Chapter 15: Possessed
The underworld and the upperworld exist as distinct realms, separated for various reasons. This separation may serve the purpose of protection. Throughout history, there have been cases of underworld inhabitants attempting to emerge into the surface world, there are several methods by which they can do so. The most well-known method is through summoning rituals.
Vampires, however, are more native to the underworld and are highly adapted to its environment. While they are vulnerable to sunlight on the surface, they are immune to it below, and their strength is even greater than before.
But on the other hand, those on the surface who try to enter the underworld face immense disadvantages. Their physical and mental states deteriorate rapidly, and it's essentially just a simple form of suicide.
Yet, the threats imposed by the realm of the underworld are only a fraction of what its inhabitants truly embody. Something that is more complex than mere mortals could perceive.
Anubis could sense the inner turmoil within Alucard, the reluctance to engage in serious combat stemming from a personal struggle with their own consequences. Nevertheless, human problems hold little interest for him.
However, Anubis found it strange when Alucard claimed not to know anything about the Crown of the Vampire Lord. As vampire hunters, Alucard's family line should have had comprehensive records on these matters. So why wasn't Anubis mentioned in any of them, despite the battles his family fought against the Vampire Lord's forces?
Anubis then began to uncover some inconsistencies, "You claim that you were untouchable, but can that really be true?" he asked inquisitively.
Alucard's statement seemed improbable given that vampires are known to have significantly longer lifespans, more intelligence, and greater strength as they age. Even with the present Alucard's potency, vampires are inherently superior beings, making it almost impossible for just a human to be completely untouched.
As suspected, Alucard didn't quite secure what Anubis was trying to convey. "Believe it or not, it has no effect on me," Alucard replied calmly. He then cautiously stepped to the side, circling Anubis, who then mirrored it.
There was yet to be a true spark of resistance, as both were more interested in acquiring knowledge and information than just engaging in a physical confrontation.
"Well, if the concern on your face is genuine, then the answer is already apparent," Anubis revealed. "You have only entered the outermost layer of the underworld."
In the underworld, there are multiple layers to its realm. Anyone from either realm who wishes to traverse to the other side must pass through these layers before going deeper or coming out. This should be common knowledge.
Anubis wasn't simply making random guesses; there was another supporting factor that Alucard himself revealed. He claimed to be the last descendant of a family that had a fierce battle against vampires centuries ago.
However, Alucard didn't specify whether he personally participated in that battle. Moreover, it raised the question of his age. As a human, it would be extraordinary for him to be over 100 years old and still maintain a youthful appearance like he does now.
Everything Anubis deduced is based on assumptions and the information he gathered from their conversation. There are still many mysteries that don't align, but this puzzle of information is slowly forming a clearer picture.
The next course is the presence of an inhabitant of the underworld that Anubis sensed within Alucard. Could it be some sort of hidden power? Like a vampire hunter who actually possesses vampiric abilities?
The answer is unlikely.
That's because this presence doesn't come from vampires but their archenemies—the demons.
"Even if that is the case, then what?" Alucard's emotions started to shift, but not in a more receptive way for exchanging thoughts. "That's where I encounter you vampires, still being isolated even from your place of origin."
Considering the time gap between the fierce battle and Alucard's current age, it is highly likely that he acquired knowledge of the underworld through his own efforts. While some may view this as an incredible achievement, anyone familiar with the dangers posed by the underworld, particularly its inhabitants, would consider such an endeavor to be human folly.
Anubis said as much, expecting a response from Alucard that would confirm his theory. "Do you truly comprehend the perils that the underworld presents to humans? And yet, you still persist in pursuing it?"
"Whatever it may be, I have returned to this world, haven't you seen it? The dangers you threaten hold no significance. Besides..." Alucard paused, appearing lost in a profound memory. "Before anything else, I must carry this weight myself!"
"I see." Anubis understood everything, as well the reasons why Alucard hesitates to fight wholeheartedly. "You hope to use me and bring you back to that place."
Regardless of Alucard's personal reasons, this is the correct assumption.
However, it's still very reckless. "When you feel safe from the dangers of the underworld, you are actually immersed in problems that are far from trivial, human," Anubis firmly stated.
The concept of danger in the underworld is not just about fatal and deadly wounds; it takes on various other forms.
First, it is necessary to understand that the inhabitants of the other side have a completely different aspect of life from mortals, so humans often don't understand anything or only pretend to know something when they actually don't.
Just with that basic understanding alone, it is enough to differentiate the power, knowledge, and civilization between the two realms.
Suddenly, Alucard's footsteps halted, standing still with an indescribable expression facing downwards. Before long, something like black mist, or perhaps a manifestation of mana, enveloped his entire being.
Or, to be more precise, it was an aura of darkness.
"Hehe~" Alucard let out a thin, teasing laugh with a tone deviating from his usual calm demeanor as a human.
Indeed, this was the danger that Alucard had underestimated—the threat posed by the denizens of the underworld.
It wasn't limited to just the potential victims; the danger could spread anywhere. Anubis himself was no longer safe. The threat of being slain by a vampire hunter had shifted for now he had to confront the inhabitants of the underworld.
From this juncture, Anubis's next bet commenced. Demons, a race that dwelled in certain depths of the underworld, possessed immense power, if not outright dominance. Moreover, higher-level demons boasted unique abilities as a testament to their lineage.
When Alucard was initially unaware of the danger that encroached upon him, he couldn't be solely blamed. Alucard was simply unfortunate to encounter this particular demon, one that was feared even among its own kind.
This demon had the ability to manipulate someone's mind and perceptions without the victim ever realizing it. Only one entity possessed such a potent ability, one that had never been unleashed during the long wars between demons and vampires.
The aura of darkness that shrouded Alucard swiftly receded, being absorbed back into his body. In the next instant, his face lifted which now bore a peculiar, upward-curved smile.
His once vibrant brown eyes no longer radiated signs of life; they were devoid of any human consciousness. It was a clear indication that Alucard's soul had fully succumbed to the control of the demon.
"Well, this is going to be quite troublesome, demon," Anubis remarked, chuckling for some inexplicable reason as he comprehended the truth.
Perhaps, from the very beginning, the primary reason Alucard hadn't taken him seriously was also due to the demon's influence.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone