Absolute Cheater - Chapter 540
Capítulo 540: Treasure VIII
Arnold finished placing the last bowl down and slowly stood up. He leaned on his cane, but his posture was steady.
“I’ve done enough walking for one lifetime,” he said. “Let the younger ones chase danger.”
Asher studied him for a moment. “You don’t look tired.”
Arnold smiled. “I’m not tired. I’m just done proving things.”
The animals finished eating and wandered off into the garden. One of them brushed past Arnold’s leg, and he gently patted its head.
Asher lowered his arms. “You sure about this?”
Arnold nodded. “I’ve fought wars. I’ve lost people. I’ve built things and watched them fall apart. Right now, this is enough.”
Asher was quiet for a second. “You could still help. Even without fighting.”
“I know,” Arnold said. “And I will. Just not out there.”
Asher looked around the mansion. It was calm. Too calm, compared to what he had just left behind.
“I got some kids out today,” Asher said.
Arnold turned his head slightly. “Kids?”
“They were being kept in cryo pods. Used. Forgotten.” Asher’s voice stayed level. “They’re safe now.”
Arnold nodded slowly. “Good. That matters.”
“They asked if they were in trouble,” Asher added.
Arnold frowned. “No child should ever have to ask that.”
Asher agreed. “I told them the truth.”
Arnold looked at him. “You’re carrying a lot.”
Asher didn’t deny it. “Someone has to.”
Arnold placed a hand on the stone railing. “Just don’t forget to come back. Even soldiers need a place to stand still.”
Asher gave a small nod. “I came back this time.”
“That’s good,” Arnold said.
They stood there quietly for a moment.
Asher finally asked, “You really think retiring is the right word?”
Arnold smiled again. “Maybe not. Let’s say I’m choosing peace where I can find it.”
Asher looked out over the garden. “I don’t know when I’ll get that.”
Arnold met his eyes. “You will. Just not yet.”
Asher exhaled. “Yeah. Not yet.”
He turned toward the mansion. “I’ll rest for a bit. Then I’m heading out again.”
Arnold nodded. “There will always be somewhere that needs you.”
Asher paused at the door. “I know.”
The officer stopped him before he left the floor.
“There’s something else,” she said.
Asher turned back.
“This one isn’t easy,” she continued. “The task is already flagged.”
She brought up the details again and zoomed in on the location.
“Blood Moon Domain,” she said. “It’s a den of vampires.”
Asher’s eyes narrowed slightly as he read.
Reports scrolled down the screen. Entire groups found drained. No signs of struggle. Blood completely gone.
“They weren’t just killed,” the officer said. “They were emptied.”
Asher stayed quiet.
“The thing there,” she added, “feeds on vampires too. Their blood was sucked dry.”
Asher looked at her. “Is it really an anomaly?”
She nodded. “Confirmed.”
Then she hesitated. “You still want to take it?”
Asher didn’t answer right away.
She spoke again, more carefully this time. “If that anomaly is hunting vampires, it means it has strong anti-blood-related abilities. And last time I saw you fight, a lot of your power is tied to blood.”
She looked him straight in the eye.
“That makes this especially dangerous for you.”
Asher finished reading the report. He locked the screen and stepped back.
“Danger doesn’t change the job,” he said.
She frowned. “I’m serious, Asher. This thing could interfere with your abilities. It could turn them against you.”
Asher met her gaze. “Then I’ll adapt.”
She exhaled slowly. “You’re really going to do this.”
“Yes,” Asher said. “If something is strong enough to wipe out a vampire den, it can’t be ignored.”
She studied him for a long moment, then nodded once. “Alright. I’ll finalize the assignment.”
The task updated. MISSION ACCEPTED.
Asher turned toward the exit again.
“Be careful,” she said behind him.
Asher paused at the door. “I always am.”
Then he left the Association and headed straight for the Blood Moon Domain.
Asher arrived at the edge of the Blood Moon Domain not long after.
Red light hung in the sky, like a permanent sunset. Tall black structures rose from the ground, shaped like old castles and sharp towers. The air felt heavy, but controlled.
He was not attacked.
Instead, a group of guards led him inside.
They took him to a wide hall lit by red crystal lamps. At the center stood the chief of the Blood Moon Domain.
He was a middle-aged man, dressed neatly in dark clothing. His hair was silver at the sides, his posture straight. His face was calm and refined, handsome enough to draw attention without trying. It was the typical unnatural beauty of a vampire—clean, cold, and precise.
“So,” the man said, studying Asher closely. “The Association has sent you?”
Asher nodded. “Yes.”
The man gave a small smile. “Then welcome to the Blood Moon Domain.”
He turned and began walking. Asher followed.
“As you already know,” the chief continued, “vampires are a recognized race. One of many living in the High Realm.”
They passed through long corridors. Everything was orderly. Too orderly for a place where something had gone wrong.
“Our race is also ranked among the top twenty most powerful races,” the chief said. “We stand at thirteenth.”
Asher listened without interrupting.
“That ranking is not for show,” the chief added. “We do not fall easily. Which is why this situation concerns us.”
They stopped before a large door.
“Entire dens wiped out,” the chief said quietly. “Not by hunters. Not by rival races.”
He looked at Asher again. “By something that feeds on us.”
Asher’s expression didn’t change. “That’s why I’m here.”
The chief nodded. “Good. Because whatever is inside our domain does not fear vampires.”
He placed a hand on the door. “And that means it won’t fear you either.”
“It seems you know about me” Asher said as the man chuckled.
“A new ascender that cleared two anomalies in less than a year of his arrival, of course your name is all over in High Realm”
The door opened slowly, revealing a map of the domain covered in red marks.
“This,” the chief said, “is where it started.”
Asher stepped forward, eyes focused.
“Then we start there,” he said.