Alistar walked toward Vecna while the atmosphere around him changed considerably, a change that the Vampire could feel, and a sensation still fresh into his memory. Power.
There was far more than what the appearances showed in Alistar's case, and Vecna could grasp those hints based on the conversations he had with him, or what he eavesdropped from the moments he pestered Elysia.
'He's finally showing his true face? As if I would believe you were some old retired Mercenary from how you behaved.'
'Especially yesterday when you stood and watched me kill those three idiots. I could see you taking tons of amusement from their suffering.'
Locking eyes with the old man who continued smiling back with a sly one, Vecna asked a question that had Alistar crack into mad laughter.
"How is it, old man? Am I now qualified to know your name?"
"Bahahaha. You've done all that drilling, and even destroyed the Scarecrow and Sword, I painstakingly worked on taking from those cheap bastards? Not bad."
"Not bad at all, brat. I think I like you. You remind me of another foolish kid that lost his mind on the path of Sword. I heard his story didn't end nicely since he was clueless about the political plays of the Empire."
He was still laughing, watching Vecna from head to toe, obviously noticing long ago that he was a Vampire, which didn't bother him for even a second. In fact, it made Alistar's curiosity about this young vampire whose origins were uncertain, ignited more and more as he watched Vecna perform.
"It doesn't tell me much. And, it is not as if I want to hear about your ambiguous exploits into getting your hands on those training tools."
"Hehe, if word spreads out, I would have to kill you before that arrogant brat in Titan comes knocking on my door."
"Okay. You can try, it would only be a dream."
"Right, you Devils, are Cursed with Immortality. I've grasped most of your abilities, and in fact you'll stay dead for three days after dying two times. Heh, but I can keep you hostage."
"..."
Thankfully for Vecna he was wearing his fake persona mask and didn't seem to be fazed by the old man's reveal whatsoever.
"It's not as if we bothered to try and hide it from you people."
"Indeed, your people, believe that we're some dumb, brainless barbarians that would have just basic thoughts.
--Crazed Laugh--
It always amuses me when I see those stupid brats pushing their dirt as if it were worth a copper coin, ordering me around to give them "Quests" which I presume for you kids is your "Assignments".
Some were noteworthy that I even rewarded them for entertaining me with their drive to improve themselves. However, from all who stepped foot on my Playground, all, and I mean all, stopped at 5000 swings and not going past the 6000 mark."
"It is as if word has spread around your people, that I will reward those who reach the 5000 mark, and no one even tries to go past those limits and break these scrap junk."
Vecna listened, not yet his turn to speak with the old man whose mask lowered slightly to reveal a scary individual.
'This old guy… Why do I get the same vibes as I had when doing the Caine's Quest? Is this really the intellect of an Semi-Named NPC?'
'Just look at him making fun of everyone who cleared his quests, as if they weren't worth two shits in his eyes.'
'Mathias, you weren't greedy enough for this old man. If that's his true face, then I might get extra benefits from this arrogant bastard. Thanks for being too weak for this crazy nutjob.'
"Nice story, old man. However, I haven't busted my ass to hear you mock some impatient idiots."
"Tsk, can't you let an elder get down the memory lane? Wasn't that always the fascinating part in the Book's older characters? Acting Sagely and stuff?"
"Sure, but it is not my cup of tea. I'm on a tight schedule. Let's get going. Start with my question."
"Oh, that's a bummer. Alright.
To answer your first question. You still have to be recognized by me to get to know about my identity. For now, I'll still be your Training Assigner, Alistar."
Vecna smiled fakely at Alistar, and he could tell that this old man had more in store for him, yet he couldn't tell what.
'I guess, I should clear the quest since I reached the limit.'
"I believe this isn't the end, at least for my case."
"What? You think I'll let you off so easily after destroying my Scarecrow and Wooden Sword? Hmph, if you think of running off, I'll keep you and your Elven Princess Hostage."
"Indeed. I knew that something like this would happen."
"Oh yeah? How?" inquired Alistar revealing his imperfect, yellow and crooked teeth.
"The shamelessness from the first meeting when you asked me to act as your Mascot."
"Anyway. I report that I cleared your Assignment."
"I accept your report, kid."
