The following morning, Cid contacted Dee through their bracelets. He asked if they could meet up, and she agreed to meet him in the library. They found an empty reading section with a protective bubble that blocked sound from entering and leaving, allowing them to talk privately without being overheard by other students.
"Dee Dee, I was hoping you could tell me more about what it means to be a vampire," Cid said, his dark eyes searching hers intently. "There's so much I don't know, and I feel like I'm stumbling around in the dark, trying to make sense of everything."
Dee Dee reached out and placed her hand gently over his, her touch cool and soothing. "Of course, Cid. I'll do my best to guide you through this transition. It's not an easy path, but you're not alone."
She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "As vampires, we are both blessed and cursed. We possess incredible strength, speed, and senses that far surpass those of humans. Our bodies heal rapidly, and we have the potential to live for centuries, if not millennia."
Cid's eyes widened at the prospect of such a long life. "Centuries? That's...hard to wrap my mind around."
Dee Dee nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. "It takes time to adjust to the idea of immortality. But with that gift comes a great responsibility. We must learn to control our thirst for blood, to feed without taking lives, and to keep our existence hidden from the human world."
"How do we do that?" Cid asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "I don't want to hurt anyone, but I can already feel this hunger growing inside me."
"That's where the blood is put into flask like this she pulls out a flask from under her dress and handed it to him it was a decorative bottle designed in a gothic style. The bottle features an ornate, dark exterior with intricate carvings and a prominent skull motif at its center. The skull is detailed, with hollow eyes and a menacing expression, and it appears to be set against a backdrop of purple glass or liquid, which adds a striking contrast. The bottle is topped with a decorative lid that has a rounded shape, likely made of metal, enhancing its overall aesthetic. The combination of the skull and the rich purple color gives the bottle a mysterious and somewhat eerie appearance As she handed the flask to Cid She mentioned that she had another on her and that it was a portable blood bank that is designed specifically to keep blood fresh for prolonged periods of time. "Thank You" He said accepting the Gift.
Cid was curious about Dee Dee and asked her about herself, but when he realized she was hesitant to answer, he respected her privacy and decided not to push her. He shared details about himself instead, and she listened intently. Eventually, Dee Dee revealed that she held a significant position in the vampire world and was currently on the run, seeking new experiences. She pleaded with Cid to keep her identity a secret, and he agreed without hesitation. Nyx also came out to greet them. "Woah you have a familiar that's so cool! i have one to but i can't bring them out here." Dee Said. just then a bell rang throughout the military facility indicating all students were to return to their dorm rooms Cid and Dee gave each other a warm hug each blushing as it was their first time hugging anybody other than their parents especially of the opposite gender.
They went back to their rooms entering the dorm room Cayden greeted Cid with a grin as he entered their shared room. "Hey man, how was your day? Did you get all registered for fighter class?"
"Yeah, got it all taken care of," Cid replied, settling down on his bed. He couldn't help but smile, still feeling the glow from his time with Dee Dee in the library. "I also spent some time in the library doing research on different races. It was...enlightening."
Cayden raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Enlightening, huh? Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain silver-haired beauty I saw you walking back with, would it?"
Cid felt his cheeks heat up, but he tried to play it cool. "Dee Dee? Yeah, we ran into each other at the library. She was helping me understand some things about the Vampire race."
"Uh-huh, sure, 'vampire stuff'," Cayden teased, making air quotes with his fingers. "You two looked pretty cozy together. I'm happy for you, man."
Cid couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's good-natured ribbing. "Thanks, Cayden. But it's not like that. We're just friends. She's been really supportive since we met the other day."
Cayden's expression softened and they began getting to know each other Cid left out things about himself being a vampire and finding Draven's sword but said he is self thought in swordsmanship. Cayden spoke a bit about himself saying he was a member of the Poseidon family known for their exceptional mastery over the water ability in both control and manipulation, a skill passed down through generations.
