Chương 518: The Vampire’s Choice

They were walking toward the abyss. It would take several days on foot. Luke knew this all but guaranteed that the baron would learn about the attack on his men, but he no longer cared. As they traveled, the group kept circling back to Luke's plan to jump into the abyss. His strategy relied on Angie. If he fell, she could use her wings to pull him back up. The problem was depth. If the drop was too deep, her stamina would not be enough to lift him.

"Reaching the bottom won't be the issue," Luke said, trying to reassure Layla.

"We have skills that prevent us from dying from the fall." Charlie had her Vampiric Softfall. Luke could glide using his cloak.

"The problem," he added, "is if this turns out to be the infinite kind of abyss."

"Then you all die," Artemis said cheerfully.

"Falling forever until you starve. Very sweet moments we'll share together."

"I-I-I don't want to risk this," Layla said.

"Why don't you help Cassandra in the war, or stay at that temple until everything settles down and then leave? Why are you so desperate to find this hidden temple?"

"Because I need power. Because I need answers. And because after everything I went through to find it, I'm not backing down now," he said flatly. Luke wasn't afraid of abysses. He had thrown himself into one back when he was level zero. With time to spare as they walked, he opened his interface and distributed the free points he had been holding onto.

Name: Luke Level: 66 Race: Half-Demon Rank: E Class: [Demonic Predator (Lvl 68)] 2nd Class: [Witch (Lvl 34)] Profession: [Guardian Botanist of Mother Freya (Lvl 77)] Titles: [Dark Lord] Bloodline: [Bloodline of the Dark Demon] Health Points (HP): 6950/6950 -> 7000/7000 Mana Points (MP): 7342/7930 -> 7412/8000 Stamina: 4101/4450 Soul Fragments: 399/1000 Stats: Strength: 561 Lethality: 965 Agility: 770 (780) Dexterity: 392 -> 397 Endurance: 445 -> 450 Vitality: 695 -> 700 Toughness: 234 -> 261 Perception: 667 (677) Wisdom: 788 (793) -> 795 (800) Intelligence: 643 Willpower: 700 Free Points: 49 -> 0 Class Skills: [Advanced Blade Handling (Uncommon)], [Advanced Knife Throwing (Rare)], [Twin Blade (Common)], [Basic Dark Dash (Rare)], [Crimson Fang (Ultra-Rare)], [Predator's Mark (Rare)], [Demonic Blade Dance (Rare)], [Wraith Form (Ultra-Rare)], [Force Infusion (Rare)], [Advanced Stealth (Rare)], [Assassin's Tracking (Rare)], [Mana Infusion (Rare)], [Basic Archery (Common)], [Demonic Predator Hands (Epic)], [Demonic Predator Throwing Knife (Epic)] Second Class Skills: [Basic Magic Conjuration (Common)], [Teleportation Pentagram (Legendary)], [Shadow Ball (Common)], [Weak Telekinesis (Uncommon)], [Witch's Gaze (Uncommon)], [Cursed Weapon Throw (Rare)], [Telekinetic Impulse (Rare)], [Telekinetic Pull (Rare)], [Witch's Thread (Rare)] Profession Skills: [Herbology of Mother Freya (Ancient)], [Precise Extraction (Common)], [Advanced Potion Crafting (Uncommon)], [Corrupted Plant Growth (Rare)], [Plant Sensor (Uncommon)], [Botanical Bond of Mother Freya (Rare)], [Seed Conversion (Rare)], [Plant Manipulation of Mother Freya (Rare)], [Corrupted Blood of Mother Freya (Ultra-Rare)], [Thorn Mutation (Uncommon)], [Soil Analysis (Uncommon)], [Botanical Purification (Uncommon)], [Acid Blood Arrow (Epic)], [Soil Guardian I (Ancient)], [Vegetal Respiration (Common)], [Stomach of Mother Freya (Ancient)] Race Skills: [Identify (Common)], [Demonic Perception (Uncommon)], [Dark Blood (Uncommon)], [Advanced Meditation (Uncommon)], [Demonic Endurance (Uncommon)] Rank Skill: [Soul Infiltration (Rank F)] Bloodline Skill: [Servant of the Dark Lord (Unique)] Servants: [Charlotte Vespertilio (Vampire) - Lvl 61], [Angie (Stone Angel) - Lvl 26] Familiar: [Ancient Wyvern (Rank F)] The abyss was nearly four days of walking from the temple.

They stopped twice along the way. Layla helped set up the tent where she slept with Charlie. For the first time in a long while, there were other women traveling together. She did not count the talking necklace as a woman. Staring up at the moon, Layla glanced toward Luke. He sat by the campfire, gazing at nothing, or more likely at his system screen. He stayed there in silence, seated and lost in thought. Layla quickly closed the tent and went to her bed.

Damn bastard. Giving me that libido-boosting potion. Since leaving the Temple of Arcadia, she had walked for twelve straight hours while feeling a constant burning sensation inside her, sweat clinging to her skin, her body overly sensitive. It was the side effect of the healing potion that bastard had given her. Still, she couldn't deny the results. She felt energized, never grew tired, and even the hole torn into her calf had regenerated fully. Part of her wanted to thank him, but another part stayed irritated.

