Journey of Vampire Lord
Copyright© 2025 by Vamp
Chapter 15
“There are five dead, five injured, and two seriously injured. This is not good. Two porters are dead already too.”
Although those who weren’t seriously injured could still fight, almost half of the group had suffered injuries. Galfredik’s expression remained stiff.
It wasn’t because he was concerned about the dead and injured mercenaries. It was because they had only fulfilled the minimum conditions for the expedition, even though they suffered this much damage.
“At least we passed the number of low-rank monsters. It’s not half bad. What do you think, sir? I think it’s about time we started to leave. The results are satisfactory for an expedition.”
“Hmm.”
Eugene looked around at the mercenaries.
The mercenaries were in bad shape. He assumed it was because they were exhausted from the series of battles, but that wasn’t all. The environment of the dungeon was no different from the night, which empowered Eugene.
But the mercenaries were human, and they received contrasting effects from the dungeon. The pitch-black darkness and the constant ambush of the monsters caused the mercenaries to be on edge.
Even though it had only been three days, the mercenaries reported sightings of ghosts. Some even swore they saw evil spirits smiling at them from a distance. In addition, the mercenaries’ morale dropped significantly because they could not sleep well, rest easy, or eat properly.
Eugene could finally understand why humans tried to avoid being in a dungeon for over five days. It was because their minds, rather than their bodies, could not endure being exposed to the harsh element and environment of a dungeon.
“I think...”
The mercenary leaders shifted their pleading gazes towards Eugene. No one doubted Eugene’s abilities anymore. Rather, he was now the hero and savior of the mercenaries. The image of Eugene slaying and holding the head of a troll from a few hours ago was still fresh in their minds.
Although it had only been for a brief moment, Eugene had truly become like a devil. It had been truly a frightening and intense memory. The mercenaries knew that if Eugene and Galfredik had not worked together to defeat the largest troll afterward, several more of them would have been sacrificed instead.
“I think it would be better for us to return now. But the passageway is getting wider and I can feel the wind blowing from the other side. We might be near one of those underground plazas you mentioned before, right? Why don’t we explore a little bit more before returning?”
The expressions of the mercenaries brightened up before turning grim again.
“All right. Then why don’t we send a smaller group? The porters can remain behind along with the rest. About five or six should be good.”
When Galfredik’s gaze swept over the mercenary leaders, they slowly avoided his gaze as if promised beforehand.
“You weak little cowards. How many times have Sir Eugene and I saved your stinky little shit holes...?”
Galfredik spoke with a distorted frown, and Eugene spoke up.
“Those men over there and I will be enough. Partec.”
“Yes, Sir Eugene. Oi!”
Partec gestured. Lavan and Glade ran forward.
“Are you sure? Do you want me to tag along?”
“You said at least one knight should always remain with the main forces, right? You can stay behind, sir. I will be back soon if there’s nothing unusual.”
“Tsk! I guess there’s no helping it. Then I will see you soon.”
He wanted nothing more than to explore further with Eugene, but Galfredik could not leave the mercenaries behind. They were already too exhausted and demoralized.
He wasn’t worried for them nor cared for them. Without the powerful anchor and deterrent known as a knight, mercenaries would most likely run away from the dungeon without hesitation.
“Then I will be back soon.”
Eugene handed over the pouch containing mana stones to Galfredik, in the case of an unforeseen event, then headed deeper into the dungeon with Partec’s group.
Gwuoo...
Partec and the two mercenaries shivered at the cold breeze that accompanied an eerie echo. Dungeons never had comfortable temperatures. They were either hot or cold. Still, a cold environment was better than a hot one, where one would want to take off their leather armor. They carefully followed Eugene’s footsteps while tightly wrapping themselves in their robes.
‘He truly is a great knight.’
Partec thought to himself while closely following Eugene. Galfredik also showcased his great abilities that were befitting his fame, but Eugene was truly unrivaled. In particular, his performance against the trolls was unbelievable. Just thinking about it made Partec’s hair stand on end.
He had utilized a short sword to cut the spine of the baby troll, then used the monster as a hostage to cause the mature trolls to lose their judgment.
Partec heard previously that hunters used younglings of beasts as bait to hunt, but he never imagined anyone would replicate such an action inside a dungeon against intermediate-rank monsters. Moreover, Eugene nearly decapitated the adult trolls’ heads with a single blow, then pulled out their head along with their spine. He truly possessed incredible power.
‘No one would believe it if I told them.’
Once again, Partec felt reassured that following Eugene had been the right choice. It had been a fortuitous encounter.
Partec encouraged his two colleagues.
“Hang in there a little longer. None of us died thanks to Sir Eugene, right?”
“Heuheu! That’s why I followed you here without saying anything. Black Sheep Mercenaries or whatnot. All of them are weak.”
“How about you, Lavan? Are you doing okay?”
“My palm is a little torn, but I’m fine otherwise. I’m going to buy myself a nice pair of gloves once we get out. I guess I learned that I shouldn’t cheap out when buying myself equipment.”
Lavan responded with a half-hearted smile, and Partec responded while nodding encouragingly.
“I will buy you a pair to celebrate if we manage to get out safely.”
“Yes. Huh?”
The mercenaries had been following diligently even while they conversed, but they suddenly stopped. Eugene, who was taking the lead, had suddenly stopped.
“Sir Eugene?”
As Partec called out to Eugene...
Psss! Ssssssss...!
A grotesque noise resonated from beyond the darkness. It was an eerie sound that caused their hair to stand on end.
Partec possessed the most experience with dungeons, and he quickly inferred the source of the bizarre sound.
“I, is it a giant cave spider?”
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