Necromancer, but pre-collapse civilization

　On the surface, the extension of the battle line did not seem to reach every corner of the forest, but in reality, the sparse trees on the outskirts of the forest had long been weakened by the coalition's dense and fierce air raids, and could no longer provide any effective cover or protection for the vampires.

　Therefore, the central area of ​​the forest naturally became the key to the life and death of the vampire clan, and the last relatively solid line of defense that they could hold.

　Sensing the urgency and crisis of the battle, Beatrice didn't have time to rest. Following the secret instructions transmitted through the secure communication channel, she hurried to a pre-designated secret assembly point.

　This location is only 47 kilometers away from the floating battleship USS America, which is fiercely bombarding the ground. It is the perfect position for the power of the [Cursed Crystal] to be fully exerted.

　Upon arrival, she successfully reunited with the elite vampire squad that was conducting covert operations.

　With their assistance and cover, Beatrice carefully selected a location that cleverly avoided the sight of human patrols while ensuring a clear view of the USS America.

　Then, Beatrice took out the [Cursed Crystal], which carried the hopes of the entire vampire race, from a specially made briefcase.

　She took a deep breath, gathered all her strength, and tightly connected her soul with the cursed power within the crystal.

　The next moment, a dark red cursed beam of light burst forth from the [Cursed Crystal], tearing through the sky like lightning and heading straight for the command center of the floating battleship America.

　The cursed beam ignored all defenses and barriers, penetrating the ship's thick armor and powerful Honkai energy shield, and striking Admiral Joseph, who was strategizing in the command center.

Chapter 434 Negotiation between Humans and Vampires

　Because the noise generated when the [Cursed Crystal] was used was so obvious, almost as soon as Admiral Joseph fell without any chance to defend himself, the floating battleship America immediately launched a fierce and indiscriminate barrage of artillery fire on the area where Beatrice had been.

　However, this seemingly all-consuming barrage of firepower, aside from generating deafening echoes and needlessly consuming a vast reserve of ammunition and energy, failed to capture even the slightest trace of its true target.

　It must be said that the necromancer's after-sales service is truly commendable.

　He generously explained to the vampires the effects of using the [Cursed Crystal], a mid-tier magical artifact.

　Therefore, before activating this deadly curse, Beatrice meticulously planned a careful escape route.

　The moment that dark red, blood-red cursed light pierced the sky and struck the America with unerring accuracy, she had already silently vanished into the shadows and escaped unscathed.

　"Operational objectives have been achieved; the retreat operation shall commence immediately!"

　Following Beatrice's orders, the elite vampire force, which had always maintained its mystery and efficiency and had never directly clashed with the human alliance, swiftly and systematically began its retreat.

　Like a ghostly army in the night, they silently escorted Beatrice, whose magic was exhausted, into the darkness.

　At the same time, the order to retreat was accurately conveyed to the ears of every vampire warrior.

　The vampire warriors, who had been driven to despair by the suffocating barrage of fire from the air fleet and the human alliance, were relieved to hear the order and immediately began their retreat.

　As for those human servant armies?

　During a full retreat, someone always has to cover the rear.

　Therefore, from the beginning, Beatrice never gave the human servant army a retreat order.

　Hotel Maritim Plaza, Tirana, Albania.

　three days later.

　Unsurprisingly, negotiations between human society and the vampire clan reached a stalemate on the very first day.

　"No, that's impossible! We will not agree to such conditions! Two trillion Mu Continent currency in compensation... completely relinquishing all the countries we currently control... these conditions are far too harsh!"

　At the outset of the negotiations, Odar, the deputy negotiator for the vampire clan, expressed strong protest and dissatisfaction with the harsh conditions proposed by the United Nations in a firm tone.

　Although the emerging force of "fire-chasing moths" is quietly rising, intending to challenge and replace the authority of the United Nations, at this stage, the United Nations remains the highest legitimate body of human society, and its influence and decision-making power should not be underestimated.

　Even necromancers have a place in the United Nations, although that representative...

　He may not be very noticeable on a daily basis, but his very existence adds an undeniable dimension to the authority of the United Nations.

　"Your Excellency Yang Qiwen!"

　He stood up abruptly, slammed his hands heavily on the white tablecloth of the negotiating table, leaned forward, and raised his voice.

　"Your Excellency should understand that we absolutely cannot agree to this condition. We urge you to be more pragmatic."

　“Vice Envoy Audar, I understand your insistence, but please allow me to reiterate that these conditions did not come out of thin air; they were formulated based on the widespread damage and loss that the nobility has recently caused to human society.”

　With his arms crossed, Yang Qiwen, the deputy negotiator for the United Nations, spoke calmly.

　"Compensation and territorial adjustments are necessary steps to restore order and rebuild trust."

