Merciless’s talon-like fingers caressed the cold metal of the K043-11: Prometheus Tailbinder Bracelet, an artifact of divine origins. He himself wonder what he should use it for, as he clasped it onto his sinuous tail—a fusion of flesh and enchanted steel.
’My initial reaction is uncertainty. I can’t use this object at the moment, but I’m certain it will come in handy eventually. As tempting as it may be to absorb these inferior species’ DNA into my own, it wouldn’t make sense unless I fuse and merge them to create something truly magnificent. But that would require a significant amount of time dedicated to exploring the possibilities within this world.’
’I have to give my full attention to this exam, as it decides whether I’ll be chosen by a higher being. My team and I are competing for the chance to join a stronger bloodline. Thanks to my Ichor, I have valuable inside information about this process. Jordan tried to explain it briefly, assuming we all understood what we were getting ourselves into. But Beatrice had to drag me here, and surprisingly, it’s not as bad as I thought.’
’If I become a spawn, I can break free from the control of both my sire and the king himself. And with my newfound knowledge, I’ve learned that there are only two types of spawns: Lesser Spawns and Greater Spawns. We are all determined to join their families and inherit their powerful lineage. Although according to Jordan their is a myth of an even higher linage beyond the greater lineage, although he himself is not sure of it.’
’Although I am confident that these creatures will actually observe us, their method of approach remains a mystery to me. Then again, why should I let a spawn choose me when I can choose them? If I’m fortunate enough, I may even be able to manipulate the system and claim the lineage for myself. However, with my ichor, it’s difficult to consider myself a traditional vampire. I often feel more like a humanoid chimera more than anything else.’
Inwardly, Merciless berated himself. He had to come up with a game plan for approaching this situation, and it was surprisingly simple. He didn’t fully understand the culture of these beings, but he was determined to extract as many abilities from them as he could by the end of this exam.
’But, unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid this situation either way. So when I arrive in the Primix dimension, my only option will be to eliminate everything and everyone that crosses my path.’
Inwardly, Merciless thought to himself that there were so many things he wanted to experiment with using his unique and unsettling body. He couldn’t help but feel envious of those around him who seemed to be at ease with their own Ichors, based on the memories he had absorbed.
’It must be nice to have decades of experience with it, unlike myself who is still adapting to my Darwinism.’
Michelle locked gazes with Merciless, confident that he had exhausted all means of preparation for the impending exams. But their shared bond allowed him to detect a primal eagerness and jealousy emanating from him. So he began to bestowed words of encouragement, serving as a beacon of hope amidst his doubts.
"I’m afraid my time is running out, Merciless. If I stay in Hector body for even a few more minutes, it will begin to deteriorate. But don’t worry, you can handle this. Follow your instincts and never deny your deepest desires. To reach the top, you must become something monstrous, even in the eyes of your fellow vampires. And on top of all that, your ichor is causing you to grow at an alarming rate. You’ve already reached peak graduate level, but I was keeping that information from you. At this rate, you may rival a Scion Grand Elder by the end of the year."
At this information Merciless eyes flickered as he said.
"Wait really?"
"Yes!"
Michelle confirm.
"So, based on what you’re telling me, I could potentially destroy the sun?"
From Merciless’s perspective, the concept was simply unfathomable. After all, this celestial body was many times larger than even the largest planet in their solar system. It was mind-boggling, to say the least.
Michelle simply nods, remembering when he was in the Elderblood manor with his kilde. he had been certain that the Merciless of that time was only a Level 2 vampire, making him a mere Newbie in the ranking system. Typically, vampires with this level of power are usually around 100 years old and could easily control destroy multiple large mountains or cities in one attack or more.
Merciless couldn’t believe it. That was a huge surge in power, but for some reason, he still felt weaker than his teammates - except for Ophelia. To him, she now seemed like a minor obstacle compared to this new level of strength. Even Alucard, who was always above him in the hierarchy, felt more attainable now. Merciless felt confident that he could challenge Alucard and have a fair chance at winning. Well that is if Alucard doesn’t transform into his second and third form but without a doubt Merciless felt like he could now handle base Alucard at full power, of course he could also transform as well.
