Raven, Wiseman, Claws, Besters and Black Wind Knights made their move. A vampire fortress was before them. Guarded by elite vampire knights and vampire mages. A strong 10 layer barrier stopped the gunfire from the Besters. Where Raven placed his hand on Wiseman's harpoon, configuring mana properties of the wood. Turning the harpoon into something that would shatter the 10 layers of the barrier.

"When the barrier shatters. I want Claws to charge in. Besters, Black Wind Knights. Handle it." Wiseman took aim with the heavy crossbow. Raven guided his aim with words with Wiseman making small corrections. The vampires were laughing at their attempt. Believing that whatever Raven had planned would be ultimately a failure.

"Hah! Arrogant humans! How can you think a mere b-" The harpoon pierced right through the barrier, finding a new home inside a vampire elite's chest. That Besters shot off their wrist mounted blades, linked with a thread that became a method for the Black Wind Knights to ascend to the fortress walls. Wiseman threw harpoons at the walls, forming a path for him to ascend. Raven went through the front entrance with the Claws. Breaking the door down as the vampiric soldiers and ghouls gave chase. The Shielding Claws held the horde back as the Fanatics swung their scythes to claim the limbs. Raven just held a pair of maces, going straight into a fight. Broad swings as feints to get some idiotic vampires to close in.

"Now you're m-" A javelin would skewer a vampire's arm, followed by Raven bashing the skull inward. As another javelin marked a future corpse. Raven took a step back as Besters unleashed the might of their firepower. Infusing aura into their shots, blasting vampires to pieces with excessive gunshots. Leaving holes within the corpses of the vampires. Their targets were moving fast. Closing in with coordinated attacks but the Besters wrist mounted blades would parry the blades for a moment. Reaching for a pistol as they fired an aura infused shot that turned vampires into ash. The eyes of Besters who went on their hunt was adding to the anxiety of the vampires.

The Black Wind Knights were throwing bodies of vampires out into the open. Screams from above as bodies would find themselves on the javelins that the Claws had prepared earlier. Becoming a contest of who could stack up more vampires on a single javelin in the middle of a fight. To the Black Wind Knights, the vampires were nothing short as stepping stones for their little competition. It was good to see the three groups being motivated. Wiseman just sat back, chain smoking cigars like a steam train. Puffing out smoke into rings, staring at the chaos that was happening before him.

Raven received a notification.

Your siblings have entered a Causality Dungeon.

They entered the world of Chief Durandal.

Dolores is in Section 2 Hammer

Falco is in Section 3 Morning Star.

Aquila is in Section 5 Spearhead

Stervy is in Section 6 Stiletto.

They are settling in quite well.

Their tale is 50 years after you.

The Current Emperor of Steobia is the eldest son of your trainee who became Chief Durandal for a period.

"So... Therion Helios became Emperor. Having members of Section 2, 3, 5 and 6 would be great in our ranks. I couldn't even recruit any of them in my time because I was too busy being on the frontlines." Raven spoke up as he dodged a vampire's blade. Driving Howler into the chest, pulling the trigger fast to leave gaping holes inside the vampire's body. Kicking it back as he pulled the pins of a few grenades.

"If it's them. They can take advantage of their friendships and bonds they formed. Would there be a need for Durandal's Return?"

For now.

No. But... If there's an anomaly by a sovereign or a foreign force.

I'll let you know.

It's possible that some sovereigns and constellations may want to attack the causalities you had been in as a means to get back at you.

The allies in the RIB have mainly passed their time. They have lived their lives fully and are not involved with their world anymore.

Their fates are tied with yours.

You are a legend in those worlds.

When the time comes. You will find yourself back there.

-Vinter-

"Thanks Vinter." Raven said as he dodged a vampires elemental barrage. A Shielding Claw took the hit, a shoulder charge to push the vampire to the wall. Two more shields joined in, bashing the vampire with their bladed shields. Shoving the pointed tips of the javelins deep into the vampire's body as it let out a final cry. The Black Wind Knights kicked vampires off the fortress walls, leaving the Claws and Besters to finish them off.

"This is our 5th fortress. We should be close to the capital by now, Commander." A member of Bruin spoke up.

"The vampire capital. I'm sorry if this is a bore since these vampires aren't exactly fun." Raven lit a cigarette as Wiseman walked to his side.

"So what will you do next with your points?" A quick glance.

Karma Shop!

7,500,000

+5 fortresses conquered.

++++ Vampire's Anxiety.

