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At the edge of the pier, Kojou Akatsuki stepped out of a car alongside Yuiri Haba and Shio Hikawa.

Kojou had received an invitation from Vatler to attend the banquet, which was why he reluctantly came. Initially, he had only intended to bring Yuiri along, but Shio had insisted on tagging along, refusing to take no for an answer.

Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed across the docks.

"Is that… a familiar?" Kojou asked, his eyes widening in shock as he noticed a massive serpent-like creature looming in the distance.

"Yes," Yuiri replied calmly, her gaze locked on the beast. "If I'm not mistaken, that should be one of the familiars belonging to Dimitrie Vatler, the Duke of Aldegyr from the Warlord's Empire."

"Dimitrie Vatler?"

"Correct. He's the host of tonight's banquet and a vampire said to be the closest in power to a Primogenitor."

"I see…" Kojou murmured, nodding. Even so, the concept of a "Primogenitor" still felt far removed from him.

What caught his attention most was the figure standing in front of the enormous serpent. It looked oddly familiar—wasn't that the same familiar August had summoned back at Saikai Academy? He had seen it before but never in a real battle.

Now, however, Kojou felt a strange sense of relief. That man's familiar was undeniably monstrous.

Nearby, Shio's expression twisted in frustration as she glared at Kojou. She had grown increasingly disillusioned with this so-called Fourth Primogenitor. His indecisiveness and oblivious demeanor irritated her to no end, and he seemed to live entirely in his own world.

The more she got to know him, the less impressed she was.

What annoyed her even more was that Yuiri had become his Blood Servant. He had even bitten her, yet he acted as though nothing had happened. His justification—that Yuiri had willingly offered herself to help him—sickened Shio.

Inwardly, she couldn't help but envy her rival. Shio's counterpart in the Lion King Organization, who was also a Sword Shaman, was paired with a handsome and capable man. That man—August—had proven himself strong and reliable. Even when faced with the identities and intentions of his companions, he acknowledged everything openly without hesitation, unlike Kojou.

Unbeknownst to Kojou, Shio's opinion of him had plummeted to an all-time low.

As for Yuiri, she simply accepted her role and quietly stayed by Kojou's side, saying nothing.

Suddenly, another rumble broke the silence, this time accompanied by an overwhelming surge of magical energy.

The oppressive power was palpable even at such a distance, sending chills down their spines.

Moments later, the atmosphere settled, and the familiars vanished. The battle was over.

Kojou's expression darkened. It was clear who had emerged victorious—August. Once again, the man had defeated another powerful foe. Even Dimitrie Vatler, a vampire said to be the strongest beneath the Primogenitors, had fallen to him.

This meant one thing: August was, without a doubt, a monster on par with the Primogenitors.

Kojou, on the other hand, had only awakened one of his familiars. The others refused to obey him, as he had yet to acquire the appropriate Blood Servant's blood to bind them to his will.

"Yo, good evening, Fourth Primogenitor, Kojou Akatsuki."

A playful yet chilling voice called out. Kojou glanced up to see a stunning blonde woman standing before him.

The sight of her momentarily disarmed him, but the icy killing intent emanating from her quickly snapped him back to his senses.

Beside him, Yuiri and Shio immediately assumed defensive stances, drawing their weapons—a modified Sixth-Type Demon Slayer Sword for Yuiri and a modified Sixth-Type Demon Slayer Bow for Shio.

Beatrice smiled faintly as she stepped forward, crimson magic coalescing in her hand to form a blood-red whip.

Since merging with the power of the "Judgment," her familiar had undergone significant evolution. The nature of the Judgment—a curse—had transformed both her and her familiar, imbuing them with even greater power.

"That's a familiar... and you're a T-type vampire," Yuiri Haba said sharply, immediately identifying Beatrice's nature as a Sword Shaman of the Lion King Organization.

Among vampires worldwide, the T-types, descendants of the Third Primogenitor, were the easiest to recognize because their familiars always manifested as weapons.

"You're a vampire?" Kojou Akatsuki asked in astonishment as he stared at Beatrice.

Beside him, Shio Hikawa nearly snapped.

How can you have the nerve to just chat? Isn't it obvious she's here to cause trouble? And you're acting like it's just another normal day!

Before anyone could respond, a sharp snap echoed through the air.

A crimson whip lashed out, cutting through the night with deadly precision.

Kojou barely managed to dodge by diving into a roll, avoiding the strike, but the ground behind him wasn't so lucky. A deep crater formed where the whip had struck.

"Why are you attacking me? Do we know each other?" Kojou asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

"My name is Beatrice," she replied with an unsettling smile. "I am the Apostle of Wrath, one of the Enforcers of Judgment who serve my master."

"Judgment Enforcers? Are you working for August?"

"Yes, Fourth Primogenitor. My master has instructed me to put a little pressure on you."

"That bastard!" Kojou growled under his breath.

"Are you angry?" Beatrice asked, her tone laced with amusement.

"Of course, I am! That meddling guy has no idea how much trouble he's caused me!"

"Perfect," Beatrice said with a smirk. "I'll take that anger of yours."

At her words, an invisible force seemed to take hold of Kojou.

It was the power of the Wrath Commandment. Anyone who harbored anger in their heart would lose their reason, their emotions spiraling into chaos and extremity.

Now, standing before Beatrice, Kojou's growing frustration and rage became a trap of his own making. The Commandment's curse began weaving itself into his mind.

"Come forth, Regulus Aurum!" Kojou roared, unable to suppress his fury any longer.

In an instant, he summoned one of his familiars. Golden lightning surged, illuminating the docks as the Regulus Aurum descended with a ferocious roar.

Beatrice eyed the creature with a mix of admiration and disdain. "So this is the fifth familiar among the twelve of the Fourth Primogenitor... It's powerful, yes, but you, as its master, are far too weak. Bloodlash of Wrath!"

Crack!

Beatrice's blood-red whip lashed out again, striking the Regulus Aurum. The impact sent the majestic beast flying through the air.

Familiars drew their strength from their master, and Kojou's lack of experience and power severely limited the potential of his summons.

Worse still, Kojou had only fed on Yuiri's blood once—just once. Since then, he hadn't taken another drop from anyone.

Boom!

The Regulus Aurum crashed to the ground, dissipating into sparks of golden energy. Beatrice didn't hesitate. She followed up with a kick, sending Kojou sprawling across the pier.

With a flick of her whip, Beatrice ensnared Yuiri and Shio, binding them in a single, fluid motion.

Both women froze, stunned by her sudden move.

Why drag us into this? their wide-eyed expressions seemed to say.

Snap! Snap!

The tail of Beatrice's whip lashed out, striking their hands. The sharp pain forced them to drop their weapons, leaving them defenseless.

In an instant, Yuiri and Shio went from fierce warriors to helpless captives, glaring at Beatrice with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

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