The First Vampire

Luwal Valley.

The Northern Army was preparing to set off.

After Marquis Garcia was forcibly summoned away by Emperor Reinhardt, Earl Dawson became the temporary commander of this large army.

Truth be told, Wells Dawson had little prestige within the Northern Army, but thanks to the support of Emperor Reinhardt, coupled with the fact that no one else in the army was challenging him for this position, Earl Dawson easily gained command of the army.

The first order issued by Earl Dawson after taking power was to instruct the Northern Army to regroup at Storm Fortress and join the Imperial Allied Army in resisting the impending Orc invasion.

Wearing resplendent silver armor and riding a white stallion, Earl Dawson watched as over a hundred thousand northern warriors bustled about under his command, making him feel as if he was on top of the world.

This might just be the pinnacle of the Dawson Family, or even of Dwarf nobility.

Earl Dawson was aware that his power was actually derived from Emperor Reinhardt’s support, and of course, thanks to the foolish acts of Marquis Garcia.

Under normal circumstances, it would never come to a point where his Dawson Family could command the Northern Army.

Moreover, he understood that his current position was only temporary, and the various Lords of the North considered him merely a mouthpiece of Emperor Reinhardt.

After this battle, the Dawson Family would likely be reduced to their original status…

But, after tasting such intoxicating power, Earl Dawson was deeply captivated and could not extricate himself.

He began to ponder in secret on how to consolidate his position.

Perhaps clinging to the Royal Family was a good idea…

Just as Earl Dawson was contemplating the future direction of his family, a slight tremor ran through the ground.

In his confusion, a scout cavalry rushed in to report:

“My Lord, our reinforcements have arrived!”

“What reinforcements?” Earl Dawson asked, confused.

“The Blood Knight Army and the Phoenix Butterfly Army! It seems that it is Earl Angler who has led the troops here.”

Earl Dawson’s face turned pale instantly.

…

The earth trembled more intensely, like a drum being hammered. Countless shards of gravel were shaken, flying up and down like boiling water.

Continuous hoofbeats came from the distance, as if to tear the earth apart.

The Northern warriors in the valley camp, looking at the approaching cavalry formation, had their faces filled with an extraordinary excitement and pride.

Because what was sweeping towards them was the greatest glory of the North, the strongest backbone, the most terrifying army – the Blood Knights!

The chilling hoofbeats, like bolts of spring thunder, dispelled the gloom that had been hanging over the warriors of the North.

At this moment, the Orc army did not seem so invincible anymore.

…

The large army started to slow down about a kilometer from the camp.

But one figure did not slow down and rushed headlong into the camp.

“Lord Guardian!”

Of course, the guards of the camp recognized Colin and immediately greeted him loudly.

Colin made an abrupt stop at the entrance of the camp and eagerly asked:

“Is Marquis Garcia in the camp?”

The guard shook his head and said, “No, two nights ago, the envoy dispatched by His Majesty took the Marquis to Storm Fortress.”

Colin’s eyebrows immediately furrowed, scanning the camp, then asked:

“Where are you all planning to go?”

“According to Earl Dawson’s orders, we are to head to the Storm Fortress and join the Imperial Allied Army…”

“Wells Dawson?” Colin asked with an ill-tempered tone.

The guard didn’t know why the Lord Protector of the North Territory seemed upset, but he could only reluctantly nod and confirm.

Colin snorted, then spurred his horse to gallop into the camp.

As he passed, the Northern warriors all saluted Colin, their admiration clearly reflected in their eyes.

Colin’s reputation had already reached its zenith in the North Territory. Now, with Marquis Garcia’s reputation now in tatters due to his actions in the Sky Breaking Mountain Range, the northern Warriors were more desperate for a new idol to lead them to victory.

Earl Dawson understood this principle too well.

From the moment he heard of Colin’s arrival, he knew he was going to lose control of the Northern Army.

He suddenly realized why Marquis Garcia had left with the Emperor’s envoy without any further dispute.

Garcia must have already confirmed that Colin was about to reach the Luwal Valley, and thus felt secure leaving…

“Lord Protector…” Earl Dawson forced a terrible smile and bowed to Colin who walked towards him.

Colin, riding high on his horse, looked down upon Earl Dawson, asking coldly:

“Earl Dawson, who gave you the authority to take command of the Northern Army?”

“It is the Emperor.” replied Earl Dawson.

Perhaps the realization that he, too, had backup allowed him to regain some courage; Earl Dawson managed to straighten his spine before Colin.

Colin scoffed, retorting:

“All here are vassals of the St. Hilde family, what authority does the Emperor have to make them obey you?”

Earl Dawson was left speechless.

Colin then drew a sheepskin scroll from his bosom, threw it on Earl Dawson’s face, and declared loudly:

“This is a decree personally signed by Duke St. Hilde, authorizing me to command the Northern Army as the Lord Protector.

Earl Dawson, do you have anything else to say?”

Earl Dawson took the sheepskin scroll, indeed seeing it clearly stated the dismissal of Marquis Garcia, replaced by Colin and leading the Northern Army.

He unwillingly looked around, but saw all those Northern nobles he had earlier persuaded were now avoiding his gaze.

Clearly, between Colin and himself, the Northern nobles had unhesitatingly chosen the former.

It seemed like Earl Dawson had finally accepted reality. He slumped his shoulders and put on a flattery smile:

“Colin, I certainly wouldn’t dare to challenge the ducal decree. But I hope you understand, no one was leading the Northern Army previously, and I was temporarily appointed by the Emperor to take command. I’ve never meant to challenge the authority of the St. Hilde family…”

“Enough.” Colin waved his hand, brutally interrupting Earl Dawson’s justification.

He didn’t have time to clean up this double-dealing man right now and didn’t have an appropriate excuse to do so.

However, he has already started mulling over, deep inside his heart, how to purge the Dawson Family along with the dwarven forces in the North Territory.

Colin’s gaze slowly swept over the faces of all the Northern nobles and military officers, and then loudly commanded:

“Lords, since Duke St. Hilde has appointed me commander of the Northern Army, I expect your full cooperation. I don’t care what personal schemes you may have, but right now, at this most critical moment for humans, I need your unconditional obedience!”

“Yes!” They all answered unanimously.

“Good!” Colin nodded in satisfaction and issued his first command, “Cancel going to the Storm Fortress, we will set up camp here!”

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