"Uhh… is there any need to go there?" Rudy asked. "Can't we do that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow? The part can end at any time, and I want to enjoy it more with Rias and Jane."

  "Not anymore." Virgil shook his head and said, "It's already late night, and it will be morning before you realize it. I have things to do, and I will be busy in the upcoming days."

  "Then Rias or Jane can take me to that place. And honestly, I have no interest in going there. I only asked where it was, and you suddenly planned to take me there," Rudy shrugged.

  'I want to confirm something there,' Virgil uttered inwardly.

  "The monsters attacked just now. This happens more often than you think, and I already know they are planned by the other kingdoms.

  There are many kingdoms in this world, but four are the main and the biggest ones. The rest of the small ones are under the rule of the other three kingdoms.

  Each kingdom is located in each direction; north, south, and east. But…'

  Virgil looked at the sea and uttered, "There shouldn't be any land in the west. I will have to send my men to have it checked. And I am now tired of the petty schemes of the other kingdoms.

  I can't blame them for the monsters' attacks as I have no proof. There is no way to prove it unless they themselves admit it. Or I catch them.

  Now, it's time for the counterattacks."

  "Can't you just go there and kill the kings? The simplest solution. You are strong, so it should be easy for you, right?" Rudy suggested.

  "The action sure is easy, but its execution is not."

  "Well, whatever. But remember that if they tried to pull any funny on Jane, there would be a single-handed war… no, war is when the opponents get a chance to attack and defend themselves— here, they won't. There will only be a single-handed massacre."

  "Heh." Virgil chuckled and said, "You worry too much about Jane. She is the third strongest vampire in this world, and she can easily handle thousands alone without getting exhausted."

  "That doesn't change anything for me. It's natural for lovers to worry about each other. You of all people should know that already," Rudy commented with a knowing look on his face.

  "Yeah, you are not wrong. Anyway, follow me. We have to make it quick. You want to make it back to the party before it ends, right?"

  "Yeah, let's go and be done with it," Rudy uttered with a short sigh and followed Virgil.

  After flying to an unknown location and various strange portals, they reached the middle of nowhere. There was nothing around them and as far as their sights could see.

  The sky was black but with no stars on moons. The ground seemed to be made of water at first glance, but it was hard when they stepped on it. However, with every step they walked, the ground rippled like how water would upon throwing something in it.

  "What is this place?" Rudy asked while glancing around.

  "There is no actual name for this place, but you may call it the netherworld."

  'Jane mentioned this name too!'

  "So this is the supposed rendezvous point where the summit of the mighty ones happens every thousand years in the presence of the Lord?" Rudy wondered. "Not going to lie, it sounded more appealing than it looks. I had high expectations."

  "Oh, we are not there yet. We have to pass the final door to enter the place. This place is considered the edge of the world. Similar to the place between two portals of the world. One can't stay here for long, or their existence would start to fade away."

  "But where are we supposed to go? There is nothing here for hundreds of miles."

  "The rendezvous point is not accessible by everyone. Only those who are worthy can enter it, or if someone takes them with them." Virgil said while walking, "Come, we are almost there."

  After a few minutes, Virgil stopped and chanted something.

  "……"

  The ground changed its shape, and it raised from one spot. A few seconds later, it took the shape of a door with borders but with no door.

  Virgil made a cut on his finger and spread his blood on the door. With a loud chiming sound, it began to shine, and a portal appeared.

  'Why do they have to make everything so dramatic?' Rudy uttered inwardly.

  "Let's go."

  Virgil entered the portal first and Rudy after him. As soon as he stepped his foot, he was hit by a strong gust of wind that was carrying a nostalgic scent with it.

  The portal closed behind them, and they found themselves in a massive dark chamber. The floor was covered with the fog that was constantly moving even though there was no wind passing by. The place itself was cold, but the mist seemed colder.

  After walking for a while, they reached an open chamber with no ceilings. Stars and moons were visible, and the air was fresh. The fog also slowly decreased as they walked even further.

  Virgil stopped and pointed his finger at something in the distance.

  "There are many thrones here for the world and race representatives to sit," he stated.

  "Where is the Lord's throne?" Rudy asked curiously.

  "Look up."

  Rudy looked up and saw a massive throne was floating in the air with no support. But one could go there with the help of the pieces of rocks that were seemingly stairs.

  'I have been in the Lord's Presence only once, which was when I was 2 years old. After that, I have come here many times, but I never forgot that dreadful feeling. I can't forget it. Every time I come here, it triggers my fear and renders me unable to stay calm.

  But the reason I am here is…'