《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十九】降魔軍和鐵血禁衛軍
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雷諾瓦神父策馬疾馳，裹挾著一路風塵，終於抵達天堂旅館。夜色下，旅館的燈火映在鵝卵石鋪就的庭院裡，浮動著一層溫暖的輝光。雷諾瓦輕叩大門，推門而入，腳步帶著一絲急促，身上的灰色神袍沾滿了旅途的塵埃。

他走向前臺，目光淩厲地掃視著四周，隨即對櫃檯後的男子沉聲說道：「請問，陳約翰神父在哪？」

羅伯特微微皺眉，審視著眼前這位氣息緊迫的神職人員：「請問您是……？」

雷諾瓦挺直身子，取出一封信，在指間輕輕揚了揚：「我是雷諾瓦神父，來自教廷。史特龍神父派我前來，他是陳神父的師弟。」

羅伯特的神情變得鄭重，點了點頭：「請稍等。」他走向大堂一側，與站在角落的威爾森低語幾句。威爾森的神色瞬間凝重，他邁步走了過來，與雷諾瓦對視片刻：「您是史特龍神父的信使？」

「正是。」雷諾瓦不假思索地回答，「這封信，必須親手交給陳約翰神父。」

「請隨我來。」威爾森轉身帶路，腳步穩健地踏上紅毯鋪就的樓梯。走廊盡頭，他們來到505室。威爾森舉起手，敲了三下房門：「陳神父，我是威爾森。」

門很快被打開，林曉陽站在門口，微微側身警戒地打量著雷諾瓦：「威爾森，這位是？」

「來自教廷的神父，史特龍神父的信使。」威爾森簡單介紹。

林曉陽聞言，立刻側身讓開：「神父請進。」

房間內，燭光搖曳，牆上的十字架在微光中投下深邃的陰影。陳約翰坐在書桌前，正翻閱著一本厚重的手抄本。他抬頭，目光落在雷諾瓦身上。

「約翰神父。」雷諾瓦快步上前，從衣襟內取出一封封蠟完整的信，雙手遞上。「這是史特龍神父的親筆信。」

陳約翰接過信，指尖輕輕拂過封蠟，迅速拆開，眼神在信紙上游走，臉色漸漸凝重。

「我的師弟來信說，安德森這夥妖怪已經在義大利境內多座城市大肆屠殺，引發市民恐慌。」他的聲音低沉而肅然。

「安德森？」威爾森眉頭皺緊，疑惑道：「他的目標不是我們嗎？為何轉而對無辜市民下手？」

「因為他要分散我們的注意力。」陳約翰沉思片刻，緩緩道出自己的推測：「如此一來，不僅讓教廷疲於奔命，也讓瑪莉亞公主無法專心應對他的大軍。他製造混亂，是為了掩護自己的主力進攻我們的大本營。」

「可惡的魔頭！」林曉陽握緊拳頭，語氣憤怒，「他根本是想讓整個世界陷入混亂！」

雷諾瓦補充道：「教宗已經下令史特龍神父組建降魔軍，協助軍警清剿境內的安德森黨羽。同時，史特龍神父希望你們這邊也能有所行動，形成合圍之勢。」

威爾森當機立斷：「我們必須立刻向公主報告此事。」

陳約翰抬頭，眼中閃過一絲冷厲：「雷諾瓦，你回去告訴史特龍，公主很快就會有所行動，讓他做好準備。」

雷諾瓦微微躬身，神情堅定：「是，約翰神父。」

他轉身離去，步伐沉穩而迅捷，仿佛身後那扇門一旦合上，便是戰火燃起之時。

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陳約翰和威爾森穿過陰暗的走廊，步入了暗黑世界的天空城堡。城堡內空氣沉重，四周充斥著神秘的光影，彷彿每一個角落都隱藏著危險的陰謀。當他們走進大廳，瑪莉亞公主端坐在王座上，臉上帶著冷峻的神情，凝視著來人。

陳約翰微微低頭，語氣慎重：「公主，安德森的陰謀已經擴大，他對無辜的百姓下毒手，手段殘忍。」

聽完，瑪莉亞的眼中閃過一絲憤怒，她的雙手緊握扶手，指節微微發白，冷冷地回應：「這安德森實在可惡，竟敢對無辜百姓下這樣的毒手！」她站起身來，步伐沉穩，似乎在控制著內心的怒火。

