"GET OUT FROM HERE SCUM!"

The vampires were only able to defend themselves, they wanted to kill those people. But due to the orders from their king, they were forced to hold back.

While their king, Vladislaus Von Valenfort was negotiating with the leader of the human side.

"We are not allied with the Abyss. Our people were also killed by them."

"Is that so? But as I recall, you and Abyss have one thing in common. A thirst for blood, especially human blood."

Hearing that, Vladislaus became angry and was not satisfied with the reason.

"Tch, don't try to compare us to ugly creatures."

He stared intently at the man in front of him.

"Don't test my patience, Lawrence. We helped you build this hideout from Abyss and you betray us like that??"

However, they heard our footsteps and someone was coming. He was wearing a cloak that covered his head, carrying a sword.

"What's going on here? Lawrence, do you want to explain something?"

The man, called Lawrence, started to tremble and got up from his seat.

"N-Nothing really Arbiter.. we just had an uninvited guest here.."

Vladislaus was surprised, as to the man in front of them, it was the 'Arbiter' himself. Why did he come here? He gave off a rather creepy aura as well, his eyes shining with two opposing colors, purple and yellow.

"E-Ehem, Arbiter.. my name is-"

Before he could say his name, the Arbiter responded.

"Vladislaus Von Valenfort, is that true? I've heard a lot about you from the vampires outside. You're lucky I came in time before they were shot by the soldiers outside."

"W-What..?"

Arbiter turned his gaze to Lawrence.

"So, Mr. Lawrence. Can you explain what you're trying to do? Because after I arrested one of the soldiers, they said you ordered them to kill the vampires outside."

Lawrence started to get nervous, then tried to run away. But Arbiter pulled the collar of his shirt from behind.

"Okay, then... guards, take him away."

"Yes sir.." The guards replied.

Then, he took Vladislaus outside, On their way out the Arbiter said to him,

"Call all your people, I will take you away from this trouble."

---

After an hour, the Arbiter opened a portal using his katana, and guided the vampires inside.After an hour, the Arbiter opened a portal using his katana, and guided the vampires in. There, the sky was eternally night, the moon illuminated the area, forests, and water sources existed.

"Sorry if this isn't much. This is the only thing that can protect you all from external enemies. Abyss didn't find this place either."

The Arbiter said, then gave his katana sheath to Vladislaus.

"Take this, use it as a sign of my protection. Build a kingdom here, live in peace and stay out of trouble with the Abyss."

"W-What? Arbiter.. sorry I can't accept it, it's yours, isn't it? After all, you sacrificed more of your energy to protect us."

Arbiter's face softened, he knew that his existence was often praised by people, especially after seeing his strength. But for him, he did not deserve to be praised.

"I just do what I have to do, maybe I don't have emotions.. but I know what I have to do. The same goes for you."

He finally gave his katana sheath to Vladislaus, then continued saying,

"I learned about choices, everyone has choices in their life. Maybe it leads to bad things, but maybe it also leads to good things, or maybe both. This is my choice, to protect you all from outside threats like the Abyss and also.. humans."

After giving the sheath to Vladislaus, the Arbiter walked towards the portal. But before he really left, he looked back at Vladislaus and the other vampires. He nodded with a smile and finally left, leaving the portal closed.

Present day..

After hearing the story about the Arbiter, Katsuragi asked,

"So, the Arbiter brought you all here, so that you would not be disturbed by humans."

"Yeah, unfortunately after a few months he disappeared and left Itaris as his successor. And now after Itaris died, Authority is in your hands."

Katsuragi put the Arbiter's katana sheath back where Alice had taken it, then channeled some Authority power causing the sheath to glow.

Alice was confused and asked, "What are you doing?"

"You said that the Arbiter gave this as a sign of protection, right? This time, I will also give my sign of protection to your people, as the heir of Authority." 

Katsuragi replied while giving a smile.

After that he stretched his body.

"Okay, now let's talk about the agreement I was talking about."

Alice nodded and took him to another place. But during the journey, they saw Reika who was dueling with some elite members of the castle guards.

SWING!

"Argh!" The guard groans.

"You can hold on, but your defensive style is a little loose. You should defend your chest when the enemy targets it. Don't try to attack back, you'll die in vain."

Katsuragi teases Alice about the guards.

"Wow, is this your strongest soldier? Losing very quickly and humiliatingly."

Alice was a little irritated and pulled at his collar.

"Wow, your tongue really makes me want to cut it off. Hurry up, you idiot."

Finally they arrived at the council hall or also known as the meeting room. Alice sat on a chair that was specially made for her, which was very magnificent.

"Show off." Katsuragi said.

"Shut up." Alice quickly replied.

"Okay, here it is... Queen of Valenfort, I want you to become my ally, and in return I will lead vampires towards a brighter future of peace with humans."

Hearing the offer, Alice seemed uninterested. However, Katsuragi added more.

"I promise to clear Valenfort's name for you, and help you get revenge on the Lawrence family."

Revenge, something she had wanted for a long time, finally Alice showed interest in the offer, she began to smile evilly.

"Fine, but you have to swear our way. The vampire way. With that, you have to take an oath."

An oath? Why take an oath? Katsuragi thought, because usually people would immediately agree when given an offer. He realized Alice wasn't naive and chose the safe route. Making Katsuragi more interested in learning about vampires, especially their queen.

"Okay, what's the oath?" Katsuragi asked.

Alice held Katsuragi's hand, then channeled her power into him, causing a symbol to appear on their hands.

"By the crest of Valenfort, I bind this seal.

Swear, Shin Katsuragi, that you will not betray my clan, nor stand with our enemies, nor turn my people into pawns.

Swear that you will see the Lawrence name fall, the honor of Valenfort restored, and peace between my kin and humankind.

Break this oath, and this seal will brand you oathbreaker, for all to see."

Alice then signals to Katsuragi to return the oath.

"I’ll swear to your cause. 

I won’t betray your clan, I won’t crawl to the Lawrence dogs, and I won’t make pawns of your kind.

Your enemies will bleed, your name will rise.

But the seal binds you as well… my methods are mine alone. Question me, restrain me, and your dream will rot with the oath.”

The symbol on both of their hands began to glow golden as a sign that the oath had been completed, then slowly disappeared with the symbol.

"Hm? Is that symbol just a gimmick?" Katsuragi asked.

"No, maybe the symbol is gone but it's still there, in our hands. If one of us breaks the oath, the symbol will leave a mark as a sign of insult to the oath."

Katsuragi nodded slowly. Then Alice asked him.

"So, I will be able to explore the human world, right?"

"That's right. Don't worry, I'll take care of all your needs. But the payment is your commitment."

Katsuragi smiled slyly as he crossed his arms.

Alice replied, "Okay, but I expect the best from you. So we'll be leaving shortly."

"Indeed."