The family's lineage was filled with legends of powerful water manipulators who could summon storms, create protective barriers of ice, and control the flow of rivers with a mere gesture. With such legacy looming over him, Cayden felt the weight of expectations pressing down on his shoulders from the moment he took his first breath. Despite his family's hopes, Cayden struggled to harness his abilities. While his cousins performed breathtaking feats with the ability he found himself overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the element. Small waves would crash around him when he was anxious, and he often created puddles in moments of frustration. Each failure brought with it a wave of disappointment from his family, a feeling magnified by their relentless comparison to his gifted siblings. Cayden often retreated into himself, feeling like a ship lost at sea, adrift and longing for direction.
Feeling lost and disheartened, Cayden's parents made the difficult decision to send him to military school. They believed that a disciplined environment would help him focus and master his abilities. But to Cayden, the military academy felt more like a prison than a place for growth. He was surrounded by others who seemed to thrive under pressure, and the strict rules only served to amplify his insecurities.
As Cayden shared his struggles, Cid listened intently, his heart going out to his friend. He could sense the deep pain and frustration Cayden carried, the weight of his family's expectations crushing his spirit. When Cayden finished speaking, Cid placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Cayden, I know we just met, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. Your worth isn't defined by your ability to control water or meet your family's expectations. You have value simply for being who you are," Cid said earnestly, his Red eyes filled with understanding.
Cayden's eyes glistened with unshed tears, touched by Cid's genuine kindness. "Thanks, man. That means a lot. It's been hard feeling like such a disappointment all the time. Like I'm just a burden to my family."
Cid shook his head vehemently. "You're not a burden, Cayden. And being sent here doesn't have to be a punishment. Maybe it's an opportunity for you to find your own path, separate from your family's legacy."
A glimmer of hope sparked in Cayden's eyes. "You know, I never thought of it that way. Maybe this is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want, without the pressure of living up to the Poseidon name."
Cid grinned, giving Cayden's shoulder a squeeze. "Exactly. And I'll be with you every step of the way.
As their conversation came to an end, they both realized how late it had gotten and decided it was time for bed. Just then, a system message appeared before Cid, alerting him of his hunger for blood. Cayden bid Cid goodnight and headed off to bed, while Cid quickly reached for the flask Dee had given him and took a shot of its contents. To his surprise, the system then congratulated him for drinking blood and declared him full. Cid expected to have to consume more, but apparently that wasn't necessary. Suddenly, another message from the system appeared: "Merging with the Crimson Reaper: 100%. Now changing body to match new blood." Confused, Cid thought about what this could mean just as he fell into a deep sleep, feeling warm all over his body. When he woke up, he felt amazing and stronger than ever before. Notifications filled his vision, but before he could even process them, he was shocked by the image of a man standing by his bed, looking at himself in disbelief.
With his long, fiery red hair flowing down his back, the man was a striking figure. His muscular physique proudly displayed defined muscles and intricate black tattoos covering his arms and torso. His intense expression and sharp features gave him a fierce look, accentuated by his strong jawline. A necklace of beads and chains hung around his neck, adding to his commanding presence. Wearing dark, billowing fabrics held together by a bold red belt adorned with ornate designs, the color palette of his attire contrasted sharply with the vibrant red of his hair and tattoos, leaving a lasting impression on those who laid eyes on him.
Just as he was about to inquire about the stranger's identity, Cayden approached and something strange happened. Cayden seemed to walk right through the figure, as if he were a hologram. Cid and the man seeing this both realized the same thing he was present because of the System and it seemed that only Cid was able to see him. Cid Greeted Cayden and said he wanted to freshen up and that he would meet him at the Canteen before class.
As Cayden left the room, Cid turned to face the mysterious figure standing before him, a mix of confusion and curiosity swirling in his mind. The man's piercing gaze met Cid's, and a silence hung between them for a moment before he finally spoke.
"I am Draven, the Crimson Reaper," the man said, his voice deep and resonant. "And you, Cid, have completed the merge with my essence."
Cid's eyes widened in shock. "The Crimson Reaper? But how is this possible? You're... you're the sword I found."
