Next fight for Ni was scheduled in three days, and we decided to help her with training. We all were sparring with her, using guilds training grounds, located behind the building. Ni usually fought using shield and a sword, but my Barrier destroyer was little too big for such sword style. She was experimenting using her shield with the sword, or fighting with just a sword.

  We all sparred with her, to help her get use to fight different opponents, and also to help her adjust her fighting style using new weapon. Even Nelly fought with het using her staff. As a warrior she was least experienced of us, but thanks to her skill, high level and training in the Adventurer academy, she could hold her own even against Ni.

  I was fighting Ni, who this time used only sword, when Theodoric interrupted our practice. He came to training grounds and we stopped fighting, sensing that our companions attention changed to something else. Ni and me looked at Theodoric, and he bowed in apology.

  - I am sorry to interrupt your training, but I require your help miss Avone.

  - Really? For what? And how is your hunt for vampire going? Done already?

  - No. And it has gone in the worst possible direction.

  - How come?

  - We were looking for a vampire, when we received news that he had attacked king's guards. And even worse, he kidnapped the princess.

  - That is truly horrible news.

  - Yes. We did not expect such a bold move from him. I need your help to find the vampire.

  - But what can I do?

  - You were able to find that assassin in Mina, when we could not.

  - Yes, but all I did was hire local adventurers. They found him, not me.

  - But we did not consider doing that. Please. I am begging of you. I would not ask for your help, but we failed, and we are running out of time.

  - Fine, - I sighed: - Could you wait for me outside.

  - Of course. And thank you.

  - I want to join as well, - said Luara, as soon as Theodoric left. Trevor and Nelly joined her as well.

  - As a knight, I want to help.

  - I want to help too. I am archmage and even without fifth level spells I can help.

  - I will go with you, - joined them Ni.

  - No. Luara, I told you what you need to do to get stronger, until then you are not allowed to hunt creature who is potentially more dangerous than floor guardian. You Trevor, can join only if you can use your spells during the fight. If you wish to go then spar with Ni and use your spells in the middle of the fight.

  - I can use Divine aura, but the other spells are too difficult.

  - Then get better. Your use of Light magic spells will get easier when you increase your skill level, but until then you will stay here. Nelly I told you that against strong vampires only fifth level spell are effective. Until you can use them, you will not join hunt for the vampire. Ni, if you can use high ranking Light magic spells in the middle of the combat you can come. Can you?

  - No, but...

  - Then no. Trevor I will need to burrow your sword, since you are not going, and we are not going dungeon hunting, you will not need it anyway.

  - You want to use Sword of heaven against the vampire?

  - Of course not. Were you not listening to me before. I told you that high ranking vampires are skilled magicians. Your Sword of the undertaker increase magic resistance. That is exactly what I could use to survive. I have told you many times. Think which weapon is most effective against your opponent, and use the weapon that will increase your chances of survival and will let you defeat your enemy with the least risk.

  - I did not think about it, - nodded Trevor: - But I will try in the future.

  I pced my sword in Female purse and equipped Trevor's Sword of the undertaker. I did not want to get involved, but I pushed that job of Theodoric and refusing his plea would look bad on my part. I went outside, were Theodoric and his four companions were waiting for me.

  * * *

  In his previous life Theodoric was a simple man who worked in a shop. He had his game addiction situation, but he never imagined that he would be reincarnated and become a hero in a world of sword and magic.

  In this new world, he had trouble growing up and blending in as a child, but it all changed when church discovered his hero job. Things actually became simpler for him, when he was taken to the queen's pace, where he received training in magic and swordsmanship. When he reincarnated he also agreed to become the hero of goddess Athena and received Light magic skill. Even as a level one child he could use spells and by the time he reached age fifteen, he was proficient in spell casting and master swordsman. He visited neighboring Gnome kingdom where he went dungeon hunting and increased his level.

  Queen personally chose his companions, who became his friends, and in time he saw them as his family. His bravery and mastery with a sword and magic made him famous and he became a hero not just as his job little, but a hero in real life. One of his party members, female elf retired, after her boyfriend proposed to her, and a priest of Athena joined him in his quests. Priest was another reincarnated person and also a champion of Athena, and was recommended by his goddess personally.

