The night air held a distinct warmth as Victoria and her entourage continued their journey along the southern road. They had settled into a familiar routine since departing from Columairre, adapting to the demands of their makeshift caravan. The sound of creaking wheels and the steady clip-clop of hooves echoed through the night as the caravan positioned itself to set up camp for the evening. Victoria's group had grown in size with the addition of two covered wagons. The wagons, laden with supplies and provisions, trundled along the side of the carriages to be placed in a circle for defense.

Among the wagons, the newly acquired thralls, former bandits who had foolishly challenged Victoria's group, now traveled alongside the other thralls.

While the oni and two human thralls established the camp, Victoria, her summoned spirit companions, and her vampire spawns set out on their nightly hunt.

Victoria took solace in the knowledge that she was well-protected. Leroy, her ever-faithful spectral companion, flitted through the shadows while the wraiths and vargouilles had grown in strength, reaching level three, their current maximum level. If Victoria understood it correctly, her spectral companions' max level was half her own, rounded up, so they could level to four when she reached level seven.

Her main focus was leveling the vampire spawn. To expedite their growth, Victoria allowed the vampire spawns to take most of the kills during their hunts. She hoped that by doing so, they would reach level five and become full vampires, restoring their former knowledge and abilities to serve her even more effectively. Not only were the spawn challenging to deal with, but she missed her conversations with them.

Victoria focused her own efforts on honing her illusionary skills and maintaining her sanguine sight, a vital tool in her arsenal. She had become adept at weaving intricate illusions, manipulating perception, and keeping her sanguine sight constantly active. Her concentration faltered only occasionally, usually when her mind was preoccupied by pressing concerns or distractions.

Victoria felt a sense of progress and growth as they traversed the southern roads. Each passing night brought new challenges and opportunities for mastery. She knew that her journey was far from over and that she would need to continually sharpen her skills and expand her repertoire of abilities to navigate the treacherous path that lay ahead, but her progress was tangible.

Learning of Victoria’s training plan for her sanguine sight, Leroy devised a unique training method to test Victoria's concentration and reflexes. In moments of unsuspecting vulnerability, he would swiftly swipe at her with his sharp claws, catching her off guard. Leroy affectionately referred to it as "concentration training," and to Victoria's surprise, it was proving to be effective.

At first, the sudden slashes startled her, causing her to flinch and react instinctively. But over time, as Leroy continued his playful attacks, Victoria grew more attuned to his movements. She learned to anticipate his strikes, pinpoint his location subconsciously, and keep her senses sharp and focused even in moments of apparent calm. The unexpected slashes became a way for her to cultivate mental fortitude, enhancing her concentration and training her mind to remain steadfast amidst distractions.

While some might find this method unconventional or even bothersome, Victoria saw the value in Leroy's unique approach. It was an unusual form of training, but it served as a constant reminder of the need to be alert and vigilant, even in the most mundane moments. Leroy's playful actions challenged her to maintain her composure, to be fully present in each moment, and to respond swiftly and decisively when faced with unexpected threats.

As Victoria dodged another of Leroy’s attacks, she noticed a marked improvement in her ability to concentrate, react, and maintain her focus amidst the chaos of battle. Suddenly, Victoria sensed something ahead.

“Halt,” Victoria ordered. “There are creatures ahead. They are moving slowly, but there are a lot of them.” Victoria and her companions halted in their tracks, their attention drawn to the unsettling sight before them. The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the pale skin of the approaching zombies, emphasizing their lifeless and decaying forms. With each step, the zombies trudged forward, their movements slow and methodical.

The zombies appeared to be scavengers, carrying an assortment of crude weapons fashioned from tree branches, tools, and other improvised materials. The clattering sound of bones and the occasional grunts filled the night air, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent chills down Victoria's spine.

Victoria's sanguine sight allowed her to perceive the faint traces of life energy within the undead creatures, confirming that they were indeed zombies. The creatures moved with a twisted determination, their mindless existence driven by a dark force that animated their rotting bodies.

Taking a step forward, Victoria positioned herself at the forefront, her eyes scanning the horde of approaching zombies. Her mind raced, considering the best course of action. She coordinated her companions with a subtle telepathic command, instructing the spawns to flank the zombies and the wraiths to strike from the shadows.

As the zombies drew closer, Victoria's grip tightened on her whip and flamelet dagger. Her psionic skills would likely do little harm to these mindless creatures, but the vampire spawn would enjoy the carnage. They were all low-level and moving slowly, so Victoria was not worried.

