Landing on the ground, I observed my allies as well as the base below. Anturian, along with my bees, had already provided all the information I needed.
"Wow, boss! You're so strong! This admirer now sees you as his idol!" Deadpool exclaimed loudly, raising his fingers in my direction.
The other two simply greeted me as I began explaining the next steps.
"Now that the outer vampires have been dealt with, we have two objectives. The first will be handled by Domino, Deadpool, and some of my ice creations. Your main task is to rescue any innocents in the area. Keep in mind to be cautious of stealth attacks from hidden vampires."
I snapped my fingers, and the designated ice creations meant to infiltrate rather than guard the perimeter stood ready, responding to my mental command. Deadpool seemed to enjoy playing with the ice gorilla, while Domino had somehow bonded with the small ice eagles.
I smiled and continued with further instructions.
"Blade and I will head directly to the center to stop the ritual. We'll go first, and you'll follow later."
After finishing my instructions, I didn't delay, understanding the urgency. The wind enveloped me and helped lift Blade. He wobbled for a moment but quickly stabilized. However, we didn't descend immediately.
Suspended in the air, I lightly closed my eyes and drew my wand. Spinning it gracefully, I began chanting specific incantations and manipulating earth energy. Yet, as I cast this particular spell, I sensed an energy that felt otherworldly.
I didn't dwell on it, instead infusing the spell with the divine flame of my soul.
"Hyacintho flammas."
Bluish flames, tinged with traces of orange and red, ignited in response to my chant. With a downward motion, the flames descended, forming a path. Each flame danced in the air, illuminating the way.
To ensure the spell identified vampires as enemies and spared allies and innocents, I added a piece of a vampire's body into the enchantment. The flames divided, spreading fluidly across every floor, burning with vigor and precision.
While others observed the magical display with curiosity, they weren't entirely surprised, having witnessed even more powerful spells in the past.
With the spell cast, we began our descent. My voice echoed as I instructed:
"Follow the flames; they'll guide you."
Descending further, I heard occasional screams of vampires reduced to ashes by my magical fire, which brought me satisfaction.
Along the way, I noticed cuts and damage across the floors. The most prominent was a deep gash caused by my energy blade attack. Smaller burn marks and wind-inflicted slashes were also visible.
Even before entering, the potent magical energy and dense dark aura of the place were palpable. It reminded me of the vampires, but my divine eyes and Haki detected an unnatural energy that defied the world's natural laws.
My divine eyes meticulously scanned the surroundings. In the room, I noticed runes and magical circles damaged by my earlier attack, particularly by my ancient divine draconic flames.
"How do you plan to enter?" Blade asked, carefully surveying potential entry methods, including brute force.
After a moment of observation, I decided to use my other power—the Doa Doa no Mi.
Channeling a significant amount of energy, a bluish-green light emerged from my hand, gently touching the wall. The power of the Doa Doa no Mi allowed me to transform anything into a door, regardless of its nature or defenses.
Of course, bypassing strong protections required more energy, as the green energy began unraveling the magical runes and circles blocking our entry. It resembled hacking into the laws protecting the site. Fortunately, my earlier damage had weakened the defenses, consuming less energy.
Moments later, the green energy created the opening I needed—a medium-sized door.
"Knock, knock. May I come in?" I said, holding my sword in my right hand and my wand in my left.
The sight of an actual door forming left even Blade speechless, while the vampires were visibly shocked by my unconventional method of entry.
"Hyacintho flammas," I chanted again, directing the dimensional energies. Infused with the influence of my soul's flame, a sea of blue fire surged towards the enemies.
A small oriental dragon formed from the blue flames, elegantly coordinated by my wand. The fire danced, targeting the enemies with intent to destroy.
Some vampires were immediately consumed, screaming as they burned. Others quickly recognized the threat, evading or using their dark energy, mist, or physical prowess to counter the flames.
The vast chamber, decorated in black and red hues with small streams of crimson liquid, exuded a forcibly extracted life energy.
While toying with the fire, my divine eyes focused on the figure at the center. Lying on what appeared to be a crystal table was a man dressed in 16th-century attire, with white hair and an extraordinarily powerful aura, despite seeming to be in a deep sleep.
His body appeared to have been restored.
"This isn't good... A significant portion of his revival is already complete. Luckily, he doesn't seem to have awakened fully, and part of his power remains dormant. We need to act quickly," Blade said, drawing his katana with one hand and a stake with the other before rushing forward.
Naturally, the vampires began attacking him—and me as well. One appeared above me mid-air, while another approached from behind.
Anticipating this, I teleported a few meters away, letting the flames continue their dance. Surrounding my sword with silver and black energy, I moved swiftly, delivering three powerful strikes.
The sharp energy attacks surged forward. Two vampires used their dark energy and sharp claws to defend, while the third attack targeted the crystal bed. However, just before impact, a black and violet magical shield materialized, halting its advance.
The clash lasted a few seconds before the sword's energy dissipated.
Unbothered, I pointed my wand at the shield. The blue flames reformed into a medium-sized oriental dragon, its azure body radiating intense heat and magical power. The dragon's orange and blue eyes glowed, reflecting its immense energy.
With a motion, the dragon assaulted the barrier.
Naturally, the vampires didn't remain idle, but I paid them no mind.
"Petrificus Totalus."
"Expelliarmus."
"Bombarda."
I cast spells at the vampires while enhancing my speed with Qi and light magic. My sword's energy vibrated with renewed ferocity, cutting down enemies with precision.
Over time, the dragon began to dissolve, but the barrier also weakened under its relentless assault.
Feigning distraction, I continued fighting like a reaper, harvesting the souls of lesser vampires. Blade fought fiercely by my side.
At that moment, I made my next move.
The blue flames extinguished as a small orange and red flame struck a weak point in the barrier. Though smaller than the blue flames, its concentrated power was far greater.
As the fire made contact, I teleported above the shield. The residual heat and wind rustled my clothes, making them sway gently.
My silver and black energy surged through my sword. A projection of a magnificent blade emerged from my soul, merging with my weapon—a mere fragment of its energy, but sufficient.
With a downward slash, a black and silver blade emanating an overwhelming intent shattered the magical barrier and descended towards Dracula's body.
My eyes remained locked on the attack and his still form.
Not only was I prepared, but Blade beside me resembled a tiger, poised to act at any moment and hunt its prey.
It was then that I saw the Vampire Lord's eyes slowly open—red, mesmerizing eyes that seemed to captivate anyone who gazed upon them, yet exuded an authority and terror capable of instilling fear in all.