Sixth Bloodline [BxB]

CHAPTER 45: VISIT [IF I'M NOT THE SIXTH PUREBLOOD, DON'T TELL ME YOU ARE?]

cHAptEr 45:

visit

[if i'm nOt tHE sixtH pUrEbLOOd, dOn't tELL mE YOU Are?]

   WHILE DANTE and Ethan waited for Mikhael to appear, the other party had completely forgotten about the entire deal. He spent the next four days having fun with fellow members of Judgement Order, gossiping about Hunters and telling his experiences — while also listening to their own stories.

He also spent time instructing some juniors how to fight and before he even realized it... Four days had passed.

In fact, if the old man didn't come and ask him what was actually the deal about his meeting with the Seventh Pureblood, Mikhael would've completely forgotten about it.

So, when he finally recalled that he was meant to go and see that little brat, Mikhael immediately stopped whatever he was doing and headed to his manor. Mikhael never went there before, but he did give a tracking amulet to Dante back then, so he could use his mana to sense his position.

Mikhael had a clear goal on this trip, he even prepared identity that would let him meet with Dante. So, he dyed his hair in pitch black, tied it with a ribbon in Victorian style before draping it over his shoulders. He also wore a black suit with a blood red tie before asking his friends in Judgement Order to help him out.

With the same mask on his face he wore when he entered the city, Mikhael appeared as completely different person.

   "How do I look?"

   "Compared to that person, you're a bit short. Also, you lack his aura," Kain added to the side as he finished putting on a white suit. Don't underestimate spell-casters, what is hair color in front of them? They just need to slap a single talisman and there you have it: brand new hair color in just a second.

   "Really? Wait, I should have one or two left," he mussed before looking through the void and pulling a vial with a single drop of blood inside. There was also a number "6" on the surface of that vial.

   "Should be this one," then he took a red talisman before opening the vial. He didn't have to hide his skills in front of Kain and others, so he didn't bother to be secretive with his actions — especially since they'll be helping him do evils.

Cough.

Protect the city.

He poured the drop directly on talisman and immense pressure enveloped the room they were in. Even Elias appeared to see what was going on, but when he saw Mikhael in the middle of that pressure dressed like that, he immediately raised his cane and began to chase him.

   "You stinky brat! How come you're up to no good again? Didn't you promise me that you won't cause trouble anymore!?"

   "Grandpa, I'm not going to do anything bad this time, I swear!"

   "Nothing bad! Why are you dressed like the Sixth Pureblood then? Even copying his aura, do you want to destroy this city once again!?"

   "..."

Kain decided to ignore them. He even hoped Elias would break Mikhael's legs so that he won't have to help him with this stupid idea.

Indeed, Mikhael planned to go and impersonate Ethan in order to visit Dante. What's wrong with big brother coming to see his little brother in this troublesome situation? Who'd dare to stop him, especially when he exuded Pureblood's aura?

Drop of Purebloods' blood is very rare to obtain, but those in Judgement Order don't have that problem as long as they complete meritorious deeds. Mikhael had that problem even less, so he had quite the number of those drops stored within his void.

The only reason he has only one drop of Ethan's blood... That specific Pureblood's blood was especially suited for crafting black talismans. So although he doesn't have any drops left, he has over fifty black talismans stacked in his void made of that guy's blood.

And what he knew about that person, he dressed like this and usually wore a mask on his face. He also had extremely kind and gentle aura around him, treating everyone equally — Mikhael didn't think that it would too hard to impersonate him.

He just needs to look at all vampires here like they're brats he's taking care of, no big deal!

Anyway.

One time while he was wrecking havoc— cough, patrolling the city, and chanced upon a troublesome situation, Mikhael had a thought to imitate Pureblood's aura to scare those people in the opposing side.

He only wanted to scare them a bit, but the effects were more than he originally expected. Ever since then, he became addicted to impersonating Purebloods and wrecking havoc, which is why Elias knew that he was up to no good. He originally came because he thought that the real Sixth Pureblood appeared because of that aura, so one can only imagine how angry he was when he realized that it's just another of Mikhael's ideas.

As for Kain who was helping Mikhael... In front of this half-blood who shamelessly mentioned how he saved his life and became benefactor of his entire clan again and again, how could he refuse to help him with this little favor?

Isn't it just pretending to be a Higher Noble? He can do that, he technically was a Higher Noble when you look at the amount of power he has!

So, while the two ran around the room for a while, more people came to see what's going on and upon asking Kain about it, they all offered to go along.

Who doesn't know that whenever Mikhael appears in this city, some people get stuck with misfortune? How can they miss on that fun?

Hence, they all went to Elias and confronted him by saying that they'll follow after Mikhael and make sure he doesn't go overboard — but how could Elias not understand that they just wanted to cause trouble as well?

