As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the Silverblood estate, the families of Silverblood and Corvus gathered in the grand dining hall for breakfast. The air was filled with casual elegance and a sense of anticipation. Conversations flowed smoothly as both families engaged in friendly exchanges, highlighting the strong bond between these esteemed houses.
During the meal, Lord Vincent Corvus, with a tone of evident pride, made an announcement that immediately captured everyone's attention. "Today, we will be joined by another esteemed member of our family," he declared. "Our eldest daughter, Victoria, will be arriving. She is not only a general in the Tepes Empire's forces but also a Hero Level Vampire recognized as a Level 5 adventurer."
The mention of Victoria Corvus stirred a wave of excitement around the table. Known for her exceptional combat skills and her prowess in facing King Class beasts, Victoria was a figure of both respect and admiration in her own right.
"Victoria was engaged with duties in the Empire yesterday, but she is particularly eager to meet Cain, the young Silverblood who successfully bonded with the Night's Whisper," Lord Vincent added, glancing towards Cain with an acknowledging nod.
Cain, absorbing this news, felt a blend of anticipation and curiosity. The prospect of meeting such a distinguished and powerful individual from a family closely allied with his own carried a certain weight of expectation.
As breakfast came to an end and the families began to disperse, Cain's thoughts lingered on Victoria's impending arrival. Her status as a general and a renowned adventurer painted her as a figure of significant influence.
Later that afternoon, the estate buzzed with the arrival of General Victoria Corvus. Unlike the previous day's formal entrance, Victoria made her appearance alone, descending from the sky with a grandeur that befits her vampiric nature. Her majestic wings, a deep shade of midnight, folded gracefully as she landed in the courtyard, drawing awe from those who witnessed her arrival.
Victoria stood tall and imposing, yet her features bore a timeless beauty, making her appear not a day over twenty-five. Her silver-washed hair flowed elegantly down her shoulders, complementing her deep, red vampiric eyes that sparkled with centuries of wisdom. Dressed in a military uniform that accentuated her strong yet graceful figure, she carried the air of a seasoned warrior, her decorations and medals speaking of her countless achievements.
As she was greeted by Lady Seraphina and the rest of the Silverblood family, her demeanor was both confident and approachable, reflecting her noble upbringing and her experience as a leader,
When her gaze finally settled on Cain, her expression held a discerning curiosity. "Cain Silverblood," she began, her voice resonating with authority and intrigue. "I've heard much of your recent feats. A legendary soul weapon is a rare companion, yet it is the wielder's heart and skill that truly forge a hero."
She stepped closer to Cain, her gaze unwavering. "Look, brat, don't think too highly of yourself just because you have the Night's Whisper. I've seen many 'heroes' with legendary powers fall because they let it get to their heads. Power is a tool, not a crutch."
Her words carried the weight of experience, offering Cain not just a welcome but a valuable piece of advice.
Cain, taken aback by her directness, nodded, recognizing the truth in her words.
Victoria's expression softened slightly as she addressed Cain directly. "This evening, I would like to spar with you. It'll be a good chance to see if you're truly worthy of the Night's Whisper. And who knows," she added with a hint of a smirk, "maybe you'll surprise me."
Cain, acknowledging the challenge with a respectful nod, felt a mixture of anticipation and determination. The prospect of testing his skills against someone of Victoria's caliber was both daunting and exhilarating.
As the day progressed, Victoria's presence within the Silverblood estate brought a unique energy. Her interactions with each family member were laced with grace and composure befitting her status, yet there was an undercurrent of warmth in her demeanor. She shared stories of her experiences in the Tepes Empire, offering insights into her life as a general and a vampire of significant standing.
Cain found himself increasingly intrigued by Victoria. Her stories were not just tales of battles and strategy but also lessons in leadership and responsibility. Each conversation with her offered him a glimpse into a world of experience far beyond his own, broadening his understanding of what it meant to be both a warrior and a leader.
As the afternoon waned, the family gathered for a light meal, a precursor to the evening's main event. The atmosphere was casual, yet there was a palpable sense of anticipation about the upcoming spar. The Silverblood and Corvus families exchanged anecdotes and laughter, the bonds of friendship and alliance evident in their easy camaraderie.
Victoria, while engaging in the conversation, occasionally glanced at Cain, a subtle appraisal in her eyes. For his part, Cain was acutely aware of the impending spar. He knew it would be more than just a physical contest; it would be an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to gauge his abilities against a seasoned and powerful warrior.
As the Silverblood and Corvus families mingled in the estate's grandiose garden before the evening's spar, the air was rife with excitement and admiration, particularly surrounding General Victoria Corvus. Servants and family members alike shared hushed conversations, their words weaving the legend of Victoria's past exploits into the fabric of the evening.
Lyra Silverblood, always keen on history and tales of valor, recounted one of Victoria's renowned battles to a small gathering. "They say during the Siege of Shadowfen, Victoria faced a Monarch Class beast, a creature so fearsome that entire battalions fell before it. But Victoria, with her unmatched skill and bravery, led a charge that turned the tide of the battle."
Orion, who had trained with some of the finest warriors, added his admiration. "I heard about her duel with the Dread Knight of Valoria. A foe who had bested many seasoned fighters. Victoria not only defeated him but did so with such grace and finesse that it became a lesson in combat artistry at the military academy."
Even the servants, who usually refrained from engaging in the guests' conversations, couldn't help but share snippets of Victoria's legendary feats. "General Victoria once ventured into the Cursed Woods alone," whispered one to another as they arranged refreshments, "She emerged three days later with relics thought to be lost for centuries. Tales of her courage are still sung in those parts."
These stories swirled around Cain, each one adding to the aura of awe and respect that Victoria commanded. His initial apprehension about the spar transformed into a deep-seated admiration and a burning curiosity to learn from her. Victoria was not just a figure of authority and power; she was a living legend, a testament to the heights one could achieve through skill, courage, and determination.
As Cain listened, he felt a growing eagerness to face Victoria in the spar. It was no longer just about testing his abilities; it was about learning from one of the best warriors he could ever hope to encounter. This spar, he realized, was a rare opportunity to gauge his skills and understand the level he aspired to reach.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the estate, the families started moving towards the sparring grounds. The tales of Victoria's valor had set the stage for what was to be more than a mere display of combat skills – it was a clash between a rising star and a seasoned warrior, a moment that would be etched in the memories of all who witnessed it.