Adam nodded, satisfied."Then… can you provide me with books on vampire arcana?"
Kumu was a bookseller, specializing in vampire texts. Many of the arcane books in Baron Smoke's collection had likely passed through his hands. He had a habit of copying everything. Whatever the Baron had, Kumu probably had too.
This was huge news.
Maybe they wouldn't even need to risk sneaking into the Athena Library. Perhaps by tomorrow night, they could pack up and leave this dangerous place.
Adam's eyes glinted. "Good. Let's see what you've got."
Kumu hesitated briefly, then bowed slightly."There are many arcane texts, Your Highness… but I'm afraid none are exactly what you're looking for."
"What do you mean?" Adam tilted his head, calm yet sharp.
"You seek high-ranking vampire arcana," Kumu said. "I only have fragments. Complete volumes are rare. When I helped the marquis, several people were involved. We relied on his intelligence. I suspect he split the assignments deliberately, to prevent us from obtaining sensitive, complete texts. Also… some arcana require a specific stone."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "A stone?"
"Yes. The Moonstone Fragment," Kumu explained. "Split from a stone brought from Eden. There are twenty-five fragments worldwide. Seven are held by vampires—one per vampire king. Its energy is harmful to vampires… yet essential for certain high-ranking spells. The stronger the arcana, the more it needs the fragment. Many high-ranking vampires are constrained by the kings because of this. That's all I know."
Adam froze.Moonstone fragments… from Eden?Had he brought any stone from there? Not that he remembered.
Split… harmful to vampires…Could it be the stone God gave him to control the Ark?
Very possible.Gray and Pas confirmed its heavenly power. Its danger to vampires made sense.
Adam shook his head, a small smirk curling his lips.If only I had fallen with it back then… fewer complications.
"So… Athens has two of these fragments?" Adam asked. "Two vampire kings here?"
Kumu smiled faintly."Not just two. At least four… maybe more."
"Who holds the rest?"
"Each king has one. Zeus, king of the gods, holds one at Olympus. Athena keeps one in the Athena Library. Since Your Highness's identity was exposed in North Africa, giants and vampires have secretly summoned their key members. They'll arrive in Athens soon. These fragments are important… probably carried with them. How many there really are… I can't say."
A chill ran through the basement.Adam stayed silent, as if dead.
My identity exposed… they summon their main members… excellent.
After a long moment, he lifted his head and drew a deep breath."Do you know where I can find complete high-ranking arcana?"
"I've heard… the Athena Library has them. But access is limited, especially for high-ranking texts. Giants and vampires cooperate… but also restrain each other."
"Then I'll start with lower-ranking arcana first."
Athena Library would still need visiting—for high-ranking texts.But more importantly, one Moonstone fragment was there.
Vampire kings weren't easy to deal with.Zeus—just the name alone was terrifying.Athena… might be worth trying.Hopefully, she doesn't have her own unstoppable soldiers—though those were just cartoons in a past life.
As for unconfirmed fragments… Adam didn't even consider them.
For now, lower-ranking arcana would do. Something was better than nothing.
"Yes, Your Highness. Tomorrow night, I'll deliver all the arcane books I've preserved in batches," Kumu said.
Adam glanced at the mechanical clock."It's already five-thirty a.m. Stay here. I have to step out. Once I return, we'll move the books together tonight—all at once."
Better to handle it in one go.His fangs glinted in the dim light. Excitement surged.
"You're going out?" Kumu's eyes widened.
Out in broad daylight…?Does the progenitor not fear sunlight like other vampires?
He didn't ask. Subordinates who talk too much usually don't last long.
Just then, the sarcophagus stirred. Yujia was waking.
"He… doesn't know my true identity," Adam whispered.
Kumu nodded. Both fell silent.
Finally, Yujia's sarcophagus creaked open. He sat up, wincing, hands on the back of his head. Clearly, Yinling's men hadn't gone easy on him.
"I… I'm back?" His voice cracked slightly.
"You're awake. Wash up. We need to get ready," Adam said casually.
"Wash up… oh, right. We're going to see… that elder." He staggered out, hesitating. "Wait… how did I get back? I remember being hit in the head."
"What are you talking about? You came back last night and went straight into the sarcophagus! Was your pillow too hard?" Yinling asked, brow furrowed, acting the part.
"Ugh… I can't remember…" Yujia squinted, then slowly opened his eyes. "Who are you?"
"This is Uncle Kumu. Didn't you meet him last night?"
"Oh… oh… I remember. Uh… why is Uncle Kumu here?"
"I brought some things for Yinling," Kumu said, sitting down.
Adam watched silently. Too much respect would tip Yujia off.
"Quick—wash your face, put on sunblock. Bibu might come wake you soon," Adam instructed.
"He's already here," Yinling said, glancing toward the exit.
Kumu's eyes widened. The auditory sense… true second-generation vampire talent.
If only I had rushed in with Yinling to save Adam back then… maybe I'd be a second-generation vampire too.Too late for regrets.Adam was still in his low phase. Plenty of chances to make merit awaited.