Still, he decided to give in — going in this big number, they should restrain themselves a bit, no? He won't have to worry too much, right? They'll keep a low profile, for sure...

Reality would prove that he thought too beautifully.

Not only did they not keep a low profile, they even got the best vehicles they had and all twenty of them available dressed in white like Higher Nobles. After putting white masks, they then proceeded to escort Mikhael to Dante's manor flaunting wealth and power, causing commotion on the streets of City of Evernight.

They didn't fear trouble because Mikhael said that he knew Seventh Pureblood and was good friends with him — so he'll help them with this act.

And well... Even if there is trouble, isn't that precisely why they tagged along?

It was only after they left that Delilah heard about this. Remembering about how there was an actual Sixth Pureblood on that train, she began to sweat for the team that left.

She forgot to tell him about this matter!

But then she shrugged it off. Mikhael said that he knows Dante, there won't be any problems with this, right? He only masked himself just to meet with him, it won't be a big deal, right?

Thus, when Dante and Ethan finally saw Mikhael after waiting for four days, they were met with this situation instead. Once Mikhael finally stepped out of the car, even Dante confusedly glanced between him and Ethan to make sure that he had the right brother next to him.

And when Ethan felt his own aura coming from Mikhael's body, he was so stunned that he continued to stare at him without saying a word for a long while trying to figure out how this happened.

   "Oh, we meet again?" Noticing the odd gaze from beneath Ethan's mask, Mikhael figured out that he recognized him from that train, "So it turns out that you work for my little brother? Not bad, I have to thank you for taking care of him while I'm not around."

Mikhael was overwhelmed with happiness.

His future husband actually works for Dante? This is even better, he'll have easier time trapping him!

Mikhael wasn't really serious about this future husband thing, but who'd refuse to pursue beauty in front of their eyes? If it's fated to happen, it will happen — if not... Well, Mikhael's future husbands and wives that didn't really become "present" were a bit too much to count, anyway.

Even Dante began to sweat on the side as he came in front of Mikhael and pulled on his clothes.

His meaning was: 'Stop talking and let's hurry inside. I won't be able to save you if you provoke big brother!'

But Mikhael only saw it as Dante wanting to be carried. After all, when Mikhael picked him up, he brought him to the house where he took care of the little ones. They would all tug on Mikhael's clothes before he picked them up and after some time, even Dante fell to the charms of being carried around.

   "Ah, I spoiled you too much," he picked up Dante whose hands went around Mikhael's neck, "Did you miss your big brother? I bought a present for you today."

Dante could only fearfully glance at Ethan from the corner of his eyes, and when he saw the other person silently shift his gloves, his whole body stiffened.

But he also knew that there were people watching them at this moment, so he could only bite the bullet and with somewhat aggrieved expression reply to Mikhael.

   "Very! Why didn't you come visit me earlier, big brother? I was very lonely without you here," at least, if Mikhael's here — Ethan would chose to beat him up instead?

   "Big brother is wrong, I understand. I'll be staying here for a while," Mikhael didn't know anything about Dante's internal conflict. He was happy that the other party understood his intentions and went along with his act.

   "Really, big brother?" He felt elated. That means that Ethan should hold back while Mikhael was here?

   "You... My Lord, you're actually the Sixth Pureblood?" It was at that moment that Ethan spoke making both Dante and Mikhael tense.

The former tensed because... Ah, his friend was pretending to be his brother in front of the real deal, what to do!?

And Mikhael?

Mikhael thought that since he already decided to act like the Sixth Pureblood, he should use that position to cheat— cough, persuade the other person to be with him. After all, Mikhael had money and power so he could take care of him, but that alone wasn't enough to persuade this person to date.

   "Nonsense? If our Lord isn't the Sixth Pureblood, are you him instead?"

   "..."

Ethan thought: 'I am, but what to do?'

   "..."

Dante palled even more: 'Elder brother won't kill us all, right?'

   "..."

Mikhael only smiled: 'Exactly my thoughts!'

But Sixth Pureblood should be kind person, so Mikhael couldn't say those words out loud. Instead, he turned to Kain who spoke those words and berated him instead, fully immersed in his role as benevolent person.

   "You shouldn't be like that. It's my fault that I didn't show myself that often. Not to mention that I've already got acquainted with this friend before, so it's not unusual that he asked that question."

Ethan's face was full of black lines as Mikhael turned to him.

   "I'm sorry for my subordinate's rudeness. The two of us can be said to have some fate, so to be able to meet again is quite a pleasant surprise."

   "..."

Ethan suddenly thought to those rumors about him being kind and benevolent and his rise in reputation among vampires as he came to terrible conclusion. He also recalled how his brothers often quarreled because they ruined each others plans, but then acted like nothing happened as that conclusion only grew heavier in his mind.