"Just a quick question Merciless, are you by any chance familiar with our hierarchy and how it functions in terms of power?"
After absorbing all the information from his team members, Merciless nodded in understanding. Their collective memories were now his own as well after all.
As such he began to explain.
"To put it simply, I do understand this power system. There are seven levels in the ranking system, with level one being the weakest. Peasant class vampires are considered to be at this level and they have enough strength to destroy a small city when at their weakest. However, if they reach the pinnacle of this level, they can annihilate multiple small cities or even a large city in one swift move, should they desire to do so."
"Level 2 vampires, also known as "newbie" vampires, may seem weak compared to more experienced vampires. However, even at their weakest, they are capable of destroying multiple mountains. And when they reach the peak of this level, they can easily wipe out multiple large cities."
"According to our community, vampires who live up to 200 years, known as intermediate level vampires, possess enough power to destroy multiple smaller planets or a single large one. This is when they start gaining recognition and respect among us, as most vampires rarely reach this age due to the church constantly hunting us down. It’s harder for normal vampires without noble backgrounds compared to those of us who are nobles or royals. Despite being immortal creatures, humans are not foolish and will try to deal with us while we are still at level 1 or 2."
Merciless turned to Michelle as he continued to elaborate on the hierarchy among vampires.
"Now here it start to get interesting because in order to surpass this level, you must reach the fourth level - where you stated I currently reside as a graduate vampire. Typically, vampires of this level have the capability to obliterate multiple large planets at their weakest, and can even destroy small stars at their peak. At their strongest, they possess the power to annihilate giant stars."
"However, it is in the last three levels where the power fluctuations begin to reach god-like levels by human standards. While gods or higher beings of other realms are undoubtedly much stronger than humans could imagine, even Level 5 vampires - also known as High vampires - have been known to simultaneously destroy multiple giant stars at their weakest and entire galaxies and galaxy clusters at their strongest. Given there immense range making them a threat although its rare to find vampires in our small community that has reach this level of power, mostly only noble families have them in variety."
"However, our thoughts on this matter may be misguided. Level 6 and 7 vampires, also known as "calamities," have solidified their place in history through their actions. These vampires transcend the typical perception of beings and are comparable to natural cosmic disasters or unimaginable forces of nature. Known as Elder vampires, level 6 vampires possess the power to manipulate, effect, or even destroy the universe itself."
"Lastly, we have the level 7 vampires. These are typically known as Great Elder vampires and possess powers that can affect multiple dimensions, both higher and lower. In simpler terms, these are the most dangerous kind of vampires, having transcended all others except for the progenitors and the king himself. They are often revered as grand elders or heroes within their clans, such as Olga and Quincy. They multiverse is literally their play ground as they can one shot fazes and knots alike."
"These are the various levels of vampire hierarchy, with level 1 being the weakest and level 7 being the ultimate dream for all vampires."
Merciless declared, and Michelle nodded in agreement. He was clearly satisfied with the explanation as Michelle replied.
"I must say, you have exceeded my expectations by far. It’s an understatement to say that you’ve simply met them though; in fact, you’ve completely shattered them beyond repair."
"You flatter me father, but I did promise I would, did I not?"
"Heheh… that you did indeed my son, and I expect to here even more things about as you age."
"Despite my absence, it seems you have been learning a lot. Your diligence is admirable. I am proud of you, Merciless."
Michelle’s face lit up with an honest smile, although there was also a hint of remembrance in his glare towards Substance. His hands trembled slightly as he spoke.
"I should probably help Hector by restoring his youth when I have the chance. His body has aged significantly, despite his ability to maintain it at its peak state. But before that, I want to give to you Merciless."
Michelle began to pull a set of clothes from his shadow and handed it to Merciless, who immediately began to question what it was.
