Hero of Darkness

The High Vampire guardian, who had previously exerted control over the Hero's Party and manipulated them into demeaning actions, now stood in shock and disbelief.

Maximus had seized the opportunity, driving his sword directly into her chest. Her guard had been lowered due to her assumption that her bewitching techniques had them under complete control.

"I'm sorry, lady... But what kind of Fatherless behavior is this?" asked Kahn who suddenly let go of the act of being under her mind control.

[She's a classic example of Feminazis on earth. The ones who want privileges of both men and women but not responsibility or consequences of either side while they scream about sexism and misogyny.] spoke Kahn to himself.

Maximus swiftly unsheathed his sword, and with a thud, a gush of blood spilled from her chest as she crumpled to the ground.

Thud!

"With that kind of attitude…" Kahn remarked as he approached, 

"You belong to the streets."

Cough!

Cough!

Amidst coughs and splutters, the Beguiling Queen's demeanor shifted dramatically, suddenly assuming a damsel-like persona as she spat up blood.

"Stop overreacting." Maximus scolded. 

"We know you vampires possess formidable regenerative abilities. 

Moreover, a mere stab in the chest won't end you, considering you lack a core." he stated calmly.

In the midst of this situation, the remaining members of the Hero's Party managed to shake off the trance that had ensnared them.

"What's happening?" Rolakan queried, clearly confused.

"Guess who fell victim to another mind trick?" Kahn responded sardonically.

"Again?!" exclaimed Rolakan, Speki, Conan, and Borat collectively, exasperated at yet another mental manipulation.

Maximus turned his attention to Atreus.

"Wanna have a go at this one too?" he asked the blue wolfkin.

"Nope... I have a record of beating 9/10 women I meet. I don't wish to turn the number into double digits." Kahn replied with a hint of reluctance.

"Wait! Why isn't my ability working?!" the high vampire could finally speak after her lungs and throat recovered and she asked in disbelief.

"Really? That was your biggest move?

That too right after we killed that guy who messed with our minds?" asked Kahn with a disappointed and annoyed voice.

Kahn and Maximus were already in a league of their own when it came to mental fortitude.

Even the previous Chimera's mental attacks worked solely because it was a high level of skill accompanied by many magic formations that increased the effect of his illusion technique and they were caught off guard before even realizing it.

Yet, both of them had easily broken past it and right after their minds were in zone and on high alert against such psychic attacks, the vampire guardian tried to use the same type of tricks on them.

Obviously, they broke past them easily but did not act like they were free to create an opening to take down the guardian.

And it worked… the High vampire was now at their mercy when completely taken aback because of her arrogance.

Ching!

In a calculated move, Speki swiftly retrieved a hexagonal artifact from within his belongings. With a practiced hand, he utilized the artifact's power to create an intricate and potent magical seal.

This seal took form around the female high vampire, ensnaring her within its mystical confines as it sealed her ability to use mana, world energy and any bloodline specific abilities.

The transformation of the vampire woman's demeanor was stark and immediate. Once radiating arrogance and dominance, her countenance now shifted to one of vulnerability and helplessness.

The effect was profound – the bewitching aura that once held the party under its sway was shattered by the sealing artifact.

"We don't have any intentions to play along with you and neither do I want to give you a chance to turn into a saint." spoke Maximus as the female high vampire's countenance turned that of a weak and helpless woman.

This was what Maximus planned to do the moment he realized that this guardian could use bewitching abilities to turn them into her slaves.

Maximus's strategy had been meticulously devised, taking into account the dangerous bewitching abilities possessed by this guardian.

Recognizing the danger of allowing her to unleash her full powers, Maximus had acted swiftly, catching her off guard in a scripted manner. His approach was pragmatic and goal-oriented; it was aimed at achieving their primary objective – reaching the God's Altar.

Their goal was to enter the God's Altar as soon as they could, not play home sweet home with these guardians who were out for their blood.

Hence, Maximus was going to be as swift and decisive as he could instead of engaging in some grand and prolonged battles just because someone craved chaos or wanted the thrill of battles.

"I have some questions to ask. And you're going to answer them truthfully." spoke Maximus is a somber tone, his eyes reflecting the dominance in his resolve.

With a purposeful demeanor, Maximus drew his sword, his grip firm and his intentions clear. 

Addressing the captured vampire guardian, his tone was serious and unwavering as he announced his intent to extract information.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Maximus introduced a seemingly unrelated statement into the conversation. 

"I identify as a Feminist myself." he proclaimed, throwing the vampire off balance with this unexpected declaration.

BANG!!

What ensured for next few minutes was Maximus using his shield and sword to bash the Beguiling Queen as he taught her some manners for making them do all those lame and infuriating acts.

In a swift and impactful move, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. A resounding sound, akin to a gunshot, echoed as Maximus's shield and sword were employed as tools of retribution.

The once-confident Beguiling Queen found herself at the receiving end of a relentless barrage of strikes, courtesy of Maximus's unadulterated wrath. 

By no means Maximus had anything against women, but he wasn't the kind of person who would allow someone to ostracize him just because he was a man.

"Stop! Why are you treating me so harshly?" bellowed the high vampire.

Her appearance at the moment made her look like a beautiful woman who was being wronged by ruffians, adding to her pitiful feminine charm.

"What kind of dishonorable and misogynistic man beats up a woman?" asked the guardian, trying to weasel her way out.

"This isn't misogyny…"

However, Maximus replied as he clenched his grip on the sword and shield, replying in a cold and grim voice…

"This is Equality."