Victoria's body was aching after the rigorous training session. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her breath came in measured, controlled intervals. She stood before Yemel, her chest heaving, as she awaited his feedback.

The whip instructor’s stern expression softened into a small smile, a twinkle of approval in his eyes. "You've made significant progress, Victoria. Your dedication and hard work are evident."

Victoria nodded, a mixture of pride and exhaustion in her gaze. "Thank you, Yemel. Your guidance has been invaluable."

Yemel stepped closer, his eyes studying her intently. "Mastering the whip requires more than just skill. It demands strength – not just physical, but mental and spiritual strength as well."

Victoria straightened her posture, her resolve unwavering. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I want to become the best I can be."

Yemel's cautious gaze surveyed Victoria. "I have no doubt about your determination, but sometimes stepping back is essential for taking leaps forward. You've reached a point where your progress in certain areas is plateauing."

Victoria's brows furrowed slightly, curiosity and concern playing across her features. "What do you mean?"

Yemel's voice carried a sense of wisdom that only experience could bring. "Your skills are advancing admirably, but to truly unlock the potential of more advanced techniques, you need a solid foundation. I believe you should continue honing your current skills until your whip skill reaches level twenty."

Victoria absorbed his words, understanding the importance of mastery before advancement. "And what about my overall strength?"

Yemel nodded, his expression serious. "That too. I suggest you reach at least level ten before delving into more advanced techniques. Your challenges will be formidable, and you must be prepared. Invest more points in dexterity as you level up."

Victoria nodded, but inside, she determined to gain those dexterity points through feeding. Her level-up attribute points were better spent on attributes that were harder to obtain, such as luck, willpower, perception, and charisma. “I accept the challenge. I'll work harder, get stronger, and return to you when I have the requisite skill, level, and attributes.”

Yemel's smile returned, pride and camaraderie. "I have no doubt that you will, Victoria. Your journey has only just begun, and I have no doubt that you'll reach heights you never thought possible."

As Yemel's words settled in, Victoria's gaze turned inward, reviewing her recent progress. She mentally accessed her character sheet, reflecting on her growth and achievements. Her heart swelled with satisfaction as she saw her whip skill had reached level fifteen. Her short swords and dual-wielding skills had also reached level ten, marking another milestone in her journey.

Victoria nodded to herself. “My dexterity is fifteen currently. How high should it be to learn the advanced techniques,” she asked.

“Twenty should be sufficient,” Yemel commented.

She was ready to embrace the challenges ahead, to push herself beyond her limits, and to return to Yemel once she had fulfilled his conditions. The path to mastering advanced techniques was daunting, but Victoria was no stranger to adversity. With Yemel's guidance and her unyielding will, she was poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the vampire world.

"Before I go, would you mind telling me about the previous owner of this whip? Prince Vincent mentioned that it belonged to his cousin who passed away about five hundred years ago."

Yemel hesitated for a moment, his expression uneasy. "It might be better to ask His Eternal Majesty himself, but I'm uncertain how much he would divulge. It happened a long time ago, and what little I know is mostly hearsay."

Victoria leaned in, intrigued by Yemel's response. "Please, share what you can. I'd like to know more."

With a sigh, Yemel continued, "His name was Dorian, and he was renowned for his unmatched skills in manipulation and subterfuge. These talents allowed him to navigate the intricate web of vampire politics with remarkable finesse. He served His Eternal Majesty, Prince Victor, for centuries, acting as a mediator, a spy, and a master of intrigue. They shared the same bloodline, and Dorian was a trusted confidant."

Yemel's voice grew somber as he delved into the enigmatic aspects of Dorian's history. "However, Dorian's illustrious career came to an abrupt and perplexing end, shrouded in whispers of treachery and enigma."

Victoria leaned closer. "Please, go on."

Yemel continued, his words painting a vivid, mysterious tale. "It all began when he embarked on what seemed like a routine mission, dispatched by Prince Vincent himself. Dorian was tasked with negotiating with the reclusive Crimson Elders concerning a divination he had stumbled upon. It was a journey from which he, along with his loyal group of operatives, would never return."

He paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in. "News of his sudden disappearance reached Prince Vincent, triggering frantic search parties to scour the darkest corners of the vampire realm. What they discovered was both confounding. Dorian and his companions were found lifeless, lying in eerie stillness. Their bodies bore no signs of external harm, save for a single bite mark on each of their pale necks."

Victoria listened intently, captivated by the strange details of the story. "Go on," she urged.

Yemel's voice carried a sense of eerie fascination. "The thoroughness of the killers was astonishing. No signs of struggle marred the scene, and even the victims' weapons remained untouched, sheathed. Nothing of value had been taken—no item or weapon removed from their possession. What's even more perplexing is that the murderers had gone to great lengths to preserve the bodies, transporting them to the shelter of a nearby cave, ensuring they were shielded from the deadly touch of sunlight."