威爾森站在一旁，身體略微前傾，眼神堅定：「公主，我們必須有所行動，不能讓他繼續得逞。」

瑪莉亞的目光轉向威爾森，微微一笑，眼中帶著一絲謹慎的冷意：「那是當然，行動是必須的。但我們不能輕易中了安德森的調虎離山詭計！他如此行事，無非是想引出我們的主力，我們必須時刻警惕，防範他偷襲天堂旅館。」

陳約翰自信地挺直了胸膛，微微一笑，語氣堅定：「公主，天堂旅館有我和林曉陽坐陣，安德森根本攻不進來。」

瑪莉亞微微挑眉，眼中閃過一絲好奇，語氣輕鬆地問：「喔？曉陽的潛力開發得如何？」

陳約翰的微笑更深了，眼神中透露出自信與驕傲：「有七八成了。現在的曉陽，實力已經不容小覷，即使是大法師魯夫，和他交手，也未必能占到便宜。而且，他最近還自學了不少中國武術，說是從漫畫裡得到靈感呢！」

瑪莉亞皺了皺眉，眼中閃過一絲好奇，輕聲問：「漫畫？哪類的漫畫？」

陳約翰的眼中露出一絲頑皮的笑意，語氣帶著些許自嘲：「是啊，漫畫。中國武術的漫畫。」

瑪莉亞輕輕笑了出來，嘴角揚起一絲笑意，眼中充滿了興趣：「這倒是新鮮！曉陽真是與眾不同。」

陳約翰笑著點頭，轉向公主的命令：「是的，公主。」他低頭行了一個尊敬的禮。

瑪莉亞轉向龍騎士，眼神堅定，語氣不容置疑：「龍騎士，你帶著鐵血禁衛軍，與教廷降魔軍配合，迅速行動。」

龍騎士毫不猶豫地抱拳作揖，低聲回應：「是，公主。」

瑪莉亞的眼神變得更加堅毅，右手握拳，目光如劍般銳利：「這一次，我們一定要徹底掃蕩安德森集團，永除後患。沒有任何人能阻止我們的正義！」

她的聲音激昂，仿佛雷霆般震撼著每一個在場的人。

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夜色如墨，風聲呼嘯，黑熊將軍帶領著黑蝙蝠部隊悄無聲息地穿過佛羅倫斯城的下水道。潮濕的牆壁上滴水作響，陰影在黯淡的燈光下晃動，仿佛每一個轉角都有未知的危險。部隊悄然分散，兩三隻吸血鬼一組，快速而有序地從暗巷中竄出，像幽靈一般無聲無息地掠過空無一人的街道。

城市的夜晚，依舊處於宵禁時段，街道上空蕩蕩的，僅有警車和軍車的轟鳴聲穿梭過街角，急促的燈光一閃而過，映照著兩旁漸漸閉上的商店鋪面。一小夥吸血鬼走到富都飯店的門口，他們身著緊身衣，黑色披風在微風中輕輕飄動，整體形象猶如來自地獄的使者，頓時引起了櫃台人員的恐慌。櫃檯女服務員的手指微微顫抖，她悄然按下了警鈴，並觸動了室內警報器。

幾名吸血鬼猛然衝進櫃台，一名服務生還未來得及反應，就被一名吸血鬼迅速撲倒，尖利的獠牙刺進她的脖子，黑血隨即湧出。其他服務生和房客聽到警報器的響起，紛紛變色。站在走廊的服務生忍不住大聲喊道：「樓下可能出事了，請各位緊閉房門，保持冷靜，別出來！」

警察局勤務中心的值班警員A迅速察覺到狀況，他的雙手急忙拿起無線電話，按下內線撥給局長法比奧：「報告局長，12街的富都飯店觸發了警報，可能有異常。」

法比奧局長的面容在燈光下略顯陰沉，他迅速作出反應，指令果斷：「嚴密監控，立刻派遣巡邏警車前往，立即支援。」

警員A用力點頭，迅速通話並發出命令：「中心呼叫，中心呼叫，12街富都飯店發生狀況，請附近巡邏警車立刻趕往支援！」

「明白，局長。」警員A迅速調度著現場，雙手緊握無線電，身體微微前傾，心跳加速，等待著下一步指示。

法比奧沉著應對，卻依舊帶著一絲不安，語氣未改堅定：「有新狀況，繼續向我回報。」

在警局的辦公室裡，法比奧坐在辦公桌後，望著眼前的幾名高階警官，面容嚴肅。他的手指在桌面上輕敲，發出低沉的聲音，象徵著心中的焦慮。當他開口時，語氣中帶著一絲無奈：「果然是防不勝防，這夥吸血鬼到底是怎麼進城的？」

