Chapter 004

Becker was feeling somewhat troubled by the unpleasantness with Nie Rang today. The relationship among the three carnivores was indifferent, primarily not due to any conflicts between them, but because of the nature of the blood clan, which does not allow for close relationships with anyone, even among kindred. Becker calculated in his mind that he had been working with Nie Rang for one hundred seventy-five years, and today's discomfort was the first in those one hundred seventy-five years. Having lived for nearly five hundred years, Becker felt quite vexed, unsure of how to dispel this discomfort. Even though he had a lifespan longer than some artifacts in the museum, there were still areas beyond his experience.

The Chief Justice sighed and said, "Nie Rang, you are the prime suspect in this matter; however, Becker, until the true culprit is found, you are also a suspect!" Although the Chief Justice was very reluctant to admit it, there was no other way. The consciousness of the carnivores could only be convened when the seven elders of the Carmilla gathered, so in this world, there were currently only the two of them as carnivores, and they were the only suspects—of course, Nie Rang was the more likely suspect. "Well..." Nie Rang opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. His expression had already returned to calm; the composed nature of the enforcer allowed him to control his emotions in a very short time. He tried to find a breakthrough in the case.

Nie Rang resides on an abandoned cargo ship, which is quite large, allowing him to arrange it according to his own preferences. The lowest deck serves as his sleeping quarters, situated beneath the water's surface, where the air pressure is high, humidity is significant, and the lighting is dim, resembling the environment of a tomb, which vampires find quite appealing. Nie Rang has installed nearly one hundred surveillance cameras and various detectors on the ship, as even powerful predators are vulnerable when resting and require comprehensive protection. Nie Rang's coffin is that of an eighth-generation vampire, which in modern times is considered quite ancient, as the elders of the Camarilla are only of the sixth or seventh generation. When he was apprehended, Nie Rang exerted considerable effort and incurred significant costs, but the rewards were substantial, including this coffin made of ivory, gold, and oak, which has been in use for nearly a thousand years. Nie Rang activated all the surveillance cameras and closed several heavy alloy doors before lying down in his coffin, hands crossed over his chest, and closed his eyes to fall into a deep sleep. He had not rested for a long time; even a predator is not devoid of sleep.

Spinewick soon arrived, and the number of Black individuals on the surrounding streets suddenly increased. However, the house across the street fell eerily silent. A group of people gathered together and brought out a statue of the Dark Lord. After a round of worship, they simply returned to their rooms to continue sleeping. Becker furrowed his brow and helplessly waved his hand at Spinewick, saying: "Dismiss the team"

Upon hearing Becker's question, the blood clan member who was monitoring replied while continuing to observe, "There is no activity, my lord. The fellows here have been sleeping in their coffins all day, and no one has gone out." It is indeed reasonable; aside from the predators with a strong resistance to sunlight, which dark creatures would venture out during the day? Becker nodded, "Be cautious; this is a dangerous time." Both of these individuals were his trusted aides, having followed him for many years. Without needing Becker's instructions, they understood the crux of the matter. The one responsible for monitoring through the telescope, Montorik, never took his eyes off the instrument. The blood clan has many methods for surveillance, but they are easily detected by Piat, who is well-versed in blood clan magic. Therefore, they ultimately chose this oldest method—using a telescope.

"Greenland, bring me a glass of red wine!" Becker instructed the blood clan member who had just opened the door. The younger Greenland responded, "Please wait a moment, my lord." Red wine is one of the few beverages that the blood clan can accept, and almost no member dislikes it, regardless of their race in life. Becker took a sip of the red wine handed to him by Greenland. He was different from Nie Rang, who was destined to be a solitary wanderer, with no one by his side. Even the Grand Judge had never visited Nie Rang's residence. If it were not for the blood clan's habit of keeping their residences secret, Nie Rang would not have been able to pass the predator review back then. Becker took a sip of the red wine handed to him by Greenland. He was different from Nie Rang, who was destined to be a solitary wanderer, with no one by his side. Even the Grand Judge had never visited Nie Rang's residence. If it were not for the blood clan's habit of keeping their residences secret, Nie Rang would not have been able to pass the predator review back then. Even later, when the Grand Judge strongly recommended him, making him a predator, he still underwent a review process that was twice as long as that of an ordinary predator.

Through the telescope, Becker could clearly see the fangs of the blood clan inside the building across from him, where a group of people had gathered. The most fashionable among them was Piaty, and it was unclear what they were planning this time! "Immediately notify Spingwick, assemble the Death Scythe Guard, and prepare for action!" Becker ordered, and Greenland responded with a quick acknowledgment before hastily dialing the phone. The Camarilla allowed the predators to form a unit for the sake of law enforcement, but only Becker had utilized this privilege, using it to protect more of the black blood clan!

