Fantasy Novel: Paradise

Hotel    20

【NINETEEN】The Demon-Slaying Army and the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard

67

Father Renoir rode at full speed, carrying the dust of the road with him, and finally arrived at Paradise Hotel. Beneath the night sky, the hotel lights reflected across the cobblestone courtyard, casting a layer of warm radiance. Renoir knocked lightly on the door and pushed it open, his steps carrying a hint of urgency. The gray clerical robe he wore was covered with dust from the journey.

He walked toward the front desk and cast a sharp glance around the lobby before asking the man behind the counter in a deep voice, “Excuse me, where is Father John Chen?”

Robert frowned slightly as he scrutinized the visibly urgent clergyman before him. “May I ask who you are?”

Renoir straightened up and took out a letter, gently raising it between his fingers. “I am Father Renoir, from the Vatican. Father Strillon sent me here. He is Father Chen’s junior fellow disciple.”

Robert’s expression became solemn, and he nodded. “Please wait a moment.” He walked toward one side of the lobby and whispered a few words to Wilson, who was standing in the corner. Wilson’s expression immediately turned serious. He walked over and looked at Renoir for a moment. “Are you Father Strillon’s messenger?”

“That’s right,” Renoir answered without hesitation. “This letter must be delivered personally to Father John Chen.”

“Please follow me.” Wilson turned and led the way, his steady footsteps ascending the staircase covered with a red carpet. At the end of the corridor, they arrived at Room 505. Wilson raised his hand and knocked three times on the door. “Father Chen, it’s Wilson.”

The door opened quickly. Lin Xiaoyang stood in the doorway, shifting slightly to the side while cautiously studying Renoir. “Wilson, who is this?”

“A priest from the Vatican, and Father Strillon’s messenger,” Wilson briefly introduced him.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoyang immediately stepped aside. “Please come in, Father.”

Inside the room, candlelight flickered, casting a deep shadow from the cross on the wall. John Chen sat at the desk, flipping through a thick handwritten manuscript. He looked up, his gaze falling upon Renoir.

“Father John.” Renoir hurried forward, took a letter with its wax seal still intact from inside his robe, and handed it over with both hands. “This is a handwritten letter from Father Strillon.”

John Chen took the letter, gently brushing his fingers over the wax seal before quickly opening it. His eyes moved across the page, and his expression gradually became grave.

“My junior fellow disciple writes that Anderson’s monsters have been carrying out widespread massacres in several cities across Italy, causing panic among the civilians.” His voice was low and solemn.

“Anderson?” Wilson frowned deeply and asked in confusion, “Wasn’t his target supposed to be us? Why has he turned to attacking innocent civilians?”

“Because he wants to divert our attention.” John Chen pondered for a moment before slowly giving his assessment. “That way, he can keep the Vatican running from place to place while also preventing Princess Maria from concentrating on dealing with his army. He is creating chaos to cover his main force’s attack on our headquarters.”

“That despicable fiend!” Lin Xiaoyang clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger. “He’s trying to throw the entire world into chaos!”

Renoir added, “The Pope has already ordered Father Strillon to establish a Demon-Slaying Army to assist the military and police in eliminating Anderson’s followers throughout the country. At the same time, Father Strillon hopes that your side can take action as well, forming a pincer movement.”

Wilson made the decision immediately. “We must report this to the princess at once.”

John Chen looked up, a cold sharpness flashing in his eyes. “Renoir, go back and tell Strillon that the princess will take action very soon. Tell him to be prepared.”

Renoir bowed slightly, his expression resolute. “Yes, Father John.”

He turned and left, his steps steady and swift, as though once the door behind him closed, the flames of war would begin to rise.

68

John Chen and Wilson passed through the dimly lit corridor and entered the Sky Castle of the Dark World. The air inside the castle was heavy, and mysterious light and shadows filled the surroundings, as though dangerous conspiracies lurked in every corner. When they entered the great hall, Princess Maria was seated on the throne, her expression stern as she gazed at the two men approaching her.

