SFRW-Chapter 249

Ch. 249 Sword God From The Ruined World

The 5th Guardian Planet of Barhaut, Iostem.  

This was a peculiar planet where nights were much longer than days, a gloomy world where the number of days one could see clear skies in a year barely exceeded twenty.  

Rumble rumble rumble—  

As expected, the sky, thick with dark clouds, unleashed a torrential downpour after just an hour.  

“Disgusting how hard it’s pouring.”  

Choi Kang-soo shook his head side to side at the terrifying force of the rain, which was so heavy he could barely see ahead.  

“It’ll stop in about two hours.”  

Twek spoke with absolute certainty, as if he could precisely predict how long the rain would last.  

“Does it rain this often here? There are even these fancy buildings everywhere.”  

Choi Kang-soo glanced at the structures—consisting only of large pillars and sturdy roofs—and asked. At first, he had thought they were unfinished buildings, abandoned after only the pillars and roofs were erected. But now, their purpose was clear: they were meant to provide shelter during sudden downpours like this.  

In response to Choi Kang-soo’s question, Twek replied:  

“Not all regions are like this. Only this Kowellika area is. The Nephtema region to the east gets rain about once a month.”  

Iostem was divided into the western Kowellika and the eastern Nephtema. The west was partially controlled by werewolves, while the east was entirely dominated by vampires.  

“How strong are the vampires?”  

When Seo Do-jun asked for specifics—from their exact numbers to their individual combat abilities—Twek explained in considerable detail.  

“There are about 100,000 vampires. They are the ruling class of Iostem, living as nobles and enslaving humans.”  

“I was curious about that. What do you mean by ‘enslaving humans’? From what I’ve heard, it sounds like humans willingly live as slaves.”  

“Well, it wasn’t always like that.”  

Originally, Iostem was a planet where various demi-human races lived in their own territories. With different races coexisting, conflicts—both big and small—were frequent, and wars often broke out as a result.  

Yet, despite this, it was a relatively peaceful world where each race maintained its own domain.  

But that peace was shattered.  

“Everything changed when Barhaut began its invasion.”  

Particularly, the arrogant and self-righteous vampires swore absolute allegiance to Barhaut, completely destroying the balance.  

“No one expected the vampires, who had lived as the dominant race on Iostem, to submit so easily.”  

After pledging loyalty to Barhaut, the vampires swiftly subjugated or exterminated the other races.  

“If only the forest fairies had survived, things wouldn’t have gotten this bad…”  

Twek expressed regret, but the werewolves were also to blame—they had turned a blind eye while the forest fairies were slaughtered by the vampires and Barhaut’s monsters.  

“Are you saying the forest fairies could have kept the vampires in check?”  

At Seo Do-jun’s question, Twek nodded.  

“The sacred flames wielded by the forest fairies were what the vampires feared most. That’s why the vampires focused all their efforts on exterminating them first.”  

“Why did you just watch?”  

“We didn’t think the forest fairies would be wiped out so easily.”  

It was a pathetic answer, but at the time, the werewolves had never imagined the forest fairies would be annihilated.  

In fact—  

“We wanted the forest fairies’ power to weaken. Our relationship with them wasn’t great either.”  

It was a foolish wish, and the beginning of tragedy.  

Vampires, forest fairies, and werewolves—the three dominant forces of Iostem.  

With the extinction of the forest fairies, the balance was destroyed, and the complacent werewolves were quickly decimated by the vampires.  

Though they eventually rallied other races to resist, it was far too late to stop Iostem from falling into Barhaut’s hands.  

“At first, the humans sided with us rather than the vampires. But over time, traitors emerged among them. They chose to live as slaves to the vampires rather than endure meaningless sacrifices.”  

Moreover, though the chance was slim, humans could become half-vampires by receiving a vampire’s blood. From their perspective, it was a natural choice.  

“So, how many of you are left now?”  

At Choi Kang-soo’s question, Twek smiled bitterly.  

