Beatrice’s voice, ethereal and haunting, sliced through the silence like a scythe through twilight mist, reverberating within the minds of all present. "The hour of reckoning approaches. Prepare yourselves, for the exams commence shortly." The omnipresent declaration unsettled the air, sending ripples of anticipation and dread through the crowd of examinees.
The team was unrelenting, with Alucard being the first to speak without hesitation.
"Finally! Let’s just eliminate them all and collect their bracelets so we can earn some valuable points for the trade with Djinn."
"That I can agree on, we just vaporize the fodders, and who knows reap the benefits while we are at it."
Abadis responded with a savage grin and a tone that dripped with greed.
But every single person here, including Ophelia, has the same twisted mindset. Even Ophelia, who appears to be the most composed and grounded of the group, radiates a quiet intensity her sadistic smile full of greed evident.
’Hehehe…. maybe I should hide their vampirisms and kill them slowly enjoy the process of sucking them dry, the more head the more points I get after all…. hehehe...’
Ophelia pondered to herself. Meanwhile, as Merciless switched his gaze back and forth between everyone, something strange seemed to be happening to him. Despite his attempts to conceal it, Michelle noticed and spoke up about it.
Michelle’s voice echoed telepathically in Merciless’ mind as he sent him a message.
’Merciless you see troubled what’s the problem?!’
As soon as his sire asked what was going on, Merciless promptly responded with a curt reply.
’It’s nothing to fret over; it’s just that maintaining control over the Solomon bloodline is proving to be more challenging than I anticipated.’
’I had almost forgotten about your unique ability to mimic the lineage of our kind, it’s both fascinating and unsettling. You have an unfair advantage with that ichor of yours. I assume you can hear everything about them - their deepest secrets, their innermost desires - it must be overwhelming for you isnt it.’
Michelle asked in worry for his kilde.
’Father, to be completely truthful, it’s both comical and disturbing what my teammates are saying and the desires they’re expressing. I’ve tried to brush it off, but let’s just say my team is a bit...unconventional by human standards, not that I care, to me I am still more fucked up in the head for sure.’
’For instance, Ophelia, who is sitting over there, has an insatiable desire for material possessions. Earlier, she was fixated on the size of my penis, but now her thoughts have shifted to how she can gain points from the other examinees. Zane is difficult to read with so many thoughts and voices swirling inside his head; I try my best to ignore him. Jordan, on the other hand, is a complete mystery to me. It’s as if he has no desires at all.’
’Lucy is strange; she’s not thinking about anything specific, yet I sense a strong attraction towards me. As for Alucard, his thoughts revolve around killing as many examinees as possible. Substance appears to be ecstatic and full of questionable intentions. Anastasia is afraid of you because of what you did to her. And who is this Kali person? Let’s discuss that later. Then there are the twins - one wants to cause suffering for mere entertainment, while the other desires power and resources from their victims. And finally, you father... I can’t sense or hear anything from you. You might as well not even exist, similar to Jordan being a blank slate.’
Calmly, Merciless responded to Michelle, who studied him with a curious glance. She could see that he had grown stronger and was now analyzing him to gauge his abilities.
’His power has skyrocketed in an impossible manner. How did he go from being an intermediate level vampire to a peak level graduate vampire in such a short time? And that ichor… it’s breaking records effortlessly. Right now, at full power in his base form alone, Merciless could destroy a star twenty times larger than Hellmora’s current sun. In simpler terms, he could easily wipe out several stars with his current strength. But why did his power increase so drastically? It doesn’t make any sense… and i’m not even talking about his other two transformations, haha… have I perhaps given rise to a unexplainable monster, intriguing indeed.’
’I can tell that my son has improved greatly in his skills and could now put up a a good enough fight against the Loviatar boy. However, this exam also contains monsters capable of destroying entire universes. They are hiding it well, but my keen eyes can see through their façade. These ancient vampires should not be underestimated, but if Merciless continues to evolve at this rate, he may just reach their level. After all, he’s already earned the title of youngest graduate in the vampire community and he doesn’t even know it yet.’
’Heheh… It’s been a while since I felt proud of someone else’s achievements.’
Michelle thought to himself, but he didn’t dwell on it for too long. After all, he only had about eight minutes left with Merciless, possibly even less. So he decided to move the conversation along by saying:
"Time, that relentless thief, has pilfered our moments."