Draven nodded, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Indeed. When you discovered my sword and spilled your blood upon it, you set in motion an ancient ritual that allowed my spirit to merge with yours. Now, we are one."
Cid's mind reeled as he tried to process this new information. He glanced down at his hands, noticing the intricate black tattoos that now adorned his skin - the same ones that marked Draven's body. "What does this mean for me?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"It means that you have inherited my power, my knowledge, and my legacy," Draven explained, his eyes glinting with an otherworldly light. "You are no longer just Cid, the young vampire. You are now the Crimson Reaper reborn.
This is a lot of information to process, but I suppose we have no choice but to accept it. "I hope we can work together," Cid said, reaching out to shake Draven's hand and he did the same and to their surprise, their hands met in a solid grip. "It seems that I am the only one who can see and interact with you," Cid remarked. "Yes, that is quite intriguing. When I transferred my essence into my sword, I had no idea what would happen or how things would turn out," Draven responded. " This situation is certainly fascinating."
Cid and Draven sat side by side on the bed, checking out the notifications on the system together. The first notification read:
"Congratulations on reaching your full potential in the system. You have unlocked a new system function known as the System Shop."
The second notification read you have unlocked a new skill: Sanguine Combat. Draven, upon seeing the name, exclaimed in shock, "That's my own martial art technique!" It was an interesting realization for him.
And the final notification declared that all of Cid's stats were given a boost of 50. He then decided to open his stats menu and it looks slightly different than it did before. It looked even more like a character attributes and stats screen from a role-playing game (RPG). Here's a breakdown of the information presented:
Points Remaining
3 Points Remaining: Indicates that the player has three attribute points left to allocate to various stats.
Attributes
Strength (60): A measure of physical power; affects melee damage and carrying capacity.
Dexterity (63): Influences agility, accuracy, and evasion; higher dexterity may improve critical hit chances.
Magic (60): Represents the character's ability to use magical abilities; affects spell power and effectiveness.
Cunning (61): Relates to stealth and tactical awareness; may enhance critical damage and effectiveness in certain skills.
Willpower (60): Affects mental resilience and stamina; can influence magic resistance and other mental attributes.
Constitution (60): Represents health and endurance; impacts overall health and stamina.
Derived Stats
Fortitude (0): A defensive stat that may reduce damage taken.
Critical Chance (3%): The likelihood of landing a critical hit, which deals extra damage.
Magic Resistance (0%): Indicates the character's ability to resist magical attacks.
Critical Damage (52%): The additional damage dealt when a critical hit occurs.
Combat Stats
Damage (70 DPS): Damage per second output, indicating the character's effectiveness in dealing damage over time.
Attack (111%): Likely represents the character's overall attack effectiveness or accuracy in hitting targets.
Defense (70%): Indicates the character's ability to reduce incoming damage.
Armor (67%): Represents the character's physical protection from attacks.
Cid was impressed by the stats, and even Draven seemed to be impressed as well. But what caught Cid's attention the most was the stat that mentioned magic. Immediately, he assumed it meant ability.
"Oh, so that means you have magical abilities," Draven said with excitement. Normally, one would have to be a vampire Noble or above to start learning magic, but because you have integrated with my old powers, you're able to learn it at an earlier stage. Magic is the origin of abilities, though I recommend not delving into it just yet. It can be dangerous if not approached carefully, potentially harming yourself or others. I'll teach you more about it later," Draven explained.
Cid made a mental note to visit the shop later. Currently, he was intrigued by the new martial arts technique he had recently acquired. It was important for him to learn different methods of combat, especially since he no longer carried a sword with him. As if anticipating his thoughts, a detailed explanation of the skill appeared before him, providing all the information he needed to know about it the information was as follows:
Sanguine Combat: A Martial Art for VampiresOverview
Sanguine Combat is a close-range martial art developed for vampires, emphasizing agility, speed, and the unique abilities derived from their vampiric nature. This martial art combines traditional martial arts techniques with supernatural powers, allowing practitioners to harness their blood abilities effectively in combat.