“Less than a third compared to the vampires.”  

“A third?”  

“And even that’s considered a lot.”  

Numbers weren’t the only problem. As the de facto ruling class of Iostem, the vampires’ abilities had grown exponentially.  

Some vampires, after absorbing the blood of forest fairies, had even evolved into higher-tier beings—a fatal blow to the werewolves.  

“Outnumbered, no reinforcements, outmatched in ability… This is like hitting a rock with an egg. Tsk!”  

Choi Kang-soo clicked his tongue as he looked at Twek and the werewolves.  

Defeat was inevitable.  

With time, the werewolves would slowly face extinction.  

Acknowledging this, Twek and the others remained silent, though visibly displeased.  

“Still, you’re luckier than you think.”  

The werewolves looked at Choi Kang-soo as if to ask what he meant.  

“We’re here now. We might not have the luxury of killing all 100,000 vampires one by one, but at the very least, we can start by cutting down their numbers—starting with their leaders. Freeing this place will give you hope.”  

Twek frowned at Choi Kang-soo’s carefree attitude and shook his head.  

“The Vampire King is not an opponent to be taken lightly.”  

His tone carried a warning against overconfidence.  

“Vampire King? I don’t know who that is, but he’s no match for my Uncle. Ever heard of a Transcendent?”  

Choi Kang-soo spoke as if expecting them to be ignorant, but Twek wasn’t surprised at all. Instead, he even chuckled.  

“You’re laughing? Do you even know what a Transcendent is? A Transcendent is—”  

“It’s not that Transcendents are laughable. I laughed because the Vampire King is also a Transcendent. And not just any Transcendent—he’s one so powerful even Barhaut can’t treat him carelessly.”  

Not only did Twek know about Transcendents, but his claim that the Vampire King was one made Choi Kang-soo’s face twist in shock.  

“What did you just say? The Vampire King is a Transcendent?”  

As if that wasn’t enough, Twek continued without holding back.  

“Yes. Vampica. One of the Six Seats sworn to Barhaut is the Vampire King.”  

“Six Seats? What’s that?”  

This time, it wasn’t Twek who was ignorant—it was Choi Kang-soo and Seo Do-jun’s group.  

***

Gulp— gulp— gulp—  

Only after swallowing mouthfuls of clear crimson liquid did Vampica curl his lips in satisfaction.  

“As always, the blood of forest fairies is the best.”  

The only regret was how little of it remained.  

Though they had preserved as much as possible, time had dwindled their reserves to near nothing.  

“What about the mutts?”  

At Vampica’s question, the pale-skinned beauty standing silently beside him parted her blood-red lips.  

“They’re still huddled in the Kowellika region, only appearing sporadically.”  

The Kowellika region, plagued by frequent downpours, was the worst environment for vampires, who despised rain.  

Rain restricted their bat-like transformation abilities, and their already low body temperature dropped even faster, draining their energy rapidly.  

Greater energy consumption meant quicker exhaustion, which inevitably affected their combat prowess.  

Moreover, heavy rain narrowed their vision and dulled their senses, making it an unwelcome weather for vampires.  

“What about the hounds?”  

“All of them have been sent to Kowellika.”  

The ‘hounds’ referred to humans, who risked their lives hunting werewolves in place of the vampires.  

Individually, they were no match for werewolves, but their numerical advantage and weaponry made them formidable foes.  

“Still no trace of Bolikos?”  

“My apologies.”  

Vampica bared his sharp fangs in displeasure before closing his mouth.  

“What of the gathering you attended? It’s been a while since the last one.”  

Changing the subject, the female vampire asked, and Vampica let out a low laugh.  

“Just as I thought, Barhaut is on the verge of being completely wrecked!”  

“How is that possible? What kind of challenger appeared to cause such a thing?”  

The ever-expressionless female vampire showed visible surprise.  

“Seems like a bunch of fools gathered to take revenge on Barhaut. Among them is a Transcendent. Even the Himaid siblings fell to them.”  

