Vampire Hunter. Anubis had been excited upon hearing someone like that existed in Lemuria. After confirming it, he was also convinced that the same figure was responsible for the crowd of adventurers on the outskirts of the Jungle of Chanach since today. But then even this same person doesn't know him?
"Pity, you say?" Alucard pondered deeply. Does that mean the vampire is referring to his incompetence as a vampire hunter? Setting that aside, this chance encounter is indeed extraordinary. Could it be another sign of the gods' prophecy?
Upon reflection, it is understandable that the vampire doubts Alucard. If there is indeed a vampire who can walk under sunlight and is nearly immune to enchanted silver weapons, he himself should have been the first to know.
But...
"A hundred years ago, my family fought fiercely against vampires trying to break through to the upperworld... and the hundreds of years of my family's history existed before that... I never found any information about a specter like you," Alucard explained.
It's not certain that the vampire in front of him will need this statement. Alucard expressed it solely to uphold the honor and history of his family. Which no longer exists now.
Anubis held his chin, digesting the information he had heard. "That's very impressive of you," he mused nonchalantly, "the fact that you're standing here means you survived that fierce battle. It proves who you are."
Was that praise, or the opposite? Alucard found it difficult to decipher the vampire's intentions with his flat expression. Moreover, he was indeed standing here now, but a great sacrifice had been made by his forefather, which ended with Alucard being the only remaining descendant.
"Was my statement just now inappropriate? I was trying to assess the situation, you know."
"To be frank, you're the first one to say that to me. Even humans fail to see the efforts we make and blame me for the rest."
"That's you humans, you know your origin better."
Seeing the passive attitude of the vampire only confused Alucard. According to reports, there have been hundreds of merciless killings of adventurers and guards. But what was happening in front of him now? He was getting a lecture from this sun-shy, skinny creature.
"Well, it doesn't mean your victory was without sacrifice, is it?" Anubis continued, his tone changing. The emphasis was on the words: "vampires who broke through to the upperworld." Those who can do that are not from just any category of vampires. They have to be smart and strong enough to reach that level.
"And now, when you're just a lone wolf, you can no longer show your usefulness to humans. They discard you without hesitation."
Anubis' words hit Alucard, causing him to briefly avert his gaze, looking at the ground as if avoiding something. He wonders if he has said too much, and why this vampire seems to have an uncanny ability to see everything. Is he capable of reading minds?
Pushing aside those thoughts, Alucard shakes his head, his long disheveled brown hair swaying. It somehow seems fitting for him. "You're quite talkative, vampire... Anubis, may I call you that?"
Anubis raises an eyebrow in response, indicating that how Alucard addresses him is of little importance. "Isn't that the reason why you didn't slain me and ordered all your subordinates to retreat? It's all so you can extract information from me, what's wrong with that?"
That's very true, but it only made Alucard feel even more uneasy.
Among all the enemies, especially the vampire types that Alucard had fought, this one was truly different. Setting aside levels and power, the intelligence of the creature before him exceeded anything he could imagine. Alucard couldn't help but want to obtain something from this figure, no matter how small, perhaps a clue that could lead him back to—No, no. Something had happened, and he only had a limited time until the next assistance would arrive. In order to obtain valuable information, Alucard had to do it before they arrived.
If he could corner Anubis the vampire and weaken him, there was a chance he might try to escape, and that's where Alucard's opportunity lay. But knowing how Anubis could read him, offering only half-hearted resistance would be very risky. It would be giving the enemy a chance to learn Alucard's fighting style.
Certain parts of Anubis' clothing had been torn from their previous clash, the wounds were now healed, but his health bar hadn't increased significantly. Did the sunlight really hinder the regenerative skills of vampires? Yeah, it must be! Until now, Alucard had never known of a vampire who could withstand sunlight, and now there was one. There surely must be a steep price to pay for such power.
The two stood facing each other in a silent emptiness. Alucard could hear his own heartbeat racing faster than normal. It wasn't out of fear, but due to several choices running through his mind. He had to decide which path to take, knowing that heavy consequences awaited him regardless of his decision.
After placing his whip back at his waist, casually rolling it up, Alucard extended his right arm to the side, where a sword formed in his grasp. Although its color leaned towards black, the sword was also silver-enchanted, which should be highly dangerous for vampires.
Even if that wasn't the case for this unique circumstance, the disparity in power between Level 17 and Level 50 would soon become evident.
Alucard swung the sword forcefully and swiftly to his opposite side, creating a distinct humming sound as the precious metal sliced through the air. Only when the sword came to a halt did a new gust of wind appear, sweeping through the leaves beneath his feet.
"You didn't prepare your weapon, Anubis? Is it confidence or foolishness?"
Perhaps Alucard hadn't realized it, but from the beginning, Anubis had been in a highly cautious stance. His hands, from fingertips to wrists, had turned black, evidence of his active 「Vampire Aspect: Claws」. In this form, Anubis could even block the enemy's weapon without getting injured, of course with many exceptions applying.
This was a tremendous gamble. If taken into account the situation where he had to face Alucard seriously. It's nearly impossible for Anubis to win. That's just how weak he is at the moment—can't be helped.
There was one opportunity that he could take advantage of: when the adventurers had retreated. It could be said that it was the only chance to avoid the worst situation. By taking a few captives, although it came with its own risks.
Then why didn't Anubis seize the chance?
It was the sudden contention that came to mind right when Alucard arrived. Of course, if Anubis made the wrong move, he would end up dead without even knowing what was really happening to him or to this world.
"I should have one, but I myself cannot explain it any further," Anubis replied with a small smile. Alucard probably wouldn't have trouble knowing that he was answering truthfully, only through a more vague way.
Nevertheless, both knew very well that the fight was now inevitable.