Chapter 118 – William's Grand Design
As a Lycan scientist, this was a possibility Singe had researched for countless years.
Failure after failure had gradually eroded even his belief in the theory.
It wasn't until Lucian brought Michael's blood back that Singe finally became convinced—it was real.
And now, seeing Lucian truly transform into a hybrid, he couldn't control himself.
His feet moved on their own.
He needed to observe it up close.
Years of obsession had consumed him.
---
But the truth was—
The [Undying · Wolf–Vampire Hybrid Variant] now circulating in Lucian's body
was merely something William had synthesized using ordinary vampire and ordinary Lycan bloodlines, tested through Michael.
It was fundamentally different from the hybrid Lucian had originally envisioned—
the one created from Amelia's Elder lineage combined with his own First Lycan bloodline.
The gap between the two was enormous.
Yet even this "inferior" hybridization far surpassed Lucian's original strength.
---
Lucian clenched his fists, feeling the unfamiliar power surging through his veins.
For a fleeting moment, he felt as if he could crush the skull of the man standing before him—
this being who was neither fully human nor fully divine—with a single punch.
But among all Lycans, Lucian's greatest strength had always been his control.
Unlike others, he was rarely consumed by the madness of his bloodline.
He didn't let that illusion take hold.
Just moments ago, with a single touch, William had stripped him of his power and inflicted unbearable agony.
Until he understood how that was done, Lucian would not make an enemy of this man.
Not lightly.
---
"The power has been given," William said calmly.
"I'll notify you when it's time to act. I still have arrangements to make on the vampire side.
And one more thing—
I'm taking this human with me."
William glanced at Michael.
"You don't object, do you… Lucian?"
Lucian stared at him in silence.
If he had even a shred of confidence that he could win, he would've stopped William right there.
With Michael, he could mass-produce hybrids endlessly.
An army like that would tear Viktor's fortress apart—no matter how fortified it was.
But reality was cruel.
Strength decided everything.
In the end, Lucian could only submit beneath William's overwhelming pressure.
"…No," he said at last.
"Take him."
If there was no choice—
Then dignity was the only thing left to preserve.
Meaningless rage would only weaken his authority.
And Lucian had no intention of becoming a king who ruled through desperation alone.
Seeing how tactful Lucian was being, William smiled. He loosened the remaining restraints on Michael and hoisted him over his shoulder.
Noticing the canvas bag nearby, William lifted a hand. Using [Metal Manipulation], he drew the three metal syringes into the air and pulled them toward himself. Once they reached him, he stored them in his inventory.
He'd taken Amelia's blood for one simple reason: to prevent Lucian from using it to further enhance himself.
Even if Lucian still wouldn't be a match afterward, William disliked introducing even the smallest unnecessary risk into his plans.
Lucian, however, couldn't understand this move at all. It only deepened his wariness of William.
---
The Vampire Castle
William rode his motorcycle to the vampire stronghold with Michael in tow.
This was his first time setting foot inside the castle. He'd learned its location from Amelia when they parted ways.
As soon as he dismounted, the iron gates surrounding the castle opened on their own.
To avoid misunderstandings, William transferred a vampire bloodline to himself first—at the very least, it would prevent immediate conflict.
He walked through the garden toward the castle proper.
The tightly shut doors suddenly opened.
Standing there was one of the vampires from the train.
The moment he saw William, the vampire dropped to one knee in reverence.
This gesture left the local vampires inside—who had been indulging themselves—utterly confused.
Someone who commanded the kneeling respect of Amelia's retainers?
Was he a high-ranking figure from Amelia's American clan?
"Have someone imprison him," William said calmly, tossing Michael to the vampire.
"Then take me to see Amelia."
"By your will, my lord," the vampire replied, bowing deeply.
That only further confirmed the locals' suspicions.
---
Guided by Amelia's people, William soon arrived at a spacious chamber.
As expected, it was decorated in lavish European classical style.
But that wasn't what caught his attention.
Amelia stood inside, her hair loose, wearing only a semi-transparent nightgown. With lightning flashing intermittently outside, it was obvious she wore nothing beneath.
Once William entered, her attendants discreetly withdrew and closed the door.
"My master," Amelia said, approaching him. The contours beneath the thin fabric were faintly visible.
William moved to a sofa and poured himself a drink—then paused.
He sniffed it.
Blood.
He set the glass down immediately, abandoning the idea of drinking altogether. Even with a vampire bloodline active, it still disgusted him.
"Has Viktor been awakened?" he asked.
Amelia's face flickered with shock, which quickly settled into calm acceptance.
Of course. If he truly was divine, knowing the future was hardly surprising.
"Yes, my lord. Viktor has already awakened."
"Then what's the plan for the broken ritual?"
Amelia shook her head.
"We intend to convene the council members tied to the three Elders. They'll decide how to handle the violation—and how to judge Selene."
William stroked his chin.
"Perfect. Gathering them all in one place makes a purge very convenient. Can your guards restrain Viktor's Death Dealers?"
"If we strike by surprise, yes."
No one would ever suspect Amelia's personal guard of betrayal—she was already one of the Three Elders, a woman at the peak of vampire authority. She had no apparent reason to rebel.
"Good. When the council convenes, you will—"
William leaned in and whispered the rest of his plan into her ear.
With temptation that close, it was inevitable to attend other important matter after business concluded.
---
Morning came.
William felt refreshed.
It wasn't often—human or otherwise—that someone could truly keep pace with him. Compared to this, his experiences with Fiona and the others paled in comparison.
He'd already spent enough time here. It was time to handle the next matter.
---
The room where Michael was being held was guarded by Amelia's elite retainers.
When they saw William, both immediately knelt.
"My lord."
This scene was quietly observed by Erika from a shadowed corner.
After William's sudden appearance, Kraven had taken an interest in his identity. Anyone addressed as "my lord" by Amelia's people was clearly no ordinary figure.
So Erika had been sent to investigate.
---
Inside the room, Michael had already woken up. He stared around in confusion.
When the door opened, he snapped his gaze toward it.
Bang. The door shut behind William.
The moment Michael recognized his face, his expression changed.
"It's you?!"