“What? The Himaid siblings?”  

“Honestly, even I was a little surprised. Even if they were just newly ascended Transcendents, they were still Transcendents. To die so easily…”  

Vampica sighed faintly.  

“Those brats could’ve been useful to me… Pity.”  

The female vampire mirrored his regret.  

“On the other hand, it’s for the best. If they were so weak, they might’ve ruined my plans.”  

“But they were Transcendents. From my perspective, they could’ve been valuable allies. Their deaths are regrettable.”  

“Enough. Those brats were already getting cocky after becoming Transcendents. They got what they deserved.”  

Vampica brushed off the matter, as if there was no point dwelling on the past.  

“So, what happens now?”  

“Luam, that loyal dog, is furious. He’ll try to persuade the remaining forces to hunt them down.”  

With Rebley—Barhaut’s right-hand man—dead and Bartloma liberated, Vampica could easily foresee what would happen next.  

“If one or two of them disappear after this, I couldn’t ask for more.”  

Especially Luam, who acted as the leader of the Six Seats with unwavering loyalty to Barhaut. Vampica wished he’d vanish forever.  

“But are you sure it’s alright? I’m worried you might face reprimand later.”  

“Reprimand? Kikikiki! With over half the Guardian Planets gone, Rebley and the Himaid siblings dead—even Barhaut won’t dare throw his weight around so easily.”  

Vampica knew Barhaut well.  

No matter how angry he was, he wasn’t foolish enough to destroy what little he had left.  

“Just sit back and watch. No matter how things unfold, it won’t end badly for us. In fact, I hope those bastards give Luam and the others a good beating.”  

The female vampire smiled back at Vampica’s laughter.  

“That aside, we must capture Bolikos as soon as possible. Before that damned mutt finds what the forest fairies left behind.”  

“We’ll do our best.”  

“Effort means nothing. Bring me results. Find out where Bolikos is and where the forest fairies’ relic is hidden. Once we do, I’ll personally end this tiresome war.”  

Vampica’s ruby eyes gleamed ominously.  

***

“An object left behind by the forest fairies?”  

When Seo Do-jun repeated the question, Twek nodded.  

“All I know is that it’s an ancient relic of Iostem. In the distant past, the forest fairies, vampires, and werewolves all knelt before the Fallen Angel.”  

“Fallen Angel? What’s that?”  

Choi Kang-soo frowned, as if annoyed by the complexity.  

『If it’s a Fallen Angel, it must be a child of God. A corrupted being who coveted God’s throne, was punished, lost divinity, and was cast out.』  

Choi Kang-soo was surprised—did Gods have children?  

『Where do you think the desire to reproduce, present in all living beings, originated? It’s one of God’s desires. The only problem is that Gods are too greedy.』  

‘Greed?’  

Feeling like he’d glimpsed a divine secret, Choi Kang-soo pressed further, but the Divine Sword sealed its lips, refusing to say more.  

“So, this relic was left behind by the Fallen Angel?”  

Twek nodded at Seo Do-jun.  

“I’ve only heard it was entrusted to the forest fairies—the only ones who knew restraint, unlike the greedy vampires and arrogant werewolves. And now, Lord Bolikos is searching for it.”  

“And you think finding it will turn the tide?”  

Choi Kang-soo scoffed. Even if the relic was powerful, could it really change their tragic situation?  

“We believe so.”  

Twek’s voice held no certainty, only stubborn faith.  

For the werewolves, it was their only hope.  

“The rain has stopped.”  

Just as Twek had predicted, the downpour ceased after two hours.  

“First, let me invite you to our vill—”  

Mid-sentence, Twek’s eyes sharpened as he suddenly turned his head to the left.  

“Hah! Just as expected, these stupid mutts never disappoint! As soon as the rain stops, they’re always huddled under these pillars! Puhahahaha!”  

Over a hundred humans slowly approached Seo Do-jun’s group and the werewolves.