The dragon's mouth opened, and a torrent of purplish flames erupted toward him. Edmund's fire-resistant armor, crafted meticulously from rare ingredients, absorbed the brunt of the heat, but he could feel the intensity of the flames.
"No time to think," he muttered, and bolted with the scale clutched tightly in his arms.
He ran as fast as his legs could carry him while the dragon's enraged roars echoed through the cavern.
Despite being shackled by massive chains, the dragon's range of movement was still formidable. Another jet of purplish flames blasted toward Edmund, and this time, his armor's resistance began to wane.
He stumbled due to the force and the scale slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground.
The dragon was upon him now as its fiery breath scorched the air.
Edmund grabbed the scale and held it up just as another torrent of purplish flames shot toward him.
The flames struck the scale, and Edmund felt the heat against his face. But the scale worked as a perfect shield, redirecting the flames. They bounced off the reflective surface and struck the dragon in the eyes.
The dragon let out a deafening shriek as its neck reared back in pain. The cavern shook, and pieces of rock fell from the ceiling. Edmund took advantage of the momentary distraction and sprinted toward the exit with the scale secured tightly in his hands.
...
As Edmund collapsed onto his bed, the system notification appeared before his eyes.
[ Goal Completed: Acquire A Red Horned Dragon's Scale ]
[ 3/3 Goals Completed ]
[ Crafting Essence Unlocking Elixir ]
Edmund watched in awe as the three items he had gathered—the Elf Heart Blood, the Dragon's Scale, and the Silver Oak Tree Bark—began to glow. They floated into the air, swirling together while emitting mesmerizing glows.
The room was filled with a soft magical illumination as the items merged into one.
Slowly, the light coalesced into a single vial filled with a shimmering elixir. The system's voice echoed in his mind.
[ Elixir Created. Consume to Unlock Essence. ]
"Unbelievable," Edmund whispered.
He had suspected the three goals were for the purpose of unlocking his essence and now that it was confirmed, he felt incredibly ecstatic.
Sasha entered the room just as the elixir formed. "Your Highness, what's happening?" Her eyes widened at the sight.
"I did it, Sasha," Edmund said as his voice trembled with excitement. "I finally acquired an elixir that will unlock my essence."
Sasha's face broke into a wide smile. "That's amazing! This is what you've been working so hard for?"
Edmund nodded with his gaze fixed on the glowing elixir. "It's time."
Sasha had no idea that all of the crazy things Edmund had been doing were going to lead to this moment. It wasn't her place to question him but if this was true, the impotent crown prince would no longer be impotent.
Edmund took the elixir in his hands, feeling the warmth and energy radiating from it. With a deep breath, he brought it to his lips and drank. The liquid was smooth and warm, filling him with a sensation that was quite indescribable.
A surge of energy coursed through Edmund's body, and he felt as if something was about to burst within him.
Edmund's stomach grumbled, causing him to take a seat. His vision blurred as his internal organs stirred.
"Your Highness... Are you okay? Do you need anything?" Sasha was quite worried to see him looking like he was about to pass out.
Edmund raised his hand while shaking his head.
"I'm fine..."
Moments later, notifications appeared in His line of sight.
[ Bi Essence Unlocked ]
[ Blood Cultivation + Light Cultivation ]
Edmund blinked, staring at the notifications in disbelief. "Two essences?" he murmured, feeling a strange sensation within him.
It was as if his very soul had split into two distinct halves, each resonating with a different kind of power.
He recalled the information about essences that had been drilled into him at the academy.
Lucien had a dark essence, which was a branch off from nature and considered a part of the natural world. Now, Edmund had light, which contrasted starkly with the dark yet was still a branch of nature.
'Vampires usually never get light cultivation,' Edmund thought in confusion. He didn't think he'd have bi essence but even at that, he thought his unlock would tilt more towards the dark side.
The typical vampire essences leaned towards darkness, bloodthirst, and destruction, the very antithesis of light. Yet, here he was, defying tradition and unlocking light essence.
A wave of exhilaration washed over him. The possibilities were endless. He could feel the nascent power coursing through him, still forming but undeniably present. Sasha had mentioned that there would be a significant phenomenon when his essence fully formed, and he was eager to witness it.
Just then, Edmund noticed a bulge in his royal pants. He glanced down, momentarily confused, before realization dawned on him. A grin spread across his face, filled with both amusement and anticipation. "Finally," he thought. "I'm back in business."
A knock on the door interrupted his musings. Sasha stood there, a knowing look in her eyes. "Your Highness," she said with a playful wink, "it seems you have company."
Edmund chuckled in excitement. "Thank you, Sasha."
She stepped aside, allowing the consorts to enter. Three of them glided into the room, each one more beautiful and seductive than the last.
Their attire was minimal and designed to tease, with sheer fabrics that hinted at the curves beneath. The first consort had long, flowing blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She moved elegantly. The second was a fiery redhead with green eyes that sparkled with mischief. Her lips curved in a sultry smile as she stared at Edmund. The third was a raven-haired beauty with dark, mysterious eyes and an air of quiet confidence.
"Good evening, Your Highness," Seraphina's voice was smooth as honey.
"We've missed you," Lilith added with a playful tone.
"Shall we keep you company tonight?" Celeste asked as her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that would send shivers down the spine of any man.
Edmund's grin widened. "I would be delighted."
As the consorts approached, Edmund could feel the stirrings of his newfound essence.
It seemed as though they were still in the process of fully unlocking but his little Johnson seemed to be ready to spring into action.
He felt more alive than ever before.
Celeste ran her fingers through his hair with a gentle yet electrifying touch. "You seem different, Your Highness," she whispered as her lips brushed against his ear.
Lilith slid her hands over his chest as her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Yes, there's something new about you," she said. "Something powerful."
Celeste placed her hand on his cheek with an intense gaze. "What would Your Highness like us to do this night? Discuss? Play games? Whatever it is, we're here to do your bidding."
Edmund smiled at them; "I've told you, Celeste, you don't necessarily have to do anything you're not comfortable with."
"Your Highness has been so kind to me... There's nothing I'll be uncomfortable with when it comes to you."
"I feel the same," Lilith chimed in.
"Likewise," Seraphina twirled her blonde hair as well.
They had spent many nights becoming acquainted with Edmund. The more they got to know him, the more they developed a liking for him. He really wasn't like what everyone thought he was. Not to mention that they've gotten random gifts from him a number of times, causing the other royal consorts to be jealous of them.
"Ahem... I have good news ladies," Edmund decided he was going to announce unlocking his essence.
They all stared at him in anticipation.
"I have unlocked my essence."