"Hmm! Clothes! What are these for now father?!"
"Those are the designated uniforms for the Elderblood manor’s maid squad, specifically for personal maids who rank higher than head maids."
"Much like the Hector butler uniform, this maid uniform was crafted from the silk of a Bone spider. This particular demonic creature produces exceptionally durable and flexible silk, allowing it to withstand heavy assaults without tearing and making it highly resistant to cutting and blunt attacks. Only magic artifacts of specific ranks are able to penetrate its defenses in this regard."
"While this attire is meant for close combat, it’s not impenetrable and can still be damaged. However, it is among the highest quality clothing that one can obtain, exclusively worn by royal maids, butlers, and even the head maid herself. Bone spiders are of A-rank among monsters, with just two of them alone, male and female of course, capable of driving a planet to extinction within a mere decade if they are left unchecked."
"This uniform signifies a great amount of power within the Elderblood manor, even for a mere servant. Its design, reminiscent of your prominent horns, acts as a regulator for all types of energy. Utilizing chi with this uniform will result in triple the control and speed, while also possessing a healing effect and granting infinite stamina. Additionally, this uniform can regenerate, although the duration may vary depending on the severity of damage sustained. It also provides a 25% increase in natural speed and strength. As you have already created her to serve alongside that Orc thing, it would be wise for her to prepare herself accordingly and represent herself appropriately. Just take a look at Merciless, she is a mess with those tore and burnt garment of hers."
Michelle responded, and with that, Merciless nodded in agreement. He then took Substance’s hand and led her towards Anastasia while she clutched her new uniform that Merciless gave her.
"Hey there, space girl... Are you calm now, or are you still worried about my father’s presence?"
Merciless addressed Anastasia with a cold stare, causing her to lift her gaze. His icy blue and purple eyes bore down on her as he spoke, his head twitching in a morbid fascination.
"My, my, you’ve certainly grown since the last time we met. And those extra arms? How delightfully unconventional, my dear."
Merciless spoke in a smooth and alluring tone, completely oblivious to the fact that he made Anastasia’s heart skip a beat. To make things even more complicated between them, he ran his finger along one of her limbs with a mischievous gleam in his eye as he continued.
I have always been drawn to creatures with a bit of bite, and just moments ago you were nothing but a pesky fly in my eyes. But now, I am captivated by the depth of your power. What did my father do to you, dear space girl? You can trust me, I won’t bite too hard.
"M-master, do you think maybe you’re a little too close?"
"Close nonsense, if anything I wan to come a little closer."
Merciless said his face inches a way from hers, while his hands was also on hers.
"Are you feeling nervous? Haha, well, it’s actually more fun when you are. But let’s stop with the sweet talk for now. It’s time to get dressed and ready because we’re about to enter a dangerous place."
"Please, Master, don’t tease me... I’ll hurry and get dressed, I promise."
She blushed and fidgeted with her hands, trying to hide her nervousness.
In contrast, Merciless felt an intense bond with Anastasia, even stronger than the one he shared with Substance. He couldn’t explain it, but as he touched her in this way, pieces of her memories flooded his mind, providing answers to what had occurred within her conceptual realm.
The information he had about Kali, the red-haired pixie who seemed crippled, and witnessing Michelle extract a dark soul from himself, created a strange connection between them. He couldn’t help but feel horrified that his soul was now in Michelle’s possession instead of his own. Why did he suddenly feel so vulnerable when looking at it? He couldn’t answer that question himself. One thing was for sure though, Anastasia was now his lifeline, but also his biggest weakness and greatest advantage.
With a single touch, Merciless gained insight into many things and encountered numerous individuals he had yet to meet. He saw a world that was both literal and conceptual in nature, and even caught a glimpse of the man catcher while knowing little about its true power. As Anastasia went unconscious, Merciless could see Michelle through his own soul, and for a moment, he was taken aback by how corrupted it appeared to be.