After parting ways with Nie, Becker quickly arrived at the base of a building. The elevator took him to the eleventh floor, where he stood before a door equipped with a monitor. As soon as Becker arrived, the door opened automatically, revealing a young man dressed in a black and blue silk shirt who opened the door for him. "Sir! You have returned!" the young man said, bowing slightly. Becker grunted in response and walked straight into the room, asking, "How is it?" The curtains were drawn over the windows, but there was a small opening in the curtains, and a high-powered telescope was set up by the window. A slightly older vampire was monitoring the movements in the large house across the street. The building across was the residence of Piatti, serving as the lair for him and his subordinates, and Becker was responsible for keeping an eye on Piatti's activities.

The Chief Justice asked, "What progress have you two made recently?" The two shook their heads in unison. "I only saw a mysterious person at the entrance of the Lesenba family, who holds a high status, but I couldn't determine who it was," Nie Rang said flatly. Becker added, "Aside from holding nightly rituals to sacrifice to the Dark Lord, Piati has been quite honest these past two days." The Chief Justice frowned, saying, "You need to find out exactly what kind of ritual Piati is conducting!" Nie Rang immediately caught on, asking, "You suspect..." The Chief Justice nodded, and Nie Rang furrowed his brow, inquiring, "What kind of ritual could achieve such a purpose?" The Chief Justice shook his head, "I am not sure either; dark magic is profound and vast. What we understand is merely the tip of the iceberg. I need to go check the records in secret!" With a breakthrough, Becker also mentioned, "Aside from holding nightly rituals to sacrifice to the Dark Lord, Piati has been quite honest these past two days." The Chief Justice frowned again, saying, "You need to find out exactly what kind of ritual Piati is conducting!" Nie Rang immediately caught on, asking, "You suspect..." The Chief Justice nodded, and Nie Rang furrowed his brow, inquiring, "What kind of ritual could achieve such a purpose?" The Chief Justice shook his head, "I am not sure either; dark magic is profound and vast. What we understand is merely the tip of the iceberg. I need to go check the records in secret!" With a breakthrough, Nie Rang felt a bit more invigorated, asking, "So what should we do these next two days?"

Apart from that mysterious figure, Nie Rang had not made any further progress in monitoring the Leisenba tribe over the past few days. A few days later, they reconvened in the underground palace of the Chief Justice. Both understood that it was time for a final decision. As soon as they arrived, the Chief Justice's face was icy: "Emin Glaqu was assassinated last night!" "What!" Nie Rang and Becker exclaimed in unison, both shocked. "How could this happen? Who did it?" Nie Rang asked urgently. The Chief Justice glanced at him and replied: "The motive is still unclear, but unfortunately, it was one of our own who did it! Emin's cooperation was drained!" Nie Rang felt a tightening sensation throughout his body. Turning around, he was met with Becker's lion-like, furious gaze. Nie Rang quickly explained: "Becker and *Tu* *Shu*, trust me..." Becker turned his head away sharply, remaining silent!

A glass of red wine remained untouched when Montorik suddenly exclaimed, "Sir, they have mobilized!" Becker abruptly vanished from the sofa where he had just been seated, and almost simultaneously, he appeared next to the telescope. Greenland, standing beside Becker, felt a surge of unease: the power of the predator was indeed overwhelming

Becker was among the first black slaves sold to Europe. By a twist of fate, he became a vampire, and for several centuries, his identity went unrecognized, leading to his persecution until the last century. The blood, tears, and heartache he endured are too painful to share with outsiders. After relentless struggle, he finally achieved his current status within the Camarilla. Reflecting on his misfortunes, he felt compelled to do something for his fellow citizens, but today, he encountered setbacks right from the first step

You may continue your work, but the elders will send someone to monitor you. Furthermore, the Chief Justice paused and said: "The elders have decided to conduct the ritual of the magic bath in advance!" "Why?!" Becker and Nielang were quite puzzled. The ritual of the magic bath is a ceremony for the ninety flesh-eaters, and it should not be hastily conducted before the matter is clarified. "The elders urgently need new enforcers!" The Chief Justice was clearly reluctant to answer this question. At this moment, Becker and Nielang found themselves in the same position: the elders no longer trusted either of them!

This time, the two did not go out together. The burly man with the yellow beard opened the door twice, feeling somewhat displeased. Those who passed through the door felt even more unhappy.