[You have cleared the quest
[You have gained the following: +3500 EXP; Token of a Warrior; 200 Reputation inside Saharan Empire; +15 Affinity with NPC Alistar]
[You have leveled]
[You have leveled]
[You have leveled]
In an instant, Vecna reached level 9, with this quest that gave the experience equivalent to a High Graded one. This left him surprised, at the benefits of him overachieving this 'simple' yet arduous task.
Alistar saw Vecna's reaction as the rewards for the quest had a sweet aroma in it, and with his arm extended as if to guide him to another place, he mentioned.
"Now. for a man with guts and tenacity like you, I'll show you a higher plane."
"If you can perfectly clear this new assignment of mine, I'll consider telling you my identity. Or maybe not."
Turning around, he walked toward the Housing of the Training Ground followed by Vecna, and on their way to the old man's house, a group of players walked in their direction with tired faces.
"Oy, old man. We're done with your stupid quest. One hundred attacks on the Scarecrow, for some experience."
"Mister, excuse my friend. We've cleared your assignment." said another guy who had a scholarly appearance, stopping his friend who had a Mohawk, and the attitude of a thug.
"Aha, no problem. You can buzz off if you're done." replied Alistar waving his hand as if he was dismissing some beggars, his interest only reserved for the Vampire walking casually, following his trail.
At his side was Elysia, who asked some questions that were left unanswered by Vecna.
"What will this old man make you do now?"
"Vecna, you should be careful around him, I can tell that he isn't what he appears outside."
"Also, he creeps me out, and even knows about my situation. Maybe he also knows that you're a Vampire."
He let her speak her mind, to see the colors of her true personality, and he didn't lack insightful reads on this young woman.
While she suffered a lot from the loss of her Kingdom, Family, and dear ones, and the desire, craving for revenge for those who wronged her was seeded deep in her heart, he saw that Elysia acted rationally.
Her potential of becoming a Villain like himself was something that made him curious to explore her story but in his own style.
"Why are you consuming yourself over those worries? That old man wouldn't dare to screw around with me. Ahhh, I think I know what that face wants to say."
"Huhuhu, for all the misfortune that you've endured, to think there would still be a silly side to you."
"Pardon? Do you know what I'm thinking about Vecna?"
"Yeah, don't forget I'm your Master. That old man, Alistar, thinks of me like an fascinating toy. Something he wants to play around and see how long it can grow. Overall, he is a greedy person. Just like you."
"And you're not greedy?" inquired Elysia, raising her head to look at the tall, handsome man who scoffed at her question, walking as if he didn't hear that question.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
He soon changed the subject when they got in the range of the players, thinking about dealing with another important business before jumping on the challenge Alistar would throw at him.
"Elysia, follow me inside the House. I'm approaching my Hunger Limit for today."
Grabbing her hand, he stepped past Alistar who got delayed by the players, and moments later entered the House as if he owned the place, settling for Elysia's room that he rented from the old man.
There wasn't much in this room, only a bed, a table, and a chair to eat by the window, for the most part, this room looked desolate and abandoned.
"Can you wait a bit? Let me prepare emotionally."
"You're quite pretentious, Blood Servant. You think I'll wait for you to be at peace?"
Without asking for consent, getting past that "embarrassing" stage, he pulled her cloak away, revealing her tender arms that had an irresistible charm about it. He locked eyes with her for a brief moment before returning his attention on the arm that became his source of sustenance.
His face slowly sunk into her arm, planting his lips that embarrassed Elysia, and it looked like he was doing a courtship ritual to lower her nerves. Just when things got sweeter for the Elven woman, he sank his fangs into her tender flesh with overwhelming sadism.
Puncturing her skin with a mixture of pain and ecstasy, a pain that subsidized considerably and it mainly brought her pleasure.
--Moan--
Elysia gasped, looking scared that Vecna heard her moan, and as the blonde Vampire drew from her crimson elixir, she got lost in the sensation of pleasure, making her desire for more of this pleasure.
As Vecna drank deeply from her arm, he felt invigorated with each pulse of Elysia's essence. Their bond was deepening each time he would feast on her, this macabre connection reaching an unbreakable state.
--Moan--
"Mmmmm. More. Let me get more of this sensation. More."
Hearing her ask for more, had the opposite effect on Vecna who pulled away after getting his Hunger Meter filled. This time, the effect of his blood-sucking remained quiet, the presence of the system remaining hidden.
He looked at her with his lips stained in crimson, while his Vampiric Eyes watched the Elven Princess with a content look on his face. Extending his large palm towards her gorgeous face, he touched her plump lower lip with his nail that started morphing into the claw of a monster.
