CHAPTER 175: THE RULES OF BLOOD AND FANG

Aamir leaned back in his chair, one hand resting lazily against the table. His crimson eyes were calm but sharp, locked on the Vampire King as the faint hum of the grand dining hall filled the silence.

"So..." Aamir said casually, tearing off a piece of roasted meat and tossing it into his mouth, "this tournament you mentioned—what’s the deal? Don’t tell me it’s just a bunch of vampires and werewolves punching each other for bragging rights."

The Vampire King chuckled, his deep voice echoing in the hall like rolling thunder. His crimson-gold eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and seriousness.

"No, Aamir, it is far from that. This... is no ordinary competition."

In the back of his mind, Luman’s voice stirred, calm but sharp as ever.

"Host, I recommend you pay close attention. This sounds... dangerous."

Aamir smirked faintly, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Dangerous is good. I was getting bored anyway."

The Vampire King leaned forward slightly, his expression turning solemn.

"This tournament... decides far more than victory or defeat. It is the heart of our truce with the werewolves. Every century, under the Blood Moon, our two races compete—not only to prove dominance but to determine the balance of power for the next hundred years."

Aamir raised an eyebrow. "Balance of power, huh? Sounds political."

The king nodded slowly. "It is. The outcome affects trade, territory, and even military rights between our planets. If the werewolves win... our influence weakens. And if we win... their expansion is halted. But this time..." His gaze hardened, and his voice dropped lower. "This time, I cannot afford to lose."

Aamir tilted his head, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, then. Tell me how it works."

The king’s fangs glinted faintly as he spoke.

"The tournament is divided into three phases. Each one... weeds out the weak."

Phase One: The Trials of Blood.

The king gestured to the massive stained-glass window behind him, where a blood-red moon was etched in shadow.

"A vast zone infested with Blood Beasts. Competitors must survive against them for three days without retreating. The beasts are relentless, and the weak are consumed."

Aamir smirked. "Sounds like a warm-up."

The king’s expression didn’t change. "Many do not survive the first trial."

Luman’s voice cut in again, this time sharper.

"Host, do not underestimate it. This planet’s Blood Beasts are infused with ancient energy—some might even rival demon-tier beasts."

Aamir grinned. "Even better."

Phase Two: The Hunt of Fangs.

"After surviving the Trials, the survivors face each other in the Hunt," the king continued.

"Vampires versus werewolves, in a vast hunting ground. No killing is allowed, but crippling your opponent is not forbidden. Each side earns points by capturing their enemies or defeating them in combat. The first to reach the score limit... wins."

Aamir’s smirk widened. "So it’s a game of hunting dogs and bloodsuckers. Interesting."

The king ignored the jab. "But beware—the werewolves excel in the Hunt. Their speed, their senses, and their pack tactics... even my elite warriors struggle to counter them."

"Sounds like they need someone who doesn’t play fair," Aamir said, his voice calm but confident.

The king studied him for a moment and then continued.

Phase Three: The Final Duel.

"At the end, the champion of each race faces the other in single combat... under the Blood Moon’s gaze. The victor claims ultimate honor for their race and ensures their dominance for the next century."

Aamir’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, so that’s where I come in."

The king gave a small nod. "Exactly. But..." His tone dropped, heavy with warning. "This time, the werewolves are led by the Three Alpha Champions. Each one... has strength rivaling my royal guards. One of them once fought me to a standstill."

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Then Aamir laughed—low, sharp, and confident.

"Good. I was starting to worry this might be boring."

Luman sighed in his head. "Host... you might be the only person in the universe who hears ’three people who can rival a king’ and gets excited."

Aamir grinned. "You say that like it’s a bad thing."

The Vampire King leaned back, his expression serious. "The Blood Moon rises in three days. Prepare yourself, King of Beasts. I will have my men escort you to our training grounds tomorrow."

Aamir stood, his crimson aura flickering faintly, and looked out the window where the dark red sun was sinking into the horizon.

"Three days, huh?" he muttered with a smirk. "Guess I’ll warm up a little."

And as he stared at the faint outline of the rising Blood Moon, his grin sharpened.

"Let’s see how many kings I have to break on this planet before I’m done."

Aamir’s system screen glowed faintly before his eyes.

[New Task Received]

Task: Aid the Eight Planets (Ongoing)

Current Location: First Planet – Vampire Dominion

Objective: Assist the Vampire King in securing victory in the Blood Moon Tournament.

Reward: ???

Aamir raised an eyebrow. "Huh. No reward shown, huh? Guess you’re keeping it a surprise," he muttered with a smirk.