The vampire spawns, momentarily taken aback by the futility of feeding on the lifeless zombies, quickly regained their composure at Victoria's command. “Don’t feed on them. They contain no essence to drink. Just destroy them.”

With renewed focus, they unleashed their fury upon the approaching horde, tearing through the undead ranks with relentless ferocity. Victoria attacked the zombies but did not kill them so her spawn could gain all the experience.

Fangs sank into decayed flesh, claws ripped through brittle bones, and the air filled with the sounds of growls and snarls as the vampire spawns dispatched their foes. Though the zombies proved to be devoid of the life essence the spawns sought, their attacks remained swift and precise, ensuring that each strike was fatal and incapacitating.

Victoria observed the battle with a vigilant gaze, her eyes scanning the chaotic scene. She recognized the importance of efficiency in dealing with the undead menace. The zombies posed no genuine threat, yet their numbers could overwhelm and exhaust her companions if not dealt with swiftly.

As the vampire spawns continued their onslaught, the horde of zombies gradually dwindled, falling one by one to the relentless assault. Limbs were severed, bodies crumbled, and the stench of decay permeated the air. The battle reached its crescendo, culminating in a final, decisive blow that dispersed the remnants of the undead horde.

With the last zombie falling apart, a momentary stillness settled over the scene. Victoria took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over her companions, checking for injuries. The vampire spawns stood bloodied but triumphant, their instinctual bloodlust temporarily sated.

Satisfied with the outcome, Victoria nodded to her companions, acknowledging their success. "Well done," she praised, her voice carrying a note of pride and satisfaction. "We'll continue onward. Keep your guard up, and remember our objective."

With that, the group resumed their journey, leaving behind the remnants of the defeated zombies. They encountered three more groups that were each decimated quickly. Victoria was quite bored until Jared suddenly started acting strangely. He halted and stood upright.

Victoria observed Jared's transformation with a sense of satisfaction. The leveling process had brought about a noticeable change in his demeanor, a transformation from a feral creature to a more composed and confident individual. She could see the subtle shift in his posture, his shoulders squared, and his head held high. His claws retracted, and he stared in dismay at his terrible attire.

“Congratulations, Jared,” Victoria said, tossing him a set of clothes.

“Thank you, mistress,” Jared replied, discarding his ruined clothes to don clothing taken from Avery’s closet. “I feel like I finally awoke from a dream. It was strange to feel so little control over my own actions.”

Victoria looked at Jared with pride. In his new clothes, he looked like a proud vampire. “It’s good to have you back. Please stay with me and let the others get the experience. Once they reach level five, they will become like you.”

As they continued their journey, Jared exuded a newfound sense of pride, his previous aggressive snarl replaced by a friendly smile. Victoria recognized the impact that leveling had on their thralls, not only granting them increased strength and abilities but also instilling a sense of purpose and self-assurance.

Brig and Lum wasted no time, engaging in the frenzy of battle against another group of zombies.

Victoria watched with satisfaction as Jared unleashed his newfound skills, his movements fluid and controlled. The return of his preferred weapons had reinvigorated him, enabling him to dispatch the zombies with greater efficiency. She admired his dedication and determination to make the most of their current situation.

Brig, on the other hand, continued his onslaught, his strength and ferocity unmatched. He tore through the zombies with his bare hands, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. His primal instincts served him well in this macabre dance of death, his actions driven by a deep-rooted instinct to protect and serve.

Victoria observed their efforts with a mix of pride and gratitude. The bond she had formed with these thralls had grown stronger, and their loyalty and commitment were unwavering. They fought as a team, each playing their part in the relentless pursuit of power and progression.

As the last zombies fell, their decaying bodies littering the ground, Victoria approached Brig with a nod of approval. His transformation was underway. When they ventured further, both Brig and Jared stood with Victoria as Lum took on the zombies alone, until all three finally reached level five.

The zombies no longer provided experience at level one, but Victoria couldn't resist the temptation to push her thralls. “We still have some night left.” She distributed spears from her belt storage to Brig and Jared, preparing them for combat. “Your bodies have undergone many changes. Take your weapons and get used to them again.”

Turning her attention to Lum, Victoria asked, “Do you still have your spellcasting abilities?”

Lum's response held uncertainty as she evaluated her character sheet. “Somewhat. My spells have all changed, mistress,” Lum replied. “I am now classified as a blood mage. I must harvest blood to fuel my spells.”

Curiosity sparked within Victoria as she pondered the potential source of blood for Lum's spells. “Will the blood of the zombies work?”

Lum cocked her head to the side as she considered the question. “I’m not sure, but there is one way to find out.”

