Addison had just mustered all his combat energy to deflect the incoming bullet; he had no strength left to fend off the Vampiric Axe. Under the furious amplification of the Bloodflame Aura, this extraordinary detective’s life force gushed out like a raging torrent, devoured entirely by the Vampiric Axe.
Though Addison’s power far surpassed Wells’, he still struggled madly to resist, channeling his combat energy to fend off the consuming force of the Bloodflame Aura. He finally recognized Charlot and roared angrily, “It’s you!”
Charlot smiled but did not respond. He raised the Blood Rose magical rapier again, giving it a light flick, and unleashed a flurry of three strikes.
If it had been a proper swordsmanship duel, even ten Charlots might not have been a match for Addison. Charlot’s swordsmanship was mediocre at best—he had only learned the basics and was far from proficient. Addison, on the other hand, was a seasoned master of the blade, hardened by countless real-life battles.
But Addison had fallen into a trap and was already gravely injured. How could he withstand Charlot, armed with a transcendent Vampiric weapon and empowered by the Eye of Insight? Charlot effortlessly pierced Addison’s body. Even though Addison’s combat energy provided a flame-like protective barrier, it could no longer shield him. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes burning with venomous hatred.
With two Vampiric weapons simultaneously siphoning his life essence, Charlot felt an exhilarating surge of vitality. He shouted, “What are you waiting for? Move now!”
At his command, another 20 to 30 adventurers swarmed into the fray.
Winterburn was both startled and enraged. Though surrounded by five adventurers, he had held back his full strength. Seeing Addison killed in an instant, he realized with growing clarity: these people were targeting them. This was a carefully laid trap.
Aware of the danger, the fourth-rank knight unleashed his combat energy without reservation. His power, even greater than Addison’s, forced the five adventurers surrounding him to retreat.
Meanwhile, Charlot absorbed the life essence returned by the Vampiric Axe. He pulled the axe free, reignited the Bloodflame Aura, and hurled the weapon once more.
The small Vampiric Axe spun through the air, slicing toward its target like a swift predator.
Winterburn had seen with his own eyes how this eerie weapon had killed Addison. He dared not underestimate it. With his flame-enveloped combat energy and impeccable swordsmanship, he struck the spinning Vampiric Axe, sending it flying.
The axe rebounded, circled in mid-air, and slashed back again, as agile as a bird of prey.
The Old Continent had never seen such a bizarre fighting style. For a moment, even Winterburn dared not advance. He whirled his rapier defensively, shielding himself like an impenetrable fortress.
Charlot’s display of such extraordinary abilities inspired confidence in the adventurers, who fought with renewed vigor and determination.
Charlot deftly manipulated the Vampiric Axe to keep Winterburn preoccupied while continuing to absorb and refine the life essence he had consumed.
In moments like this, every ounce of strength gained could shift the tide of battle.
Addison, a third-rank Transcendent, had a life force as intense and vibrant as flame, far stronger and richer than Wells’.
Charlot enveloped Addison’s life essence with Blood Glory and activated the Protagoras Breathing Technique. It took 35 breaths before the Vampiric rapier finally stopped trembling and absorbed the last trace of vitality.
He withdrew the Blood Rose rapier, letting Addison’s corpse slump lifelessly to the ground, and cast a casual glance at the weapon in his hand.
This newly acquired magical rapier was extraordinary in craftsmanship, quality, and design. However, the blade was riddled with tiny nicks and cracks—not the minor damage Louis Simy had claimed but severe deterioration.
The previous owner of Blood Rose must have fought countless battles. Otherwise, a magical weapon of such quality would never have been so badly damaged.
Charlot recalled Louis’ eagerness to showcase the engravings but his refusal to draw the blade itself. He cursed silently, “What a swindler!”
Instinctively, he channeled Blood Glory into the blade—and witnessed a strange phenomenon!
The magical rapier momentarily stilled before emitting a clear, resonant hum. The blade began to liquefy slightly, and its damaged sections repaired themselves, becoming as smooth and sharp as new.
Charlot was struck with a wave of shock, unable to process what this transformation signified.
The next moment, the magical rapier grew warm and transformed into a streak of blood-red light, merging into his left arm. A fourth Blood Vortex quietly took shape.
Charlot’s emotions could no longer be described as mere shock.
Magical weapons capable of changing their forms were exceedingly rare and incredibly valuable.
For instance, the legendary spear of Shanron that could morph into a ring for easy carrying was already considered top-tier.
But the Blood Rose rapier, capable of self-repair and forming a Blood Vortex, elevating Blood Glory to its fourth layer, was undoubtedly more precious.
If not for his current fugitive status and the lack of a proper channel to sell such a transcendent weapon, Charlot would have considered auctioning it for an enormous profit.
However, since the Blood Rose rapier could self-repair and conceal itself within a Blood Vortex, it was a perfect weapon for self-defense. Charlot found himself reluctant to part with it.
He gave the blade a light shake, and the Blood Rose reappeared in his hand. He sighed inwardly, “What a pity! My swordsmanship is so crude. Even with such a divine weapon, I can never become a master swordsman.”
Winterburn, despite being encircled and harassed by the elusive Vampiric Axe, was still a fourth-rank knight. He held the upper hand.
Meanwhile, the five remaining detectives were no match for the group of adventurers. Under the assault of dozens of combatants, two were killed, and three were captured alive.
In battles like these, it was nearly impossible to avoid casualties.
Winterburn had not expected the situation to deteriorate so drastically. He shouted, “We are detectives of the Fierce Horse Detective Agency! Do you not fear our agency?”
Charlot immediately responded, “Apologies! We are Byron people.”
Winterburn gasped in shock. “You’re spies?!”
This time, Charlot didn’t need to answer. The adventurers shouted in unison, “Yes! We are spies—Byron spies!”
No one wanted to offend the Fierce Horse Detective Agency. Seizing the opportunity, Charlot’s lie was quickly embraced by the adventurers, who hoped to shift the blame for this conflict onto the Byron people.
Winterburn’s heart sank. He believed the claim almost entirely. Charlot’s use of vampiric secret arts, blood-siphoning weapons, and the drained corpses of Wells and Addison all bore the marks of a vampire, further convincing him. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he abandoned all restraint. His flame-infused combat energy surged violently. With a swift maneuver, he deflected the Vampiric Axe and slashed two small adventurer team captains in the same motion.
Having struck decisively, Winterburn broke through the encirclement with a burst of combat energy, speeding away like a galloping horse. In the blink of an eye, he was out of sight.
Watching Winterburn escape, Charlot could only sigh in regret and give up the chase.
Although absorbing Addison’s life essence had allowed him to break through to the third rank and acquire new abilities, he was, at heart, a civil servant with limited combat skills. Pursuing Winterburn alone would likely not end well.