　As he spoke, he tapped the table lightly, each tap seemingly striking the very depths of the vampire delegation's soul.

　Upon hearing this, Deputy Envoy Odal's face darkened further, but he did not immediately refute it.

　The reality is harsh, and no one can deny the defeat in the battle against the vampire tribe in the Albanian forest.

　If it weren't for the terrifying power of the [Cursed Crystal] at the end of that battle, and the curse threat that the vampire clan actively revealed, forcing human society to take their existence and power seriously.

　Otherwise, they might never have had the chance to sit here and engage in this difficult negotiation with representatives of human society.

　Faced with Deputy Envoy Odar's silence, Deputy Yang Qiwen did not rush to advance the negotiation process, but instead gave the other party enough time to think.

　Just as the atmosphere at the negotiating table was becoming tense, Ernest Jennings, the UN's special envoy for negotiations, broke the silence.

　“Deputy Envoy Odal, we fully understand the plight and demands of the vampire community, but the United Nations also has its own considerations… However, I think our goals are the same, which is to seek peace and avoid more conflict and sacrifice.”

　Severan Augur, the mastermind behind the negotiations among the vampire clan, also chimed in at this moment.

　“Representative Ernest is absolutely right. Peace and stability are our common aspirations.”

　With these words from Seferian Augsel, the atmosphere at the negotiating table eased somewhat.

　Both sides began to discuss core issues such as compensation amount, territorial division and security guarantees in a more open and rational manner.

　"Your Excellency Yang Qiwen, we acknowledge that we have caused some losses to human society, but the compensation amount of two trillion Mu Continent currency is simply too large, which will seriously affect the survival and development of our race."

　Yang Qiwen's deputy nodded slightly, indicating that he understood the other party's difficulties, but he did not back down because of this.

　“Vice Envoy Odal, the amount of compensation is based on an assessment of the actual losses. We understand that this is a heavy burden for the nobles, but it is also necessary to restore mutual trust and prevent future conflicts from recurring. Of course, we are also willing to consider some flexibility and find a solution that is acceptable to both sides.”

　At this point, Seferian Augsel proposed a more detailed and forward-thinking solution.

　“We propose that the compensation amount be paid in stages and that a monitoring body be jointly established with the United Nations to ensure the fair disbursement of compensation funds.”

　The vampire mastermind made it clear that he hoped to gain some concessions on territorial adjustments by being flexible on the amount of compensation.

　"At the same time, regarding territorial adjustments, we can consider relinquishing control over some non-core areas, but hope to retain some territories with historical and cultural significance in order to safeguard the dignity and identity of our ethnic group."

　Ernest Jennings' eyes flashed with approval upon hearing this.

　"The proposal put forward by the host, Seferan, is very constructive, and we are willing to discuss it in depth. Of course, we also hope that the vampire community can commit to abiding by international laws and order in the future and jointly maintain regional peace and stability."

　Over the next few hours, the atmosphere at the negotiating table was sometimes tense and intense, and sometimes calm and rational.

　The representatives from both sides engaged in a back-and-forth debate, constantly proposing new viewpoints and solutions, while also making continuous revisions and compromises.

　Finally, after many rounds of arduous negotiations, human society and the vampire clans barely reached a peace agreement.

　The vampire clan agreed to pay two trillion Mu continent currency in war reparations and to govern the occupied territories together with the United Nations.

Chapter 435 Behind the Ceasefire Agreement

　After the armistice agreement was signed, the delegations from both sides embarked on their respective journeys home according to the established itinerary.

　At this point, Yang Qiwen, the deputy in the UN negotiating team, finally found an opportunity to raise his doubts with Ernest Jennings, the key figure at the negotiating table.

　“Mr. Ernest, have we been too lenient in dealing with vampires? Perhaps if we applied a little more pressure, we could have secured more favorable terms.”

　From Yang Qiwen's perspective, the human alliance's advantage on the battlefield was unshakeable. Although the existence of necromancers thwarted their attempt to completely eradicate vampires, they significantly weakened them.

　While it is possible to ensure that humanity is spared harm for the next few decades, it is not an impossible goal.

　"It's too late, Mr. Yang. Time no longer allows us to take further pressure measures."

　With a sigh, Ernest began to explain to Yang Qiwen the complex and hidden circumstances behind the armistice agreement.

　"There's been some unusual activity from the necromancers. Our intelligence network has received disturbing news from the port of Constanta: a new undead force has appeared there..."

　Admittedly, the deeper reason lies in the fact that those powerful figures who steer the fate of human society are wary of the vampires' cursed power, which is enough to cause mutual destruction, and this is what led to the current peace agreement.

　However, such a truth is too sensitive and complex to be discussed openly.

　Therefore, after in-depth exchanges with those high-level decision-makers, Ernest decided to use his dialogue with Yang Qiwen to indirectly convey the underlying logic of this decision to the elite class, who are the backbone of society, in order to quell any possible doubts and misunderstandings.

