For the rest of the journey, Brownie was much more well-behaved.
Even when Li Xiuman cast Wind Spirit's Blessing on it, the horse refused to run too fast.
A new quality seemed to have emerged in its demeanor... something called composure.
This brought great comfort to Li Xiuman.
Truly a horse raised by me. It takes right after its master.
Over the remaining journey, Li Xiuman gave Brownie the full super-horse treatment.
Stepping across snow without leaving tracks, treading over water without raising ripples.
However, every time he tried to make Brownie fly, the horse would struggle wildly.
This was probably what people called trauma.
With super-horse Brownie's footwork, it took them just a single day to reach White Bear City.
Rather than saying Brownie carried Li Xiuman along the way...
It was more accurate to say that Li Xiuman used magic to carry Brownie as they ran.
Li Xiuman believed he was riding Brownie, oblivious to the fact that, in truth, Brownie was riding him.
Reaching the gates of White Bear City, Li Xiuman dismounted and led Brownie through the city entrance.
That's right, completely unbothered by drawing attention.
He was short of writing “Revenge! Come get your revenge!” across his forehead.
After all, he was now Lv. 35—a super evil skeleton who had evolved into an Undead Skeleton!
Shortly after he entered White Bear City, a guard near the gate slipped away, rushing toward Count Wit's castle to deliver the news.
Returning to his little house...
He found the interior in absolute ruin, with threatening messages painted all over the walls.
Li Xiuman wasn't surprised.
Still, seeing his very first home in this world trashed like this filled him with anger.
Heading to the second floor, he noticed that the feather hanging by the window—used to contact Ilu—was also gone.
He had no desire to stay in this house any longer.
Li Xiuman left the building. Before walking very far, he sensed someone tailing him.
Pretending not to notice, he led Brownie through a series of turns until they reached the depths of a secluded alley.
At that moment, his pursuers finally revealed themselves.
“Welcome back, Master.”
Several shadows bounded out from the darkness, their blood-red eyes glowing in the gloom, revealing their identity.
Vampires.
Though... all of them are unfamiliar faces...
More newcomers...?
There are even MORE newcomers?!
Just how many vampires did Jetis and Rorona pick up this time?
Is the Blood Bone Organization really making that much money? How can they afford to support this many vampires?
Whatever, no point overthinking it.
It's all small-time stuff anyway. With tens of thousands of gold coins in my savings, I'm practically a tycoon.
How could a magnate like me care about the minor antics of these vampires?
“What is it?”
In front of these new vampires, Li Xiuman didn't want to tarnish his image.
As expected of Master! A single casual phrase is oozing with dignity!
“Reporting to Master, Base No. 1 has been destroyed by unknown forces.”
“According to the Blood Bone Organization's investigation, it was likely orchestrated by high nobility from outside White Bear City.”
“Count Wit of White Bear City chose to turn a blind eye to the matter.”
“They are likely Master's enemies. Lady Jetis said that Master would surely be aware of this?”
Not surprising at all. Exactly as I expected.
Wait... what the hell is Base No. 1?!
Why are they describing my house as Base No. 1? Don't tell me there's a Base No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4?!
Just what on earth have these vampires been doing?!
“Mhm. I am aware.”
Although he had endless questions, to maintain his dignity in front of the new vampires...
He pretended to already know everything.
Dammit, if I keep acting like this, the list of things I don't know is only going to grow, right?
This is a vicious cycle!
Truly Master! This must be what's described in the Master's Quotations: remaining unruffled even if Mount Tai collapses before one's eyes!
Though... I am really curious what kind of mountain Mount Tai is.
“In that case, Master, please follow us to Base No. 2.”
“Lady Jetis has been awaiting Master's arrival there for a long time.”
“Very well.”
Li Xiuman tried to speak as little as possible. After all, the more one spoke, the more mistakes one made.
Maintaining his imposing aura took painstaking effort.
“My horse...”
“Master's steed can be left to me! I guarantee I will take excellent care of Master's horse!”
The vampire kneeling next to the speaker hurriedly beat his chest in reassurance.
“Uh... fine.”
“What is your name?”
“How could I dare trouble Master to memorize my name!”
“Master may simply refer to me by my designation: 103.”
“He is 67.”
103 pointed to the vampire who had spoken to Li Xiuman earlier.
“And he is 139.”
103 then pointed to the vampire beside them who had remained silent.
Li Xiuman froze in place.
H-How many?!
139?!
The numbers have reached fucking 139?! I vaguely remember there being only around forty last time!
Dammit, stay calm!
Maybe... maybe it's just a system where they pick their favorite numbers as designations!
Otherwise, if this keeps going, won't I unknowingly become the head of some super terrifying evil organization?!
And then have legendary adventurers dispatched directly to eradicate me...
...Relax, relax.
Calm down, Li Xiuman. Everything has a limit.
This is just small-time stuff for vampires. Their current numbers must already be at the absolute cap.
After all, these vampires don't have any reliable source of income.
Relying solely on dungeon raids, feeding this many vampires is already their max capacity.
It definitely won't turn into some world-threatening evil organization.
Yes, that's right.
Though just to be safe, I must have a serious talk with Jetis this time.
“67, lead me to Jetis.”
“Yes, Master.”
The vampire vanished into the darkness. Li Xiuman snapped his Deep Black Cloak, activating Shadow Melding, and dissolved into the shadows, closely following 67 ahead.
Left behind, 103 carefully took Brownie's reins and headed in another direction.
This is Master's steed! Nothing must go wrong!
I must ensure not a single hair is lost!
Following 67 towards the west side of the city, Li Xiuman arrived at an inconspicuous underground wine cellar.
They then proceeded deep into the cellar.
Opening the lid of one barrel among a row of thick wine casks revealed no wine inside, but rather a set of stairs leading downward.
I-Impressive...
Li Xiuman couldn't help but marvel in his heart.
Entering the barrel, they descended continuously down the staircase.
Only after descending a dozen or so meters did the space suddenly open up before them.
These vampires had practically dug out a fortress underground.
Stairs, alcoves, and a depth stretching as far as the eye could see—it was breathtaking.
“Master, you have returned.”
Jetis's voice rang out.
“Mhm.”
Li Xiuman turned to face Jetis.
Jetis obediently lowered her head, avoiding Li Xiuman's gaze.
“As Base No. 1—such an important foothold—was attacked, Jetis cannot escape responsibility!”
“Please punish me, Master.”
What a good child.
“Jetis, you have already done very well.”
“However... aren't there a bit too many vampires in White Bear City?”
Jetis's eyes lit up. Jetis's Brain Lv. ??? began loading.
Loading complete.
“Master, I understand.”
Rate on N.U.