Especially because the potion made her feel strange whenever she looked at Luke. She lay down. Charlie was already there, asleep.

"Layla, can I ask you something?" Charlie said, turning over.

"I thought you were asleep, Charlie."

"I'm a light sleeper."

"Go ahead. What do you want to know?"

"Why are you… here with Master Luke? Didn't you give up on traveling with him?"

"I already explained it. That bastard showed up in my tent, demanded a few favors, made me march around like a horse, then we fought ninjas, I almost died, and now I'm here. But at least I got to see you again, Charlie." Charlie sat up.

"You smell like him, Layla." Her eyes narrowed. Smell like him? I smell like that bastard? No. I smell good. I bathe, I use creams, perfumes, oils.

"You must be mistaken," Layla said.

"Hm…" Charlie leaned closer and inhaled lightly.

"It's faint, but it's there." Oh. It's probably because I wore his shirt.

"Charlie, it's because—" Layla stopped mid-sentence. Charlie's gaze had turned unsettling.

"Well, it's probably your imagination. Or maybe it's because I once used that guy's shirt as a floor rag." Layla changed the subject.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. It was morning when Luke checked Angie's and Charlie's interfaces. They had made solid progress. Charlie had reached level 71 as a Blood Death Knight and level 66 as a Black Ash Fighter.