Core Principles
Fluidity and Agility: Movements are designed to be swift and graceful, allowing vampires to evade attacks and strike with precision.
Blood Empowerment: Practitioners can channel their blood abilities to enhance their physical capabilities, such as strength, speed, and healing.
Mindfulness and Control: Emphasizes mental discipline to control bloodlust and maintain focus during combat.
Techniques
Bloodstrike: A powerful punch or kick that channels the vampire's blood energy, increasing the impact force. This technique can temporarily stun opponents.
Shadow Step: A movement technique that allows the practitioner to momentarily blend into shadows, making them harder to detect and enabling surprise attacks.
Fang Grapple: A close-range grappling technique that utilizes the vampire's fangs to immobilize or disarm an opponent while simultaneously draining their energy.
Blood Shield: A defensive technique that creates a temporary barrier of blood energy, absorbing incoming attacks and redirecting the force back at the attacker.
Sanguine Reflex: A counter-attack technique that allows the practitioner to anticipate and react to an opponent's moves with enhanced speed, using their blood abilities to predict movements.
Training Regimen
Physical Conditioning: Focus on agility, flexibility, and strength training to enhance combat effectiveness.
Blood Control Exercises: Techniques to control and manipulate blood energy, improving the ability to harness blood powers during combat.
Sparring Sessions: Regular practice with other practitioners to refine techniques and develop combat instincts.
Meditation and Focus: Mindfulness practices to maintain control over bloodlust and enhance mental clarity.
Blood Abilities Integration
Enhanced Strength: Temporary boosts in physical strength during combat, allowing for powerful strikes and grapples.
Regenerative Healing: Ability to heal minor wounds quickly during a fight, maintaining combat effectiveness.
Hypnotic Gaze: A technique that allows the practitioner to momentarily distract or confuse opponents, creating openings for attacks.
Philosophy
Sanguine Combat teaches that true strength comes from control and understanding of one's nature. Practitioners are encouraged to respect their abilities and use them responsibly, emphasizing the importance of discipline and honor in combat.
Conclusion
Sanguine Combat is a unique martial art tailored for vampires. It blends traditional combat techniques with supernatural abilities. It promotes agility, control, and the responsible use of vampiric powers, making it a formidable discipline for any vampire warrior.
Cid shut the menu and decided to freshen up before meeting with Cayden. He quickly changed into his military uniform, a symbol of his rank and dedication to protecting his people, and made his way to the canteen, where he knew Cayden would be waiting. As expected, Draven trailed behind him, invisible to everyone except for Cid. As they walked through the bustling hallways, Draven marvelled at the technological advancements that were unimaginable to him when he was alive. When Cid reached the canteen, he found Cayden already seated at a table with a tray of food in front of him. Cid joined him, and as they sat down, Cayden couldn't help but tease, "Took you long enough." He continued, "Apparently, we're getting three new students in our homeroom starting today. Rumour has it that one of them is from the Goblin Race." Cid was taken aback by this news, having just learned about the Goblins recently. Cayden went on, "In an effort to make allies in the war against the Xelthrans, humanity has allied with the Goblins. The one coming to our school is a representative of their race, rumoured to be a female and quite attractive."
Suddenly, a lovely and serene voice broke the silence next to Cayden, inquiring "Who's attractive?" It was Dee, dressed in her military uniform for her first day at Military School. Her formal attire was immaculate, with intricate detailing and a refined design. She stood with poise, adorned in a long black coat with a high collar and a black belt with gold accents that cinched at the waist, accentuating her figure. Her knee-high boots added to her authoritative presence. As Cid caught sight of her, he was mesmerized. Cayden noticed Cid's reaction and saw that Dee blushed slightly as well, flattered by his attention. With a slight smirk, Cayden asked "Would you like to join us?".
Cayden cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to the conversation at hand. "So, as I was saying, we're getting some new classmates today. Should be interesting to see how they fit in."
Dee nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I heard about the Goblin representative. It's a historic moment, really. The first step towards building a lasting alliance between our races."
