"Divine Order?" Lew arched an eyebrow. "You've come across members of the Divine Order? What happened?"

"I encountered two members, templars I believe, just recently. I fled before things got out of hand."

"Good move. Definitely templars then. You wouldn't have escaped a Paladin. And to answer your question, Camouflage won't fool the Divine Order. Their light affinity makes them sensitive to the undead, unless the level difference is too great. Based on Gauss's report on you, you won't find templars here below your level." After a short pause, Lew shifted the conversation to the current task and cautioned Bones against summoning his golems. Their distinctive appearance would immediately give them away, and the objective was to scout and verify earlier reports, recording any new information without engaging unless absolutely required.

"Now that I see you in person, I understand why you were given this special scouting mission. I never expected to meet an undead adventurer here of all places." Lew grinned, showing his vampire fangs.

"I've heard that before. What can you tell me about the mission? The locations of interest seem scattered all over the town."

"I'll get to that, but let's start from the beginning, shall we? I take it you don't know much about Valencia?"

Bones replied he didn't, only that the city was governed by a Vampire Lord unlike other Lords.

"That's right, he's unlike any other Lord. Despite being one of the youngest Vampire Lords, Alucard is around three hundred and forty years old and not to be underestimated. Physically, he's weaker than the others, but he excels at mind control. This makes him very difficult to approach and why infiltrating and liberating Valencia is no easy task."

"Yes, Gauss mentioned something about using thralls," Bones chimed in.

"That's correct. The city lord has three third-tier vampires by his side, his so-called brides, and the rest are thralls under his control. We estimate he has around a hundred thralls, all in high positions, controlling the city of over a hundred thousand. Here's the kicker: the citizens aren't aware of what happens outside the city's walls; of the Vampires, Werewolves… anything really." Lew trailed off, letting his words sink in.

"Aren't aware?" Bones repeated, then doubted, "How can that be? A population that large isn't aware the kingdom has fallen to creatures of the night, and a long time ago at that?"

Lew sighed, taking a seat across from Bones. The chair creaked but held. "Alucard appeared in Valencia a hundred years ago. At that time, Valencia, like Wolford, was a human sanctuary still fighting off the monsters that plagued these lands. The Vampire Lord didn't force his way to power. He manipulated people behind the scenes and watched the city fall on its own within ten years. Before the city completely fell, he and his brides emerged, overwhelming the monsters and driving them out. By that time, the Vampire Lord already controlled all the influential people and started rooting out anyone capable of opposing him. Over the next fifty years, he fortified the walls and isolated the city from outside influence. No one could enter and no one could leave. A generation later, people don't know what it's like outside, and they've learned not to ask."

Bones listened, astonished that one vampire would have the patience for such a tactful approach, but something didn't add up.

"Why? What would motivate an ascendant to go through the trouble to govern the city? Wouldn't a show of overwhelming force have allowed him to take control much easier and sooner?"

"He could've seized the city by force, yes, but the fact that he didn't and instead did what he did is why we have scouting missions. Our goal is to find out what he's doing with the citizens. In the past, we tried to force our way in but met resistance from the soldiers, the very citizens we're trying to save, and ultimately abandoned that approach. We're seen as intruders, new monsters who want to disrupt peace. We're not welcome! Currently, there are five active spies living in the city and at least three scouts on missions. You'll be replacing me while I head to Wolford to report to Gauss. Some things can't be written in a letter and need to be said in person. I'll also investigate which Divine Order members are on assignments here.

"I'm astounded that there's a city cut off from the rest of the world… Maybe it would be better to leave the people be?" Bones voiced his rather controversial opinion, but surprisingly, Lew replied that Wolford had already taken that stance unless there was a significant reason to amass an army and force their way in regardless of casualties. Next, Lew went on to clarify that the city has no gates or doors, with the sole access point being an underground route leading up through the well of a house that doubles as a hideout. He then turned his attention to Bones' responsibilities once inside the city.

The first task would be to assume the persona of a warehouse worker, which meant acquiring a worker's uniform and inspecting the warehouses at the locations Lew had marked on the city map he then handed to Bones. These warehouses had experienced a surge in activity and needed careful monitoring. Previously, they had been used to store construction materials, then provisions, and now reports indicated that mechanical devices of unknown use were kept there. Bones' second task was to infiltrate and verify these reports and determine the purpose of those devices.

"Once you've completed your current tasks, you'll need to connect with one of our undercover agents, Frank, who works as a blacksmith. He'll give you further instructions. We’ll remain here for the night, and at dawn, I'll escort you to the entrance of the underground passage. Until then, feel free to use the remaining time as you see fit. If you have any other questions or if something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask."

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Bones nodded, pausing before saying he understood the assignment but needed Lew to clarify two things about the first task.

"When you say to assume a persona and get a uniform, do you mean to steal one and pose as a worker, or to eliminate a worker and use Camouflage to take on their identity? Because if I just steal a uniform and pretend to be a worker, won’t they quickly figure out I don’t actually work there?" Bones asked.