+++Vampire Stress.

+Drednia Kingdom's in stress.

++Non-human races saved (Levi)

+++++Human Towns and Villages conquered (Melgis)

++Summoned Heroes have been beaten (Melgis)

Abyss Gaze's Hatred Beyond Reason (enhanced) : 2,500,000 The Silent Line's Roar : 1,000,000 Prince of War's Not Giving a Fuck Ability : 0 Abyss Gaze's Perfect Counter : 500,000 Flames of the Forest's Flames : 1,000,000 Iron Justice's Justice Fist : 500,000 The Demon Lord of War's Tension Breaker : 1,000,000 Random Skill : 5,000,000 Shadow Lord's Necromancy : 1,000,000 Vampire Ancestor's Blood Magic : 1,000,000 Fallen Seraphim's Vengeful Fires : 500,000 Randomized Ally : 5,000,000 Final Paladin's Mana Mastery : 1,000,000 Lieutenant of Cloud Breaker's Sharpened Edge (Enhanced) : 500,000 Abyss Gaze's Waltz In Black : 500,000 God of War's Innate Strength : 2,000,000

"Hatred Beyond Reason. Flames. Tension Breaker. Mana Mastery. Perfect Counter, Waltz in Black. Blood Magic. And the not giving a fuck ability." With those words the entire fortress was now clad in blue flames. Heralding the destruction as the entire fortress melted away before their eyes. The Not Giving A Fuck ability. It's... Pretty self explanatory.

"Whoa..."

"The Elven Tree as long as it's connected to me in a way. It'll generate mana and the tree is a foundation of this causality. So I am literally a walking sun at this point. Now. Let's head over to the capital. I need to pay my in-laws a visit." The vampire army was stationed by the capital. They had everything they needed but the sight of Raven casually walking like he was on a stroll? That had them on the edge. Humming a song as he made his way over, like a child going to a neighbor's house to greet them. He didn't need to use the flames. He just wanted to see what he could do with his current body. Drawing out the pair of Howlers. Taking initiative to fire shots at the hinges of the gates. That would be the cue for the others to storm the front.

Besters fired off their hook blades to the top, giving the Black Wind Knights a path to take on the targets on the fortress walls. The Black Wind Knights used the metal wire to get up close and personal. A few bodies flew off while Bruin went in with the firepower. Firing their shoulder mounted gatling guns to force the vampiric horde away. Besters taking on the role of dealing the killing blow with their aura infused gunfire.

Claws taking on any vampires that got close. Wiseman on the other hand was just using his harpoon to search for extra targets. Using it as a spear of sorts at close range, punching a lance that curled inward. Harpoon that skewered a vampire's chest. Besters going in with their wrist mounted blades, parrying any melee weapons that got close. Revolvers to blast away the limbs. Timing their reloads to not be caught with their pants down. Eyes on their surroundings as their hands continued to move. Swinging the chamber, smacking the ejector rod to their thighs. Ejecting all the spent casings at once as their right hand stood ready for any attack. No matter the numbers, the Besters needed to keep their cool. Rash actions lead to mistakes. Mistakes lead to death. Left hand had to do all the work. Pushing in a speed loader, then swinging the chamber back. Thumb cocked the hammer. Rinse and repeat.

A Bester with a rifle maintained formation with a Shielding Claw. Taking a knee when reloading as the Shielding Claw would ready the shield to take the attacks from a vampire. That moment was when the Bester peeked out from the side of the Claw's Waist. Firing a shot that gave the opening for the Claw to impale the vampire with a javelin. Bruin maintained with their onslaught, the demolitionists were with Wiseman who had them strap timed explosives on his old harpoons.

The goal was to create as much chaos as possible. Leaving Raven with a chance to go to the castle unnoticed. Slipping in as Raven wielded his pair of Howlers. There were vampires who spotted him but they couldn't say a word as their heads rolled off their necks. Strolling in where he found the vampire lord, Ulm sitting on his throne. The highest vampire nobles stood in a line before him.

"So you must be the human who has been causing quite the ruckus... I-" The vampire lord kept going on and on about the plan. Have the humans fight each other, then conquer them. Turn them into ghouls and then attack the Elven Tree. He had a pack of cigarettes with him. This was going to take a while so he might as well just be calm about it. Lighting one cigarette. Just listening to the vampire lord's rambling and plans. It was a classic attempt to make Raven feel fear or something.