As they discussed the implications of the new arrivals, the canteen began to fill up with students eager to start their day. The buzz of excitement was palpable, with whispers of the newcomers on everyone's lips.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the room as three unfamiliar figures entered the canteen. All eyes turned to the new students, curiosity and anticipation hanging in the air.
The first person to grab their attention was a tall and muscular young man, exuding confidence with his short styled black hair and fitted black tank top that showcased his well-defined arms and shoulders. His orange shorts added a pop of color to the outfit. He stood stood with a relaxed posture, hands on his hips, displaying an air of strength and self-assurance. Meanwhile, two other figures in red cloaks caught Cayden's eye. He immediately exclaimed, "We need to leave!" looking and sounding distressed. "He's the son of the Blaze family, the most powerful users of fire abilities in the world. He enjoys picking on those weaker than him, boasting about his strength. His parents are one of the main funders of this school, so he does whatever he pleases."
Cid and Dee exchanged concerned glances as Cayden's words sunk in. The Blaze family's reputation preceded them, and the thought of their son causing trouble at the academy was unsettling.
As the trio watched, the Blaze heir strode confidently into the canteen, his two cloaked companions flanking him on either side. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
The muscular young man scanned the room, his gaze landing on a table of first-year students. A predatory grin spread across his face as he sauntered over to them, his lackeys in tow.
"Well, well, well," he drawled, looming over the nervous students. "What do we have here? Fresh meat?"
The first-years shrank back in their seats, clearly intimidated by the Blaze heir's presence. One brave soul, a petite girl with fiery red hair, stood up to face him.
"Leave us alone," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "We don't want any trouble."
The Blaze heir threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the canteen. "Trouble? Oh, sweetheart, you don't know the meaning of the word."
He leaned in closer, his face mere inches from the girl's. "But you will. I'll make sure of that."
A searing rage ignited within Cid, burning through his veins like wildfire. He couldn't stand idly by and watch someone be bullied. In a split second, Cid was no longer seated at the table as everyone gaped in shock at Cid's lightning-fast movement. With unbridled fury, he lunged towards the bully, his fist connecting with a sickening thud against their jaw. The force sent them flying across the canteen, slamming into the wall and crumpling to the ground, unconscious. Standing over them with pure anger radiating from his every pore, Cid declared loudly, "Those who bully others are nothing but trash! I will not tolerate it!" The air around him crackled with his fierce determination to protect the weak and punish the cruel.
"Wow!" Dee exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration as she looked at Cid's impressive display. The once bustling canteen fell silent; not a sound could be heard except for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the distant chirping of birds outside. Every student was stunned by what they had just witnessed. Even the clatter of silverware and chatter from nearby tables ceased. Suddenly, the school bell rang out, signalling the start of homeroom classes. With a jolt, all students snapped out of their daze and hurried off to class, their minds still reeling from the incredible feat they had just witnessed. Whispers and murmurs filled the hallways as they discussed and marvelled at what they had seen in the canteen. This moment would surely go down in school history as one of the most unforgettable and awe-inspiring moments ever experienced.
Dee and Cayden approached Cid, their expressions a mix of awe and concern. The canteen slowly emptied as students made their way to their respective homerooms, the buzz of excited chatter following them out.
"Cid, that was...incredible," Dee said softly, her crimson eyes searching his face. "But we need to be careful. This Blaze Seems holds a lot of power, and their son won't take this lightly."
Cayden nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed. "She's right, man. As much as I enjoyed seeing that jerk get what he deserved, there could be consequences."
Cid took a deep breath, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. He glanced at Draven, who had been silently observing the scene, a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
"I understand your concerns," Cid said, his voice steady. "But I couldn't just stand by and watch someone be bullied. It's not who I am."
Dee placed a gentle hand on his arm, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "We know, Cid. That's one of the things we admire about you. Just...be careful, okay?"
Cid returned her smile, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at her touch. "I will. I promise."
As they made their way to their homeroom, Cid couldn't help but wonder about what this incident was going to do to his school life.