警官C冷靜地分析，語調平穩：「根據目前的情報，我推測他們應該是從下水道進來的，這是唯一能隱蔽行動的方式。」

法比奧點了點頭，抓起桌上的電話撥號：「喂，找杜喬將軍，我是法比奧局長。」

電話那頭傳來副官的聲音：「局長，請稍等，將軍正在接聽。」

不久，杜喬將軍接過了電話，沉聲應答：「局長，我是杜喬。」

法比奧迅速報告情況：「將軍，富都飯店有狀況，我們已經派人前往處理。」

杜喬的語氣依舊冷靜，沒有絲毫驚慌：「好的，我會加派特戰隊員支援，馬上調動。」他話音剛落，便將指令交給了副官。

不久，兩部警車先後抵達富都飯店門口，警車的警笛聲撕裂了夜空，兩隊重武裝的警員迅速下車，為首的是一名穿著盔甲的刑事組幹員，手中長槍掛著槍榴彈，氣勢磅礴。

幹員D掃視了一眼周圍，沉聲命令：「各位夥伴，待會進入後，我們兩小隊分別逐層搜索。小隊成員絕對不能分散，否則會被吸血鬼圍攻。」

兩組警員齊聲回應：「是，長官！」

兩隊警員進入飯店大廳，空氣中瀰漫著一股血腥的氣味。他們發現兩名服務生，一名倒在櫃台桌面上，另一名則躺在樓梯口，脖間的四個牙洞正不斷滴著黑血，兩人都已經奄奄一息。

「繼續搜索！」幹員D低吼一聲，指揮著小隊往樓上搜查。

走到二樓的警員發現一名服務生倒臥在走廊，面色蒼白，手緊捂著傷口。他的指尖顫抖著指向樓上，聲音微弱卻堅定：「上面……他們還在樓上！」

另一小隊已經開始對一樓進行搜查。

當二樓的隊員上到三樓時，眼前的場景令他們心跳加速。三隻吸血鬼正將一名服務生拽著朝樓梯間拖去，三名吸血鬼的眼中閃過一絲嗜血的光芒，為首的吸血鬼狠狠地咬住服務生的脖子。

幹員D大聲喝斥，手中的槍已經瞄準對準了吸血鬼：「放開人質，舉起雙手！」

三名吸血鬼立刻反應過來，將服務生當成了人肉盾牌，冷冷地嘶吼：「退後！退後！不然他會沒命！」

瞬間，戰局瞬息萬變。兩隊警員迅速靠近，從吸血鬼身後開火，槍聲如雷鳴般迸發，槍彈穿透空氣，射向兩名吸血鬼。為首的吸血鬼毫不猶豫地將服務生狠狠地推下樓梯。隨後，來自三樓的警員也立即對準吸血鬼開火。樓梯間瞬間煙硝彌漫，彈片四散，吸血鬼的頭部被徹底炸裂，身上的彈孔像蜂窩一般，三隻吸血鬼的死亡瞬間變得淒慘無比，血腥的氣味彌漫在整個樓道。

寂靜的夜晚，回響著不斷回蕩的槍聲。

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傍晚，金色的餘暉灑在拿坡裡市的街道上，天空漸漸染成了深藍色。史特龍神父率領的降魔軍神父大隊，步伐堅定地進入市區。車隊緩緩停在市警局前，瑪律科市長和市警局分局長賈科莫親自走上前迎接。

瑪律科邁開步伐，微笑著伸出手，眼中滿是期待與尊敬：“史特龍神父，接到教廷的電話，得知你會率領降魔軍前來，我們市府的同仁都為之振奮。”他握緊了史特龍的手，力度適中，卻透露出一股深沉的感激。

賈科莫也隨即附和，他的語氣充滿了急切：“是啊！我們拿坡裡市的警力遠遠不夠，光憑我們警方，恐怕難以應對這夥吸血鬼的威脅。”

史特龍神父的目光堅定，語氣低沉：“這夥吸血鬼已經不僅僅是普通的邪惡存在，他們是一個組織嚴密的恐怖分子。教宗已經明確指示，我必須全力支援所有遭受吸血鬼侵擾的地方政府，特別是要剷除安德森黨羽。”