   'That can't be because of this person, right?'

   'He doesn't happen to have gone around pretending to be one of the Purebloods in the past?'

   "Well, we can talk later about this, I need some time alone with my little brother to catch up. I heard that you've been bullied lately?" he chuckled as he took Dante inside like it was his own house while Ethan only curiously stared at his retreating back.

It was only when the two were out of his sight that Ethan realized that his worries were right earlier.

   'It was this person exactly that spoiled my little brother!'

But even so, he thought that this situation was somewhat interesting so he decided to play along for a while. Turning to the group of Higher Nobles that came with Mikhael, Ethan only furrowed his eyebrow.

It's okay that he's acting like him, but where did this bunch of Higher Nobles come from?

It would truly appear that Dante's little friend had a special identity. But it only made him more curious to unravel it.

   "Please follow me inside. I'll make sure to properly arrange accommodations for Sixth Lord's people."

He also wanted to see what the other party wanted to with his identity. There won't be any harm in playing around, right?

It would appear that regardless of they knew Mikhael or not, everyone highly underestimated his ability to wreck havoc.

When Dante led Mikhael to his office, he finally let out the breath he was holding.

Holly mother of god... They got away. His older brother didn't account them for this!

   "You... Big brother is quite capable," Dante finally said with some difficulty. If one listened carefully to his earlier conversation, he only referred to Mikhael as "big brother" and nothing else.

   "Naturally," Mikhael nodded before letting him down on sofa and sitting down, "If I couldn't even do this much, I'd be seriously throwing face of half-bloods too much."

Dante already knew, so Mikhael could freely brag about that point.

   "But why did you impersonate my older brother out of everyone? Is it because we have good relationship?" It would appear that Ethan didn't want to stop this act, so Dante could feel at ease a bit longer.

   "Your older brother is a bit pitiful," Mikhael rolled his eyes, "When I was on my way to this city, I was attacked by some crazy people claiming to work for your brother. They even proudly announced that when I caught them."

   "..."

Ethan has already told Dante that they wanted to frame him, but he didn't know the details.

   "Not only that, the steward that came to pick me up and picked your man instead is also widely known to have been placed in that position by your older brother. And he bullied me!"

Mikhael sighed. That guy has already changed masters.

   "I don't know if those guys were all just terrible at acting or simply wanted to smear the name of your older brother, but even I found him to be a bit pitiful after that."

Mikhael has seen through his face with a glance. Another person up to no good!

   "..."

As expected, he even knew who works for him. Dante naturally knew that those small tricks won't work against Mikhael, but this is a bit too much.

   "So, I thought. They're using the name of your older brother to bully you just because you're young, how could I not help you vent your anger?"

Dante's eyes shone with excitement.

   "That means..."

   "Heh, those men were all around this city bragging how they work for Sixth Pureblood, so it's only right that I go and visit them to see how they do now, no?"

In fact, Dante really felt stifled those days. Although they could just go and deal with those people, it would be hard to act in open and Ethan was a bit too lazy to bother with them. In fact, it's most likely that he won't act unless another Pureblood appears!

But just because Ethan doesn't care about his reputation doesn't mean that Dante is the same. His older brother was his role model and the pillar in his life, how could he possibly take it?

Well... He owes him money, so if Ethan got in trouble, Dante would soon follow after.

But he was still young, he still haven't nurtured his own power — what can he do even if he's angry about it?

So he could only sulk silently!

But compared to Ethan who only saw Dante's good side, Mikhael has spent while five years next to him in environment where Dante didn't have to bother with his identity. He knew that Dante would sulk about the smallest grievances and won't be able to let go if someone plotted against him or someone he cares for.

So, other than having easier time to meet up with Dante, he also chose this identity to help Dante go around and beat people up.

This little Pureblood was extremely loyal and as much as it was his virtue, it was also his bad point.

   "Alright, alright," he calmed him down, Dante would probably want to make a move right now, "We'll leave that for later. I'll be staying here for a while, so we have more than enough time to play with them."

He didn't doubt that those guys would continue to observe Dante to see what he'll do.

   "On that note, let's get down to the serious business," Mikhael once again activated his void before taking a small rectangular wooden box.

Dante curiously assessed it as Mikhael opened it, revealing eight silver needles lying on the velvet cloth. Although they seemed somewhat ordinary, when Dante tried to touch them, he realized that he had no way to get close to them.

   "How mysterious," he mused, "But why so small? Are they really capable of doing what we talked about?"

It seemed somewhat absurd to think such thin needles could control the entire city of vampires.

   "Naturally. When it comes to inscriptions or spells, it is true that the bigger you can do, the more powerful it gets. But to me, the essence of spells is going from simplicity to complexity and then returning back from the pinnacle to simplicity. Although there aren't much inscriptions weaved inside the spells of this Armament Set, the power inside them is compressed to the maximum point, so they hold far more power than normal spells."