John Chen lowered his head slightly, his tone solemn. “Your Highness, Anderson’s conspiracy has expanded. He has turned his hand against innocent civilians, using ruthless methods.”

A flash of anger crossed Maria’s eyes. Her hands tightened around the armrests, her knuckles turning slightly white, and she responded coldly, “Anderson is truly despicable. How dare he inflict such cruelty upon innocent civilians!” She rose from her throne, her steps steady, as though she were controlling the anger burning inside her.

Wilson stood to one side, leaning forward slightly, his gaze resolute. “Princess, we must take action. We cannot allow him to continue succeeding.”

Maria turned her gaze toward Wilson and smiled faintly, a cautious coldness in her eyes. “Of course. Action is necessary. But we cannot so easily fall for Anderson’s diversionary tactic. By doing this, he obviously wants to draw out our main force. We must remain vigilant at all times and guard against a surprise attack on Paradise Hotel.”

John Chen straightened his chest confidently and smiled slightly. “Princess, Paradise Hotel has Lin Xiaoyang and me guarding it. There is no way Anderson can break in.”

Maria raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes. In a relaxed tone, she asked, “Oh? How much of Xiaoyang’s potential has been unlocked?”

John Chen’s smile deepened, confidence and pride evident in his eyes. “About seventy or eighty percent. Xiaoyang’s strength is now formidable. Even the Grand Mage Rufe might not be able to gain the upper hand against him. And recently, he has even taught himself quite a bit of Chinese martial arts. He says he got his inspiration from comic books!”

Maria frowned slightly, curiosity flashing in her eyes. She asked softly, “Comic books? What kind?”

A mischievous smile appeared in John Chen’s eyes, and his tone carried a touch of self-mockery. “Yes, comic books. Chinese martial arts comics.”

Maria laughed softly, a smile spreading across her lips, her eyes filled with interest. “That is certainly unusual! Xiaoyang really is one of a kind.”

John Chen nodded with a smile and turned to acknowledge the princess’s command. “Yes, Princess.” He lowered his head in a respectful bow.

Maria turned toward the Dragon Knight, her eyes resolute and her tone leaving no room for argument. “Dragon Knight, take the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard and coordinate with the Vatican’s Demon-Slaying Army. Move quickly.”

The Dragon Knight immediately clasped his fists and bowed, answering in a low voice, “Yes, Princess.”

Maria’s expression became even more resolute. She clenched her right fist, her gaze as sharp as a sword. “This time, we must completely eradicate Anderson’s organization and eliminate the threat once and for all. No one can stand in the way of our justice!”

Her voice rang out with passion, like thunder shaking everyone present.

69

The night was as dark as ink, and the wind howled. General Black Bear led the Black Bat forces silently through the sewers of Florence. Water dripped from the damp walls, while shadows swayed beneath the dim lights, as though unknown dangers lurked around every corner. The troops quietly split up, two or three vampires in each group, quickly and methodically emerging from the dark alleys and gliding silently across the deserted streets like ghosts.

The city remained under curfew that night. The streets were deserted, with only the roar of police cars and military vehicles passing through the intersections. Their flashing lights briefly illuminated the storefronts on both sides as the shops gradually closed for the night. A small group of vampires approached the entrance of the Fudu Hotel. They wore tight-fitting clothes, and their black capes fluttered gently in the breeze. Their overall appearance was like that of messengers from hell, immediately throwing the front-desk staff into a panic. The female receptionist’s fingers trembled slightly as she secretly pressed the alarm button, triggering the building’s internal alarm system.

Several vampires suddenly rushed behind the front desk. Before one of the receptionists could react, a vampire quickly pounced on her, its sharp fangs sinking into her neck as black blood immediately gushed out. The other staff members and hotel guests turned pale when they heard the alarm. A staff member standing in the hallway could not help shouting, “Something may have happened downstairs. Everyone, keep your doors locked, stay calm, and don’t come out!”