此時，羅倫佐將軍從一旁走出，眉頭微皺，眼中閃過一絲憂慮：“史特龍神父，是否需要我派兵隨行？我可以安排精銳士兵在你們身邊，確保一切順利。”

史特龍神父擺了擺手，神色依舊冷峻：“暫時不必。將軍的部隊已經駐守在本市的各個出入口，而這些吸血鬼，我們有足夠的力量應對。”

夜幕降臨，街道的燈光逐漸亮起，投下了斑駁的陰影。降魔軍的神父們穿戴整齊，法器掛在腰間，錐子緊握在手中，裝備齊全。每三人一組，身後跟隨著一名重武裝的刑警，在警車的陪同下，向各自的區域進發，開始了這場危險的清掃任務。

在一條偏僻的街巷深處，一陣腳步聲打破了寂靜。幾名降魔軍神父站在陰影中，目光如炬。突然，前方的黑暗中，幾隻身形瘦長的黑蝙蝠吸血鬼猛然沖出，眼中閃爍著寒光。雙方在陰暗的街道上爆發了激烈的戰鬥。每一位吸血鬼都死于神父們精准的法術或鋒利的銀錐，而剩下的幾隻則轉身倉皇逃竄，消失在夜色之中。

但在這場混戰之後，兩名倖存的吸血鬼悄然鑽進了一條陰冷的下水道。他們的面色蒼白，呼吸急促，顯然剛剛經歷了生死一線的險境。

鬼卒A握緊了自己的披風，眼中充滿了驚慌：“那幫神父顯然有備而來，我們根本不是他們的對手。”他低聲咒駡著，聲音充滿了懊惱。

鬼卒B的眼中閃爍著一絲不安，他的手指無意識地撫摸著傷口：“沒錯，他們絕對是教廷派來的，光是那身手就不是普通人能比的。”他緊了緊披風，壓低聲音，“我們必須向將軍彙報，撤出這座城市。否則，我們會全軍覆沒。”

鬼卒A點點頭，臉色變得更加凝重：“我們先躲一躲，等他們的鋒芒稍微消退，再回基地跟將軍報告。”他一邊說著，一邊小心地觀察著四周，生怕有人追蹤過來。

兩隻吸血鬼在幽暗的下水道中悄無聲息地行進，時而停下腳步，傾聽外面的動靜，臉上的恐懼逐漸被冷靜取代。

Chapter Nineteen — The Exorcist Army and the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guards

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Father Renoir rode at full speed, kicking up dust along the way, and finally arrived at Paradise Inn. Under the cover of night, the hotel lights reflected across the cobblestone courtyard, casting a warm glow that seemed to float in the darkness. Father Renoir lightly knocked on the door and pushed it open, his hurried footsteps revealing a sense of urgency. The gray clerical robe he wore was covered with dust from the journey.

He walked toward the front desk, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings before he said in a deep voice to the man behind the counter, “Excuse me, where is Father John Chen?”

Robert frowned slightly as he examined the urgent-looking clergyman standing before him. “May I ask who you are?”

Renoir straightened up and took out a letter, lightly raising it between his fingers. “I am Father Renoir, from the Holy See. Father Stylon 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 to one side of the lobby and whispered a few words to Wilson, who was standing in a corner. Wilson’s expression immediately became serious. He walked over and looked at Renoir for a moment. “Are you Father Stylon’s messenger?”

“Exactly,” Renoir answered without hesitation. “This letter must be delivered personally to Father John Chen.”

“Please come with me.” Wilson turned and led the way, his steady footsteps ascending the red-carpeted staircase. 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 quickly opened, and Lin Xiaoyang stood at the entrance. He shifted slightly to the side and cautiously examined Renoir. “Wilson, who is this?”

“A priest from the Holy See, Father Stylon’s messenger,” Wilson briefly explained.

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

Inside the room, candlelight flickered, while the cross on the wall cast a deep shadow in the dim light. Father John Chen was sitting at the desk, turning through a thick handwritten manuscript. He looked up, his eyes falling on Renoir.

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

Father John Chen accepted the letter, his fingertips lightly brushing over the wax seal. He quickly opened it, his eyes moving across the page as his expression gradually grew more solemn.

“My junior fellow disciple wrote that this group of monsters led by Anderson has been massacring people in several cities across Italy, causing widespread panic among the citizens,” he said in a low, solemn voice.