But ultimately, he didn’t care about the color of his soul; to him, a soul was just a soul. What disturbed him more was the vulnerability he suddenly felt. It was an unfamiliar sensation that made him feel like a mere mortal again.
The information transferred to Merciless at lightning speed, all in a mere tenth of a second.
Thanks to his enhanced brain, he could process data at unimaginable speeds, far surpassing any existing supercomputer. What may feel like only a second in real time to others would stretch out to an astonishing 173 seconds for him, utilizing the full power of his natural mental processing.
Although it was already one of his basic abilities, after being resurrected, his body underwent some sort of reconstruction, granting him even more power than before. And now, these once simple skills have become incredibly proficient and powerful in ways he never could have imagined.
’My body is growing at an abnormal rate, and I can’t help but wonder what Brunhilde did to me. Even with my Ichor, this level of growth is unprecedented. And now that I think about it, she stabbed me directly in my Ichor with that strange knife. What was that thing anyway? I may know silk, but that knife remains a mystery to even me. Honestly woman tell me shit, before you do them.’
Merciless stood up and walked slowly away from where Anastasia was kneeling, roughly a six meter away.
"Get dressed now, both of you. When we reach the Primix dimension, I will take you out."
Merciless outstretched his hand, causing a blue ring to materialize out of thin air. Anastasia was stunned; she had seen this power before but still couldn’t believe it. Her master possessed the ability to absorb other people’s powers for himself, and watching him create an Aether portal was shocking to say the least.
In this instant, Merciless view went back to the two girls, as he said to them.
"Hurry up, space girl! Your armor is waiting for you on the other side. Substance, get dressed in the Proxima ring like the space girl. Both of you need to pick up the pace - time is running out."
*Clap!*Clap!*
Their synchronized movements and words revealed their surprise as they both stood up in a hurry.
"Yes master."
Substance hurried towards the portal and left Anastasia behind, who quickly followed after speaking these words.
"Of course my master."
Currently, two members of the group were now getting dress with the Proximia dimension within Merciless ring, leaving Michelle and Merciless alone on the planet.
"Wow, you have already tamed them so well in such a short amount of time. Impressive!"
"Pets often reflect the personalities and behaviors of their owners. If they are not properly trained, they may lash out at those who care for them. As a responsible owner, I will not tolerate that kind of behavior from my pets."
"Looks like my little one is already getting ahead in the game! Only two days old and you already have two level 5 pets. Watch out world, this kid is going places. HEHEHEH!!"
Michelle let out a proud laugh, while Merciless wore a shocked expression and exclaimed.
"Wait, what? Level 5? Hold on a second, Father. Are you saying those two are already high vampires?"
Michelle smiled widen he began to explain.
"Of course they ar….
But in that moment, Merciless cast a troubled glance at his father, while Michelle covered his face in a calm manner. Blood poured from his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears in a terrifying gush.
"I’m sorry, it seems I may have exceeded my time limit. I often lose track of time when talking to someone I enjoy spending time with. But unfortunately, I must leave now, as Hector’s body can’t handle this fragment of my concept any longer. And in answer to your question, yes, those two are level 5 vampires. The slime is a lower level 5, and the orc-like creature is a mid-level 5 on the cusp of becoming a peak level 5 vampire. But don’t get too confident yet; there are 25 level 6 vampires of the mid and peak ranks in this exam. As for Jordan himself, without his seals he would be a level 3 right now, but unleashed he is easily a low-level 6 approaching the middle rank. Be wary, as there are also many level 4 and 5 vampires out there. Stay cautious and take care."
"Yes father, I will take our advice to heart."
"Hmmm."
Michelle’s voice dropped to a low hum as he nodded his head, his smile now warmer than before. In the blink of an eye, Michelle transformed back into old Hector, his original form returning as Michelle’s concept left his body.
Hector’s eyes snap open, but he quickly stumbles and begins to fall towards the ground. However, before his knee can make contact with the grass below, there is a small thud as Merciless swiftly catches Hector and supports his body with his own, while he said.
