The summoning ritual had brought five figures into the throne room. One of them was not what the summoners expected.
A stunned silence followed the king's declaration.
"EHHHHHHHH?!"
The shout came from all of them in unison, bouncing off the golden walls.
Alucard stood among four humans—two males, two females. Their outfits screamed modern Earth. He recognized the signs instantly.
So, they summoned heroes from another world. Interesting.
The king bowed deeply. "I, Alexander Emissence von Flore, humbly welcome you to our world. You have been summoned to aid us in our struggle against the Demon Queen."
The others gawked in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"There's no way this is real!"
Alucard folded his arms. His crimson eyes scanned the throne room with mild amusement.
They still think this is a dream. Typical.
Alexander's tone turned somber. "We have no way to send you home. But I promise to provide everything you need. You will be treated as heroes."
Alucard frowned.
A Demon Queen now rules the demons? he mused. What happened after I left?
One of the girls raised her hand. "Wait. You said Demon Queen? Isn't it supposed to be a Demon King?"
"Her title has changed," the king confirmed. "But don't let her gender fool you—she's stronger than any warrior on the continent."
Alucard chuckled softly.
So, she's strong? Good. I wouldn't want it to be boring.
He stepped forward.
"One question, Your Majesty," he said, his voice smooth but heavy. "What if I don't feel like fighting your war?"
Silence.
Then hostility.
The knights instantly stepped forward, drawing weapons.
"You insolent—! Do not speak that way to the king!"
Alucard's smile widened.
"He's your king, not mine."
A knight roared and charged. Alucard readied himself to counter, but then—
"ENOUGH!"
The king's shout echoed like thunder. The knight froze mid-step.
"He's right," the king said with a sigh. "He is not bound to me."
Turning to Alucard, he said, "If you wish to walk your own path, I won't stop you. But we must bind that promise with a blood oath."
"Very well."
They sealed the pact, their blood glowing with magic.
Now, I'm free.
The king smiled tiredly. "Now then, heroes... shall we introduce ourselves?"
Alucard's eyes gleamed.
Let the games begin.