Chapter 1706: 570. Hmm, this place is really perfect for a cemetery! -Extra chapter [12/30]_3
“Are you planning to turn these soldiers into vampires? Murphy! That’s not right!”
“At least finish reading before you comment, Lord Kudell.”
Murphy said in a resigned whisper:
“There’s a premise to this. I mean, when they are critically injured and about to enter the World of Death, offering them a choice to continue fighting. This is fundamentally different from forcing them to become vampires.”
“Giving them the choice between ‘death’ and ‘becoming a vampire’ is not a choice!”
Kudell reprimanded:
“And the members of the Blood Vulture Clan are limited, not everyone can undergo the Embrace, you’re just dreaming.”
“That brings me to the last card I’ve held onto.”
At this point, Murphy stopped pretending.
He lightly flicked his finger, and a vial of Origin Blood jumped into his palm, under the gas light, the liquid refracted a strange glow in its glass container.
“The original vampires were created by ancient Dukes using diluted Origin Blood. I don’t have much Origin Blood, but Triss calculated that after extensive dilution, it’s still enough for several thousand to undergo the Midnight Embrace.
In fact, before the sinful form of the Blood Covenant emerged, initiating new members with pure and noble Origin Blood was our oldest tradition.”
Murphy placed the vial on the table and said to the two leaders before him:
“Do you truly believe 3,000 new recruits can block the vanguard of the Black Disaster here?
They’re human, and humans have limits. The power a strong will can unleash is ultimately limited. In this unkind world, if they want to protect their homeland, they must make a resolve!
Kudell, I know deep in your heart lies irretrievable kindness, but as much as I can’t decide their fate, you cannot choose for them.
I need you to distribute this document to every soldier, ensure they understand its meaning. Once they sign their names, they will receive a second chance at life.
This time it’s not a large-scale Embrace for the evil purpose of expanding the Blood race, it’s in the name of defenders and guardians!
I believe that those transformed during such a war are more qualified to enjoy the Midnight Mother’s blessing than those debauched in peacetime. They are the foundation for Triss and I to rebuild the Blood Vulture Clan.
The Blood Vulture Duke has already agreed to this plan; you just need to execute it.”
The atmosphere in the command post quieted down. Maxim thought it wasn’t a bad idea; in fact, he had similar thoughts before, and Maxim is a pragmatist.
He didn’t find anything wrong in giving the soldiers a second life.
But Kudell was not so easily convinced.
The Civilian Protection Officer furrowed his brow, staring at Murphy, after pondering for ten seconds, he said:
“What if the soldiers refuse? Would you kill them to force the Embrace?”
“No! I’m not such a cruel leader, so I’ll give them this!”
Murphy took another document from the table, slapping it down. Kudell glanced, the bold name on it was “Transylvania War Insurance Detailed Explanation · Second Revised Edition.”
Having been involved in the establishment of battlefield hospitals and apprentice recruitment, the Civilian Protection Officer certainly knew what this was, and he laughed in disbelief.
He slammed the table and said:
“So our soldiers sacrifice their lives for their homeland in human form, only to either become vampires and fight again or accept those butchers’ modifications to step back onto the battlefield with mechanical bodies?
Don’t they even have the chance to choose rest?
Midnight Mother help us, Murphy, I never really knew you, I once thought you were different, but you seem just the same as other vampires.”
“What you really mean is that I’m no different from Salockdale who turned you into a vampire.”
Murphy glanced at Kudell and said in a gentle tone:
“I understand your pain, Kudell, so I don’t blame you for attacking me personally, but I won’t allow the Werewolf to step into my Transylvania!
If necessary, for victory, I will turn every fighter I’ve painstakingly nurtured into a vampire! I will turn Transylvania into Hell for the Werewolves and anyone hostile to us!
I once said, my warriors and I are the incarnations of Transylvania’s will.
It wishes not to endure another trampling, looting, and annihilation, therefore, in this war for victory, I am willing to give everything.
If you feel this violates your morality, then perhaps you…”
“Enough, the two of you!”
Maxim who had been silent finally spoke at this moment, interrupting Murphy, he said in a solemn tone:
“Continuing will destroy our unity. This matter shouldn’t have been proposed by Master Murphy, I am the commander of this army, it’s my responsibility to decide my army’s future, an unavoidable duty.”
He reached out to pick up Murphy’s documents, saying seriously:
“Governor, I assure you, Shadow Valley will become the graveyard for Transylvania’s enemies, here will also be the most honorable resting place for all loyal warriors in this Black Disaster War! But eternal defenders will rise again from their graves.
We shall tread in darkness, whether in life or death, we’re willing to give all for our homeland and the ideals we firmly believe in, as you said, only such an Embrace might truly allow the Blood Vulture Clan to be reborn from its long decay!”
After speaking, Maxim saluted Murphy, straightened his back, and strode out.
Left in the command post were only Murphy and Kudell, the atmosphere heavy until Murphy broke the silence, standing up, he said:
“Perhaps in your heart, I am already no different from Salockdale, but I must defend myself. I won’t hide in a dark castle treating the lives of Loyalists as leverage; I am the lord of Transylvania.
The lord should protect his territory and people.
I am also a warrior in this battle; before I fall, no one can set foot in that land, just as before I ask my soldiers to wager everything for victory, I too will do so.
I don’t need your forgiveness, Kudell, I have only one request: fulfill your duty to Transylvania!
You know well what I mean.”