With a gesture towards the gory aftermath of their recent battles, Victoria suggested, “There is plenty of blood still on the ground. See if that works.”

Lum nodded. Testing the viability of the blood splattered across the ground seemed like a practical solution. "I will try it, mistress," she replied, kneeling near a pool of blood. With a focused gaze, she extended her hand, attempting to draw the essence of the spilled blood into her magical abilities.

After a moment of concentration, Lum's expression shifted from anticipation to disappointment. "It's not working, mistress. The blood doesn't seem to have the necessary properties to fuel my spells," she reported in frustration.

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Victoria considered how the blood spells might be limited. "I wonder if the rules governing blood consumption extend to blood spells as well," she mused aloud, her voice carrying a note of contemplation.

Victoria redirected her attention to Jared and Brig. "Jared, Brig, I want you to practice utilizing your enhanced vampire bodies. Test your agility, speed, and strength. Push yourselves beyond your previous limits," she commanded, her tone firm yet encouraging.

The vampires nodded, a determined glint in their eyes. "Yes, mistress. We will make the most of our new physique.”

With spears firmly grasped, Brig and Jared launched themselves at the remaining zombies. Their movements were swift and fluid.

Brig lunged forward with precision, his spear piercing through the decaying flesh of a zombie's chest. He spun his spear in an arc, tearing through the bodies of several zombies at once.

Jared, equally skilled and focused, danced with deadly grace amongst the undead. His spear became an extension of his body, striking with lethal accuracy. With each precise jab and parry, he dispatched the undead foes, leaving a trail of broken bodies in his wake.

Victoria observed her thralls with pride and satisfaction. Their training and transformation had yielded remarkable results. The former oni now moved with the grace and ferocity of true vampires.

As the last of the zombies fell, their once formidable numbers reduced to lifeless corpses, Brig and Jared stood side by side, their chests heaving with exertion. Their eyes glimmered with newfound confidence and joy at finally being able to think and use their training.

"Well done, both of you," Victoria commended, her voice filled with approval. "Your skills and coordination are every bit as glorious as before."

Suddenly, her sanguine sight picked up something far stronger than the zombies. “Halt! There is something very powerful ahead.”

Jared and Brig, their expressions mirroring Victoria's concern, immediately turned back and hastened toward her. Gesturing to the vargouille, Victoria commanded, “Igor, Glav, scout ahead and see what you find, but be careful.”

As they regrouped, they walked quickly back toward the camp as they waited for the vargouille report. After what felt like an eternity, Igor's voice pierced the stillness of her mind, relaying the unsettling revelation. "It's an undead necromancer, a lich. And it appears to possess considerable strength. He is raising an army of the dead, drawing them from the mass graves nearby."

Victoria's eyes widened, her mind racing to assess the situation. She knew the grave danger they were facing. The lich's mastery over death and the sheer number of undead under its control were formidable obstacles they were ill-prepared to overcome.

Drawing upon her psychic abilities, Victoria established a mental connection with Igor, sharing his sight to gain a firsthand glimpse of the lich. However, her attempts to gather information through her analyze spell proved fruitless, leaving her with an unsettling realization of just how powerful their adversary truly was. She felt the attention of the litch focus on Igor as she broke the connection.

With grim determination etched across her face, Victoria made a swift decision. "We must retreat to the camp immediately. The lich's power far surpasses our own, and engaging it now would be a grave mistake.”

The urgency in her voice reverberated through the night, spurring her companions into action. They immediately turned back, their footsteps quickening as they raced toward the safety of their camp.

Victoria reached out to Carl via her mind link, instructing him, "Break camp and secure the carriages for a swift departure. We must leave at once!"

As they made their way back to the camp, Victoria's senses remained heightened, her focus fixed on the task at hand. The sight that greeted them upon arrival was one of organized chaos. The camp was a hive of activity, thralls, and companions swiftly executing Victoria's instructions.

Victoria's companions hurriedly secured the carriages. The sounds of clinking metal and scraping wood filled the air as the carriages were hastily loaded with supplies, their contents secured for travel. Victoria's commanding presence guided her thralls, ushering them aboard the wagons, ensuring their safety within the confines of their mobile stronghold. Brig and Jared were guided to her war camper. Now that they were full vampires, they deserved better accommodations.

The battle wagons set off once more, resuming their southward journey and Victoria's mind was a flurry of thoughts and plans. Silently, Victoria gazed out into the night with her sanguine sight, her senses tracing the path ahead. The moon cast a pale glow upon the road, illuminating their path through the darkness. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and creaking wagons filled the air, accompanied by the steady hum of anticipation.