  Theodoric enjoyed his life, travels and adventures. With the guidance of Athena he succeeded in his tasks, and his level and fame grew. His first failure was recovering of Crown of Unity and capture of the assassin who stole it. And it was most important task that he ever received.

  Then he was ordered to inform king of Ashgrin about possible war and needed to secure his allegiance and promise of cooperation between two kingdoms, in case of the war with the kingdoms of dark continent. He was guided by Avone, a character that he remembered from the game, which was based on this world, to defeat the vampire who killed several people in town, but failed to find him. Even worse, he was pnning to increase the chances of successful negotiations with the king by killing the vampire, but things went sideways, when vampire kidnapped king's daughter.

  Now, his second mission in a row, could become a failure. He was desperate and again approached Avone, hoping that she could help him.

  In a game she was one of the mercenaries who could be hired to perform tasks that were necessary to complete different scenarios of the game. He hoped that, just like in the game, elf could help him to successfully complete his mission. In the past she helped and guided him towards the favorable end of his missions, and he hoped for another miracle.He and his party members waited for her in front of the adventurer guild. Avone came outside and looked at his party. She sighed and turned her back.

  - Let's go. We do not have a lot of time, probably.

  - Where are we going?

  - To ask someone more knowledgeable about Dark magic and undead creatures.

  - Do you have someone in mind?

  - Yes. One of the mages in Mage guild.

  Avone guided them to Mage guild, one of the highest buildings in town. Theodoric knew that most big towns of the continent had Mage guilds in them, but he had not visited the local Mage guild until now. It was high, tower like building, with gold pted roof, and beautiful gardens around it. Interior of the building was covered with soft carpets that covered both the floor and walls.

  Beautiful receptionist jumped up from her seat, when hero's party entered the room.

  - May we speak to master Aurian? - asked her Avone.

  Receptionist nodded several times.

  - I will summon him immediately.

  She came back with a thin man in dark robes and piercing gaze. Avone showed Theodoric up front, and he bowed to mage.

  - A hero and his party. So, you must be Theodoric from the empire.

  - Yes. Thank you for seeing us so fast. We require your assistance great mage.

  - Is that so. And how exactly may I help you, Hero?

  - We are hunting a vampire, and I could use your assistance in finding him.

  - He kidnapped a princess and tonight will be full moon night, - added Avone: - He kidnapped her yesterday.

  - I see. Let me think, - mage closed his eyes and fell silent. After a while he opened his eyes and looked at Theodoric: - Vampires always think of themselves as nobility. Their first evolution usually is Vampire lord. One of their beliefs is that people with noble blood will be more powerful representatives of their king. That goes double for people with royal blood in their veins. There is a possibility that he will try to change her into vampire.

  - But how will that help us in finding her. Cannot he bite her anywhere?

  Avone rolled her eyes, and mage looked at Theodoric with annoyance.

  - Is there any specific pce where the ritual is supposed to take pce? - asked Avone.

  - Abandoned church or cemetery will be his preferred location. Especially if he is dealing with a princess, and also on the full moon night, - answered Aurian.

  - How many such pces are there in town?

  - There are no abandoned churches that I can think off, but there are two cemeteries outside the town. One, on the north side, and one in the south. But you do not have enough time to reach them both. Delia draw them a map, - mage turned towards receptionist.

  - Yes master Aurian, - she bowed and took two pieces of paper.

  - Thank you for your help, - bowed Avone, and Theodoric and his people followed her example.

  Mage nodded and left the room. Soon Delia handed Theodoric two maps. He looked at her and thanked the girl. She blushed and happily nodded.

  Avone looked at the maps over Theodoric's shoulder.

  - We will not reach both of them, not before the morning.

  - Then we should separate. You and me will go south and my friends will go north.- Even if your people can handle a vampire. Two of us will not be enough, - shook her head Avone.

  - Even so. There is no one strong enough to help us. Your party is the strongest in Opidium, and you judged that they are not strong enough. Who else is there? Not like we can take a squad of soldiers with us. Vampire will notice them and escape.

  - There is a hero from Ashgrin.Theodoric felt silent. He heard that king is traveling, guarded by a hero from his kingdom, but did not consider him.

  - Will he help us?

  - Will he help us to save princess of his king? - sarcastically asked Avone.

