he sensed danger and turned to his right, his heart dropping as he saw the jagged rock hurtling straight toward his face. Panic surged through him, and he tried to move, but it felt futile. "Am I going to die?" he thought, despair creeping into his mind.
Fortunately, Reina had already spotted the incoming threat. Without hesitation, she dashed in front of Thomas, her determination unwavering. She imbued her fist with Spiritual, she prepared herself to intercept the attack. As the rock neared, Reina unleashed a powerful punch, shattering the projectile into a thousand glittering fragments that rained harmlessly to the ground. "You will die human"
She looked at Helen "Helen take the kids to escape, I will deal with that flea and come to you when I send that man to the afterlife"
"Please be safe sister"
Helen turned to the children; urgency etched on her face. "Let's go. I may want to kill these humans, but I won't be able to give my all if I'm constantly worrying about you two. So, let's hurry!"
As they continue running towards the escape room, Carmilla and Thomas gritted their teeth, frustration and helplessness washing over them. Both of them felt useless as they are not able to help their family in this dire situation. When they finally arrived at the escape room, they found it already open, thanks to the vampire knight Paul and a few other knights standing guard.
"Lady Helen please" Paul gestured for them to enter, his voice steady despite the chaos outside.
"Knight Paul, how many of the children manage to escape?" Helena asked, her heart heavy with concern.
"My lady, I sent out the other knights to gather the children. We managed to rescue many, but I fear there are still younger ones trapped inside the castle. I've also dispatched ten men to keep watch over those who have escaped," he reported, his tone serious.
"Good. I want you to take these two as well. Protect them well," Helena instructed, her gaze firm.
"Mom, please do not die" Thomas said to his mother in a sad and worried tone.
Helena then gave Thomas a tight heartfelt hug. She did not know if this is going to be her last time hugging her son and the thought pierced her heart. "I love you Thomas and mother will come back, do not worry. You go with Carmilla and be safe, okay"
Thomas did not want to go but he knew this is the only way to help his mother "Okay mom"
Helen then looked at Carmilla "Milla, you go with Thomas okay, I'll go and help your mother immediately."
Carmilla wanted to cry "Please aunt Helen, bring my mom back to me"
"Of course, child" she replied softly, her voice steadying as she looked at Paul and nodded her head, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Knight Paul acknowledged her words, he then stepped forward and place his hands gently on Carmilla's shoulder "Come, young Mistress Carmilla, let us hurry and get you both to safety.". He then gently guided her to the door of the small hut. A little bit deeper in the small hut is a metal door that leads to an underground escape tunnel for emergencies. Before Carmilla headed inside she turned her body slightly "Aunt Helen, what about John?"
Helen heart sank, she does not know what to say. Even though she has not spent much time with John, he was still part of the family. As a mother herself, he couldn't bear the thought of losing a child so young.
Helen did not know what to say, she hesitated "John is safe Carmilla. You will see him soon. Now go". Carmilla's eyes were watery but she steeled herself, nodding before stepping through the metal door.
Outside the hut, she then asked for one of the guards to lend them their swords and a metal breast plate, she then heard her son call to her "Mom!". She turned her head to see Thomas standing by the hut's entrance, slowly raising his fist in a gesture of encouragement. "Give them hell". Helena felt a surge of determination wash over her, her expression stern yet her heart brimming with anger. Her light green eyes ignited with intensity, transforming to a fierce crimson red. "You have my word, Thomas. I'll send them deep into the abyss."
With that, Thomas followed Carmilla through the door, heading into the escape tunnel flanked by two vigilant vampire knights. Helena turned to the remaining guards. "Paul, you come with me to help Reina. Double the men here to keep watch. No one must know this is an escape route."
"Yes, my lady" Paul replied. He then headed to his men to give them instructions on what to do while he was gone. Helena took a moment to don the steel breastplate for added protection. Time was of the essence so he quickly briefed.
Once Paul returned, fully armored in gleaming light steel, with a sword and shield in each hand, he stood ready. "I am prepared, my lady. Please lead the way," he said, the resolve in his voice clear. The vampire knight was poised to fight for his clan, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
====
In the upper section of the castle, Markus was in a middle of the fight against the shadow clone. He threw a flurry of punches but the shadow moved with uncanny speed, dodging every blow that came its way. "What the hell is this creature?" he muttered, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Two mercenaries who had accompanied Kilo observed the unfolding chaos from a distance, their expressions a mix of curiosity and impatience. Both men were clad in green armor. One man towered at nearly six feet nine inches, while the other stood at five feet nine inches, his stature more compact yet equally formidable. Both mercenary men stood idly by and did not interfere in the fights that were taking place before them.
"I cannot stand by any longer, I am going for the big guy" declared the taller man while standing crossed arms. He hefted a massive sword, nearly the size of his own body, resting against his back.
I agree," replied the shorter man, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene. "I'll handle the son of the Crimson Demon while the boss deals with that ugly bitch."
Their impatience grew as they watched Decker's shadow clones do all the work, eager to claim glory for themselves by slaying members of the infamous vampire clan. Kilo had promised them a handsome bonus if they succeeded in eliminating the offspring of Leonidas Crimson, and the thought spurred them on.
The tall man reached his right arm out and retrieved the large great sword from his back "After today, my name will reach the heavens". he proclaimed, confidence radiating from him.
The intricate carvings on his armour's legs began to glow, he could feel his legs overflowing with tremendous power. He then dashed towards Markus, swinging his sword for a downwards slash. Markus quickly kicked the shadow clone in the chest sending it crashing towards the nearby wall. He then suddenly sensed someone's killing intent briskly coming towards him.
Markus pivoted, bracing himself as he blocked the tall man's sword with a swift parry. A grin spread across his face, a mix of amusement and challenge. "I was waiting for one of you to make a move," he said, his voice steady.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting, your death has arrived" the tall man replied, mirroring Markus's grin, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.