At the police station’s operations center, Officer A on duty quickly realized that something was wrong. He hurriedly picked up the radio telephone and pressed the extension to call Chief Fabio. “Chief, the Fudu Hotel on 12th Street has triggered its alarm. There may be some kind of emergency.”

Chief Fabio’s face looked slightly grim under the lights. He reacted immediately, issuing his orders decisively: “Keep the area under close surveillance. Dispatch patrol cars immediately and send them in to provide support.”

Officer A nodded vigorously and quickly transmitted the message, issuing the command: “Control, Control, this is an emergency at the Fudu Hotel on 12th Street. All nearby patrol cars, proceed to the location immediately and provide support!”

“Understood, Chief.” Officer A quickly coordinated the situation on the ground, gripping the radio tightly with both hands, leaning slightly forward, his heart racing as he waited for further instructions.

Fabio remained composed as he dealt with the situation, though a trace of unease remained in his expression. His tone stayed firm. “Report to me immediately if there are any new developments.”

Inside the police station office, Fabio sat behind his desk, staring at several senior officers in front of him with a grave expression. His fingers tapped lightly against the desktop, producing a low, rhythmic sound that reflected the anxiety in his heart. When he spoke, his voice carried a trace of helplessness. “Just as I feared, there’s no way to guard against everything. How exactly did these vampires get into the city?”

Officer C calmly analyzed the situation, his tone steady. “Based on the intelligence we have so far, I suspect they entered through the sewers. That is the only way they could have moved around without being detected.”

Fabio nodded, picked up the telephone on the desk, and dialed. “Hello, get me General Duccio. This is Chief Fabio.”

A voice from the other end replied, “Chief, please hold. The general is taking the call.”

A moment later, General Duccio came on the line and answered in a deep voice, “Chief, this is Duccio.”

Fabio quickly reported the situation. “General, there’s an incident at the Fudu Hotel. We’ve already dispatched personnel to handle it.”

Duccio remained calm, without the slightest trace of panic. “Understood. I’ll send additional special operations personnel for support. I’ll mobilize them immediately.” As soon as he finished speaking, he passed the order to his adjutant.

Before long, two police cars arrived one after another at the entrance of the Fudu Hotel. Their sirens tore through the night sky. Two squads of heavily armed officers quickly stepped out of the vehicles. At the front was a criminal-investigation tactical officer wearing armor, a long gun equipped with a grenade launcher in his hands, his presence imposing.

Officer D swept his gaze over the surroundings and ordered in a deep voice, “All right, everyone. Once we enter, the two squads will search each floor separately. Squad members must not split up under any circumstances, or the vampires will surround and overwhelm you.”

The two squads of officers responded in unison, “Yes, sir!”

The two squads entered the hotel lobby, where the air was thick with the smell of blood. They found two hotel employees. One was collapsed across the front desk, while the other was lying at the foot of the stairs, four puncture wounds visible on his neck as black blood continued to drip from them. Both were barely alive.

“Continue the search!” Officer D growled, directing the squad upstairs.

On the second floor, the officers found an employee lying in the hallway, his face pale and one hand clamped tightly over his wound. His trembling fingers pointed upstairs, and his voice was weak but firm. “Upstairs... they’re still upstairs!”

The other squad had already begun searching the first floor.

When the second-floor team reached the third floor, the scene before them made their hearts race. Three vampires were dragging a hotel employee toward the stairwell. A bloodthirsty gleam flashed in their eyes as the lead vampire viciously sank its fangs into the employee’s neck.

Officer D shouted, his gun already aimed directly at the vampires. “Release the hostage and raise your hands!”

The three vampires immediately reacted, using the employee as a human shield. They snarled coldly, “Back off! Back off! Or he’s going to die!”