  Theodoric blushed and nodded: - Of course. Then we shall go and summon him, while my friends will depart for north cemetery.

  Theodoric gave one of the maps to the priest, and put his hand on priest's shoulder.

  - My Athena guide your path.

  - My she stand by you and guide you to the victory, - nodded the priest.

  Theodoric and his friends exchanged looks and separated. Avone curiously looked at them, but did not said anything.

  Theodoric knew were the king of Ashgrin was staying and spend hours studying town's map, while searching for the vampire. He easily guided Avone to the tavern's location. Several times he tried to talk to the girl, but she was deep in thought and distracted.

  In front of the tavern were standing knights, and they pced their hands on their swords, as soon as they noticed them approaching. The whole tavern was rented by the king and only his traveling court members were staying there.

  Theodoric raised his hands, demonstrating his peaceful intensions.

  - My name is Theodoric. I am a representative of the Holy Griffin Empire. I would like to speak to hero from your kingdom.

  - Tell him that Hero Theodoric and adventurer Avone are here to see him.

  One of guards went inside and soon returned with Milligan.

  - Hero Theodoric, great champion from the empire who failed to kill the vampire who kidnapped our princess, - he looked at Theodoric from above.

  - Thank you for seeing me, - said Theodoric with dignity: - Yes, I did fail to find him. But we might know his location and require your help.

  - Cannot defeat him by yourself?

  - There are several possible locations. But if we do not find him in time he will kill the princess. Theodoric's men are searching his locations in the north, but we need to cover south side. Because Theodoric had to divide his men we need your help to save the princess, - cut in Avone.

  - Miss Avone. Why are you with this supposed hero?

  - Because, if we do not help him, princess will die tonight. We do not have time to argue. Either we depart immediately or we will be too te. The choice is yours, you can help us to save the princess, or we can tell the king that she dies tonight, - impatiently answered him the girl.

  - Of course I will help you. Please wait, I will tell my fiancée where I am going, - answered unsettled Milligan.

  He went back inside, and Theodoric shook his head.

  - Charming man.

  - He has his god sides. Not sure about his fiancée.

  Guards looked to the sides, pretending that they did not hear their conversation.

  Milligan soon returned with a spear in his hands.

  - I am ready. Let us go immediately.

  Theodoric confirmed with his map, and led them to the south gate.

  - What's with the spear? - asked Avone, curiously looking at Milligan's weapon.

  - It is the Holy spear of lightbearer. I found it in the dungeon. No creature of darkness can even touch it without receiving damage. I will strike down this vampire with it.

  - Impressive, - Avone looked closer at the spear, and Theodoric felt jealous.

  - My sword has simir properties, - he said and clopped his sheath: - It also increases the power of Light magic.

  - We will need all possible advantage, if we wish to save the princess. But please do not count on me. Most that I can do is distract the vampire with my arrows.

  - Do not worry dy Avone, - said Milligan: - I am not the boy that you remember. This time I will be the one who protects you, not the other way around.

  - I am counting on your strength. That is way we came, to ask for your assistance. But please do not underestimate the vampire. Especially if we will be fighting him on his ground.

  - Where do you expect to find him?

  - In the cemetery. We suspect that he will try to turn her into a vampire there.

  - But why do you think that he will be there? Cannot he bite her anywhere?

  Avone looked at Milligan with little surprise.

  - Theodoric said the same thing. But why do you both think that he will drink her blood. I have never heard that the ritual, that transform humans into vampires, requires vampire to drink human blood. After all, any dark mage can perform the ritual and transform himself or other person into vampire.

  Theodoric coughed and looked at Milligan.

  - Our mistake, - he said: - Let us just say that we were under impression that the ritual requires vampire to drink princess's blood and does not need to be performed in a specific pce. Our mistake.

  - I see, - they continued in silence with both heroes throwing looks at each other.

  Adventurer tags allowed them to leave the town, even after the sunset, and Theodoric guided them to the cemetery. It was located outside the town, and they reached it only at night.

  Theodoric prepared his sword, and Avone casted Conceal spell on all of them.

  - Keep quiet and use surprise attack if possible, - she whispered, and both heroes nodded.

  Theodoric casted View Air spell and located two life signs in the middle of the Cemetery.

  - There, - he waved at the direction: - I can sense two life signs.

