The Athena Library greeted the morning as always.
Through its grand doors, Adam stepped out, clad in a flowing white robe. He lifted his gaze to the vast blue sky, a rare smile crossing his face. These days, he hadn't felt this calm—nor this confident.
His hand tightened around the Cherman vial at his waist. A surge of icy power trickled through him, sharp and invigorating. Everything he needed was finally within reach. Athena had only agreed to lend him the Moonstone fragment for a month—but it would be enough.
Of course, mastering all high-level secrets in such a short span would cost the Athenean vampires dearly.
Adam smirked. "The game begins. Twelve Olympians. Seven vampire kings. And the First City. Don't disappoint me."
Descending the library steps, he approached a recently arrived noble.
"Good morning, sir. Might I borrow your carriage?" Adam bowed lightly.
"Borrow?" the noble asked, brows raised.
"Yes. Something urgent came up. My carriage won't arrive until afternoon."
The noble hesitated, then nodded. "Very well."
Even among nobles, courtesy was still a currency.
As the carriage rolled along, Adam noticed something unsettling about Athens.
The streets were unnaturally quiet. Patrols and soldiers marched in disciplined rows. Occasionally, civilians clashed with them—minor skirmishes, but enough to draw blood.
Amid the tension, the scattered ruins of buildings felt like mere decoration.
"Seems Athens hasn't been peaceful these past days," Adam muttered, unconcerned. Most of his potions remained untouched, sunlight avoided since the first day.
He stepped off the carriage, strolling along the empty streets. From behind curtains, curious eyes peeked at him. His noble attire made him stand out—and cautious.
The city teetered on the edge. Athens was a powder keg, ready to ignite. A republic, with democracy woven into its soul. Where democracy thrived, rebellion followed closely.
"Looks like Greece has stirred up trouble… Good. The more chaos, the better. Fortune favors me."
He pulled the bell at the Corsica Mansion. No response. Knocked harder. Still nothing.
At that moment, the fat man's house opened. Two patrolling officers stepped out.
Adam's gaze sharpened.
"Has something happened?"
The officers glanced at him, exchanged casual words, and walked away. Nothing about them suggested active duty. Adam relaxed, just slightly.
He crept to the fat man's window, peering inside.
The interior was immaculate. Desks lined the hall. Additional bookshelves now held piles of files. Officers chatted, bursts of laughter echoing.
Above the door hung a wooden plaque: "Police Recon Team."
What? The fat man's house was now a police office? Adam frowned, intrigued.
"Is someone there? Can I help you?" one officer called through the window.
Adam hesitated. Should he ask if the fat man was home? If the house had been requisitioned, had his men been discovered? Were the street riots somehow connected to him?
Weighing the officer's calm gaze, he decided it was safe. "Just surprised… how did this place become a police office?"
"This is our captain's house," the officer replied. "The station's been unstable lately, so we operate from here. Why do you ask?"
"Your captain?"
"Lizard. Captain Lizard. Do you know him?"
Lizard… the Lizard Lord. That had to be him. He'd stepped in while I was away. Smart—after all, I hadn't returned these past days.
At that moment, the inner door swung open. The fat man squinted, spotted Adam, and erupted into tears.
"Your Highness! You're finally back!" He dashed out, pulling Adam inside.
The officers looked bewildered.
"This is Count Behemoth!" the fat man announced.
"Oh!" The officers immediately snapped to attention.
Ignoring them, the fat man dragged Adam further inside. But the front door was suddenly kicked open.
"Lizard! Hurry! Take your men—the east side's erupting again. We're short-staffed!" It was Delice, clad in Greek light armor, hair in disarray, dark circles under her eyes. Exhausted yet furious.
Adam's lips curved into a faint smirk. If she knew exactly who she was yanking around… the look on her face would be priceless.
Delice's eyes blazed.
"You idiot, Adam! Finally show up, and you bring the fat man? Trying to placate me?"
"I…"
"If it weren't for your brother vouching for you, I would've thrown you out of the station already!" She stormed in, yanking Adam by the collar.
"Listen. Staff are tight. If you vanish again, not even your brother can save you—I'll tear you apart!"
She released him and turned to the others. "East Street! People are gathering—let's move!" She pointed at Adam. "And you, with me!"
With that, she dashed out, six or seven officers in tow.
Inside, five froze, the room silent.
Adam, still calm, tilted his head. "What's happening?"
"Uh… Your Highness, it's complicated," the fat man muttered, chuckling nervously. "Better wait for someone else to explain. For now, we should move."
"We?"
"You could go alone."
"But just now she—"
"She'd better demote me," the fat man muttered, swallowing hard at the thought of Delice's rage.
"Why is the next door empty?"
"You mean Corsica Mansion?"
"Yes."
"Well…" The fat man guided Adam aside, quietly unlocking the door. "Your Highness, ask Lord Smoke about this. I have to go first, or she won't let up. I report daily to him. This room has a secret passage to the basement."
With that, he hurried away, leading his men through the streets.