For example, let's say one draws an ordinary circle the size of his palm. There won't be much space to draw inside that circle, but if he draws another one with radius of one meter, he'd have more freedom to fill it with details.

That's the difference between a simple and complex inscription used to create a spell.

Some spell-casters even had to use various talismans with different parts drawn on them which would create a greater picture when put together.

But not Mikhael.

Mikhael wasn't satisfied with wasting space.

Rather than use a bigger circle that took too much of space or smaller one that lacked power, Mikhael sought to compress the biggest circle into a single dot. But that one dot should have more power than the previous example! It sounded simple in theory, but it's extremely difficult to pull out in practice.

One needs to have extremely precise control over mana for that feat; it's no different than creating a mini world on its own to store the whole inscription inside and then keep it locked away.

   "Simplicity to complexity... Then complexity at the pinnacle to simplicity, but simplicity more profound than complexity..." Dante mused to himself as he continued to stare at those eight needles. In his eyes, Mikhael only became even more awesome than before.

   "It's just like life. You spent your life learning something from the zero, going over harder problems with time. And once you completely master something, you're able to do even the simplest examples of your study with vast knowledge to back it up. But you're still young, so don't worry about that."

Dante's eyes widened in surprise.

He seems to have heard something incredible and those needles no longer seemed as important as earlier.

   "I see," he nodded, "The same is like when we're born. We grow from insignificant dots to complicated adults who understand a lot of this world and then accumulate knowledge as we go. Yet when we die, despite returning to the same insignificant state as when we were before our birth, we carry far more weight and knowledge than before."

Mikhael smiled.

   "Something like that. In this world, you would realize that everything follows a certain pattern, but what is the meaning behind it is something only you can discover on your own. As for mana around us, or blood making vampires who they are, they too are tightly intertwined with each other. To us spell-casters, anything can become inspiration and anything can become a reason defining our research. Although I still haven't made it possible... if I follow this principle, then one day — for sure, I will find a way to suppress vampire's uncontrollable thirst somehow."

   "..."

   "Vampires, when born, are slaves to their thirst. Most of them are unable to control the calling for blood so they attack the first thing they see, yet... Don't they all learn how to do it with time? In that case, the ability to suppress that thirst is with us the whole time. How can Purebloods not need blood and survive? Or half-bloods? Even though I'm like this, I also started from the same point, and you as well will once you finish your process of transformation."

   "That's true," Dante nodded. Ethan and others had warned him that he, as well, will have to face thirst at one point.

   "And then you have Children of Night. Although it's a widespread knowledge that their own minds make them unable to control their thirst, you've lived with them for five years. You witnessed with your own eyes that their thirst had nothing to do with their will, but their blood. And then there are ordinary vampires and Nobles."

   "In the end, that divide is pointless. We all have the same blood, then what makes us different?" Dante curiously tilted his head. It's a pity Ethan wasn't here to listen to Mikhael, otherwise he'd understand why was Dante so fascinated with this half-blood.

   "We'll all one day return to ash, I don't doubt that. Don't we all have familiars when we first awaken? It's only our control over blood that makes them act sooner or later."

Dante wanted to say that they won't all turn to ash, but...

   "I know what you want to say, I've thought about that as well. Life is beautiful precisely because of those mysterious contradiction. It's the reason people are unable to get answers to their questions and we still wander around searching for them."

   "...True."

   "It's why I still haven't grasped the key point I need in order to complete this thing," he closed the box and passed it to Dante who solemnly took it and stored it in its void.

   "I am a spell-caster before anything else. From my birth, it's was only the mysterious world of mana that first made me feel alive, and ever since then I knew that it will be what I'll devote my life to. No matter if I'm a human or a vampire, or both."

Dante smiled.

He could understand. He too thirsts for the knowledge that's still unknown to him. To undercover every little secret in this world — that's the only reason he was willing to live forever.

   "So, this hope of yours... The moment I uncover the secret to make all vampires equal without having to bow down to their blood and create a physical embodiment of it will also be the moment I reach the pinnacle of my life."

   "..."

Dante chuckled.

   "Look at this, how did we go from planning to create some trouble to deep philosophy in an instant?"

Mikhael also smiled.

   "You only remember to cause trouble, I indeed have spoiled you too much."

Who knows? Even Mikhael was surprised that he could talk so openly of his aspirations with this little fellow.

Not even with Amelia and Dominique would he dare lose himself like this, only in front of Dante who seeks the same meaning of existence as Mikhael — is he able to find a common point to talk about.

But that serious atmosphere didn't last for long. The two of them who appeared to be from the same mold, began to discuss how to bully back all those people that made Dante suffer for the past few days, completely wasting the smarts they were gifted with.