Amidst the twisted remains of the fallen zombies, the lich's skeletal form stood tall, its hollow eye sockets emitting a ghastly blue glow. The air around it crackled with dark energy, and the ground beneath its bony feet seemed to quiver with unease.

The lich’s gaze fixated on the fallen zombies with an eerie indifference. Dark magic emanating from its skeletal form swirled and crackled. As the lich's necromantic energy seeped into the lifeless limbs of the zombies, twitches and spasms rippled through their bodies. It was a grotesque sight, a macabre dance of death and reanimation unfolding.

He extended his senses and found something interesting.

As the carriage rumbled along the winding road, the soft leather seat cradling her, Victoria allowed her gaze to drift thoughtfully between her vampire spawn, Lum, Jared, and Brig. Pride swelled within her as she reflected on their recent escape from the lich's minions. She admired the grace with which they had fought, working seamlessly as a team. They were more than mere thralls; they were her vampire children, extensions of her own strength and will.

Suddenly, she felt an intrusive presence in her mind, probing her thoughts with a forceful intrusion. Instinctively, she raised her mental defenses, her mind a fortress of resilience. The probing vanished, only to be replaced by a more potent sensation, a mental struggle that seemed to stretch on for eternity. She could hear the voices of her vampire children calling out to her, concerned and confused, but she couldn't spare any of her mental energy to respond. The battle in her mind raged on, leaving her momentarily disconnected from her surroundings.

Her perception shifted in the blink of an eye, and she found herself in an abyss of darkness. Another presence loomed in the void—the lich, the master of the undead. Victoria composed herself, applying her vampiric charm to address the powerful entity. "Greetings, master of the undead," she said, choosing her words carefully. "I apologize for destroying your minions. Had I known they were attached to a necromancer of such stature, I would've restrained my spawn."

The lich's disembodied voice echoed in her mind, filled with ancient malevolence. "It is of no consequence. All shall rise again to serve," it declared, the darkness around them swirling with its malevolent magic.

Victoria, seeking to establish herself as a peer rather than a threat, continued, "Still, I wish no harm upon a fellow creature of darkness. I offer you a selection of corpses as a token of friendship when I pass through next."

The lich's response was laced with ominous authority. "An interesting choice of words, young vampire. Friendship implies much, but I have no need for such ties. Your service, however, is required."

Unperturbed, Victoria corrected, "I admire your hubris, but I must decline. My existence thrives alongside mortals, where sustenance is readily available. Our paths are not aligned."

The lich's response was swift and forceful, attempting to crush her will with waves of pressure. Yet, Victoria resisted, her inner strength matched by the will to resist the ancient creature's malevolent command. As the conversation progressed and the carriages distanced themselves from the lich's dominion, she felt its power waning. Unbeknownst to the lich, she had quietly been consolidating control over a small area of the mindscape, granting her the strength to resist its assault.

Observing her resilience, the lich reluctantly acknowledged, "Ah, now I see. A vampire matriarch, but of low level."

Victoria remained unyielding. "Yes, I am full of surprises. How about we start over? I apologize for the destruction caused to your minions, and you accept my offer of future corpses as recompense. I promise not to disturb your dominion further."

The lich's malevolent aura seemed to waver momentarily before conceding, "Acceptable under the circumstances. You've earned a modicum of respect. I'll expect those corpses."

With a slight bow of acknowledgment, Victoria severed the connection, returning to her body covered in sweat. The lich's power had been formidable, akin to that of Armos, the ancient vampire. Though dozens of levels above her, she had resisted its will, defying the odds stacked against her. A triumphant smile graced her face; she had prevailed against a force of unimaginable power.

"Everything is okay," Victoria reassured her vampire spawn, her voice calm but still tinged with exhaustion. "I had a brief exchange with the lich, and he accepted our apology. When we return, we'll deliver a load of corpses to him as a gesture of peace."

Lum, Brig, and Jared visibly relaxed at her words, relieved that their mistress had successfully navigated the encounter with the powerful undead entity. Lum's face softened with gratitude, and he nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for handling that, mistress."

Before anyone could respond further, Victoria raised a hand, signaling for silence. "Our communication put some strain on me," she admitted, her voice softer now. "I need rest, and I suggest you all do the same. I want us all to be at our best when we arrive at our destination."

The three vampires nodded in agreement, bowing respectfully to their mistress. "As you wish, mistress," Lina, Brig, and Jared said in unison.

Hours later, Victoria awoke and immediately scanned the area with her sanguine sight. Finding no threats, she climbed over the sleeping forms of Lina, Brig, and Jared to reach the second compartment. Retrieving a book, she sat at the table and read until the other vampires woke.

