In the original story, Marcus alone was able to overwhelm both the evolved Selene and the hybrid Michael—half werewolf, half vampire. If not for being shredded by the helicopter's rotor blades, there was no way he would've lost.
"50 points—Elder Marcus, your battle power is an impressive 50," Selene reported.
Marcus nodded in satisfaction. Among the blood clan, where most power levels ranged between 10 and 20, he was truly an overwhelming force.
"Unfortunately, only I can participate in the Dragon Ball tournament—unless they issue you an entry ticket too."
Marcus was disappointed to hear that he couldn't take part but replied:
"Since I cannot join, then you must win."
"I will mobilize the entire clan to support your ascension."
"Your battle power still has room to grow. There's a bloodline in distant Siberia that holds an ability related to evolution. Though its results are… random and not always satisfactory, it could still grant you a significant boost."
Selene had read about that Siberian bloodline in the clan's historical texts. Without elder approval, it wasn't permitted for use. She had originally planned to go there once she formally inherited the elder's position.
"That was my intention. Once the inheritance ceremony is complete, I'll depart for Siberia to enhance myself—then immediately head to New York for the Dragon Ball tournament."
Marcus nodded:
"Let it be as you planned."
"Oh, right. In the past century, Victor secretly built a specially designed prison. Do you know where it is?"
He was referring to the prison that held his brother, William—the progenitor of the werewolves.
However, Marcus had never known the prison's location nor how to open it.
Selene looked at Marcus. Through Victor's blood, she actually knew the exact location—but she lied and said:
"Sorry, Elder Marcus. I'm not aware of such a prison."
Marcus stared at her deeply, then said nothing more and simply instructed her to prepare the inheritance ceremony.
…
Elsewhere.
Yelena piloted a helicopter toward the location marked on the Dragon Radar.
"Bulma, boss."
"We're hovering directly above the coordinates now."
Hearing that they had arrived, Bulma stood up and pulled a case from a corner of the cabin. Inside were two diving suits.
"Smith-oniichan, let's suit up and go find the Dragon Ball."
Smith Dole didn't ruin the mood by offering to just fly down and retrieve the Dragon Ball himself. Instead, he cheerfully played along—changing into a deep-sea diving suit and strapping on an oxygen tank. After all, this was meant to be a pleasant outing with Bulma.
Once both were suited up, Yelena brought the helicopter down until it hovered just a meter above the sea surface.
Bulma took Smith Dole's hand, and together they dove into the ocean from the cabin door.
Underwater, Bulma pulled out the Dragon Radar, and the two swam in the direction of the Dragon Ball.
As they descended, Smith gestured to show Bulma the wonders of the sea floor—waving seaweed, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful fish swimming around them. Some even approached them curiously, seemingly begging for sea urchins. Bulma happily obliged, cracking open a few sea urchins and feeding the eager fish.
She was visibly delighted, not only by the underwater scenery but also by Smith's company.
Still, they didn't forget their goal. Near a coral reef, they found the Two-Star Ball.
Before their oxygen ran out, they surfaced. Instead of waiting for Yelena to lower the ladder, Smith simply held Bulma and flew them both back into the helicopter.
Back aboard, Smith Dole removed his diving suit and said:
"Yelena, let's return."
Now dressed in fresh clothes, Bulma excitedly told Yelena all about the beautiful sights under the sea, making her envious.
…
London.
Assassin Brotherhood.
Mr. X and Alexei had not yet left when the room's phone rang.
Alexei picked up:
"Hello?"
A voice from the reception desk responded:
"Arbiter-sama, a military officer is here requesting to meet with you and the elder."
Alexei glanced at X, who nodded. He then replied:
"Very well. Bring him to the reception room."
After the call ended, the receptionist turned to the officer:
"Sir, our staff will escort you to the reception room."
The officer in question was none other than Worrell Roche, subordinate to Alexander Corvinus.
Escorted into the room, Worrell Roche greeted the two:
"Gentlemen, I'm Major Worrell Roche of the British Royal Marines."
"Our unit specializes in werewolf and vampire matters. Our general would like to meet with you both."
Hearing that a Royal Marines general wanted a meeting, Alexei was surprised. He wasn't sure what the general wanted with them.
Mr. X asked:
"Can you tell us what this is about?"
Roche shook his head:
"I'm afraid I don't know. I was only sent to deliver the invitation."
Alexei looked at X, who simply replied:
"Alright. We'll go with you."
X and Alexei had stayed in London precisely because Smith Dole had informed them in advance that Alexander Corvinus—the progenitor of both species—was still alive and held significant power in the UK.
Now, they intended to meet this father of the two founding races and discuss matters with him directly.
The continued survival of vampires and werewolves in secrecy was thanks in part to a non-aggression pact with humans, and because some politicians and nobles—hoping for extended lifespans—actively supported the vampires in exchange for eventual transformation.
Of course, the vampires' production of synthetic blood and their adherence to a no-kill policy also helped.
X and Alexei left the Brotherhood alongside Worrell Roche.
After exiting, they rode in a car to a skyscraper with a rooftop helipad, then boarded an armed helicopter bound for an aircraft carrier stationed in the English Channel.
…
(End of Chapter)
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