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

“Because he wants to divert our attention.” Father John Chen pondered for a moment before slowly giving his assessment. “That way, he can keep the Holy See constantly rushing from one crisis to another, while also preventing Princess Maria from concentrating on dealing with his army. He is creating chaos to cover the advance of his main forces against our headquarters.”

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

Renoir added, “The Pope has already ordered Father Stylon to organize an Exorcist Army to assist the military and police in eliminating Anderson’s forces throughout the country. At the same time, Father Stylon hopes that your side can take action as well, forming a pincer movement.”

Wilson immediately made up his mind. “We must report this to the Princess at once.”

Father John Chen looked up, a cold sharpness flashing in his eyes. “Renoir, go back and tell Stylon 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 yet swift, as though once the door behind him closed, the flames of war would be ignited.

### 68

Father John Chen and Wilson walked through the dim corridor and entered the Sky Castle of the Dark World. The air inside the castle was heavy, filled with mysterious lights and shadows, as though every corner concealed a dangerous plot. When they entered the main hall, Princess Maria sat on the throne, her expression stern as she stared at the newcomers.

Father John Chen lowered his head slightly and spoke cautiously. “Princess, Anderson’s conspiracy has expanded. He has begun attacking innocent civilians, using brutal methods.”

Upon hearing this, a flash of anger crossed Maria’s eyes. Her hands tightened around the armrests, her knuckles turning slightly pale, and she replied coldly, “That Anderson is truly despicable. How dare he inflict such brutality on innocent civilians!” She rose to her feet, her steps steady, as though she were controlling the anger within her.

Wilson stood to one side, leaning forward slightly, his eyes resolute. “Princess, we must take action. We cannot let him continue to get his way.”

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 acting this way, he clearly wants to draw out our main forces. We must remain vigilant at all times and guard against a surprise attack on Paradise Inn.”

Father John Chen straightened confidently and smiled slightly, his voice firm. “Princess, Lin Xiaoyang and I are stationed at Paradise Inn. Anderson has no chance of breaking in.”

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

Father John Chen’s smile deepened, confidence and pride showing in his eyes. “About seventy or eighty percent. Xiaoyang’s strength is already formidable. Even Grand Mage Ruf might not gain the upper hand against him. And recently, he has also 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 as she asked softly, “Comic books? What kind of comic books?”

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

Maria laughed softly, the corners of her lips lifting with interest. “That’s certainly something new! Xiaoyang really is one of a kind.”

Father 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 Guards and coordinate with the Exorcist Army of the Holy See. Move quickly.”

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

Maria’s gaze became even more determined. She clenched her right fist, her eyes sharp as a sword. “This time, we must completely wipe out Anderson’s organization and eliminate the threat once and for all. No one can stop us from carrying out justice!”

Her voice was impassioned, like thunder shaking everyone present.

### 69

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

The city was still 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 illuminating the gradually closing storefronts on both sides. 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 panic. The female desk clerk’s fingers trembled slightly as she secretly pressed the alarm button and activated the indoor alarm system.

Several vampires suddenly rushed behind the front desk. Before one of the hotel employees could react, a vampire quickly pounced on her and knocked her down. Its sharp fangs pierced her neck, and black blood immediately gushed out. The other employees and guests turned pale when they heard the alarm go off. A hotel employee standing in the hallway could not help shouting, “Something may have happened downstairs. Please keep your doors closed and remain calm. Don’t come out!”

Officer A on duty at the police station’s dispatch center quickly noticed the situation. 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 an incident.”

Chief Fabio’s face looked somewhat grim beneath the lights as he quickly responded with a firm order. “Monitor it closely. Immediately dispatch a patrol car to the scene. Send support at once.”

Officer A nodded forcefully and quickly transmitted the order. “Dispatch to all units, dispatch to all units. There is an incident at the Fudu Hotel on 12th Street. All nearby patrol cars, respond immediately for support!”

“Understood, Chief.” Officer A quickly coordinated the response, gripping the radio tightly and leaning slightly forward, his heart pounding as he waited for further instructions.

Fabio remained calm as he handled the situation, though a trace of unease remained in his voice. “Report to me immediately if there are any new developments.”

In the police station office, Fabio sat behind his desk, looking at several senior officers in front of him with a serious expression. His fingers tapped lightly on the desktop, producing a low sound that reflected the anxiety in his heart. When he spoke, his voice carried a hint of helplessness. “As expected, there’s no way to guard against everything. How did this group of vampires get into the city?”