One cigarette became two. Two became four. Four became eight and soon he was on his last cigarette. Smoking it slowly. It felt like an aeon had passed because of how predictable and stupid these plans were. Safe to say Raven was bored out of his mind just listening.

"So... What do you think of our plan? Do you feel threatened now mortal?" Ulm made a threat but Raven's Hatred Beyond Reason had activated.

"I was expecting more but all I got was empty promises. Anyway, I came here to destroy the Vampire Kingdom because you killed my son's wife. Now he has to raise a child on his own and a half vampire who never knew his mother's lineage. You're not going to die that easily by the way." Raven said as three vampire nobles went after him with their spears. Dodging the attack. Their necks parked on the back of the underbarrel blade. A singular howl from the pistol and the vampire nobles fell to the ground.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Ulm raised his hand as spears of blood surrounded him.

"Do you think you can dodge all of this?" Pointing his finger at Raven as the spears went after him. Wielding a pair of shields as Raven took the hits, pushing him back and forward. His body was feeling the intense recoil.

"I thought you were better but it seems to me that you're lacking!" A vampire noble raised her voice, getting in close. Only for Raven to drop the greatsword as a jikdo appeared instead. A hilt strike to the jaw, a shoulder charge to push her back. Then one good slash that sent the neck rolling.

"Get up. I know you four aren't dead." The vampires got back on their feet, their wounds regenerated quickly as Raven pulled out a fresh pack of cigarettes from his dimensional glove. More spears came raining down on him but he was able to weave through it all. Getting close to Ulm, whereby Raven used his knee to strike Ulm in the genitals. Ulm fell as he squirmed in pain.

"How dishonorable! To hit another man in th-" Raven shot the vampire noble's genitals too.

"You can't die because your body has enough souls to sustain it. So what? A few thousand?"

"2 million." Ulm answered, expecting Raven to react with fear but a grin crept on Raven's face. A snap of his fingers as black flames began to create a dome in the throne room. One vampire tried to escape, only for the flames to ignite their skin. Burning their flesh until they were bones. Flesh and skin returned but Raven's calmness had them on the edge.

"We'll be keeping each other company here." Raven wielded a pair of sabers as he smiled at the vampire nobles.

"You won't be dying easily." His words were an omen, as he went after them. No matter what they did. It had slowly began to sink in. They were not the apex predator. The laughter of the human before them was that of a beast. A monster that would play with his food. Slashing the limbs off, skinning them alive. Burning them until they had become charred bones. Smashing their heads in with the mace. Bisecting them into two pieces. He was turning them inside out. Tearing off bones, crushing ribs. Blood magic struck him but he just kept going. A grimace as he began to rip them apart again. Bullets. Blades. His bare hands. The vampire nobles felt death lingering closer and closer. Each life that they had absorbed was slowly being torn away by him. Every single soul. Liberated by a symphony of violence. Drum of breaking bones. The harmony of blades meeting flesh. The resounding melody of screams.

He was in his element. An apex predator that was devouring them over and over again. Pleas that fell onto deaf ears. Death's hands slowly clutching closer. Mere chuckles that sent shivers down their spines. Joyous laughter that slowly began to tear down the logic that they had upheld. Fallacies of their species being the apex. A lie that had been shined by the truth. Resistance was futile. Ulm was on his knees as his eyes met with Raven.

"It's a lovely way to get to know my in-laws. After all you did kill Vylr's wife. All because she chose to be with him. Now you go after the tree and plan to enslave the elves too. Perhaps you will kill his child too." Raven puffed out smoke from his lips as he put his boot on Ulm's head.

"I've only killed a few thousand, Ulm. So don't worry. I'm only avenging my daughter in-law. Sometimes the children need their father." Raven spoke as he continued his violence. Hours pass as Ulm and the vampire nobles breathed their last. Turning into ash. With that out of the way, Raven stepped out to find Wiseman with a few hundred vampire corpses pinned to the walls.

"They kept reviving a lot. Made things interesting for me, at least." Wiseman chuckled as he shouldered his heavy crossbow, walking out of the castle with Raven. Seeing the Besters, Black Wind Knights, Bruin and the Claws who were done with their work.

"Let's go home." Marching back victoriously. Only silence filling the air.

"We'll take some rest. Then we'll handle the demon empire next."

"Yes!"

Walking through their path of destruction as the non-combatant vampires stepped out but Raven didn't engage them. Nor did his allies. When the objective was done, they just walked away. That's just how these things go. His habits as a professional from the many lives he lived had become a part of him. When the job is done. Walk away. There's no need for more blood since the vampires were all cowering in their corners. Averting their gaze from Raven.