He continued, "Prince Vincent, deeply disturbed and determined to find answers, journeyed to the grim site where the chilling discovery had been made. He then entered into secretive negotiations with the Crimson Elders, hoping to unlock the truth behind these grim events. Yet, despite his relentless efforts and inquiries, the details remained elusive, buried beneath layers of shadowy rumors. If he did uncover anything, he never revealed it. Some say Prince Vincent executed Dorian for some perceived slight. Others point fingers at the one who later assumed his position. And then there are rumors that it was a rival coven."

Victoria pondered the information, considering the implications. "It's a tragic and mysterious tale," she remarked. "I hope Prince Vincent found some measure of closure."

Yemel nodded solemnly. "As do we all, Lady Victoria."

“I will return as soon as I can. Thank you for your teaching,” Victoria said, bowing to her teacher.

“It was my pleasure,” Yemel replied with a bow.

The evening air was cool and charged with anticipation as Victoria made her way through the shadowed corridors of the coven. She had a sense that something significant was about to transpire. Upon reaching a dimly lit chamber, she found Lum and Armos engaged in an intense exchange of whispered incantations and gestures. The air around them seemed to shimmer with an eerie energy.

As she approached, Armos turned his gaze toward her, his skeletal features giving away nothing of his thoughts. "Victoria, come closer. Lum has been learning a new blood magic spell, and I believe it could be of great use to you."

Intrigued, Victoria stepped forward, her attention shifting to Lum. The vampire's eyes flickered with excitement and concentration. Lum's voice carried a melodic cadence as they explained, "Blood siphon is a spell that allows you to draw life force from a living host and channel it into yourself or others for healing. It's a delicate process, and its success depends on your ability to control the flow of energy."

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Victoria's curiosity mingled with a tinge of apprehension. She had grown accustomed to the art of manipulating blood, but this spell seemed to carry a different kind of power. "How does it work?"

Lum's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "Imagine it like drawing water from a well. You tap into the energy of the living being, directing it through your own channels. It requires finesse and precision, but with practice, you can replenish your own vitality."

Victoria nodded, absorbing her words. "This skill could be a game-changer in battles. The ability to siphon energy from foes and use it to heal yourself offers a strategic advantage, especially since creatures of the night like us cannot be healed through traditional healing spells."

“Indeed,” Armos said with a smile.

"I'm eager to try it," Lum said excitedly.

Armos gestured toward the entrance. "I suggest you practice this skill on the hunt. There's no better way to learn than in the midst of action."

Just as Lum was about to express her gratitude, Armos continued, "Keep in mind that we have a feast planned for later in the evening. The champion's presence is expected, and it would be best to keep your hunt relatively short."

Understanding the urgency in his words, Victoria nodded. "Thank you for the guidance, Armos. I'll make sure our hunt is swift and efficient. As for the feast, can you tell me…"

“Isn’t it obvious? It is a farewell party. To us ancient vampires, you are an open book, my dear. We know you are eager to leave. In fact, I’ve already sent for your thralls. They travel here and should arrive tomorrow. Now, hurry to your hunt. I have experiments to conduct here,” he said, waving his hand as a spell lifted them off their feet, quickly depositing them in the hall outside the library.

Victoria was surprised. Was she so transparent? She hurried to gather her companions – Jared, Brig, and Lum, along with her spiritual allies as she pondered her next steps. After hunting together regularly, the group settled into better patterns, sensing the needs of one another and working together more seamlessly as a team.

Over time, their shared hunts and battles had deepened their bonds and brought about growth. Victoria's companions, including Lum, had embraced the challenges and become stronger. Their pursuit of experience had paid off – their levels had risen to match Victoria's.

The moonlight cast an otherworldly glow as Victoria and her companions ventured deeper into the woods. The nocturnal symphony of chirping insects and rustling leaves surrounded them, creating an atmosphere of suspense and excitement.

Victoria kept her sanguine sight active as they moved, continuing to try to extend its range as well as the detail it revealed. Sensing two large creatures ahead, Victoria raised her hand to halt the group as she absorbed details on the creatures, relating them back to the group.

The two creatures towered at about nine feet in height. Their bodies were covered in coarse, mottled fur, a blend of earthy tones that allowed them to blend seamlessly into the forest undergrowth. Powerful muscles rippled beneath the coat, evidence of their strength and ferocity. Thick layers of feathers adorned their shoulders, resembling a tattered cape that added an air of primal intimidation to their appearance.

The most striking feature was their heads, an amalgamation of an owl's fierce countenance and a bear's snout. Large, round eyes with piercing yellow irises dominated their faces, giving them a fierce intensity. Their beaks, sharp and hooked, glistened with a hint of moonlight, revealing their carnivorous nature.

“There are two creatures ahead, each the size of a bear,” she explained.

As she continued the description, Lum said, “Those sound like owlbears. They are a powerful fusion of two fierce creatures and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

Soon, the owlbears entered the clearing where they were visible to the eye. Their enormous wings were folded against their sides, the feathers rustling softly in the night breeze. These wings, though not suited for flight, undoubtedly served as a means to intimidate and possibly assist in balance during their swift and powerful attacks.

Their clawed feet, akin to those of predatory birds, dug into the forest floor as they moved, leaving deep imprints in the soil. Each foot was tipped with curved talons, deadly weapons that had likely brought down many unfortunate prey.

