Marcus was somewhat incredulous, but with Draco and Hermione present, and having learned of the unfathomable magical power from Kahn's memories, he naturally dared not act rashly.
So, in the next second, Marcus transformed into a gigantic, jet-black bat, flapped his wings, and flew away from the hall.
Watching the departing black figure, Trillian clicked her tongue and said, "The vampire patriarch is something else, he even has wings."
Most Werewolf had never actually seen Marcus in his full transformation. They had only heard the ancient legend that Marcus was the progenitor of vampires and possessed immense power. They assumed that the wings were his original ability and therefore didn't pay much attention to it.
But upon hearing this, Lucian's heart skipped a beat, and his expression changed drastically. "No, Marcus didn't originally have wings."
Selene and Kraven were also taken aback; they had been with the vampires for so long and had never seen Marcus in this form before.
"How did Marcus get wings..." Lucian muttered, his face turning extremely grim. This meant that something had changed drastically, beyond their expectations.
A thought flashed through Kraven's mind, and he said with surprise and uncertainty, " Marcus has evolved... Could he be Half-blood?"
Selene frowned, puzzled:
How did he know that Half-blood was possible?
Just as everyone's hearts were heavy, Draco's voice rang out, pinpointing the crucial oversight. "By the way, where's Singe?"
Lucian was taken aback. "Didn't I go looking for you?"
Trillian also found it strange. "Yes, he came here, but he couldn't persuade Michael, so he went back to the Wolf's Den."
Lucian's expression darkened further. "He hasn't come back."
Hermione connected all the clues and voiced the worst possibility. "Could it be... that he betrayed us and joined the vampires?"
"That bastard!" Lucian couldn't help but curse. "He'll do anything for the Half-blood experiment!"
"If he really does side with the vampires, then we'll have a huge hidden danger. He knows the secrets of both races' bloodlines and how to modify them. If he continues to serve Marcus, he'll definitely create even more terrifying monsters in the future."
Trillian also cursed, "I didn't expect this madman to be so insane. If we keep him around, things are probably going to get turbulent..."
All the Werewolf inside the hall heard it clearly, and the relaxation on their faces completely vanished; they were filled with rage.
A low murmur of angry curses rose and fell.
"Traitor! Utter traitor!"
"The wolf clan tolerated him for many years, sparing no resources to support his research, yet he turned around and sided with the vampires, aiding and abetting their evil deeds!"
"If I ever see him, I'll tear him to pieces!"
Raze was also angry, and somewhat embarrassed. Singe was, after all, Werewolf, and having such a traitor was a disgrace to the entire clan. However, he did not immediately lash out like his clansmen.
Lucian raised his hand to silence the commotion and ordered, "Everyone, disperse and return to camp for now. The guards will continue their regular shifts. Strengthen border patrols and sentry duty throughout the territory; there must be no relaxation of vigilance."
Then he turned to look at Raze:
" Raze, you'll oversee the final cleanup work inside the palace."
"Spreading false rumors in private is forbidden, as is making wild speculations about the situation between the two races. Today's events are sealed away and not to be discussed."
Raze nodded emphatically. "Understood."
Lucian then looked at Draco and the others. "Gentlemen, please proceed to the office. The main hall is not the place for meetings."
Draco nodded, and the others followed him.
The wolf guards performed their duties and withdrew from the trial hall in an orderly manner, leaving the hall empty. Only Raze remained on site to coordinate military affairs, appease the tribespeople, and handle the cleanup.
A moment later, Lucian led the group back to the office.
After everyone was seated, Lucian spoke with a grave expression, "It seems the Half-blood experiment is complete. If Singe surrenders willingly, Marcus will gain not only his own Half-blood power, but also the entire technology for mass-producing weapons through bloodline modification."
At this point, Lucian was filled with deep worry:
"Furthermore, I know Singe well; he will never stop at his own evolution. The next step will inevitably be to modify William, the progenitor of the werewolf clan, mass-produce Half-blood test subjects, crack our ultraviolet bullet technology, and perfect the vampire clan's weaknesses and resistances."
Trillian quipped, "If you know so much about him, why did you recruit him and support his bloodline research in the first place?"
Lucian replied helplessly:
"Because it's dangerous for him, and even more so because he needs to survive."
Remembering what Draco had said, Trillian chimed in, "I understand. This is what you meant by yin and yang, young master. It's not just science; scientists are a double-edged sword."
Draco laughed, "You've finally figured it out."
Ignoring the joke, Trillian turned and asked:
"Young master, what do we do now?"
"What to do? Clean up the mess," Draco said.
Lucian gratefully said, "Thank you."
Trillian pouted and said:
"What's the point of saying thank you? Let's get real."
Lucian glanced at her, a hint of helpless smile on his face, and said, "Actually, Mr. Malfoy doesn't need it either."
"Alright, you two, stop joking around," Draco interrupted them. "We'll just have to go to the vampire elders' manor again."
Kraven then spoke up:
"I'm not going. I'm taking this opportunity to go abroad. If I stay here, I'll die sooner or later." He then looked at Selene and asked, " Selene, do you want to come with me?"
Selene glanced at him and refused without hesitation:
"Playing political games with you? That's completely unnecessary."
Trillian, always eager for drama, jokingly asked, " Kraven, would you be willing to give up your political maneuvering for a beauty?"
Kraven choked, then shook his head. "I can't do it. I don't think men should be bound by romantic feelings..."
Kraven glanced at Draco halfway through his sentence and quickly added, "Of course, it depends on the person; everyone has their own needs."
Kraven said this mainly because he knew that even if he gave up his political maneuvering, Selene wouldn't go with him.
Having said that, Kraven stood up and bid farewell to everyone. "In that case, I shall take my leave now. It may be time for us all to meet again."
"I'll see you off to the west, now I'll see you off too."
Draco also stood up.
Kraven was surprised but also touched, and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:
"Thank you for your trouble."
Draco teleported Kraven to a human airport. Amidst the cacophony of voices, the rumbling wheels of suitcases, and the overwhelming atmosphere of the terminal, Kraven stood in the bustling crowd, took a deep breath, and prepared to embrace his new life. He then bid farewell to Draco: " Mr. Malfoy, until we meet again."
Of course, it's just polite talk; we might not even see each other again.
The other party is a high and mighty wizard.
Draco nodded, waved goodbye, and teleported away.
" Mr. Malfoy," Lucian said upon seeing him return, "If Singe escapes, please, don't let William out of prison. The Original has no sense; once he's out, he'll bite anyone he sees."
Confused, Trillian interjected, " Singe would run away?"