Meanwhile....

Corvus was in Hartland, going over to a cafe to spend his time there. Wearing a long coat as he held a briefcase of documents. There seems to be an event of sort in the cafe he frequented. Glancing at the purple haired beauty who wore a crop top and jeans. A social media celebrity? Everyone was flocking over to her but Corvus made his order to the barista. A golden pair of eyes lingered on Corvus but he did not care about it.

Opening his documents, Corvus was beginning his work for the day. Writing details and weaknesses of the various monsters that he encountered in the dungeons. Jotting down their weaknesses, their habitats and what can be expected. Strategies on how to counter them and the like. In the Hunter Association of Euphemia, despite Corvus not being a Hunter he was regarded as an S-Rank.

"Excuse me." The purple haired beauty called out, Corvus's eyes met with hers.

"Are you a hunter?"

"Not a Hunter. I am affiliated with Black Wings."

"I was wondering if it was possible that I could team up with you for a day or two?" Corvus could see the glares from some of her fans. Where Corvus put his pen down, taking a sip of his chamomile tea. Her eyes locked in with his.

"If you have a request. You should submit it to Black Wings. Inform them you want Black Watcher. Then you will be given a set of documents to fill in. Your request will be processed by a man named General Lowell. It will take 3 working days. Then you will be contacted regarding the fee and duration of the request." She pouted.

"But can't I just ask you right now?! You're here aren't you?"

"I don't accept requests or contracts because people approach me. I accept requests by appointment."

"But we're going into that portal in an hour!"

"You are a Hunter aren't you? And there are other Hunters who are going to join you right?" She turned quiet, gritting her teeth as she walked away with anger. One of the men in suits, her manager tried to convince Corvus but Corvus wouldn't hear it. Noticing the Hunters were from the Mystic Knights guild. A larger guild than Black Wing and it was led by a woman named Ivy Rogers. Corvus had a file on the Mystic Knights. One of the big 5 guilds. Ivy Rogers. Magic Knight class. B-Ranked Hunter and then there was the War Maidens. A guild made up of only women Hunters. That one is led by a Barbarian class Hunter, A-Rank Lucy Manaria. 15 Hunters from Mystic Knights and another 15 from the War Maidens. Then another 5 Hunters who were extras that would protect the crew.

Corvus glanced at the wall. 'Wishing Mallery Meadows Good Luck for Her Promotion to B Rank!!' They entered the dungeon. It was a B-Ranked Dungeon. They shouldn't have an issue as Corvus's phone rang.

"Black Watcher."

"Corvus. Where are you?"

"In a cafe near a dungeon by 5th Avenue. Why?"

"I just got a notice that the dungeon is not B-Ranked anymore. It's been classified to A-Rank Status. Did the Hunters go in?"

"Five minutes ago." Lowell let out a sigh.

"Standby near the dungeon." Corvus packed his documents into the suitcase. Where it vanished, fixing his braid as he stepped out. Seeing the association agents who glanced at him.

"Excuse me but this area is off limits!" Corvus showed his pin that signified he was a member of Black Wing's Division 9. That was enough for the agent to step back, giving way. Corvus put a cigarette to his lips. Puffing out smoke as he waited for the agent to give him the notice.

"You're cleared to enter!" Stepping inside the dungeon, where he could see trolls and giants. Their numbers? Too many to count. Mallery had a barrier raised but the War Maidens and Mystic Knights? They had been badly injured.

"Ivy!" A troll lifted the club. Readying to strike Ivy who was still holding her ground. She was barely able to stand as the club swung down on her. The club was cut in half as Corvus stood in front of Ivy. The troll was split in half as Corvus carried Ivy up like a bride. Her breathing was haggard, her forehead had blood oozing out of it. Mallery opened a gap in the barrier as Corvus placed Ivy down. Seeing Mallery who was slowly losing her composure. The sight of three bodies? It might've been her film crew. Taking off his longcoat, placing it over Mallery's shoulders. The giant began to smack at the barrier. Forcing Mallery to fall on her knees.

"Hey, you can't! There's too many of them!" Corvus ignored her words as he flicked a cigarette, where his gloves glowed. Showing the glasses as Corvus leaped into the air, drawing out a greatsword as he leaped at the giant. A deep breath as the giant swatted Corvus away like a bug. Using the giant's hand as a springboard, Corvus leaped right up to the sky as he prepared to swing. Just one singular swing would be enough.

