Reincarnated As a Vampire [English Version]

Volume 2 Chapter 13

The Demon’s Offer and the Shadows of Vengeance

Seated upon his dark and towering throne, the Demon King Ryuka scowled, his expression twisted with fury. His crimson eyes burned with unrelenting rage.

“That bastard Viad... How dare he escape from my grasp and steal my precious subordinate? I’ll make him regret this. Just wait...!”

Suddenly, the grand doors of the throne room swung open. A woman with long, fiery red hair entered gracefully—it was Zera, Ryuka’s loyal right hand.

Zera knelt respectfully before him.
“Ryuka-sama, I bring news. Something you’ll want to hear.”

Ryuka lowered his leg from the throne’s armrest, his interest piqued.
“Speak. What is it?”

Zera gave a sly smile.
“I’ve uncovered information about the Demon King ruling the southern region. She’s a vampire named Avrora. During the last war with the heroes, she spared three of them. After investigating further, I discovered they were once her childhood friends. But now... they despise her—for Avrora killed their sibling.”

Ryuka’s mouth curled into a grin, his voice low and menacing.
“Ohh... That’s interesting. Very interesting. You’re more clever than you look, Zera. Let’s use their hatred. I’ll begin crafting a plan.”

---

Far away from the western lands, Prince Alden stood under the blazing sun, drenched in sweat. Every breath was heavy, his body pushed to the limit. He trained relentlessly, driven by a single purpose: to avenge his fallen brother.

He’d once heard from the royal priest—on the hundredth floor of the Ancient Labyrinth lay a holy sword capable of slaying Demon Kings. But reaching it required unimaginable strength. He wasn’t ready—yet.

Beside him was his trusted companion, Zen, who also sought power and justice. The two had survived a tragic past and now shared a common goal: to retrieve the sacred sword and fulfill their vengeance.

Meanwhile, Liza, the only female among them, struggled with inner turmoil. Her brother had been slain... by Avrora, her childhood friend from a past life. The shock ran deep. But Liza didn’t stop training. She couldn’t. She was the next Hero to inherit the title.

That day, Alden and Zen once again challenged the labyrinth.

But they only made it to the tenth floor.

“Hah... Zen... Let’s stop for today. This floor... it’s tough,” Alden said, breathless.

Zen nodded. “Yeah... I’m exhausted too.”

As they exited the labyrinth, a great shadow loomed above.

A giant dragon landed before them. Riding atop it was a woman with flowing red hair—Zera.

Alden quickly unsheathed his sword.
“Who are you?!”

Zen’s eyes narrowed.
“She looks strong. We need to be careful.”

The woman descended from her dragon, her expression calm but unreadable.

“Hahaha... Relax. I’m not here to fight,” she said casually. “My name is Zera. I came to make you an offer.”

Alden lowered his sword slightly.
“An offer? What kind?”

Zera grinned wickedly.
“You want power, don’t you? If you come with me, Lord Ryuka will grant you the strength you desire.”

Alden turned to Zen.
“What do you think? Can we trust her?”

Zen frowned. “She’s suspicious. We can’t trust her just like that.”

“I don’t trust you,” Alden snapped. “Leave.”

Zera clicked her tongue, visibly annoyed.
“Tch... stubborn fools. Fine. I’ll tell you the real reason I’m here. I want your help… to settle a score with Avrora. Don’t you want revenge?”

Alden hesitated. Anger flared in his chest—but doubt clouded his judgment.

“I... do want revenge. But how can we trust you?”

“I’ve told you my purpose. Ryuka-sama will give you power. I’ll be waiting in front of the labyrinth tomorrow. Decide then.”

She flew away atop her dragon, leaving behind silence and conflict.

---

The next day, Zera waited again before the labyrinth. Alden and Zen arrived.

She smirked.
“So? What’s your decision?”

Alden stepped forward.
“Fine. I’ll go with you. But don’t think for a second I’ll tolerate any lies.”

“Still so cautious? Don’t worry. You’ll understand everything once we arrive.”

And so, Alden and Zen boarded the dragon with Zera. Together, they flew west—toward the Kingdom of Zeldead.

---

Upon arrival, the land felt strange. Black spires pierced the sky, and a heavy aura of magic filled the air.

Zen whispered to Alden.
“This place... it’s like a Demon Kingdom. But I thought there was only one?”

Alden replied in hushed tones.
“I don’t know. Maybe the world is much bigger than we thought…”

Inside the throne hall, Ryuka, the Demon King of the West, greeted them with a commanding presence.

“Welcome to my kingdom. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Thank you for receiving us,” Alden said. “But... is this really a Demon Kingdom?”

Ryuka chuckled darkly.
“Indeed. This is the Demon Kingdom of Zeldead. The world is divided into four major regions. Each has its own Demon King and many smaller kingdoms. You’re more naïve than I expected, boy.”

Alden’s eyes widened. His thoughts raced.

Even if we kill one Demon King… others will still remain? Peace… was never possible to begin with. Does Avrora know this? Why didn’t she say anything? She still murdered my brother. I can never forgive her.

Zen, too, was struck speechless.

Ryuka smirked at their silence.
“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongues? Didn’t you come here seeking power?”

Alden took a deep breath and looked Ryuka in the eye.

“Please… give me your power, Ryuka-sama.”

Ryuka smiled with amusement.

“I like that fire in your eyes. Very well. But know this—mastering my power isn’t easy. Stay here and train for a full year. My subordinates will guide you.”

Alden and Zen replied without hesitation.
“Yes, Ryuka-sama!”

With that, Ryuka imbued them with dark power. For the next year, they would remain in Zeldead, training under the eye of the Demon King.

---

Elsewhere...

A silver-haired girl stood on her balcony, watching the fading twilight. The wind gently stirred her long hair.

She was Avrora, Demon King of the South.

Today, like every other, she oversaw the construction of her new capital. With her Alchemist skill, progress was fast—already 70% complete.

Just a little more… and it’ll be done. Maybe within a year.

She let out a small sigh.

I haven’t seen Alden, Zen, or Liza in so long. I wonder how they’re doing. Do they hate me now?

Probably… And yet, I don’t regret killing their brother. I did it for a reason. To build a world where humans and demons can live together.

Even if they hate me, I’ll carry this burden.

—To be continued