With a swift motion, Michelle turned to Abadis, her blue skin a stark contrast against the darkening sky.
"Loviatar one, return them. All but us of course."
He commanded, his voice resonant with an authority that brooked no disobedience.
"So, let me get this straight. You want me to transport everyone except for you and Merciless? Is that what you’re suggesting?"
Abadis inquired, attempting to clarify the orders given by Michelle, which were both straightforward and ambiguous.
Naturally Michelle replied back to Abadis as such.
"Blue one, you may leave the orc thing and the slime creature behind while transporting the other flesh sacks back to the meeting hall. I wish to speak with my son in private, so please leave my son team behind and return to your origin point. He will catch up with you before the examiners send their representatives."
In a commanding and composed tone, Michelle addressed Abadis, who nodded obediently. It was clear that she didn’t want to test Michelle’s patience and receive the same treatment as Zane. Without saying any more, Abadis snapped her fingers while saying.
"Actualize!"
In an instant, everyone else vanished, leaving only the individuals Michelle specifically instructed to stay. At that point, it was just Michelle, Merciless, Anastasia, and Substance present.
The garden, now silent save for the gentle rustling of leaves, seemed to hold its breath. Merciless stood still, his tall, lean form casting shadows that danced with the flickering light of the blue moon above. The black tips of his hair shimmered with a preternatural luster while the black horn upon his head caught the dying light, giving it an obsidian sheen.
Substance, the slime girl with her clear skin and neon blue eyes, lingered close to Merciless, a twisted smile etched on her lips—a smile born out of an unwavering and maddened devotion. Anastasia, the former orc princess, stood aloof, her own neon blue eyes betraying nothing of her thoughts as she trembled in fear, and just watched on the sidelines.
"Merciless!"
"Yes father!"
"Let’s keep this brief. I assume your ichor allows you to see memories, so do you have a general understanding of what has occurred while you were away?"
"I am fully aware of the situation, there’s no need for explanations. I already know why you’re here - for the 50% offer and the weapons. Father, you don’t have to waste time explaining anything to me. Thanks to Substance, I have seen these events unfold myself. I am also knowledgeable about Xana, but I won’t dwell on that as your main goal is to protect my valuable archive. After all, she is a source and an extension of my genetic power. And for that you have my eternal appreciation father."
"Excellent, excellent. This exam will give you the power and experience you need to confront Dolce and retrieve my sword tomorrow night. But let’s not forget, I also have weapons for you and your team members, as well as for that man thing as well."
Michelle informed Merciless who replied back in kind.
"I am grateful for your thoughtfulness, father. I may not be used to being spoiled in such a way, but I have no complaints. If I am to defeat the gods, any source of power is crucial for me to obtain."
In the midst of a cold night, Merciless spoke to Michelle with a calm and collected tone as his tail swayed back and forth and his hair danced in the wind.
"Of course I would spoil you. Just remember, in comparison to other heirs, you are seen as insignificant. That’s why I need to make sure you are well-fed before the annual Stygian Symposium 87 years from now. That is when I will introduce you to the world as my son and successor."
"My team had mentioned the Stygian Symposium in their memories that I glimpsed. But what exactly is this event and why is it so significant?"
Merciless was completely unaware of the Stygian Symposium and understandably so, given that he was only two days old. Michelle quickly began to explain what it was, knowing that he wouldn’t know due to his newness.
"The event is essentially a feast for the elite vampires, reserved for the seven powerful royal families. However, descendants of the 2nd and 3rd generations can attend as well but only the royal family of the lesser generations. This is the one day where all vampire conflicts are put aside, as it is when the king himself will make an appearance before everyone. Before then, I want to showcase my son’s strength to these arrogant nobles. They will most likely try to test your abilities in order to mock me, but little do they know, they will only be making fools of themselves in front of the king."
"So, it’s like my right of passage in the vampire society."
Merciless added, to which Michelle replied.
"Yes."
"I feel motivated to work even harder now. There’s nothing more satisfying than proving arrogant people wrong, especially when they can’t back up their statements. But sometimes I just have an urge and love for violence, so this could be seen as my way of finding an excuse to physically hurt someone."
"Furthermore, there is no denying that violence can provide a solution to any problem one may encounter in life."
