After hours of work, the blacksmith emerged from his workshop and handed Leo the finished scythe. It was sleek and menacing, with a black blade glinting crimson in the light. He wiped the sweat off his brow and sighed, "I did my best. This turned out as an **A++ weapon**. If an **S-rank werewolf blacksmith** had crafted it, it might've reached **S+**."
Leo, confused about weapon grading, asked the system for clarification.
**System Notification**: You've reached level 10. A major system update will occur at midnight. Full details will be available after the update.
Leo winced, recalling the pain from his last transformation. "I don't want to go through that again," he muttered.
The blacksmith snapped his fingers, snapping Leo out of his thoughts. "What do you think? Are you satisfied?"
Leo tested the scythe, swinging it lightly. Its balance felt perfect. "I like it," he said. "How much?"
The blacksmith grinned. "How about a deal? You bring me monster parts you collect, and I'll buy them at market value. In return, you exclusively use my weapons. For any **A-rank** or higher items, I'll craft them free of charge. Deal?"
Leo extended his hand. "Deal."
Suddenly, commotion from outside drew their attention. Groups of **A-rank vampires and werewolves** had gathered, looking alarmed. Leo approached one. "What's happening?"
A nervous vampire replied, "A group of **C-rank adventurers** spotted a **Shadow Goblin** in rage mode near the chanter forest. It could attack the village any moment."
Leo smirked, exchanging a glance with the blacksmith. It was the same goblin he had already defeated. "No need to worry," he said. "The monster is already taken care of."
But the adventurers didn't listen and rushed off. Leo shrugged and turned to leave, but a sudden system alert stopped him.
**System Alert**: Multiple monsters attacking your mansion. Defense is weakening rapidly.
Leo's eyes widened. "System, use all available points to upgrade the mansion's defenses now!"
**System Notification**: All 150 points used. Mansion defense upgraded to level 5.
Despite his exhaustion, Leo sprinted back, gripping his new scythe tightly. The scene he arrived at was chaos. Wolf monsters, their eyes glowing red, clawed at the gates and walls. The upgraded defenses held, but only barely.
Leo vaulted over the fence, landing in the midst of the wolves. His instincts flared. As one lunged, he swung the scythe in a smooth arc, severing its head with ease. Blood sprayed out, and the other wolves hesitated, sensing the weapon's power.
Panting heavily, Leo couldn't afford to rest. The alpha wolf, much larger than the others, charged at him. Leo braced himself, spinning and slashing upward as it lunged. The scythe glowed faintly, cutting through the alpha's chest. It collapsed with a pained howl.
The remaining wolves circled him, wary but still aggressive. Despite his fatigue, Leo grinned. "Come on, let's end this," he taunted.
Two wolves leaped at him together. He pivoted, slicing one mid-air and kicking the other aside. He quickly lunged, stabbing the downed wolf through the heart. He yanked the scythe out, its blade dripping with blood.
Three more wolves attacked from different directions. Realizing he couldn't dodge them all, Leo slammed the scythe into the ground. **Blood Manipulation** activated unconsciously, and crimson tendrils shot out, impaling the wolves instantly. They fell lifeless, blood pooling around them.
Panting, Leo scanned the area. The surviving wolves, seeing their pack decimated, fled into the forest. He dropped to one knee, using the scythe to steady himself. "System," he gasped. "Any more threats?"
**System Notification**: All intruding monsters have been eliminated. The area is now secure.
Relieved, Leo managed a weak smile as he looked at his scythe. "Guess you were worth it after all," he muttered.
As he stood, he noticed the bloodstained blade glinting in the moonlight. He frowned, recalling how he had instinctively used **Blood Manipulation**.
"System," he asked, "why was I able to use **Blood Manipulation**? I thought the vampire bloodline effect wore off."
The system paused before replying:
**System Notification**: Due to the recent **Full Blood Injection** and the awakening of your **SSS+ bloodline**, abilities like **Blood Manipulation** are now semi-passive. They may activate unconsciously when your life is in danger until the update at midnight. Full control will be available after integration.
Leo clenched his fists, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "So my abilities are basically on autopilot until the update finishes. Great."
He exhaled, feeling the exhaustion settle deep in his bones. Glancing one last time at the blood-soaked ground, he turned and headed toward the mansion.
Inside the gates, he muttered, "What a night."
Aisha rushed up, her eyes wide with worry. "Leo, you're hurt!" she cried, tears brimming.
He smiled weakly. "Don't cry, Aisha. It's over."
She sniffled. "I made a warm bath for you. And some soup…" she added shyly, uncertain of her cooking.
Leo felt a strange warmth in his chest. *Is this what a home feels like?* He nodded and headed for the bath, letting the hot water wash away the blood and tension.
Afterward, he found a simple bowl of soup waiting on the table. Aisha watched him nervously as he ate. Despite its plain taste, he finished it quickly, too tired to care.
"I'm going to bed," he said, standing up. "Don't disturb me. I need rest."
Aisha nodded quietly. "Okay… Good night, Leo."
Without another word, Leo trudged to his room and collapsed onto his bed. His thoughts swirled briefly, but exhaustion soon pulled him into a deep, dreamless sleep.