Name: Charlotte Vespertilio Level: 61 Race: Vampire Rank: E Class: [Blood Death Knight (Lvl 71)] 2nd Class: [Black Ash Fighter (Lvl 66)] Title: [Servant of the Dark Lord] Bloodline: [Bloodline of Vespertilio] Health Points (HP): 7380/7380 Mana Points (MP): 5330/5330 Stamina: 6078/6100 Blood Core: 93/100 Stats: Strength: 1261 Lethality: 460 Agility: 456 Dexterity: 212 Endurance: 617 Vitality: 744 Toughness: 522 Perception: 403 Wisdom: 533 Intelligence: 314 Willpower: 424 Free Points: 0 Class Skills: [Basic Weapon Handling (Common)], [Heavy Strike (Common)], [Basic Spectral Charge (Rare)], [Crescent Slash (Uncommon)], [Whirlwind Strike (Uncommon)], [Spectral Barrier (Rare)], [Doomblade (Rare)], [Mark of Doom (Rare)], [Force Infusion (Rare)], [Doom Explosion (Rare)], [Spectral Soldier (Ultra-Rare)], [Blood Bat I (Epic)], [Vampire Drain (Ancient)], [Blood Teleport (Epic)] Second Class Skills: [Advanced Hand-to-Hand (Uncommon)], [Steel Fist (Rare)], [Stunning Punch (Uncommon)], [Battle Roar (Uncommon)], [Concentrated Kick (Uncommon)], [Power Punch (Uncommon)], [Pugilist's Leap (Uncommon)], [Muscle Reading (Uncommon)], [Movement Echo (Uncommon)], [Flame (Common)], [Flame Fist (Rare)], [Flame Aura (Rare)], [Basic Levitation (Ultra-Rare], [Berserker Ashen Flames I (Ultra-Rare)], [Twin Meteor Fists (Epic)], [Body Flame Regulation (Uncommon)] Race Skills: [Demonic Servant Perception (Uncommon)], [Basic Bone Regeneration (Rare)], [Bone Endurance (Rare)], [Iron Bones (Ultra-Rare)], [Night Eyes (Uncommon)], [Blood Sensitivity (Uncommon)], [Enhanced Senses (Uncommon)], [Disease Immunity (Ancient)], [Poison Immunity (Ancient)], [Vampiric Reflexes I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Aura I (Ancient)], [Weak Vampiric Charm I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Leap I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Softfall I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Strength I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Regeneration I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Bite I (Ancient)], [Vampiric Beast Devour (Ancient)] Bloodline Skill: [Path of the Vampiric Beast (Ancient)] At level 70 of her first class, she had chosen an extremely versatile skill, useful in countless situations. [Blood Teleport (Epic)]: The knight channels the bond with their Blood Familiar, tearing space between them with a single thought. The body dissolves into a swirling mass of blood and reforms beside the familiar. Ideal for ambushes, pursuits, or escapes. Teleportation is only possible while the familiar is alive and within the bond's range. And at level 65 of her second class, she had chosen what she believed to be the most practical option among the available skills. [Body Flame Regulation (Uncommon)]: By drawing on the power of Flame, the fighter circulates heat throughout the body. The skill keeps the user warm in freezing environments and helps endure extreme heat. It is useful both in combat within frozen regions or against cold-based enemies, and in battles involving fire and intense temperatures. It allows the fighter to adapt to different environments and continue fighting even under harsh conditions. It also makes it possible to mask thermal presence, becoming difficult to detect. Honestly, I'd pick that skill too if I could. Luke understood how deceptively powerful simple skills could be when used correctly. [Witch's Thread] and [Telekinetic Impulse] were proof of that. Charlie entered his tent, wearing a nightgown." Good morning, Master Luke."" Good morning, Charlie…" He quickly looked away." She's not wearing a bra, Luke. Look, man. You need to look," Artemis said. Shut up… Charlie paused." I forgot to bring your breakfast." Lulie flew over to greet Luke, and Charlie stepped out of the tent. Ten seconds later, the air around Lulie filled with red particles. Droplets of blood appeared, and reality itself seemed to tear as Charlie reappeared beside Luke. Blood Teleport." Lulie and I make a great combat duo now," Charlie said proudly. The little bat nodded in agreement. Charlie set the tray on a small stool and sat down next to Luke." Master Luke…" she began softly." I fed on beasts, and I ate that woman's hand, just like I told you."" Yes."" Um… would you let me drink a little of your blood? Just so I can… you know, taste good blood again?" Her cheeks flushed as she spoke." Of course, Charlie, you can—" He didn't finish the sentence. She suddenly jumped onto his lap and bit into his neck." Please, gods, let this happen. I don't care if it's in this story arc," Artemis muttered. Charlie pulled back." Th-thank you for breakfast, Master Luke." Luke cleared his throat. He still didn't know how to emotionally process Charlie's advances. Part of him wondered if her feelings came from being his servant, from spending so much time interacting only with him, and also… because he had never looked at her that way before. He cleared his throat again." Our next stop is the objective. I think it's best if we choose your skill soon." [Blood Core Expansion I (Ancient)]: A natural evolution of the Blood Core that expands the vampire's capacity to store vital energy. This enhancement allows the core to hold an additional 25 units of Blood Energy, significantly extending its natural reserves. A rare and ancient improvement, a sign that the vampire's blood is beginning to adapt, expanding its dark heritage and strengthening the core that sustains its immortality. (Warning: This Skill advances one step along the Path of the Vampire) [Blood Orb I (Ancient)]: By channeling the power of the Blood Core, the vampire consumes 10 Blood Energy to form a floating sphere of blood known as a Blood Orb. This orb can drain blood from recently deceased bodies, accumulating up to 50 Blood Energy. The Blood Orb cannot be absorbed directly by the vampire. Its purpose is to act as an external reserve of blood energy used exclusively to activate vampiric skills, preserving the Blood Core itself. During combat, the vampire may replenish the orb by fully draining their victims, ensuring a steady flow of blood energy. However, the Blood Orb is temporary. It dissolves over time or when its blood energy is depleted. A strategic skill for moments when the vampire must reveal themselves in battle and unleash the true power of their lineage without destabilizing the vital balance of their Blood Core. (Warning: This skill advances one step along the Path of the Vampiric Beast.) Charlie had not chosen yet because she was waiting for Luke. And he had not chosen either, because they were facing a genuine dilemma. [Blood Core Expansion I] would increase the size of her Blood Core, allowing her to store more Blood Energy. That meant keeping Vampiric Hunger at bay for longer periods and preserving her sanity. It was, in many ways, the most natural path for a vampire. Blood Orb, on the other hand, felt different. More raw. More visceral. It was not fear of the Vampiric Beast Path that held them back. The temptation came from something else entirely. Expanding the Blood Core by 25 Blood Energy was an absurdly attractive offer." Layla is still asleep, so it's fine if we talk about this now," Charlie said. If there was one thing Luke was absolutely certain about, it was Layla's sleep. For someone who called herself a "little princess," she slept like a rock. Sometimes she even snored." So," Luke asked, "what was it like using the power of your vampiric beast side while I was gone?"" Hm… being able to feed on beasts was one less thing to worry about. I feel like I lifted a burden from you, Master Luke. But…" She hesitated, searching for the right word." Sometimes I feel like I became a little more… selfish."" Selfish?" he repeated. Her face flushed red." There's something I want very badly. And when I imagine someone else taking it from me, I feel… angry. Very angry. I want it only for myself. I want to hold… that something all the time." Something she wants badly. Selfishness?" Some animals are territorial," Luke said slowly." Could that be connected to the vampiric beast?"" I think so, Master Luke. I think that's exactly it. I want to… mark my territory around what I desire. But only when the time is right." If that's all it is, then it's manageable. Selfishness can be controlled. Samael mentioned in the letter that investing in Willpower would be important. I think that's where the key lies. The stronger her mental fortitude becomes, the more she can tip the scales against her bestial instincts. They kept talking. In the end, they decided. Charlie tapped her interface and made her choice. [Charlotte Vespertilio has acquired the Race Skill: Blood Orb I]"Vampiric Regeneration saved your life while I was gone," Luke said quietly." If you hadn't had Blood Energy to activate it, things could have ended very badly." With that power, Charlie could harvest Blood Energy directly from enemy corpses, fueling her vampiric skills without touching her primary reserves. Permanently expanding the Blood Core was tempting. But in the long run, the power promised by the Vampiric Beast felt far greater.