Hero of Darkness

After a necessary period of rest and recovery, the Hero's Party of six - comprised of Maximus, Atreus, Borat, Speki, Conan, and Rolakan - finally emerged from the foggy grasp of the nightmares induced by the Chimera guardian's abilities.

Over the course of two days, they shook off the psychological weight and managed to regain their full senses.

The experience had been humbling and embarrassing for the four members who had fallen victim to the relentless loops of nightmares. They had been psychologically exploited, their deepest fears and regrets twisted against them.

But with time and support, they gradually accepted the reality of the situation and emerged stronger from the ordeal.

With everyone back on their feet, the party advanced to the fourth region. Guided by Kahn's abilities, they located a Warp Gate a short distance from the location where the Chimera had been defeated.

Passing through the gate, they arrived in a realm that defied belief.

In this strange and surreal world, there was no solid ground. Instead, they found themselves on small islands that floated in the air, remnants of a civilization that had long fallen.

Most of these islands lay in ruin, inhospitable and abandoned.

The sky above was an unsettling shade of red, dominated by swirling clouds. Unending storms raged, pushing the islands to and fro like pieces in a chaotic puzzle.

The atmosphere itself seemed to be imbued with an otherworldly tension, as if the very fabric of reality was strained in this realm.

Flutter!

Flutter!

Fluttering gracefully through the sky, a figure materialized before the Hero's Party. She exuded an air of confidence and superiority, her bat-like wings extending and retracting with each movement.

"My my… how come a group of incompetent males came this far with such little strength?" spoke a figure as she appeared in the sky and her bat-like wings fluttered.

Her alluring and voluptuous form drew immediate attention, but it was her expression that truly conveyed her feelings.

With a condescending smirk, she surveyed the group of intruders before her.

[System, what is her species?

She isn't a demonkin and the aura is familiar and yet very different.] inquired Kahn the very next moment.

[This is a High Vampire species individual.

She is a rare specimen even in the Beast Empire of the present.] elaborated the system.

[No wonder she felt familiar.] thought Kahn as he was on guard against this guardian of this realm.

Obviously, Kahn was reminded of the time when he made deals with the Vandereich Clan, the leading clan of the Pureblood Faction in the Rakos Empire.

He had met the likes of Allister Mor Vandereich, the 7th stage saint and the leader of the Pureblood Faction.

Followed by Ismatrazel Mor Vandereich, the Clan leader of the Vampire clan.

And finally, his once-old friend Szayel Mor Vandereich.

They all were the legitimate Vampires and Kahn was already accustomed to their aura.

However, the female vampire in front of them gave off an even nobler aura and unlike others, she also had bat-like wings and horns on her head along with long ears.

This physical attribute came with her higher vampire bloodline.

RUMBLE!!

A deafening rumble echoed through the sky, ripping through the momentary calm. Two colossal and ethereal eyes materialized out of the crimson expanse, piercing the heavens with their eerie presence.

The sudden appearance of this unearthly spectacle caught the Hero's Party off guard, rendering them incapable of forming any defensive strategies before the looming threat.

Before any conscious thought could take hold, an overpowering force seized control, sweeping through their minds like a merciless storm.

Their bodies, once their own, now yielded to an external command, the mysterious figure's words resonating in their very being.

"You're all my slaves now," she declared, her voice holding a mixture of seductive allure and undeniable authority.

The Hero's Party stood ensnared, their autonomy stolen away, as they became mere puppets to her bewitching power.

With a commanding presence, she compelled Conan to lower himself, his body sinking to the ground.

In an almost surreal scene, she took her place upon his back, her posture exuding a regal air as she settled herself comfortably.

"Now, carry me like the Queen I am." she pronounced, her words both a demand and a statement of her perceived status.

"You there... bark!" Turning her attention to Borat, she manipulated his voice into canine-like barks, emphasizing her authority over his actions.

Woof!

Woof!

He obediently complied, expressing his subservience with each woof.

"Good. All males are dogs." she remarked, her tone dripping with condescension, her words casting a sweeping judgment over the entire male gender.

A chorus of agreement echoed as the Hero's Party voiced their concurrence, their autonomy still held hostage by her enigmatic control.

"You're all below us women." she declared with unwavering arrogance, her words a declaration of her superiority over them.

"Toxic Masculinity needs to be eradicated. Men are born to be submissive and stay under our feet." she continued, her voice laced with disdain as she condemned a concept she deemed detrimental.

In the face of her dominance, the Hero's Party remained powerless, mere echoes of their former selves under her enchanting sway.

"If you're not okay with your partner having slept with more than 50 men and care about the body count…

Or she ends up cheating on you because your pure love and dedication to your partner is boring, and you have a problem with that…

You're a sexist, a misogynist and an insecure little man." she expressed her opinion without a single reservation.

"Very well, now amuse your queen.

Engage in combat with each other." she articulated, a malevolent grin spreading across her lips.

1 Hour Later...

The ensuing struggle saw Maximus emerging victorious against the others, showcasing his prowess as he defeated everyone including Kahn.

"Tell me, are you the Hero of Nature?" inquired the High Vampire, her gaze lingering on Maximus's well-built form and imposing presence.

"Yes, that's correct." he responded with lifeless eyes, barely revealing any forms of sentience on his face.

She appraised his physique, her tone taking on a seductive quality...

"You possess quite the muscular and imposing figure for a human.

I anticipate quite the fleshly pleasure from having you as my personal entertainment." she spoke as her gaze landed on Maximus' certain region.

"My lady, I wish to offer you a gift." Maximus spoke in a hushed voice.

"Well, I do enjoy receiving offerings from desperate and feeble men." she responded playfully.

"Here you go." he replied, extending his hand to her.

An anticipatory grin spread across her lips, and she stepped closer to Maximus with a coquettish tone…

"Give it to me."

Just as she approached, poised to receive the gift, Maximus suddenly reacted…

The Beguiling Queen couldn't even react faster at this close range as a golden object appeared in Maximus' hand. And with unexpected turn of events…

Stab!

Maximus stabbed her chest with his sword.