A New Tactical Testing Ground in Shadow Valley - Bonus Chapter for 510 Monthly Tickets

"Sigh, she got away."

At the edge of Chardo Port's urban district, little Sharon stood outside the remains of a café that was still burning, looking thoroughly frustrated.

Professor Malcolm stood beside her, his expression grave.

All the Winged Cavalry from the embassy had formed a perimeter, keeping curious onlookers from approaching.

Behind them, thirty military walkers were searching through the burning wreckage for anything that could be examined. The Steam Lord Council had sent a group of halfling psychics to oversee the scene, and an armed airship was even sealing off the airspace above.

That alone showed this operation hadn't been something little Sharon had impulsively decided to do.

But though she had a powerful uncle in Chardo Port, his connections weren't strong enough for her to contact the Steam Lords directly. So the person taking the lead in this raid was someone else—a figure of considerable power and influence.

"Boom!"

An explosion rang out from beneath the ruins. A moment later, crimson light burst forth, and the halflings cried out as they scrambled back.

The ground quickly crumbled. Lord Paine, dressed in full military regalia, strode out of the collapsed, burning wreckage, holding a crimson holy spear. Each step left a glaring bloodstain behind him, a sign that the cultists in the café had all been executed.

All except their leader.

When she saw the holy spear in the hands of the millennia-old Lord, little Sharon took a fearful step back.

She was a vampire now.

No vampire dared face the majesty of the holy spear, Evernight.

"Lord, did you catch her?"

Professor Malcolm stepped forward and asked. Lord Paine nodded, then shook his head. Frowning, he said,

"That was only a disposable 'double.' They made it look remarkably lifelike. I destroyed it and branded it with a