Chapter 289 An invitation you can't refuse
[New Status Update]
After all the chaos with Samira, Beatrice, Monica, Cristine, and Cassandra, Strax finally found a moment of peace—or at least something close to it. He had retreated to his room after reading the new message that had appeared, and now he was in a place decorated with sophistication and a dark touch typical of a vampire mansion. The dark walls and the soft glow of candles provided a tranquility he desperately needed.
"Finally alone..." he murmured, sitting in the massive leather chair by the window. The moonlight faintly filtered through the slightly parted curtains, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
Strax glanced at his hands for a moment, still getting used to the idea of being a vampire. He could feel the energy flowing through his body in ways he had never experienced before. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and a new window from the System appeared before him, floating in the air, displaying the latest updates.
[System Updated]
[You've made significant progress over the last few months, and your power is currently being recalculated for the new version of the System to be implemented. At this time, you only have a preview of your status. Alert: This is not the final version yet.]
"Hmm, so this is it... Version 3.0 should be coming soon," Strax murmured while reading the message. He had expected something like this; two hundred levels were too much even for him.
[Character Status]
[Name: Strax Vorah]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: King of the Supreme Cultivator Stage]
[Talent: Legendary]
[Race: Primordial Vampire (NEW)]
[Body: Three-Headed Dragon Demon Body (Level 3), Celestial Incubus King Body (Level 2), Primordial Vampire Body (Level 2)]
[Level: 300]
[HP: 4584 / 4584]
[Vitality: 307]
[Resistance: 300]
[Strength: 305]
[Agility: 300]
[Intelligence: 298]
[Defense: 305]
[Skills: King of Lust Asmodeus, Ice Manipulation, Fire Manipulation, Diamond Web, Dragon Transformation, Dragon Claw, Dragon Flight, Demon Dragon Breath, Vampire Regeneration, Blood Vision, Enhanced Blood Strength, Blood Manipulation, Hunter's Presence, Blood Transmutation Aura, Blood Resistance, Progenitor's Aura, Primordial Transformation (Incomplete)]
He carefully observed some of the changes that had taken place... Strax ran his eyes through the notifications. He couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Eternal Bond," that explained the chaos he had just faced. However, what caught his attention the most was the race status—Primordial Vampire. And of course, Primordial Transformation (Incomplete). He knew that until this transformation was completed, there would be unpredictable risks.
Primordial Transformation (Incomplete): To complete the transformation, the user must consume the blood of another Primordial Vampire or absorb a significant amount of life energy.
"So, I need to absorb more energy... or drink the blood of another Primordial Vampire." He thought of Scarlet. She had transformed him, but now he had to deal with the consequences of an incomplete transformation.
There was still so much he didn't know about his new powers. He decided to test one of the newly unlocked abilities: Blood Manipulation. Strax made a small cut on the palm of his hand. Watching the blood spill, he extended the other hand and, with a gentle concentration, made the blood float in the air, shaping into a thin, sharp blade.
"This will be useful." He smiled, moving the blood blade through the air with a simple motion of his fingers. Then he dissolved it, letting the blood return to the wound, which quickly closed thanks to his accelerated vampire regeneration.
[Vampire Regeneration Skill Enhanced]
Status: Activated
Description: Your healing speed is now three times faster than before.
Strax relaxed in the chair, watching the moonlight outside the window. He knew his power had grown immensely since becoming a Primordial Vampire, but what intrigued him the most was the new mission: Meet Elizabeth Tepes.
[New mission available: Meet Elizabeth Tepes]
Description: The Vampire Empress, Elizabeth Tepes, has reached the Emperor level and become the most powerful figure in the Vampire Realm, alongside her father, Dracula. Establish dominance over her to solidify your position as a Vampire.
[Reward: A special unknown ability and access to the Vampire Council.]
"The Empress of Vampires... Of course, because conquering the most powerful woman in the kingdom will be easy... Well, she's not stronger than Scarlet, right?" He sighed, feeling the weight of the mission. The mere mention of Elizabeth Tepes sent chills down the spine of any vampire. If he failed, he would lose everything he had gained so far.
Strax leaned back in the chair, running his fingers through the System notifications, absorbing the information as if it were a strong drink, full of power and promises. He focused on one specific ability, which seemed to have evolved into something grander.
"Incubus evolved into... King of Lust Asmodeus..." He murmured softly, staring at the description of the ability.