"This would be all for tonight. Take care of yourself while I'm away. It will not take me long to return."
Elysia felt her body growing weaker each moment Vecna was drawing in her blood, but the pleasure, the euphoric sensation brought into her bloodstream made her vulnerable against the dangerous Vampire.
The bite mark on her arm throbbed, a constant reminder that she wasn't dreaming, and instead became the Servant of a Vampire who moved to seal her opened wound using his lips.
"I will give you some tasks to prepare since it is uncertain for how long I will be dragged by the old man. And it is not as if I want you to laze around while I'm struggling in Hell."
The young woman who had her heart throbbing nonstop, with her cheeks burning with a rosy color, suddenly flinched. Goosebumps wrapped all over her body when she saw Vecna's evil smile.
"First, I want you to write down on a sheet of paper, all the Magical Spells you're capable of utilizing. The important part would be to contemplate on how you could use those spells in Combat and be of any support for me."
"Mainly against humans and monsters."
"Second. I'm thinking of watching your spells in action. So, be ready for that event. I don't want a weak Servant following me."
"If you need magic resources, ask Alistar to procure them for you at a reasonable price of course."
Elysia's moment of being spooked dispersed, later watching the Vampire with intrigue, not expecting for him to try and get involved in her growth.
How couldn't Vecna not involve himself and be like a torch for the Elven woman, only checking her Status Window from the Blood Servant Interface made him want to continue grooming Elysia to be a great support for his ascension as a God.
'She is bound to be the Queen of the Elves. I can mess around with her, tease her, bully her once in a while, but I will not ignore her needs to grow stronger.'
.
[Name: Elysia Aranel Moonshadow
Age: 16 Gender: Female
Class: Arcane Enchantress
Titles: First Servant, Touched by Blood, The Noble Scion, The Graceful Sylph.
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Level: 18
Strength: 35 | Stamina: 60
Agility: 48 | Intelligence: 204
Charm: 104 | Dignity: 108 | Insight: 122 | Political Power: 102
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The Princess of Silverwood Kingdom.
She lives past the destruction of her once-glorious kingdom, the Silverwood Kingdom, at the merciless hands of the Saharan Empire. As the sole surviving member of the High-Elven Royalty, she witnessed the annihilation of her people and the desecration of her homeland.
Stripped of everything she cherished in life, experiencing the Hell of Life at an early age. Sold into slavery after being captured by the hunting dogs of the Empire, she swears upon her name and Ancestors that she will survive.
She will live to see the downfall of the Saharan Empire, and if possible contribute to its downfall. throne and forced into hiding, Elysia vowed to avenge her fallen kingdom and restore the honor of her noble bloodline.
After a nightmare that held her captive for months on end, where only her desire of revenge kept her sane, she walks the crossroads of fate with a mysterious Vampire that she swears to serve for her own desires.
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Skills Possessed: Beginner Elemental Magic (B), Elven Archery (B+), Elven Arcane Magic Knowledge (A+), Politics (A+), Elven Grace (S), Bloodline Resilience (S), Discerning Eyes (S+), Ancient Elven Summoning Spell(SS), Sylphic Agility (???), Arcane Enchantress Magic[Sealed] (???)
.
'Her potential can be limited only by herself. As long as she works toward achieving her goals, starting with Revenge for the Humans that tortured her, I can't be left surprised since it would be expected of her.'
After feeding himself with an amount that would last him for days, he appeared outside of the house, noticing that Alistar gave him a blank expression.
"Done with your plays, boy?"
"Yeah. I have no clue where you're taking me. But I leave Elysia in your hands."
"Follow me."
Alistar moved first, followed by Vecna, and soon they arrived in front of a Cellar Opening that was dug underground. The entrance was masked in such a manner that it blended perfectly with the aesthetics of the Training Ground.
Even if one looked carefully, it would be hard to spot this door leading to who knew where.
"Dwarven Technology. I had one friend of mine build this chamber after I retired."
Alistar did a small introduction of the place as he opened the door, taking Vecna in the hidden depths of the Training Ground, underground where his Vampiric Eyes adapted perfectly with the darkness.
"Aren't those locations supposed to be lit by Mana Crystals or Oil Lamps?"
"Too expensive. If you're a Knight, you should be able to handle this much discomfort. The eyes of humans adapt quickly to a dark environment, while for you?"