"I understand your concern, and in most cities, that would be a valid point. Here, it's sufficient to steal a uniform and pose as a worker. However, if you can quietly eliminate someone without leaving a trace, then do so. You'll see when you enter the city; despair is deeply etched in people's faces."

Bones nodded again, then asked a more personal question, "If you don’t mind me asking, how did you become a half-vampire? If I'm not mistaken, you're from Wolford, seeing as you work with Gauss."

"I don't mind the question; it's no secret," Lew replied, confirming he was raised and lives in Wolford and frequently participates in the arena, despite being a half-vampire.

"Like many in Wolford, I didn't manifest the ability to transform into a Werewolf when I came of age. That part of my bloodline remained dormant, but it didn't stop me from joining expeditions and fighting on the front lines. During one mission to purge vampire spawn, I was bitten. By sheer luck, I neither died nor turned into a ghoul. Instead, I became an anomaly—a half-vampire. I share their strengths and weaknesses, but at a reduced level."

"Daylight?" Bones interrupted.

"What daylight?" Lew chuckled, and Bones nodded in understanding. The whole kingdom is shrouded in dark clouds, barely allowing any sunlight through.

"Daylight doesn’t weaken me, and silver has less impact, but as I said, my strength isn't on par with a full vampire of the same level."

"What about Blood Magic? Anything else you can share about vampires?"

"I can't use Blood Magic offensively, but I can sense lifeforce in the living, which is why Gauss entrusted you with this special mission rather than giving it to someone higher-ranked."

"Blood Magic?" Bones repeated, then continued after Lew nodded. "Because I'm undead, without lifeforce, so the vampires can't detect me while Camouflage masks my mana signature from their thralls?"

"Exactly. This is a rare opportunity for us to get closer than ever before. I just wish your level was higher, at least in the second tier; it would ease my mind."

"I'll be fine," Bones asserted confidently. "I have Soul Magic to rely on."

"I see. Soul Magic will definitely help you extract information and access restricted areas. Regarding vampires, you do know that only third-tier vampires, also known as elder vampires, can turn someone into a vampire? Vampires below the third tier turn their victims into vampire spawn or, sometimes, ghouls if they fail."

Bones nodded, indicating he already knew that.

"Good. There's a significant difference between second and third-tier vampires, most notably in their ability to transform into a grotesque winged creature, similar to original vampires from thousands of years ago. This form greatly enhances their physical attributes, even allowing flight, but it also increases their hunger and bloodthirst, making blood-related abilities uncontrollable. Most elders avoid transforming to maintain control. I'm telling you this because Alucard's three brides often use their winged forms to patrol the city from the air. Just avoid eye contact and attracting attention, and you'll be fine."

"Are you sure? I've met third-tier adventurers who had no problem identifying me. If one of the brides recognizes me, I'll—"

"That won’t happen," Lew interrupted.

"Why are you so certain?"

"Vampires don’t rely on the Identify skill. Most don’t have it, as it requires deep mastery in Blood Magic. The only way they can identify you is if you draw attention to yourself."

"Wait, we don’t have the same Identify skill? What about you?"

"Of course they're different skills; the system we use isn’t exactly the same. Vampires are considered monsters by humans. I was human, and as a half-vampire, I retained the Identify skill."

"And ascendants?"

"They're entirely different. Elder vampires have an ancient, withered appearance, with faces like patchworks of shadows and creases, sunken cheeks, and almost translucent pale skin. Ascendants, on the other hand..." Lew paused, searching for the right words to describe a Vampire Lord.

"A Vampire Lord exudes an aura of ancient nobility, with none of the bestial hunger seen in lesser vampires. I remember vividly the first time I saw Alucard. He had an intense gaze that commanded respect and silence without uttering a word. Every movement conveyed calm confidence, as if the centuries themselves spoke through him. His mere presence inspired awe and fear, a figure of elegance masking unimaginable power." Lew's voice softened as Bones watched, one eyebrow raised.

"Don’t look at me like that. You’ll understand when you see him."

"I'm not judging. Wouldn't I risk exposing myself if I searched for the Vampire Lord?"

"You don't have to search for him. You can see him from afar, standing on the cathedral balcony."

"The cathedral?" Bones asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"It’s a massive structure with towering spires and large arched windows. It’s a place of worship, and before you ask, the Vampire Lord had it built so people could worship him. It’s the tallest building in the city, hard to miss."

"Alright. I'm actually looking forward to this task; it's been battle after battle for the past month. How long is the mission supposed to last? Neither you nor Gauss mentioned the duration."

"Officially, the scouting mission is set for a month. Most adventurers cut it short because it requires specific skills to delve deeper. After all, the reward depends on the amount of relevant information gathered. As far as you're concerned, Bones, take as much time as you need. If you can complete the mission within a week, great, but I recommend taking your time to get to know the city and its inhabitants."