When the other vampires joined her, Victoria addressed them. "Lina, Brig, Jared, I must commend you all," Victoria began, her voice tinged with admiration. "Our escape from the clutches of our captors was no small feat. We managed to preserve our lives and ensure that none of us were left behind."

Jared nodded, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, mistress. We did what we had to do to survive. I am somewhat frustrated we couldn’t fight the litch, but I know that is my pride talking."

Victoria's eyes gleamed with appreciation as she continued, "Indeed, and I am grateful that you three have matured into full vampires. I worried for you when you fell in battle, and then again when you became spawn. You have proven yourselves worthy of the full vampire status. From this point forward, you are no longer thralls but vampires under my banner. Together, we shall navigate the challenges that lie ahead."

“We are your bloodline and you are our eternal matriarch,” they said in unison.

The atmosphere within the wagon shifted, the air tinged with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Victoria gestured for them to join her at the table as they settled into a comfortable position. She was eager to delve deeper into conversation with the former thralls. She noted the slight changes to their appearance. Their horns were smaller, almost unnoticeable under their hair. Their white faces were smooth and free from any blemish. Vampire charm and seduction seemed to roll off them.

As the miles rolled by, their discussion spanned a wide range of topics, revealing hidden layers of their individual stories and the intricacies of oni culture. Through their dialogue, Victoria gained insight into the fascinating aspects of oni life that she had not previously been privy to. Jared spoke of their traditions, their bonds of loyalty, and the importance of honor within their society. Brig shared anecdotes of their experiences as oni and their challenges during their transformation into vampires.

Victoria absorbed the knowledge, captivated by their tales, the nuances of their culture and the changes that occurred when they embraced their vampiric nature. It was a bittersweet revelation, knowing that their transformation came with sacrifices. The loss of their natural oni traits, like levitation, was a trade-off for the new powers and vitality they gained as vampires.

As the caravan continued its journey, the bond between Victoria, Jared, and Brig grew stronger. Their conversations forged a more profound connection, fostering mutual understanding and trust. Victoria recognized the importance of nurturing these relationships, as they would be the foundation upon which their future endeavors would be built.

Day turned to night and Victoria opened the windows to let the night air in. As they talked, she felt the pendant she’d liberated from Liviana activate. She retrieved it from her pocket and noted a red glow emanating from it.

Brig and Jared leaned in to see the object, their curiosity piqued. Their eyes were fixated on the pendant, their gazes filled with anticipation for her explanation.

Victoria held the pendant delicately in her hand, a glimmer of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Ah, this pendant," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of intrigue. "It holds the blood of a powerful vampire, a potent connection to Liviana’s lineage and the coven she belongs to."

She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. "You see, as the daughter of a coven leader, it is highly likely that this blood belongs to her ancient sire, the one who turned her into a vampire. It's a significant symbol of her heritage and power."

Brig and Jared exchanged glances, their minds spinning with the implications. They recognized the significance of the blood-filled pendant and the potential it held as a guiding force.

Brig broke the silence, voicing the question on their minds. "So, Mistress, does that mean the pendant will guide us to the coven?"

Victoria nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, my loyal companions. The blood within this pendant has a connection to something, possibly the defenses or hidden energies surrounding the coven. I plan to travel until the interaction between the blood and these forces ceases. Once we reach that point, we will backtrack to where the interaction was strongest. It will lead us to the vicinity of the coven."

Jared's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "A clever plan, Mistress. We can use the pendant as our compass, allowing it to guide us closer to our destination. However, we must remain cautious.”

Victoria nodded, acknowledging the truth in Jared's words. "This is exactly what I seek. We traveled south to meet this coven. I am now the champion. The coven will undoubtedly sense our presence long before we find them, making our job easier."

Brig's fear was palpable, etched across his face as he contemplated the impending encounter with the vampire coven. He voiced his concerns, his voice tinged with worry. "Mistress, if we are approaching the coven, won't they be alarmed that you are carrying the head of the coven master's daughter?"

Victoria's expression remained composed, her eyes glinting with determination and confidence. "Indeed, Brig, carrying Liviana's head is part of the champion challenge. I am expected to present it to the coven master as proof of my victory. I plan to offer him his daughter's head, honoring her formidable fight in the battle."

Brig's eyes widened, shock and apprehension coursing through him. "But... but won't that anger him even more?"

Just as the tension in the war camper peaked, a powerful voice pierced through the air, causing the horses to halt abruptly.

“You can give it to me now!”