As the moonlight danced upon their fearsome forms, the owlbears emitted low growls, a chilling symphony that echoed through the night. They could smell the presence of the vampires. Their appearance exuded a primal aura, a reminder that they were the hunters of this domain, embodying the untamed spirit of the wilderness.

The air became charged with tension as they prepared to engage the creatures. Jared and Brig adjusted their grips on their weapons, their vampire prowess and heightened senses putting them in an advantageous position. With a few hand signs, Victoria signaled for Jared and Brig to engage. Lum's eyes glowed with an eerie light as she channeled her blood magic, ready to support the team. Victoria held the wraiths in reserve. Their stunning touch would not work on creatures this size and their attacks would do little good.

As the two melee vampires rushed toward the owlbears, Victoria moved to flank them while Lum prepared her spells.

The suddenness of their attack caught the group off-guard. The vampires had become somewhat lax, assuming their speed would eclipse that of the surrounding forest creatures. In a whirlwind of motion, the first owlbear delivered a mighty backhand blow that sent Brig hurtling backward. The sheer force of the strike was enough to disorient, but it was the creature's surprising speed that left them all astounded. In a fortunate twist of fate, the blow landed with the back of the owlbear's hand, sparing Brig from the full brunt of its deadly claws.

The second one, likely the female of the pair, as she stood half a foot taller than her mate, dropped to all four and rushed Lum. Jared stabbed at it as it passed, but his angle was wrong and the blade slipped off its tough skin.

Victoria's instincts kicked in, her whip becoming an extension of her will. With a resounding crack that split the air, the leather thong of her whip struck out at the owlbear's face, landing a stinging blow on its cheek. The pain and sudden assault diverted the creature's attention away from Lum, and it ran toward her instead. She followed that up by mind spiking both owlbears. They growled, but their fighting instincts carried them through the pain.

Casting an illusion of herself, Victoria executed a nimble retreat as the owlbear charged forward with a deafening roar. The massive creature slammed headlong into her illusory form, and for a moment, it seemed as if Victoria had been skewered by a conjured great sword that she had cleverly concealed behind the illusion.

However, owlbears proved to be remarkably resilience. Despite the conjured sword's impact, it did little to deter the beast's aggressive assault. With primal fury burning in its eyes, the owlbear pressed on as it saw the real Victoria instead of the illusory ruse.

The other vampires were the same level as their mistress, but she had far more stat points than them thanks to her generous feeding. Using the skills Yemel had taught her, she danced out of the way of the creature, then swung her whip to entangle its hind legs. The owlbear slid to the ground, right on top of Victoria’s conjured blades. The ethereal blades cut deeply into it before shattering. If not for the creature’s prodigious weight, the blades wouldn’t have pierced its flesh, but Victoria’s timing and placement was perfect. The owlbear reached a paw back to shred the offending whip, but Victoria rotated the whip like a jump rope over the paw just as Jared’s sword sliced into the flesh of its arm.

The owlbear roared and its mate ran to help, but then shook its head as Lum’s boiling blood spell took effect and a bout of dizziness overcame it. This was then complicated as Leroy blinked to its head, as he furiously scratched its face. His cat claws did little against the tough owlbear skin, but he served as a decent distraction, giving Brig the time to strike with his sword, slipping the blade underneath a wing to hit the soft skin beneath.

Victoria moved to the other side of the female owlbear, looping her whip around the hind legs even tighter. Jared attacked from the other side. The two of them exchanged blows as the bear struggled to defend from two sides. Victoria used he conjured blades to assist Brig and Lum siphoned off the blood with each cut, forming it into blades that she sent back at the male owlbear.

Jared darted in and out with the precision of a seasoned predator. His lithe form moved like a shadow, exploiting openings created by Victoria or Lum and striking with uncanny accuracy when the opportunity arose.

Victoria and Jared soon finished off their owlbear and went to assist Brig. From them on, it was a simple matter to bring the creature down. Victoria stared at the two owlbears. They couldn’t feast on them, but both provided enough experience or her to reach level seven. She dropped her stat points into charisma, bringing it to 24. It was her most crucial stat.

As the group emerged from the dense forest, an open plain lay before them. However, Victoria knew this was part illusion. She knew the path back to the obelisk like the back of her hand. The group navigated through the plain and approached the threshold of the obelisk's illusion.

One moment, they stood amidst the natural surroundings of the forest, the tranquil sounds of the night filling the air. But as they crossed the threshold, a disorienting shift occurred. In the blink of an eye, the towering monolith materialized before them, rising like a dark skyscraper from the ground. The uninitiated would still be under the illusion, but thanks to Prince Vincent, they saw clearly through the illusion. The dark obelisk greeted them like an ominous sentinel in the night. The moonlight painted eerie shadows across its imposing surface, making it appear even more foreboding. Its sheer size and unsettling presence were enough to give anyone pause.

Victoria was no stranger to this eerie transition, but the abrupt shift always carried an unsettling quality, a reminder of the arcane forces at play within the obelisk. Victoria, however, led her companions forward confidently. They had a feast to attend and a growing reputation to uphold within the world of vampires.