"A kneeling wolf to the fangs they serve in the face of pain is a mockery. But you already know that, right my friend? If so, stand proud will you, if we fall, we fall like meteors, claws bear, and with the intention to kill without mercy."
Hector’s gaze shifted towards the person holding him up, feeling their strong shoulder supporting his weak frame. As he looked up, his eyes landed on a face he recognized: a familiar sight with giant obsidian black horns, long golden hair, pale grey skin, a muscular physique, and black hair tips. This person’s hand rested on Hector’s shoulder as they helped him stand upright.
"My alpha... oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t intend to get my blood on you."
Hector lowered his head in remorse as he spoke, but Merciless simply responded with a dismissive reply.
"Just relax, Hector. We need you at your best to conquer this exam and take first place. Your blood is powerful regardless; it wouldn’t be a disappointment to me either way."
Merciless informed Hector.
"My… alpha."
"Yes, yes Hector now then lets heal your injuries shall we?!"
Suddenly, Hector’s body began to heal rapidly, his internal injuries seemingly disappearing before Hectors eyes. It was almost like a transformation, fueled by Merciless’ use of Darwinism to shape-shift Hector’s body into its optimal state before Michelle had taken control of it.
In a mere two seconds, Merciless was able to heal Hector’s body, which was on the verge of collapse from the strain of Michelle’s concept.
"There we go, good as new, tell me Hector, how do you feel?"
"This is…
Hector’s hands flew up in shock and disbelief. He stared at them, realizing that the intense pain he had felt moments ago was now completely gone. It was as if it had never existed at all. Usually, an injury like this could be healed by sacrificing souls or using the vampiric contract to activate the power of equivalent exchange.
"Isn’t it incredible? A lot has happened in just one hour. I experienced a major surge of power when faced with death, and now I feel like I have much more control and understanding over my abilities… but lets save the shocked and awe for later shall we, were running late already as is."
Hector’s expression turned serious once again as he responded to Merciless.
"I apologize again, my alpha. Please lead the way."
"Hahaha, no worries at all. Here, I have something for you. I’ve encoded some of my memories and relevant information into this sword so you know what you are dealing with."
Merciless announced as he threw the sight seer Katana to Hector, who caught it. In that instant, a wealth of knowledge about the weapon and its potential dangers flooded his mind. He also gained information on the whereabouts of Anastasia and Substance. In simpler terms, Hector was now fully informed on everything that had happened.
Hector was taken aback by this sudden change in Merciless. It wasn’t just a simple power up, but rather a complete transformation of his demeanor and personality.
"Follow along now, or I might just leave behind kaka."
Merciless motioned for Hector to follow him as they made their way towards the open Aether portal. The coordinates had been changed and they were now heading to the meeting hall where the rest of their team was waiting.
Hector on the other hand, looked at Merciless in disbelief, he couldn’t understand it.
’I can’t believe the transformation my alpha has undergone - he is like a completely different person, and it’s terrifying. The speed at which he is growing is simply astonishing.’
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.
Hector pushed the question to the back of his mind as he followed Merciless towards the portal. But as soon as they stepped through, a foreboding aura enveloped them, a feeling of death that was all too familiar for Merciless and Hector alike.
"Flee! Escape! Get out of here before it’s too late! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!"
"Blue eyes, frozen and imploring, desperate for aid. Please, someone help me, I’m begging you!"
"…cold, thereverywhere… everywhere!!"
"Were going to die, suggestion flee!!"
"Too strong, no chance… NO cHanceee!"
The Shagoths’ voices echoed inside Merciless’s mind, urging him to flee from the area. Without thinking, Hector positioned himself in front of Merciless with his claws bared and ready to defend his Alpha at all costs. He was willing to sacrifice his own life if necessary.