His blade met with the giant's skull as Corvus exerted force to cleave it in two. The greatsword vanished, drawing out a shotgun. Three blasts to take all the attention from Mallery. The trolls began to give chase after Corvus who switched his weapons. Now using a pair of axes. Weaving through the clubs as he took his chances. Hacking off a troll's head, then kicking it back. Crashing into the other trolls.

Mallery glanced at her livestream chat.

'That's... That must be him. Black Watcher!'

'Who's that?'

'He's an ally of Black Wing. Not a Hunter but... I can see why people regarded him as an S-Ranked Hunter.' Mallery's eyes turned back to Corvus who had taken a few dozen trolls. Switching out to a katana where Corvus kept his hand on the hilt. Positioning himself carefully. A singular draw. Multiple trolls were mutilated to pieces but Corvus sheathed the blade once more. Hearing something being charged. A piece of the hilt ejected outward as Corvus slapped another catridge into it.

The katana disappeared, drawing out a longsword and a pistol. Firing a few shots to grab their attention. A sidestep as the broad side of the longsword to divert the club away. A thrust to pierce the neck. Two shots to the leg to make the troll fall on their knees. Adjusting his grip, swinging the blade free. Broad slashes that left deep cuts in the troll's body, bullets that pierced through their hide. Leaving them with the bleeding effect. Their movements would gradually make their wounds bleed out faster, reducing Corvus's workload.

Their numbers were dwindling. Losing too much blood that forced them to fall unconscious, Corvus switched weapons. Now using a jikdo, something Laguna had trained him in.

"You'll use your father's technique. The Rose. Praying Flower is the base but his one is called Rose. Roses have thorns. Beautiful and deadly." Laguna's words had given Corvus inspiration as he slashed his way through. Using the technique that his father had used. In that moment Corvus could see roses on his foes. Following it, his blade cut through them cleanly. Right through the bones and the thick hides.

"Because you're close to your father. You could see what he sees. The rose on the target. It's only visible to those who mastered the Rose. Roses will bloom when you want to kill. Your father uses this blade on instinct but for you, the one who is said to have good eyes. This may be prove to be clearer for you than it was for him." The roses bloomed on the bodies of the trolls and giants that were still alive. With every attack it was clearer. A giant got close to Mallery, only for a harpoon to strike the eye. A rope that was attached to it. Tugging it as the giant fell down with Corvus serving the final blow.

The last giant had fallen but there were still trolls. Corvus went ahead as he used the heavy crossbow from Wiseman. Swinging it violently as they see the corpses of the trolls being swung around like decorations. Launching harpoons that took heads from their bodies. The dungeon had been cleared. Bloodstains over his body as Corvus walked over to the injured Hunters. Admiration. Fear and the understanding of what it means to be graded as an S-Rank Hunter.

"The treasures will be taken by Black Wing. We'll be auctioning them off later in two weeks with the rest of our spoils. Feel free to bid then. Keep the coat over you, Miss Meadows. You may return it to the address that's written inside the collar." Corvus's took out a handkerchief to wipe the bloodstains over his face. Stepping out as Association agents, along with Mystic Knights and War Maiden supports came running.

"I must've looked stupid." Mallery spoke out loud as they were brought outside, noticing Corvus who just stood there with his paper cup. The tag of 'Camomile Tea'. Talking to Ciara as the pair exchanged pleasantries. Ciara holding her paper cup as the pair continued talking. Though noticing a few members of Seven Hells who were trying to provoke the pair. Ignoring the Seven Hells as the pair just continued talking. When one of the Seven Hells, a tank swung his mace at them. Corvus stopped it with his finger, then punching the tank's chest. Where they see the orihalcum armor shatter from the blow.

Mallery's crew kept on recording the sight. An assassin went after Ciara's neck, only for them to watch Ciara grab the assassin by the leg and slam him on the tar road. Then breaking the limbs with her foot. Three more went after her, where Corvus intercepted the three with a greatsword. Headbutt one back, as one casted magic at him. Creating a cloud of smoke but Corvus's hands grabbed the mage by the throat. A jab to the chest as they heard bones crunching. Ciara's aura began to leak out, forming into a pride of lions that pounced on the remaining Hunters.

Corvus and Ciara glanced at the phone. They were going to let the Seven Hells of the hook for this time. Instead of a warning or sorts, the pair just walked away.