Luman’s voice echoed in his mind, calm but sharp.

"Host, if the system doesn’t reveal the reward, it means it’s far beyond standard rank. This... might be worth it."

Aamir stretched his neck, his crimson aura flickering faintly like a restrained storm.

"Well... I wasn’t planning on losing anyway."

He turned his gaze back toward the Vampire King, who was now watching him with quiet intrigue.

"Three days," Aamir repeated under his breath, his grin widening. "Three days, and I’ll make sure every single creature on this planet knows why they call me the King of Beasts."

Outside the palace, the red sun dipped further, casting long shadows across the blackened city. Above it all, the Blood Moon loomed faintly, like an omen of battles yet to come.

And Aamir? He was already looking forward to it.

Aamir leaned back in his chair, arms folded as his crimson gaze shifted between the Vampire King and the glowing system screen that still lingered in front of him.

"Huh. No reward shown, huh? Guess you’re keeping it a surprise," he muttered with a smirk.

Luman’s calm but sharp voice echoed in his mind.

"Host, if the system doesn’t reveal the reward, it means it’s far beyond standard rank. This... might be worth it."

Aamir rolled his shoulders, his aura flickering faintly like restrained lightning. "Well... I wasn’t planning on losing anyway."

The Vampire King’s piercing crimson-gold eyes studied him closely. "You seem very certain of yourself, Beast King. Most who hear the name of the Blood Tournament hesitate. But you... you act as if it’s already won."

Aamir grinned. "That’s because I don’t play games I can lose."

The Vampire King chuckled, low and deep, as though he’d just heard something both reckless and fascinating. "Confidence... or madness. Perhaps both."

Luman interrupted in his head, "Host, I recommend gathering more information. Ask him about the hidden dangers of this tournament. No competition this important comes without... complications."

Aamir tilted his head slightly, then leaned forward casually. "Tell me, King—besides the werewolves and your... internal problems, what else should I know?"

The Vampire King’s expression darkened, his hands curling slightly against the table. "The Army of the Vampire God," he said quietly.

Aamir’s smirk faded, replaced by mild curiosity. "The what now?"

"They are not truly divine," the king clarified. "A faction of my own people, led by my brother... traitors. They call themselves the Army of the Vampire God. Their goal is simple: dethrone me and seize control of our race. If they interfere with this tournament, our planet will be thrown into civil war."

Luman’s voice clicked sharply in Aamir’s mind. "Host... that explains the hidden presences you couldn’t scan earlier."

Aamir leaned back, tapping a finger against the table. "So, your own brother wants your throne. Cute family drama."

The king narrowed his eyes but didn’t respond to the jab. Instead, he spoke with quiet intensity. "If they interfere, even victory against the werewolves will mean nothing. That is why your strength may be the only thing preventing my world from collapsing."

Aamir’s grin returned, sharp and fearless. "Good. Sounds like fun."

The Vampire King’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Three days, Beast King. Then we see if your words hold true."

Aamir pushed his chair back and stood. "Trust me. When this is over, you’ll have more than just your throne secured. You’ll have a damn good story to tell."

The king gave a slow nod, his regal composure never breaking. "Very well. One of my royal guards will escort you to your chamber. Rest. Tomorrow, we begin preparations for the Blood Tournament."

Aamir turned to leave but smirked over his shoulder. "Don’t worry, Vampire King. When I fight, I don’t do half-measures."

Luman chuckled in his mind. "Host, you really enjoy intimidating ancient rulers, don’t you?"

Aamir grinned. "It’s not intimidation if I can back it up."

The heavy doors of the dining hall opened, and one of the royal guards stepped in. Bowing respectfully, the guard said, "Lord Aamir, please follow me."

The corridors of the palace were silent, their walls lined with obsidian pillars and glowing crimson lanterns. The atmosphere was regal yet oppressive, like the air itself carried the weight of centuries of blood and power.

Finally, they arrived at a massive, rune-carved door. The guard opened it and gestured inside. "This will be your chamber. Everything has been prepared to your liking."

Aamir stepped in. The room was grand, with black velvet curtains, an enormous bed draped in crimson sheets, and a balcony overlooking the entire vampire city under the red sun.

"Not bad," Aamir muttered as he kicked off his boots and dropped onto the bed.

Luman’s voice was calm but sharp. "Rest while you can, host. In three days, this entire planet will be watching you."

Aamir smirked faintly, staring up at the ceiling. "Three days, huh? Guess I’ll give them a show."

And with that, the King of Beasts closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him as the Blood Moon loomed ever closer.