Merciless’ face lit up with a wicked grin as he tightened his fist, already imagining himself pummeling someone to a pulp. Meanwhile, Michelle was determined to defend his kilde at any cost.
His intention to shield Merciless from the impending dangers was palpable, an urgent longing to protect one so newly born into the dark embrace of vampirism, yet already thrust into the labyrinthine machinations of an unforgiving contest.
And there, amidst the foreboding whispers of the encroaching night, father and son prepared to share words of power and portent.
The garden, with its labyrinthine hedges and gnarled trees, had long been the domain of whispers and secrets for the creator and now for Michelle and Merciless. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation. Merciless watched the space where they had stood moments before, now empty save for the echo of his team departure.
"Substance."
Merciless commanded, his voice resonating with an authority that belied his recent turning.
"Yes master!!"
"Remain here."
His four eyes—neon blue and menacing purple—briefly met her gaze, finding only a reflection of his own ruthless ambition mirrored back at him.
Substance of course nodded her head, and remain in the spot Merciless told her to stay in.
Michelle’s presence was a tangible force as he beckoned Merciless to walk beside him. The scent of damp earth rose from the ground, mingling with the heavy perfume of nocturnal blooms. They moved through the shadows, two figures bound by blood and the dark gift of immortality.
"Merciless."
Michelle said, his tone cutting through the night like a blade.
"I have a quick question for you: do you truly understand the gravity of what awaits? The upcoming exam is a test of your abilities that is not meant for those new to this world. I may not know everything about The House of Ghal, but I do know one thing - it’s not something a two-day-old vampire like yourself is prepared for. This trial is like walking through fire, and even I sense the danger lurking beyond my own sight - which means a lot, coming from someone like me Merciless."
Merciless’s expression remained stoic, as he replied as such.
"I understand, Father."
His words laced with the confidence of one who has tasted newfound power.
"But do not doubt me, even though I an new addition to our eternal lineage my determination knows no bounds, I will prove to you that I am worthy of being your kilde, I will definitely live up to the name you have given me."
Michelle’s borrowed visage of Hector, though not his own, carried the weight of centuries within its gaze.
"Interesting, I am looking forward to observing your progress in this exam. Although my concerns remain, please know that you have my full and sincere support. I will be cheering for you no matter what."
"Of course, I’ll make sure to come in first place. Anything less than number one would be a disappointment to the Elderblood name, even if my enemies are stronger than me, I will make sure they all meet a cruel end by hands."
Said Merciless as Michelle began to speak.
"I know you well enough to expect some sneaky tactics from you. But that doesn’t change the fact that I’ve said what I needed to say. Let’s speed things up a bit, we only have 4 minutes left. I’ll give you your weapons now."
With that said Michelle than began to reached into the folds of his cloak, and the air crackled with the latent energy of ancient artifacts. One by one, he revealed the remaining Prometheus weapons—their existence alone a testament to battles fought and won by the original owner.
But it was clear that Michelle was trying to speed things up a little.
Michelle murmured, presenting a crimson jewel that pulsed with an inner fire. Its facets gleamed with a silent but menacing aura.
"For the man thing, K043-5: Prometheus Cosmic Conduit Crystal."
He said, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the room.
Merciless took the Cosmic Conduit Crystal from his father’s outstretched hand, his eyes narrowing as he examined the gem’s intricate patterns.
"What does it do?"
He asked, his curiosity piqued by the artifact’s mysterious allure.
"It is a conduit."
Michelle explained, his gaze fixed on the pulsating crystal.
"A bridge between realms, a channel through which the energies of the cosmos flow. With it, Zane will be able to harness the power of multiple energy type."
Merciless frowned, trying to grasp the full extent of the crystal’s capabilities.
"And what can he do with such power?"
He inquired, his mind racing with possibilities.
"There are many things that this device can do, but the main concept is that it allows its wielder to manipulate reality according to their desires. However, it operates like a battery-powered reality warping tool, with its effectiveness and strength determined by factors such as its capacity, usage, and other variables dependent on the amount of energy stored within. In essence, it is a powerful tool, but one with limitations due to its reliance on the crystal’s finite power within the crystal infinite power storage."
Michelle replied, his tone solemn.
"With the Cosmic Conduit Crystal, Zane will become a master of creation and destruction, wielding forces beyond mortal comprehension, but their is many ways to get around it due to its obvious limitations."
