A farm is located a dozen kilometers outside of New York.
The farm spans a vast area, encircled by forests and embracing an ancient yet sizable manor surrounded by extensive fields. However, the area appears somewhat eerie and desolate, as it has been long abandoned.
Inside the dark, spooky manor, furniture is overturned, and numerous bullet holes are visible, with the smell of gunpowder narrating a recent fierce battle.
Piles of unidentifiable ashes accumulate on the wooden floor.
Blade, wearing his unchanged outfit of years—a black trench coat, tight-fitting inner lining, and leather pants, with sunglasses over his eyes—holds a sharp sword in his hand.
Expressionless, he pierces the last vampire in front of him.
This young and handsome vampire screams tragically as he self-immolates into ashes, leaving behind only his final curse.
"When the Blood God descends, you and those hunters will be torn apart; you will become a sacrifice, Blade. I look forward to your ultimate demise."
Blade flicks his sword in a flourish, sheathing it behind his back, and turns to look at the white-haired old man entering from behind, carrying a specially made short-barreled shotgun and fully armed.
"Did you hear that?"
"He shouted so loudly. Although my hearing is impaired, it doesn't mean I can't hear, Blade."
"Do you think what he said is true? Whistler."
A sharp glint flashes in Blade's eyes behind his sunglasses.
The old man shakes his head: "I'm reluctant to believe such things, but we have already destroyed four of these bastards' gathering places, and their statements have been consistent. I think it's very likely true."
"It's really haunting. I thought I was going to be laid off, but now such things are still happening."
"The 'Book of Death' mentioned in the records attracts these struggling vampires; they are indeed building altars for the summoning ritual."
Blade remains silent, and the old man glances at him, sensing his unease: "What do you feel?"
"A deep unease."
Blade speaks gravely.
"They are delaying our steps, Whistler."
The old man frowns: "Do you think these gathering places were intentionally found by us?"
"Previously, they avoided me at all costs and hid actively, but now, having been driven out, not only have they not left the vicinity of New York, but they have also created several gathering places nearby, actively attracting us to their door, Whistler. I don't think they would be so foolish."
Blade is not a reckless man; on the contrary, he is very clever. His recent experiences have made him aware that something is amiss.
He initially thought that the vampire families, having lost their turf in New York, would fight with the vampires in the surrounding cities for survival territories, logically a high possibility.
Now, however, this has deviated from such a possibility.
Thinking about the content of the 'Book of Death' that he learned from these vampires, it is clear that summoning the Blood God is the real truth of the matter.
"Blade, I feel this is more like a trap."
Whistler shakes his head, his expression serious and grave: "Such secretive matters should be kept absolutely confidential, yet we can easily learn from these vampires. Don't you find it strange?"
"Even if it's a trap, you know I can't just ignore it."
How could Blade not understand? But this is clearly a blatant scheme; the opponent is openly telling Blade, "I'm going to summon the Blood God. Come and stop me if you dare. I've definitely set a bunch of traps for you. Will you come?"
If he doesn't come, the Blood God will descend, bringing disaster and calamity to humanity. If he does, Blade knows the chances of his own demise are high.
Blade despises vampires; he didn't have a choice in these two options, not even a second of hesitation.
"You really are like your father," Whistler says helplessly. Blade was his old friend's child, also a vampire hunter, but an accident turned Blade's mother into a vampire, and he later received news of her death.
Blade's father, driven mad by revenge for his wife, knew it was a trap but still charged in regardless, with Whistler, as a friend, fighting alongside him, ultimately dying to save Whistler from danger.
He then took Blade in and raised him.
Blade also knew his own background, and since then, he has hated vampires and embarked on the path of a hunter.
But now, such events are happening again.
Whistler does not stop him, but noticing Blade's looking over, he immediately raises his shotgun: "I was hunting vampires when you were still in your mother's womb, you little brat."
"I'm a top-tier vampire hunter. The meaning of my life is to die on the path of hunting vampires."
"If you want to stop me, then prepare for me to kick your ass."
Whistler curses and swears, his temperament has always been a gentleman, explosive, which is the character of a top-tier vampire hunter.
Even though he is quite old, it remains the same.
"Then let us boldly embark on the path of death together," Blade says, a corner of his mouth lifting.
A resignedly heroic spirit spreads.
"Maybe we can find another helper, Blade," Whistler suddenly breaks the somber mood, thoughtfully.
"Are you talking about that guy in New York driving out vampires?"
Blade raises an eyebrow.
"Mm-hmm, since he has the ability to massacre vampires on a large scale, his capabilities are undoubtedly strong. But doesn't he know about the 'Book of Death'?"
Whistler is puzzled.
"Could it be he is waiting for the summoning ritual to succeed?"
Whistler is shocked by this bold idea. How is that possible? The positions of the two parties are completely different; the other party has no reason to let the Blood God descend; otherwise, the person retaliated against would definitely be the first.
"Do you have any news of him?"
"He keeps a low profile; my well-informed friends can't find any clues."
"Maybe he can surprise us."