　After listening to Ernest's explanation, Yang Qiwen frowned, his eyes flashing with deep thought, clearly deeply moved by his words.

　“I see, Mr. Ernest, your explanation has made me re-examine the current situation.”

　He realized that his previous assessment of the battle situation had been somewhat overly optimistic.

　"But even if we choose peace, how can we ensure that vampires will not become a threat again? After all, their existence is always an unstable factor."

　Ernest nodded, as if he had anticipated Yang Qiwen's question.

　“This is precisely the problem we need to face together, Mr. Yang.”

　He went on to explain.

　"Peace does not mean abandoning vigilance, much less turning a blind eye to potential threats. On the contrary, we need to build a more robust intelligence network to be aware of every move of vampires and necromancers."

　He paused for a moment, his eyes revealing determination and resolve.

　"More importantly, we must unite as one, gather the strength of human society into a mighty force, and let vampires and necromancers feel the power of our unity, so that they will not dare to act rashly."

　Ernest's implication was clear: to pacify internal strife, one must first secure external stability!

　Before resolving internal conflicts, they must first stabilize the external situation.

　Only by temporarily stabilizing the vampires and necromancers can these traditional powers concentrate their efforts to deal with the moths that are disrupting peace and undermining unity.

　Bucharest, Romania.

　Inside a vampire mansion on the outskirts of the city, a group of vampire elites, led by Beatrice, are gathered to discuss the impact of the newly signed truce agreement on the future of their race.

　"That's a full two trillion Mu Continent currency! How could Augersl give in so easily?"

　"Putting aside the amount of compensation, what I find most unacceptable is that the governance of our territory requires prior consensus with those people at the United Nations!"

　"..."

　Beatrice snorted with dissatisfaction as she coldly observed the noisy vampire nobles who were behaving like they were in a market.

　The voice was soft, but it was enough to silence all the vampire nobles present instantly.

　"Why did you stop? Keep going!"

　Mentioning the Albanian Forest Battle that shocked all those in the know, Beatrice, with extraordinary courage and wisdom, used the power of the [Cursed Crystal] to successfully curse and kill General Joseph, the commander-in-chief of the human alliance.

　This feat not only won her a political victory, but also established her unshakeable and lofty prestige among the vampire clan.

　The reason for this is actually quite simple.

　When a leader, the helmsman of a nation, is willing to risk her life for the future of her people, to personally confront the battlefield amidst the roar of cannons and the life-or-death struggle, and to face the terrifying naval cannons that could devour her life, her courage and determination will naturally win the deepest respect and trust of her people.

　Under Beatrice's imposing gaze, the vampire nobles involuntarily restrained their emotions, readjusted their postures, and prepared to listen to her opinions.

　"Gentlemen, I know you are dissatisfied with this armistice agreement, believing that we have paid too much and even sacrificed some of our autonomy."

　Beatrice's voice was steady and powerful, resounding throughout the conference hall.

　"But allow me to remind you that war is never the best way to solve problems, especially when we cannot gain the upper hand on the battlefield."

　This was Beatrice's way of expressing herself in a gentle yet dignified manner, out of consideration for everyone's feelings.

　In fact, in the Albanian Forest Campaign, the vampire army could not be said to have collapsed at the first touch; rather, it was a complete defeat.

　If it weren't for the power of the [Cursed Crystal] intimidating the rulers of human society, and if it weren't for the necromancers' covert protection and intervention, they would have been dragged out of their lair by the human alliance and faced the severe sentence of hanging.

　"Two trillion Mu Continent currency is indeed a huge sum of money."

　But it is also the stepping stone for us to establish a new order with the human world. It means that we are no longer isolated and excluded outsiders, but have gained a legitimate status to coexist with humanity…

　With a sudden change of tone, Beatrice's eyes gleamed with intelligence.

　"As for the governance of our territory, our cooperation with humanity does not mean abandoning our bottom line of principles and dignity. On the contrary, it is a necessary step for us to gain more say in the new international order. We must learn to seek opportunities through compromise and promote development through cooperation."

　Such words, which respected objective reality and demonstrated his foresight, made the vampire nobles present nod in agreement, rekindling their hope for the future.

　Unfortunately, beneath this outward optimism lay Beatrice's deep-seated worries and anxieties.

　In her mind, the current state of development of her community was far worse than anyone could imagine.

　She knew all too well that while the truce had temporarily eased the immediate crisis, the long-term challenges facing the vampire race had not been lessened in the slightest.

　The officials sent by the United Nations to jointly govern the territory are not easily fooled; how could they easily give the vampire clan room to grow?

　It's difficult...

Chapter 436 Self-Developed Legendary Spell: Soul Circulation

　Demiplane, Magic Guild.