Zero stood still as the two ghouls came barreling out of the forest, drawn by the tantalizing scent of the orb of blood he had formed in his palm. Their eyes burned with hunger, their decayed bodies moving clumsily yet swiftly, driven by primal instinct. However, the moment their eyes fell on Zero, they skidded to a halt, and as if compelled by some deeply ingrained instinct, they dropped to their knees. Their postures seemed to suggest reverence, an acknowledgment of his power and status as a vampire.
Zero's crimson gaze bore into them as he ordered, "Stay still."
However, their lack of intelligence and the irresistible lure of his blood made compliance impossible. They shuffled and twitched, the allure of the orb overpowering their limited self-control.
Zero sighed, his voice barely above a murmur as he spoke a time-based lingua spell. "Tempus Immobilitas." The air around the ghouls shimmered faintly before freezing entirely, the two ghouls caught in stasis. Their snarling and twitching stopped mid-motion, leaving them motionless statues in the moonlit forest.
Moments later, Valna descended gracefully from above, holding the nine black mana crystals in her arms. "Here are the crystals," she said, handing them to Zero. She watched silently as Zero examined the crystals before nodding in satisfaction.
"Good," he muttered. Removing the ring that suppressed his divine abilities, Zero's aura flared momentarily before he calmed it. Using his synergy skill, he held the ten dark mana crystals in his palms. The crystals began to vibrate and glow faintly as they merged together, their energies intertwining. Slowly, two larger, jet-black mana crystals formed in his hands, their surfaces smooth and gleaming ominously.
With precision and control, Zero activated his blood manipulation skill. Thin tendrils of crimson blood snaked from his fingertips, entering the crystals and drawing out any remaining blood or impurities within. The crystals became even purer, now radiating an unsettling dark energy, perfect for the transformation he had in mind.
Producing a clawed finger from his right hand, Zero stepped toward the male ghoul. Without hesitation, he sliced into its chest, the stasis spell holding its body still. Carefully, he inserted one of the dark mana crystals deep into the ghoul's chest, alongside half of the orb of blood he had created earlier. Turning to the female ghoul, he repeated the process, inserting the second mana crystal and the remaining blood.
Once done, Zero waved his hand, releasing the stasis lingua spell. Mana surged from the ghouls in an explosion of energy, the forest trembling slightly under the force. Their decaying forms began to change as the transformation process unfolded. Flesh regrew, knitting itself together and covering exposed bones. Their pale, lifeless skin took on a pale but vibrant tone, while their ragged claws and teeth became sharper and more defined. When their eyes opened, they were entirely black, glowing faintly with dark energy.
Zero appraised them as they stood, now transformed and emanating a potent aura. He couldn't help but smile in satisfaction at the result.
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Name: Nick
Race: Lesser Umbra Vampire
Soul: Awakened Revenant Soul
Soul Rank: E-
Level: 28
Attributes: Dark, Death
Strength: 140
Speed: 135
Magic Energy: 1,300
Vitality: 2,500
Skills:
Umbra Vampire Physiology: Enhanced regeneration, heightened senses, and immunity to conventional poisons. Can consume dark mana to sustain or amplify abilities. Weak to holy magic, divine light, and consecrated ground.
Shadow Step: Can teleport short distances through shadows, leaving behind no trace. Requires 200 Magic Energy per use.
Aura of Dread: Emanates an aura that induces fear and suppresses the strength of weaker enemies. Requires 100 Magic Energy to sustain.
Dark Blade Manifestation: Can form weapons of pure dark mana for combat.
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Name: Lenara
Race: Lesser Umbra Vampire
Soul: Awakened Revenant Soul
Soul Rank: E-
Level: 24
Attributes: Dark, Death
Strength: 60
Speed: 105
Magic Energy: 3,200
Vitality: 1,600
Skills:
Umbra Vampire Physiology: Enhanced regeneration, heightened senses, and immunity to conventional poisons. Can consume dark mana to sustain or amplify abilities. Weak to holy magic, divine light, and consecrated ground.
Dark Magic Mastery: Able to learn any form of dark magic easily
Phantom Veil: Can create a cloak of dark energy to render themselves nearly invisible for 30 seconds. Requires 300 Magic Energy.
Soul Leech: Drains the life force of enemies to restore health. Only effective on living targets. Requires physical contact and 150 Magic Energy per use.
Ebon Chains: Summons chains of dark energy to bind enemies temporarily.
--------------------------------
Valna, watching the transformation with fascination, asked, "What will you do with them now?"
Zero turned to her, his smirk unwavering. "Simple. They'll train and learn about their new bodies, increase their number, and eventually wage war on the 4 races."
The newly transformed Lesser Umbra Vampires, Nick and Lenara, knelt before Zero, their glowing black eyes now intelligent and focused. The oppressive aura they exuded spoke of their newfound power and potential. Yet, as their minds adjusted to their new forms, memories flooded their consciousness like a tidal wave—memories of the moment Zero had killed them. Both stiffened, their gazes flickering with a mix of unease and confusion.
Zero observed their reactions, his crimson gaze unwavering. "Do you remember how you died?" he asked, his voice calm yet sharp, slicing through the tension in the air.
Nick and Lenara exchanged a glance, their expressions grim. Nick was the first to speak, his voice rough and unsteady. "Yes... I remember. You... you killed us." His words carried no accusation, only a sense of dread and incomprehension.
Lenara nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the moment of her demise. "I... I remember your face... and the pain." Her voice trembled, though it held an edge of bitterness.
Zero's lips curled into a satisfied smile, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Good," he said simply, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather. "Then you know who your master is. I ended your pitiful existence and brought you back, stronger than before. Now, you are creatures of the night, beings far superior to the rotting husks you once were. You feed on blood, regenerate from wounds that would kill lesser beings, and wield powers that put even seasoned warriors to shame."
The two vampires stiffened, their gazes snapping to Zero, sharp with both fear and reverence. His words sank deep into their minds, asserting the authority he held over them. They were no longer the dimwitted ghouls they had once been; they could now grasp the magnitude of what had happened.
Zero raised a hand, his palm glowing faintly with a dark crimson hue as he activated his mental manipulation ability. "Now, hold still," he instructed, his voice calm yet commanding.
Nick and Lenara froze as Zero's mental energy surged into their minds. Images and sensations overwhelmed them—how to feed on blood, how to sense it coursing through their prey, how to heal from nonfatal wounds, and how to use their newfound abilities. The process was painless but disorienting, leaving them momentarily dazed.
When the transfer was complete, Zero stepped back, satisfied with his work. "There. Now you understand what you are, how to sustain yourselves, and how to survive in this new existence."
Nick blinked, his hand instinctively moving to his chest where the crystal had been implanted. "I... I feel it. The hunger. The strength." His voice held an edge of awe as he flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through him.
Lenara, still processing the flood of knowledge, glanced at Zero, her gaze wary yet curious. "You've given us power. Made us into something… more. But why?"
Zero smirked, his amber eyes glinting with amusement. "Because I could. Because I saw potential in you. But here's the thing—you're free to do as you please."