In contrast, Merciless’s breath was trapped in his chest as he gazed upon the entity before him. Despite standing at a towering 6’5, he couldn’t help but feel small and insignificant in the presence of this monstrous being, only standing at a mere 4’7. With hands the size of hips. Clearly annoyed, he began spoke in a tone dripping with sarcasm and frustration, his very presence exuding an aura of immense power and authority.
"Participant #372, your tardiness has put us 1 minute and 12 seconds behind schedule. Let’s not waste any more time; line up with the others and follow my lead in silence."
Before Merciless was a young boy no older than fourteen maybe fifteen.
Standing before him, like a living embodiment of arcane power and unfathomable terror. His visage is shrouded in a deep, oppressive darkness, an ethereal hood draped over his head casting shadows that seem to move with a mind of their own.
His eyes, stark and glowing with an icy blue luminescence, pierce through the shadows with a chilling intensity that freezes the very air around him. They are the eyes of a being who has seen beyond the veil of reality, holding secrets that would shatter the sanity of mere mortals.
His face, half-concealed by the hood, reveals a cold, emotionless expression, as if the concept of human warmth and empathy are foreign to him. The pale skin of his exposed chest and abdomen is marred with eldritch markings—black, vein-like tendrils that crawl across his flesh, pulsating with an otherworldly energy.
These markings are not mere tattoos but living sigils, shifting and writhing as if inscribed with the essence of chaos itself. His physique is both lithe and powerful, an unsettling combination of human perfection and inhuman dread. Muscles ripple beneath his skin, exuding a strength that feels almost unnatural, as if his form is but a vessel for a far greater power. His right hand grasps the edge of his cloak, revealing just enough of the inky blackness within to suggest an abyss of nightmares, a void that hungers for the very essence of existence.
The cloak itself flows like liquid shadow, its edges fraying into wisps of darkness that dissipate into the air. It clings to his form, accentuating his ethereal presence, as if woven from the fabric of the night itself. The background behind him swirls with surreal, fiery hues, adding to the sense of impending doom that his presence evokes.
Standing in his presence, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of dread and insignificance. The very air around him vibrates with a palpable tension, a silent whisper of the forbidden knowledge and catastrophic power he commands.
Merciless was stunned by the being standing before him. This person showed no fear in hiding their powerful aura; instead, they let it radiate like a raging fire, making it a hundred times more intimidating than Keziah’s own aura.
However Merciless held his ground and said.
"I apologize for causing the team to wait. I assume you are our guide?"
Merciless asked clearly trying not piss this person off, but naturally he suck at sincerity.
"Your attempts to portray yourself as an honest person are mediocre at best; you exude malice and resentment. You strike me as the type who would betray someone for personal gain. It’s quite obvious to me, but I suppose it’s better to be a cunning trickster than a desperate beggar."
"Hahaha... you’re joking, but may I ask who you are?"
"I am Nyrtha-H, examinee #372 of team 8th. Please refrain from asking needless questions and focus on the task at hand… so with that line the fuck up, fall in place for the hole of the needle."
Nyrtha-H pointed to his right, and there it was: the entire team 08th, from shortest to tallest in straight line, trembling in fear as if they were being violated by this strange child.
Without saying a word, Merciless silently motioned for Hector to line up behind the rest of the group. He found himself at the very end, trailing behind Alucard who was behind Zane, and now even Hector was ahead of him in line with Lucy in front. Albedo had transformed into a floating chibi form, making him the shortest and putting him at the front of the line. The group fell into silence as they moved forward, and Merciless quietly followed suit till they reach near the door everyone move as if the instruction has been given prior, long before Merciless arrive.
The group remained hushed as Nyrtha-H strolled confidently to the front of the line, his hands clasped behind him and his stance rigid and commanding. He began to address the group in a calm yet authoritative tone.
"Listen up, Team #08. You will follow my lead and stick together. We can’t afford to get lost in this fog. And be warned, the moment we start moving, the exams begin. This is just a trial phase, but your performance here will determine your fate. Failure is not an option."
"Now then you group imperfect spawnling’s… move!!!"