In an instant, the situation changed completely. The two squads of officers quickly moved closer and opened fire from behind the vampires. Gunfire erupted like thunder, bullets tearing through the air toward two of the vampires. Without hesitation, the lead vampire violently shoved the employee down the stairs. The officers on the third floor immediately opened fire as well. The stairwell was instantly filled with smoke and gunfire, fragments flying everywhere. The vampires’ heads were blown apart, and their bodies were riddled with bullet holes like honeycombs. The deaths of the three vampires were brutally gruesome, and the smell of blood filled the entire stairwell.

In the silent night, the echoes of gunfire continued to reverberate.

70

At dusk, golden afterglow spilled across the streets of Naples, while the sky gradually deepened into blue. The battalion of priests from the Demon-Slaying Army, led by Father Strillon, entered the city with determined steps. The convoy slowly came to a stop in front of the Naples Police Department, where Mayor Marco and Police Precinct Chief Giacomo personally stepped forward to welcome them.

Marco stepped forward with a smile and extended his hand, his eyes filled with anticipation and respect. “Father Strillon, after receiving the Vatican’s call and learning that you would be leading the Demon-Slaying Army here, everyone at City Hall was greatly encouraged.” He clasped Strillon’s hand, his grip firm but measured, conveying deep gratitude.

Giacomo immediately joined in, his tone filled with urgency. “Exactly! Our police force in Naples is nowhere near sufficient. Relying on the police alone, I’m afraid we’ll have a hard time dealing with the threat posed by these vampires.”

Father Strillon’s gaze was resolute, his voice low. “These vampires are no longer merely ordinary manifestations of evil. They are a tightly organized group of terrorists. The Pope has given me explicit orders to provide full support to every local government suffering from vampire attacks, with particular emphasis on eliminating Anderson’s followers.”

At that moment, General Lorenzo stepped out from the side, his brows slightly furrowed, a trace of concern flashing in his eyes. “Father Strillon, do you need me to send troops with you? I can arrange elite soldiers to accompany you and ensure that everything goes smoothly.”

Father Strillon waved his hand, his expression remaining stern. “Not for now. The general’s troops are already stationed at all the entrances and exits of the city, and we have enough strength to deal with these vampires.”

Night fell, and the streetlights gradually came on, casting mottled shadows across the streets. The priests of the Demon-Slaying Army were fully equipped, with their sacred implements hanging from their waists and their spikes tightly gripped in their hands. They advanced in groups of three, each group accompanied by a heavily armed criminal investigator. Escorted by police cars, they headed toward their respective districts and began this dangerous eradication operation.

Deep within a secluded alley, a burst of footsteps broke the silence. Several priests of the Demon-Slaying Army stood in the shadows, their eyes sharp and alert. Suddenly, several tall, slender Black Bat vampires burst from the darkness ahead, their eyes flashing with a cold light. The two sides erupted into a fierce battle in the darkened street. Each vampire was killed by the priests’ precise spells or sharp silver spikes, while the remaining few turned and fled in panic, disappearing into the night.

But after the chaotic battle, two surviving vampires quietly slipped into a cold, dark sewer. Their faces were pale and their breathing rapid, clearly showing that they had just survived a life-or-death ordeal.

Ghost Soldier A clutched his cloak tightly, panic filling his eyes. “Those priests clearly came prepared. We’re no match for them at all.” He cursed under his breath, his voice filled with frustration.

A trace of unease flickered in Ghost Soldier B’s eyes as his fingers unconsciously touched his wound. “That’s right. They were definitely sent by the Vatican. Just their skills alone are beyond anything ordinary people possess.” He tightened his cloak and lowered his voice. “We must report to the general and withdraw from this city. Otherwise, our entire force will be wiped out.”

Ghost Soldier A nodded, his expression becoming even more solemn. “Let’s hide for a while. Once their momentum has eased a little, we’ll return to the base and report to the general.” As he spoke, he cautiously surveyed their surroundings, afraid that someone might be following them.

The two vampires moved silently through the dark sewer, occasionally stopping to listen for sounds from outside. The fear on their faces gradually gave way to calm.