[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission: Make an unforgettable introduction that will leave a lasting impression!]
[Mission Reward: ???]
[Mission Penalty: You'll have to… kiss Arthur!]
Lucian blinked as a familiar blue, transparent panel appeared in front of him. This time, though, he wasn't startled like before. Over the past day, he had grown more accustomed to these unexpected notifications from the system, though he still couldn't help but feel wary of the sudden appearance of a penalty. His eyes darted over the words "kiss Arthur," and he inwardly groaned.
God, what a relief i completed it successfully…
He cleared his throat and quickly focused on the reward section, hoping for something that would make up for the penalty hovering over his head.
[Reward: Special skill Blood Reading (F)]
[(The system has bestowed this skill based on the Host's computational abilities and knowledge. It will assist in getting the Host used to magic and ensure no embarrassment for the system's greatness.)]
Lucian sighed, his eyes skimming the panel with mild frustration. Blood Reading, huh? He wasn't exactly thrilled. Not that he wasn't grateful, but after nearly blowing himself up with that forbidden spell in front of everyone, he had expected… something grander. A skill with more punch or maybe a stash of points to spend in the system shop. But this? A measly F-rank skill?
F-rank, Lucian thought, unimpressed. This is the reward for risking my life with that insane stunt?
Sighing inwardly, he shook his head, dismissing his initial dissatisfaction. I suppose it could be useful, he reasoned, though his tone in his mind remained unimpressed.
"System," Lucian muttered in his mind, his expression indifferent, "tell me about this skill."
[Blood Reading: A special skill that allows the user to read memories, emotions, and experiences of the individual whose blood has been obtained. The extent of knowledge, emotions, and memories that can be accessed depends on the skill's level, the strength of the user, and their concentration. This skill can evolve if the conditions are met. Note: The skill only works effectively on individuals of the same rank or lower. For individuals of higher rank, the likelihood of it working decreases. At its current level (F), the skill can only function if the blood is obtained within 30 seconds of its removal from the body.]
Lucian's eyes widened. Wait, what? His lips parted in surprise as the full weight of the skill's potential sank in. His earlier nonchalance melted away, replaced with genuine excitement. I can read memories and emotions? That's… that's way more useful than I thought!
Immediately, his mind started running through scenarios. He could gain insight into powerful spells or even secret techniques just by obtaining someone's blood. Even if the current level had its limitations, the possibilities were immense. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, already thinking about how he could upgrade the skill in the future. If I could read someone's memories after just drinking their blood... I could know everything they know about magic, combat, history his mind raced with potential.
"System," Lucian asked, now a little more impressed, "can I really read someone's knowledge just by drinking their blood?"
[Yes, Host. However, the amount of knowledge and the clarity of the memories depends on the skill's level and your ability to control it. As of now, you will only get fragmented insights, but even those could be useful.]
Lucian smirked. Fragments or not, this is going to be very handy.
But then another thought hit him, sobering his excitement. Wait… He blinked as realization dawned on him, and a question he had almost forgotten rushed back to the forefront of his mind.
"System," he asked, his brow furrowing, "you said I'm a vampire now, right? Why haven't I felt any of the usual vampire cravings? No hunger for blood? No weakness to sunlight? I mean, I walked into this academy in broad daylight, and nothing happened to me."
[Host is indeed a vampire, and vampires do require blood regularly. Stronger vampires can suppress this need for a longer time, but as a young and still relatively weak vampire, it is odd that you haven't experienced the typical symptoms. There are several reasons for this. The primary one is the ring you're wearing the Blood Ring (also known as the Creation Ring). Its passive skill suppresses your vampiric cravings and protects you from the harmful effects of sunlight. While you still need to drink blood eventually, the ring ensures that no sunlight will harm you, and the blood hunger is lessened. Furthermore, you are not a common vampire, but a cheap copy of the original primordial vampire. You've consumed the blood concept but have yet to fully control or understand it.]
Lucian blinked, his gaze lowering to the ring on his finger. The dark crimson stone embedded in it glinted faintly in the dim light of the classroom. This little thing is that powerful?
"System, can I deactivate this passive ability? Like, turn off the suppression?"
[Yes, Host, but it's not recommended. The moment you disable the passive skill, the blood hunger will hit you like a tidal wave. You're not prepared for it yet.]
Lucian paused, his fingers still absently tracing the ring. Blood hunger... that sounds messy.
Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a voice interrupted him.
"Hey," the green-haired boy next to Lucian whispered, his tone laced with irritation. "What the hell are you doing?"
Lucian turned his head slightly, realizing that he must have been making quite the scene. He had been staring at the air in front of him for a while, no doubt with odd expressions flickering across his face as he communicated with the system. The green-haired boy beside him was now staring at him with a mix of disbelief and disdain.
"Uh, what?" Lucian asked, blinking at the boy as if he hadn't heard the question.
The boy sighed heavily, rolling his eyes as he leaned back in his seat. "Are you an idiot?" he muttered under his breath. "You're sitting there grinning, frowning, looking confused, and muttering to yourself. I mean, what's wrong with you?"
Lucian blinked again, realization hitting him. Oh… I probably looked like a madman.
"Ah, sorry," Lucian mumbled, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
The green-haired boy shook his head, his judgmental gaze now fully fixed on Lucian. Great, Lucian thought, I just made myself look even weirder. The boy glanced towards the front of the class and then gestured with his eyes, signaling for Lucian to look up.
Following the boy's gaze, Lucian's stomach dropped. Kevin was staring directly at him, concern and curiosity etched on his face.
"Lucian," Kevin said, his tone gentle but firm, "is everything alright? You seem... distracted." He paused, then added with a hint of genuine concern, "Are you feeling any aftereffects from the spell you performed earlier?"
Lucian felt the weight of every student's eyes turn towards him again. His palms began to sweat, and he cleared his throat nervously.
"Uh, no, sir. I'm fine," Lucian managed to reply, forcing a small, strained smile. "Just... lost in thought."
Kevin studied him for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing slightly as though trying to see through whatever mask Lucian was wearing. Finally, he nodded, though his expression still carried traces of concern.
"Alright then," Kevin said, his voice still laced with caution, "but please, pay attention to the class. If anything feels off or strange, let me know immediately."
Lucian nodded quickly, feeling the intensity of everyone's attention settling on him like a suffocating blanket. He resisted the urge to sigh aloud. I need to stop spacing out, he thought, I'm screwing this up.
As the lecture resumed, Lucian sank back into his seat, inwardly cursing his luck. Not only had he gotten distracted by the system again, but now he had everyone thinking he was either a lunatic or completely out of his mind.
Sigh… Well, at least I didn't have to kiss Arthur.
------
sorry guys i am missing quite a number of updates
sighh i forgot to tell you guys
actually exams are coming so well i am unable to do so
don't worry i will be over just in 4-5 days at minimum
thanks for understanding,love and support
your all lovely and sweet Lazydiablo