With a light touch, he clicked to expand the information, the details of the ability unfolding before him like an ancient book full of mysteries.
[King of Lust Asmodeus (Supreme Level)]
Description: You now hold the title of King of Lust, a manifestation of the essence of Asmodeus, the demon of desires. Your presence is capable of seducing and controlling the deepest desires of those around you, dominating their minds and emotions. Your mental manipulation, attraction, and willpower control abilities have been enhanced. Furthermore, you can now incite uncontrollable desire in those who approach you, creating a deep and irresistible bond.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
[Effects]
Supreme Seduction: The ability to attract and emotionally control any being with a simple glance.
Emotion Mastery: You can alter or block feelings and desires within the minds of others.
Desire Bond: By binding a person to your desire, you can make them follow your orders for a determined time, depending on their mental strength.
Lust Aura: A permanent aura that emanates from you, causing feelings of ecstasy and desire in those nearby.
Strax looked at the screen, his eyes reflecting a mix of fascination and amusement. The ability was not only powerful, but also offered subtle psychological control over others, something he knew he could wield with mastery, especially in the political and social world of vampires.
"So, now I'm the King of Lust, the master of desires..." He smiled, imagining the possibilities. This ability would be a powerful card up his sleeve, especially when dealing with allies, enemies, or... his wives. He wondered just how far he could push this power without losing control.
On an impulse, he closed his eyes and released the aura. Instantly, a soft, almost hypnotic sensation took over the room around him. He could feel the very room respond to his presence, the furniture and even the light seeming to react to his will.
"This will be interesting," Strax thought, feeling a growing satisfaction as the power flowed in his direction. He knew that, with this ability, he could easily manipulate hearts and minds, but he also felt the responsibility that came with this control.
"But I need to be careful." He forced himself to focus. The temptation to abuse this ability was strong, but he knew that if he lost control, the consequences would be disastrous. Even he, with all his strength and power, knew he wasn't immune to his own desires.
He deactivated the ability, letting the aura dissipate, but the heat of his power still burned in his veins, amplifying the feeling of supremacy that crawled through his mind.
Strax slowly rose, the chair creaking under the movement. He made his way to the window, observing the night outside. The Vampire Kingdom was peaceful now, but he knew that wouldn't last. He needed more power, more control, and with the mission ahead of him—Elizabeth Tepes, the Empress of Vampires—he would have to use all his abilities to the fullest.
"I know what to do now..." Strax murmured to himself, a cruel smile forming on his lips. He felt more prepared than ever, and he knew that by taking control of Elizabeth, his position in the vampire kingdom would be solidified.
But something in the back of his mind made him hesitate. He looked at the System message screen again, thinking of the battles ahead, the challenges that awaited him. "Yeah, now everything is really out of control..." But instead of fear, a soft laugh escaped his lips. "Perfect."
...
The soft glow of the candles flickered, reflecting the grandeur of the vampire empire. In the background, the atmosphere was imposing, yet at the same time filled with a palpable tension, as if every shadow in the castle was a promise of something greater and more sinister.
Discover hidden stories at empire
Elizabeth Tepes, the Princess of Vampires, walked through the corridors with graceful and firm steps, as though she ruled every space she passed through. Her long black dress, adorned with silver embroidery, moved with her like a shadow, fluid and imposing, reflecting her position in the empire. Her hair, long and as dark as the night, cascaded in perfect waves around her face, and her red eyes glowed with a predatory intensity.
The woman spoke with one of her servants, a young vampire who followed closely behind, her watchful gaze noting every movement of her mistress. The tone of the conversation was casual, but Elizabeth's posture never faltered, as if each word she spoke had a purpose, even if it wasn't immediately obvious.
"I think it would be an excellent opportunity," Elizabeth said with a faint smile, her eyes fixed on the corridor ahead. "If Countess Scarlet could come to the high society event, it would definitely add... an interesting touch."
The servant looked at her mistress with a careful expression, aware of what the Empress meant. "But, my Lady, you know Scarlet is never easy to convince..." The servant hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "She'll probably refuse, just like she did last time."
Elizabeth chuckled softly, a sound that seemed more like a cold echo than a laugh. "I know, dear. I know." She paused for a moment, her eyes shining in a way that suggested a deep, almost prophetic knowledge. "But perhaps... just perhaps... she'll be surprised by how interesting the event becomes. Even she won't be able to resist the invitation... After all, she loves a good fight, doesn't she? How about..."