A sense of awe washed over Merciless as he held the artifact in his hand, feeling the hum of cosmic energy coursing through his veins.
"It is a gift of unimaginable power indeed father, why haven’t you given me this instead."
"In order to fulfill the demands for weapons, I carefully assess each individual and provide them with the most suitable arsenal. For someone like Zane, who possesses an army of clones and a limitless imagination, this particular weapon would be a perfect fit. In simpler terms, a hundred million minds is better than one."
Michelle said to Merciless who just agree with his father by saying.
"Fair point, that is a solid reason I cant argue with at all."
"Good unto the next one then."
He then unveiled a grotesque black colored heart, its surface slick with a sheen of otherworldly power.
"This."
He said!!
"This is not a weapon from Prometheus; instead, it’s the heart of an ancient superhuman that I killed in the past. None of the weapons here are compatible with Substance, so I had to give up one of my most valuable possessions as compensation. This heart will increase her physical strength by a thousand times for an hour each day. There is a 24-hour cooldown period after use, and it comes at a great cost. She can activate this power by saying the command "Awaken" while holding her heart with her right hand. Once activated, she will become a physical freak of nature with strength that defies the laws of physics in every regard, luckily for you, your ichor can copy it easily, but after analyzing your body this thing will sure as hell kill you since your too weak to use it."
Merciless regarded the monstrous organ, feeling the allure of its promised power. He knew each beat of that heart would bring strength enough to shatter mountains alone, even if it would leave his body wracked and reeling he sure as hell didn’t mind the risk.
"Ahh! Yes! This fits her perfectly indeed."
"Thank you, Father."
"Oii, Substance come here for a minute."
With those words Substance quickly teleported beside Merciless and said.
"You call master!?"
"Take this organ and incorporate it into your body. I’ve already transferred the memory of my father explaining its abilities within the cells. Just remember to use it only when you’re backed into a corner, this power is literal trump care with last stand kind of after effects."
Merciless spoke to Substance, who carefully took the pulsating heart from her open chest. As her inner organs were exposed, including the strange diamond-shaped one beneath her ichor, Substance gently placed the heart on the appropriate side of her chest, the being the right.
"So how do you feel?!"
"To be completely honest master, I don’t really feel any significant changes in how in my body. It’s like nothing has really changed for me at all."
Substance said to Merciless, who began to reply as such.
"Interesting, I suppose it’s one of those abilities where you don’t realize its true strength until you actually use it."
"If so say so master then it must be true."
Substance replied to Merciless, on the other hand Michelle call to Merciless and wait while pulling a large box, and opening to see an ominous suit of blue and black colored armor.
Michelle’s fingers grazed the cool metal of the suit of armor, its plates etched with runes ancient and ominous. He lifted it from the shadowed alcove where it had lain, hidden from the covetous eyes of lesser beings.
"For your Orc thing Merciless… this is K043-7: Prometheus Soulbound Armor"
He said, the name rolling off his tongue like a sacred chant. The armor shimmered, resonating with the souls it yearned to consume and the experiences it promised to bestow upon its wearer.
"If the orc thing wears this she will become an archive of the fallen."
Michelle declared, his voice carrying the gravity of the fate he was bestowing upon the mere Orc thing.
"Their prowess, their very essence, will be hers to command—but only when she dons this mantle, the only though she can only utilize the life experiences and power of three soul at a time… and keep in mind this armor is very light as it hard to break or destroy, it can even regenerate, however the rate of regeneration is rather slow."
Merciless watched, his eyes reflecting the iridescent glow of the enchanted armor, as Michelle continue his explanation.
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"It also allows the user to create spatial barriers."
"Spatial barriers."
Merciless murmured, testing the notion, envisioning barriers as unyielding as time itself guarding against assaults that could rend stars asunder.
"This powerful defense is nigh impenetrable in battle, creating a vast distance between the user and their attacker. Its range is limited, but the expansion rate can infinitely increase without any effort. Any attempt to attack from any direction will be sensed and prevented by this armor. The only way to bypass it would be to move at a speed faster than its expanding rate at all times. Essentially, it is canceling one infinite speed with an even greater infinite speed. Or if you lack the speed to counter it, then only those who have control over space and manipulate cardinal energy could even dream of bypassing this nigh-perfect defense."