  - Let us separate and surround them, - said Avone. Theodoric nodded, and Avone and Milligan went to different sides, while Theodoric went ahead.

  Theodoric slowly approached the closest life sign, but someone called him even before he noticed the vampire.

  - You can come out now. Do you really expected to sneak up on a vampire?

  Theodoric casted Anti-magic spell on himself and stepped forward. Vampire was standing in front of a magic circle that he drew using human blood. Several corpses y near him. He smiled and showed his fangs.

  - How cute, adventurers. Did not expect company, but not that it will change anything.

  Theodoric noticed Milligan who approached vampire from the left, and Avone who prepared her bow on the right side.

  - Why don't you just leave. I will allow you to live if you do, - grinned vampire.

  Instead of answering Avone released her arrow. Vampire cached it in the air and broke it apart. Theodoric and Milligan simultaneously shouted "Sun ray" and two light beams approached the vampire. To Theodoric's surprise vampire became a shadow, in front of his eyes, and avoided their attack. He became a blur that approached Milligan. Young hero trusted his spear, but vampire bended his body and hit heroes face. Milligan flew back and crushed into tombstone.

  Theodoric casted Divine aura on his sword. Vampire was approaching him, faster than any monster that Theodoric ever fought before. He trusted his sword, but vampire again avoided attack by bending his body and grabbed Theodoric's arm. He hit heroes stomach and then his face with his other arm. Theodoric's eyesight darkened, when vampire took his neck and picked him up. He threw Theodoric aside, and Theodoric destroyed another tombstone, by crashing into it. Even his increased defense stats and benefits from the artifacts did not protected him. He survived, but his left arm was broken.

  - You should have left when you had a chance. What a shame. Not like there was any need for you to die. But as the fault is mine. I never had to let my underling live. I was living in this little town for years, but my failed experiment was overtaken by bloodlust. But do not feel too bad. Find comfort in a thought that I killed him myself. And now I will turn the little princess into the noble race and with her help my kind will take over her little insignificant country. And you brave adventurers will die knowing that you failed completely, - he ughed and looked around.

  Avone was the only one standing. Her eyes were closed and sweat was covering her forehead. Theodoric guessed that she was casting a spell, but she needed more time. He wanted to distract the vampire, but he disappeared from his view and run towards the elf. Vampire jumped in the air and hit girls neck with his palm. Theodoric screamed, trying to warn her, but she did not opened her eyes. Vampires palm went through her neck.

  But instead of cutting of her head vampire's hand went through her. Illusion disappeared and vampire stopped for a moment. With the corner of his eye he noticed a light and jumped aside. But even his unnatural speed failed the vampire. Dozens of light arrows covered the area bigger than a dozen meters and several light arrows pierced vampires body.

  Theodoric recognized Sacred arrows - high ranking Light magic spell. Avone was standing on the side, near one of the mausoleums and pointing her hand at the vampire, directing her spell. Vampire fell on one knee. His body was covered in blood, that came out of half a dozen wounds. but he was still alive. He still could run away and then return even more dangerous. Theodoric got up and casted Light dome. Barrier of light appeared around them and cut off vampires escape routes. Barrier was dome shaped, and not even flying creatures could escape it.

  Vampire growled something and turned towards Theodoric. Then something tore his shirt and spear came out of his chest. Theodoric recognized Milligan's spear. Ashgrin hero was standing twenty meters behind vampire with outstretched arm. He through his spear and successfully wounded the vampire. Theodoric noticed that Milligan's wounds were healing, but it was clear to him that hero was not using any spells. It also did not look like the effects of a potion, which meant that Milligan's body was regenerating on its own.

  Vampire screamed in pain and tried to rip out the spear. But as soon as he touched it, his hands burned and vampire was forced to release the weapon. Even that did not kill him, he stepped towards Theodoric and pointed his hand on him.

  Theodoric started casting another Sun ray spell, but second Sacred arrow attack through vampire on the ground. More arrows pierced vampire's body and this time he did not get up.

  Theodoric got closer to him. To his surprise vampire was still moving. Vampire raised his hand and tried to say something, but blood came out of his mouth. Theodoric cut off vampire's head and only then undead creature stopped moving. Milligan also approached the vampire and pulled out his spear. He spit on the vampire and angrily looked at Theodoric.