"Hah, Vampires bask in Darkness."
"Not that I complain about this setting." replied Vecna calmly, having all the boosts he could get from his passives now that he was in a Dark Environment.
Their descent was steady, with the old man giving Vecna time to explore with his sight this underground chamber.
Guided by Alistar, Vecna found himself in the basement of the Training Ground, where a foreboding sealed room stands as a gateway to his ultimate test.
'Ohh, this isn't a normal quest for sure. The rich mana coming from this sealed door, just like with Caine's Chamber.'
'Something nice waits for me, behind the door.'
"Kid, I don't care that you're a Vampire, a Werewolf, a Dwarf, A Draconian, Shuriman or other races that might lurk inside the Empire."
"Hmm?"
"This place has a single goal in mind. To create a weapon that can threaten the existence of the failing Empire or a weapon that can be used for the betterment of the Empire."
"Only those who survive all the hurdles I've placed inside the Training Chamber, will be worthy of receiving my Guidance."
"Now, young Vecna. Don't disappoint this old man now that he found a possible candidate to Inherit his Legacy."
As the door creaks open, an aura of ancient magic engulfs the surroundings, and Vecna's senses are heightened.
[Ding!]
[You have gained the quest 'A Knight's Forgotten Legacy (S)']
[A Knight's Forgotten Legacy (S)]
Rating: S
The local trainer who seeks brave individuals willing to learn the basics of combat, was just a mask he wore to select worthy candidates to inherit his Legacy.
Much about the trainer Alistar remains shrouded in mystery, about who he truly is, the reasons for staying as a simple local trainer that would be scoffed by the Users.
Prove your worth in Alistar's eyes by defeating all the challenges that will arise in the 'Suppression Chamber'. A test that would make even the bravest Red Knight crumble in fear and despair.
Once completed, return to the trainer for further instructions.
Quest Clear Condition: Defeat all the Challenges of the Suppression Room.
Clear Rewards: 155,000 EXP; NPC Alistar Mentorship; +10 Affinity Points with Alistar
Quest Failure: Lose all possible Quests with the Hidden NPC Alistar
.
[Will you accept the quest?]
"Are you feeling the chills, kid? You can still back away if you feel your life being threatened."
Alistar had a cold voice, his arms kept behind his back, with a serious demeanor all around as he watched for Vecna's response in the face of the Suppression Chamber that he opened.
"Huhuhu, me? Scared? Of this much?" inquired Vecna after stopping laughing with a slightly deranged laugh, as if he was amused greatly by this old man looking down on him.
His response sounded like a melody to the ears of the old man who smiled widely, almost maniacal too, and he felt the response Vecna did for his quest.
[Quest has been accept]
"Prove it to me. That you're made to be a Conqueror. Go, challenge yourself! Challenge your limits and become the one I waited for all my boring life!"
"That's what I intend to do. Regardless of your moral support."
Saying that, Vecna made his way inside the Suppression Chamber with the door closing behind him, sealing it shut.
The dark environment was dimly lit by Mana Crystals, and from what he could perceive, he was inside a room that led to another room.
'And he charges 30 copper coins for what's on the surface? How much would cost training here? Thousands of gold?'
'This feels too high-tech for the setting of the Satisfy World. Considering that Magic exists, along with fantasy races, there can be such innovations.'
Inside the room, Vecna beholds an astonishing sight—an array of lifelike Training Dummies infused with potent magic.
These enchanted constructs, resembling formidable warriors, stand motionless, their eyes gleaming with a mystic light.
"Only three of them?"
--BIIIPPP--
The piercing beeping sound of something mechanical erupted around Vecna, making his muscles tense, ready to jump and fight against the nearby Training Dummies that stood on stand-by.
'What now? Don't tell me I face a Boss Mob from the get-go?'
'Shit, I'm only level 9.'
[CHALLENGER DETECTED!]
[CALCULATING THE THREAT LEVEL OF THE TARGET!]
--BIIIPPP--
[THE DIFFICULTY HAS ADJUSTED WITH THE LIMITS OF THE CHALLENGER!]
--BIIIPPP--
[Good luck to you, Challenger.]
This time the mechanical voice shifted around, reaching a feminine, mature voice that surprisingly wished him good luck as if the worst was to come in his way.
'I guess is manageable.'
[Training Mana Automaton - LV. 30]