Dietrich Castle
Dietrich castle was one of the most prominent attractions of Transylvania. It was linked closely to the first-ever Great vampire, Count Dracula.
The old mysterious castle which should have been crowded and noisy with people bustling everywhere was currently very silent and tranquil.
No normal people were in sight if you exclude the bulky bodyguards armed with magic guns patrolling the castle.
Xed was currently strolling along the road to the castle gate as if one was roaming in his backyard. He walked through the tight security as though he was invisible to everyone. Even the advanced monitoring equipment in their possession proved useless to detect him.
As he reached the castle gate, he saw many expensive vehicles stationed here.
'My, My, Have I come at a bad time?'
Xed smiled and vanished from the place.
...
The Royal Family of Transylvania, also known to the public as Vladis family was rumored to have stemmed from the Great vampire, Count Dracula himself. The Original name of Count Dracula was Vlad the second, after all.
Even though they were famous as the descendants of a great vampire, none of the family have ever been discovered to be a vampire.
Once every year, according to their tradition, the entire Vladis family from all around the world would gather in their ancestor's castle to pay respects and discuss their family affairs.
This year was no different.
At this moment, all the members of the Vladis family were paying homage in the castle hall.
The ceremony was led by a young man in his late teens. Even though he looked young, his face was filled with seriousness and maturity beyond his age. He wore a black suit and looked exceptionally handsome with his muscular body and red eyes. Everyone present here seemed to respect him too.
After the ceremony ended, he turned to the audience.
"Since the ceremony is over, let us move on to our next task."
The teen then called out an old man in the front and said,
"David, since you are the head of the Vladis family in public now, gather around our mortal members and discuss your family affairs here. If you come across anything unsolvable, contact my brother Michael."
" Yes, Your highness Aaron! I will keep in mind your instructions."
This young-looking man was none other than the head of the family described by Michael before. He was one of the ancient powerhouses of the world, the sole ninth circle blood mage.
To the public, Vladis family consisted of only humans. What they didn't know was the fact that the entire Vladis family was divided into two, mortal and immortal.
Vladis family members are always presented with a choice they have to make once in a decade. To be a vampire or not. The Mortal part of the family was the people who chose to remain in public as humans. Whereas Immortal part of the family consisted of vampires who had to live hidden. The ritual was the process by which most of the old aged members or willing people transformed into a vampire.
"The rest and those ready for the ritual follow me to the altar underground."
"As you say, your highness Aaron! Long live the Vladis family!!"
Aaron led the members out of the castle hall to the basement of the castle. After going through a few mechanisms, a tunnel opened near the bookshelf which led to a large spacious hall.
Aaron walked in and everyone followed him in.
At the center of the hall was an age-old table placed in a raised altar. It was filled with ancient engravings and strange symbols. On the table lay a blood-red goblet with a skull face sculpted on its surface.
As the people proceeded to walk close to the altar, the goblet suddenly let out a bloodthirsty appearance as if it sensed the life that came nearby. The sudden change in the atmosphere didn't surprise anyone present there except the humans.
This goblet was one of the original artifacts passed down by their ancestor Count Dracula.
No one knew who created the artifact or gave it to their ancestor, they were only aware that the goblet was used to create the royal breed of vampires. The Royal breed of vampires was the vampires created within the first 5 generations branching from the Original Vampire.
Vampires can only transfer 10 percent of power to their immediate familiars through the normal process. Then the familiars have to increase their power by blood magic circulation. A vampire's power depends on his quality and quantity of the special blood in them. The quality of the special blood decreases as they branch further from the Origin Vampire. Whereas the quantity can only be increased by blood magic cultivation.
The goblet has the power to concentrate the special blood to such an extent that it was possible to even transfer up to 25 percent of the owner's power. Coupled with the superior quality of blood of Aron, the oldest and strongest existence of the family, the resulting breed of vampires were a lot stronger compared to the other vampires born.
After everyone entered the hall, Aaron who was standing in the altar, took the goblet from the table. He slit his wrist and allowed his blood to flow into the goblet. The goblet lit up brightly and flashed quickly as if expressing its joy. Bubbles popped out of the blood in the goblet as its color deepened and darkened to a near-black shade.
After confirming that the blood ritual was over, Aaron turned to his people and said,
"Everyone proceed one by one according to the family rank. Now come to the front my great-granddaughter, You will go first!"
"Great-grandpa, Should I really go first? I am suddenly feeling very nervous now."
A sweet voice came from within the crowd of people. The crowd parted way to show a beautiful lady fidgeting nervously with a lowered head.
Hearing this, Aaron didn't become angry. Instead, he smiled and said,
"Then why are you smiling with your head down, kid! Stop putting on an act and come forward. Now is not the time to play, Lena Vladis!"