### Village Chief – Zhu Ran (POV)
"My son keeps teasing me that I've grown ten years younger. He says it's because of my newfound enthusiasm, but deep down, I know the real reason—the village has transformed before my very eyes. Over the past year, Bamboo Village has blossomed. Life here has become easier, more prosperous, and the influx of visitors, particularly to our hot springs, has only added to the vibrancy of our little community. Even the local officials have started to take notice and lend their support. I can't help but feel a deep sense of pride. To think that I've contributed something significant to the village during my time as chief… who knows, maybe one day they'll even build a statue in my honor. Heh, I'm getting ahead of myself.
But truthfully, all of this progress is thanks to one pivotal decision—allowing Master William to settle in our village last year. At first, I was hesitant. Who wouldn't be? A stranger, with a mysterious past, asking to live among us. But when I heard his story, something in my heart told me to trust him. That decision turned out to be the best one I've ever made. Master William didn't just bring wealth; he brought ideas, vision, and most importantly, hope. The idea to transform Bamboo Village into a hot spring destination? That was all him.
I owe Master William more than I can ever repay. He's a man of noble birth, that much is clear. But due to some unfortunate circumstances, he was forced to flee his homeland and seek refuge here. It's a tragic tale, but he's turned his misfortune into a blessing for all of us. And then there's young master Victor Black—a child who was cruelly separated from his mother just a month after his birth. My heart aches for him, but despite the hardships he's faced, YM Victor has never been a burden to Master William. He's a quiet, observant child, with striking scarlet-red eyes. They're uncommon here, but in the West, perhaps they're more familiar. Those eyes, though, they give him an air of mystery, a charm that's almost otherworldly. I can already see it—he's going to grow into a remarkable young man, someone who'll achieve great things and capture the hearts of many.
As I think this, I chuckle to myself, imagining Victor sneezing as if he knew someone was talking about him. Meanwhile, over at the mansion, Victor did indeed sneeze, feeling an odd shiver run down his spine. He paused, wondering what could have caused it but shrugged it off. He had more important things to think about.
My own grandson, Zhu Long, is the same age as YM Victor, but oh, what a difference between them! Zhu Long is lively, boisterous, always full of energy, and always wearing us out with his endless antics. Yet, despite his wild nature, I can't help but think he and YM Victor might become great friends. They're so different, yet sometimes, that's what makes a friendship strong.
If only I had an unmarried daughter, I would've loved to see her wed to Master William. Unfortunately, all my daughters are married with children of their own. Still, I'll keep an eye out for a suitable match for him. After all, YM Victor isn't his child—William is more like a guardian or a godfather to him. Though, if I knew the truth—that William was a notorious playboy in his youth and is now over a century old—I might just keel over from the shock! Somewhere in the village, William, too, felt a shiver, wondering if even vampires could catch a cold.
### MC (POV)
Watching the sunset from the mansion is nothing short of magical. Perched high in the mountains, the mansion offers a view that seems to stretch on forever, with nothing to obstruct the horizon. The villagers might see it as a castle, but to me, it's Dracula's Castle. The white stone, the majestic architecture—it's everything I've ever dreamed of, and more.
This mansion has become one of the Bamboo Village's most famous landmarks. Travelers from all over come to catch a glimpse of it, though most can only admire it from afar due to its location on private land. High-ranking officials from the capital have already paid visits, seeking to establish relations with William. They're drawn to his noble demeanor, his wealth, and the eloquence of his speech. Some even tried to arrange marriages between their daughters and William, but with my help, those proposals were politely declined. William's only focus is on protecting me and following my wishes. He's more than a guardian; he's like a father, though he never forces me to do anything. He simply guides me, correcting me when I make mistakes, and always supports my decisions. It's no wonder that some visitors have commented on my quiet nature, but William has always defended me, saying that I am who I am meant to be.
As I think about all this, I suddenly realize I've lost track of time, again.
### System: Silver
[6:00 pm, period after Apocalypse's death]
[Place: Shang Dynasty]
Name: Victor Black
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years (+) old
Family: Black
Race: Dracula [Vampire (pureblood) 20% / Shadow (Evil) Dragon 80%] (Not mutant)
Locked Race Evolution:
Racial Level: Dracula (Lv2)
Job: Shadow Lord (Lv2), Vampire Lord (Lv3), Dragonlord (Lv3).
World: Marvel Universe
Level: LV15 (800/1500)
Abilities:
- Anti-aging (Unlocked - Normal aging until 22 years old)
- Shadow Control (Unlocked)
- Dragon Skills (Unlocked)
- Shadow Vampire Awakening (Unlocked)
- Shadow Awakening/Summoning (Unlocked)
Inventory:
- Dragon Tail Chain Blood Whip
- Blood Scorpion Dagger
- Dragon Monarch Sword
Titles:
(Ancient Evil Beast Bloodline), (Assassin), (Animal Blood Drinker), (Animal Slaughterer), (Animal Hunter), (Bird Slaughterer), (Bird Hunter), (Blood Lover), (Blood Relative Eater), (Conqueror), (Charmer), (Human Killer), (Human Slaughterer), (Idiots Killer), (Idiot Slaughterer), (Jealous of Lovers), (King), (Leader), (Leader One), (Natural Calamity of Birds), (Natural Calamity of Animals), (Natural Calamity of Couples), (Mutant Killer), (Merciless), (Mutant Slaughterer), (Natural Calamity of Mutants), (Natural Calamity of Idiots), (Peach Lover), (Prince of Vampires), (Evil Dragon Heir), (Blood Relative Eater), (Ruler of Vampire), (Reincarnate), (Vampire King).
HP: (60/60)
MP: (65/65)
STR: 20 (+)
Agility: 23 (+)
INT: 9
Stamina: 21
Pain Resistance: 5 (Max-10)
Skill Points: 3
Dragon Pets:
1 Lord-class Shadow Werewolf, 10 Shadow Werewolves, 1 Disaster-class Shadow Hydra.
Shadows: 50,000.
Daily Quest: Get ready to be strongest in shadow > Shadow Dragon Monarch.
- Sleep for 12 hours (Reward: Skill point – 0.01)
- Drink Milk (Locked) - 500 ml (Reward: 5 Exp)
- Drink Blood (Unlocked) - 100 ml (Reward: 10 Exp)
(Warning! Failure to complete the quest results in punishment.)
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Author's Note: I'm still undecided if Victor should fall in love with a normal human or a demigod. We'll see how it unfolds. Please don't forget to leave a comment and review. In the future, the story will rely less on the system. See you later.
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