Looking at the somewhat familiar imprint on the edge of the table in front of him, Bishop Connell couldn't help but stretch out his aged palm and gently caress it.
I remember the last time I came here... was it ten years ago? Back then, I could still move through these tall bookshelves like a gentle breeze...
After lamenting the passage of time, the old man let out a sigh and finally picked up an old, yellowed transcribed volume.
""The Religious Tribunal Witch Trial Review-1487", uh... certainly not this one!" Bishop Connell's hand trembled slightly, and he quickly put the book aside.
""Dark Creature Investigation Report-1327.9.1", this one... isn't it either!" Taking another thin volume into his hands, he thumbed through it briefly, shook his head, and casually placed it to the side.
An unknown amount of time passed. Finally, from the very bottom of the pile of transcribed volumes, a tome nearly ten centimeters thick appeared in the old man's hands.
""The Exorcism Compilation of the de Nocte Family 1212~1432". This must be it!" he thought.
Looking at the thick, dictionary-like volume in his hands, Bishop Connell's eyes lit up as many forgotten memories resurfaced.
As he turned the pages, the entire history of a Vampire Family—from their emergence in this world to their destruction by The Holy See—gradually unfolded before Bishop Connell.
"In the year 1212, July, summer.
The Holy See received a plea for help from the church in Sade Town in the Kingdom of Wilson.
A young girl had turned into a mummified corpse overnight, with two clear puncture marks on her neck.
The local priest suspected that some kind of Dark Creature was responsible for the bloody crime and thus sent a plea for help to The Holy See..."
But the book before him couldn't answer the old man's question.
The only thing that could be confirmed from The Holy See's records was that the history of the de Nocte Vampire Family had indeed come to an end in the autumn of 1432.
With this question lingering in his mind, Bishop Connell, supporting his frail body, left the secret papal archives located underground.
Within the Vatican Palace, Bishop Connell once again met with the Pope, and of course, Angel Raziel was by their side, listening to the story with interest.
"Your Holiness, that summarizes the situation!"
"It seems that with the changes in the world, these fallen souls have gradually gained the power to escape their prisons," the Pope sighed, his gaze slowly turning to Angel Raziel beside him.
"Your Holiness, although my duty is to guard the Lord's domain, the Lord has not permitted me to go to the New World!" As if understanding the Pope's thoughts, Angel Raziel gently shook his head.
"That place will be the darkest battlefield in the future. To avoid any unforeseen complications, now is not the time!"
After listening to the angel's words, the Pope fell silent for a moment before turning to Bishop Connell.
"Ernst, check if those sarcophagi are still in their original locations. As for America, leave it to that young fellow!"
Bishop Connell's brow furrowed slightly at these words. He was about to speak, but looking into the Pope's profound eyes, he eventually nodded slightly. "Yes, Your Holiness! I will issue the orders."
He didn't know why The Holy See was no longer paying attention, or even why it seemed to be distancing itself from America. Nevertheless, the devout Bishop Connell still chose to obey the Pontiff's will.
「In America, in Sigli Town, Texas.」
An old man, spry and smartly dressed in a suit, strode confidently along the town's streets.
Countless vampires surrounded him, like wild beasts. They crouched low, baring their fangs, their crimson eyes fixed intently on the old man's form. Their heads tilted slightly from time to time, yet they hesitated to attack.
It was only when the old man reached the town center, beneath the sarcophagus floating in mid-air, that the surrounding vampires gradually receded into the darkness.
The old man, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding danger, looked at the sarcophagus in mid-air, a flash of crimson suddenly flickering in his eyes.
"Sir, we finally meet again!"
The old man knelt on one knee, his tone respectful, like that of a loyal servant.
From the sarcophagus above, through a considerably widened crack, a red glow pulsed as if breathing, continuously fading in and out.
The occasional milky-white light that appeared was instantly suppressed.
Even the relief of Saint Michael on the sarcophagus now bore a clear crack.
"Alec? Stand up. I never thought we'd actually have the chance to meet again!" From inside the sarcophagus, a slightly hoarse male voice suddenly rang out.
"I also never thought this day would come. When the Religious Tribunal's Cross Dagger pierced my heart, I believed my life was over. It wasn't until over a month ago, when I opened my eyes again, that I realized I was in a world centuries later."
Alec rose from the ground, his body slightly stooped. He had a somewhat vacant look in his eyes. Recalling his experience of death and resurrection, he still found it somewhat unbelievable.
"This is a gift from the world, Alec. I can already sense the presence of our kin! Go! Bring them all to this continent, soon to be abandoned by The Holy See. This place will become the de Nocte Family's farmstead!"
"I will obey your will, Sir!"
Centuries later, receiving the clan leader's command once more, Alec bowed just as he had before, then turned and left the small town.
He was to recall the former clan members for his master.
And at this moment, in the nearest operational airport to Sigli Town, a passenger plane from New York had just landed on the runway.