  - Good work, - smiled Theodoric and pointed at one of the mausoleums: - I sensed another life sign from that direction. Princess is probably inside there.

  Milligan nodded and went to investigate the mausoleum. Theodoric shook his head and approached Avone. She was sitting on the ground, and Theodoric noticed that her hands were shaking.

  - Excellent spell use, - he said and smiled at her: - Did not expect that you can use not one, but too high ranking Light magic spells.

  - Do not want to do that ever again. Too exhausting. Don't suppose that you have mana potion?

  Theodoric nodded and took out a vial from his magic bag. He handed it to her, and Avone greedily drunk it. She wiped her mouth with her hand and got up from the ground.

  - Is he dead?

  - Yes. Thanks to you we were able to kill him.

  - We defeated him together. Without Milligan's spear I would not have time to cast another spell, and without your barrier he could have escaped.

  - Perhaps. Did not expect that he will be so strong.

  - Yes. I could not even see him when he run towards you both.

  - Neither did I.

  They approached vampire's body to investigate his artifacts, but he started burning. After fire died down, only ashes were left in a pce of vampire's body.

  - What a waste, - sighed Avone.

  Milligan came out of mausoleum, with a girl in his hands. It was princess Nayndria. She was still breathing, but unconscious.

  - She is still alive, and looks unharmed, - informed them Milligan: - I will take her back. Thank you for your help, - he turned to Avone.

  - Thank you for coming with us.

  Milligan nodded and went back to the town. Avone looked at him but did not follow.

  - We should look around. Let us make sure that this vampire did not left anything dangerous behind.

  - You are right, - nodded Theodoric: - But can you do that?

  - I am fine now. I just used up all my mana before. I am fine now.

  - Very well, but do not exhaust yourself.

  - I will do my best.

  * * *

  Next day I woke up te. We searched the cemetery, but did not find anything. We also did not had any proof of the killed vampire. Except the saved princess that is. There was one detail about her. We arrived at the cemetery after the midnight. So did vampire had to perform the ritual during witching hour, or was he supposed to do it during midnight? And if so, were we not too te?

  Well, let us pretend that we saved the girl and wait until she leaves, and is far away from here. Not like anyone will accept the worst possibility anyway.

  I got out of the bed and went downstairs to get some breakfast. My party members already left. Today was supposed to be Ni's second fight, and my friends probably went to support her. I remembered them checking on me, and me throwing a pillow at them. I am not the morning person, especially after sleepless night.

  - Miss Avone.

  To my surprise Theodoric was waiting for me. He looked fresh and, unlike me, was smiling, and in a good mood.

  - Great hero. You seem to be in a good mood.

  - Why should we not be? We managed to sy a vampire and rescue the princess. I also received a message from a king of Ashgrin. He would like to see us, and thank us personally.

  - Then you should go. Please tell his majesty that you did not find me, because I went to the dungeon, where I was pnning to stay for several weeks.

  - You're not coming? Are you sure?

  - Your negotiations seemed to be important. It will be easier for you to receive king's favor if you stand before him alone, as a great champion. And besides, you were the leader of our party, and as such deserve all glory. And I am busy. Not like I pnned to spend a night hunting for a vampire. So please find an excuse for my absence, and good luck with your negotiations.

  Just take a hint, I thought to myself. Vampire was powerful, but he did not use any magic. And I just pretended to be out of mana, I had more than enough to cast several more spells, including Teleportation. Also I lied to Theodoric about not seeing vampire's movements. He was fast, but not that fast, not since I used Haste spell before beginning of a battle. I might be not able to kill the vampire by myself, but all the hero did was distract him, which even my own party members could do.

  - Thank you. I will not forget what you did for me, - said Theodoric. He sounded sincere and looked truly grateful.

  - Please do not. I might be counting on your help one day.

  - And you will receive it.

  He bowed and left towards his companions, with a smile on his face. As for me, meeting with royalty sounded like a choir, not a reward, and I was gd that I could get out of it. I would rather get an artifact or two from that vampire, but, even after we searched the cemetery, we did not find anything. Maybe I should have asked Theodoric a money up front for my help. Well nothing could be done about it now. I still felt sleepy and, after breakfast, decided to go back to my room and get more sleep.