Officer C calmly analyzed the situation in an even tone. “Based on the information we have so far, I suspect they came in through the sewers. That is the only way they could have moved around without being detected.”

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

A voice came through from the other end. “Chief, please hold. The General is taking the call.”

Soon, General Duccio picked up the phone and answered in a deep voice. “Chief, this is Duccio.”

Fabio quickly reported the situation. “General, there is an incident at the Fudu Hotel. We have already sent personnel to deal with it.”

Duccio remained calm, without the slightest sign of panic. “All right. I’ll send additional special-forces personnel to support you. I’ll mobilize them immediately.” As soon as he finished speaking, he gave the order to his aide.

Before long, two police cars arrived one after another in front of the Fudu Hotel. Their sirens tore through the night sky as two teams of heavily armed officers quickly got out. Leading them was a criminal-investigations officer wearing body armor, carrying a long gun fitted with a grenade launcher. His presence was imposing.

Officer D scanned the surroundings and issued a low, firm command. “All right, everyone. Once we enter, the two teams will search each floor separately. No team member is to become separated, or the vampires will surround you.”

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

The two teams entered the hotel lobby. The air was filled with the smell of blood. They found two hotel employees, one collapsed over the front desk and the other lying at the foot of the stairs, four puncture wounds in her neck continuously dripping black blood. Both were barely alive.

“Keep searching!” Officer D growled, directing the team upstairs.

On the second floor, an officer found a hotel employee lying in the hallway, his face pale and one hand tightly covering his wound. His fingertips trembled as he pointed upstairs, his voice weak but firm. “Upstairs... they’re still upstairs!”

The other team 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 the eyes of the three vampires as the lead vampire viciously bit 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 hotel employee as a human shield. They hissed coldly, “Back off! Back off! Or he’s going to die!”

In an instant, the battle changed dramatically. The two teams of officers quickly moved closer and opened fire from behind the vampires. Gunshots erupted like thunder, bullets tearing through the air and striking two of the vampires. The lead vampire showed no hesitation and violently shoved the hotel employee down the stairs. The officers from the third floor immediately aimed at the vampires and opened fire as well. Smoke and gunpowder filled the stairwell, fragments flew in every direction, and one vampire’s head was blown apart completely. Bullet holes covered their bodies like a honeycomb, and the deaths of the three vampires became horrifyingly gruesome. The smell of blood spread throughout the entire hallway.

The silent night echoed with the continuous thunder of gunfire.

### 70

At dusk, golden afterglow spread across the streets of Naples, while the sky gradually deepened into blue. The large group of priests from the Exorcist Army, led by Father Stylon, entered the city with determined strides. The convoy slowly stopped in front of the city police station, where Mayor Marco and the city police district 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 Stylon, after receiving the call from the Holy See and learning that you would lead the Exorcist Army here, everyone at city hall was greatly encouraged.” He firmly shook Stylon’s hand, his grip moderate yet conveying deep gratitude.

Giacomo immediately agreed, his tone filled with urgency. “Exactly! The police force in Naples is far from sufficient. Relying on the police alone, we may have a hard time dealing with the threat posed by this group of vampires.”

Father Stylon’s gaze was resolute, and his voice was low. “These vampires are no longer merely ordinary evil beings. They are a well-organized group of terrorists. The Pope has given clear instructions that I must provide full support to all local governments suffering from vampire attacks, especially in eliminating Anderson’s forces.”

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

Father Stylon 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.”

As night fell, the streetlights gradually came on, casting mottled shadows across the streets. The priests of the Exorcist Army were fully equipped, with sacred implements hanging from their belts and stakes firmly gripped in their hands. Working in groups of three, each group was accompanied by a heavily armed criminal officer. With police cars escorting them, they headed into their assigned areas and began this dangerous operation to eliminate the vampires.

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

But after the fierce clash, two surviving vampires quietly slipped into a cold, dark sewer. Their faces were pale and their breathing rapid, clearly having just survived a life-or-death ordeal.

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

Ghost Soldier B’s eyes flickered with unease as his fingers unconsciously touched his wound. “That’s right. They were definitely sent by the Holy See. Just their skills alone are beyond what ordinary people can match.” He tightened his cape and lowered his voice. “We have to 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 dies down a little, we’ll return to the base and report to the General.” As he spoke, he cautiously watched their surroundings, afraid that someone might be following them.

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