"EverRealm, can you save him?"
Genji had no expectations but he asked anyway in hopes of a miracle. After everything that the nightbane had done for him, the least he could do was try.
[Preservation of the spirit is possible for a high price.]
"How high are we talking?"
[The Origin Blood of Kulo]
"Fine, take it," Genji said without hesitation.
While the item might be precious, Genji had no use for it. He wasn't planning on becoming a vampire so he might as well use it to save Bruce. Plus, it was not like he needed the money anyway with the total income from this world. Since that was the case, he might as well trade it for peace of mind and leave the world without regrets.
The vial of blood disappeared from his inventory and EverRealm worked its magic, illuminating Bruce with a bright light. Then specks of reddish light rose from the wounds and gathered above his head. With each fleck that left Bruce's body, his eyes dimmed proportionally, and his body withered.
While the process looked scary, Genji trusted EverRealm and its agreements. After all, it is an existence that follows a set rule. If it agreed to something, it would never scam him.
Once all the specks of light gathered, another flash of brightness came from the collection, forcing Genji to divert his gaze. Seconds later, the flash faded, and a dull, maroon marble replaced the particles.
Genji reached out, caught the orb, and carefully stowed this away. Bruce's survival depended on this and he wanted to do it right.
[You have slain the Vampire King.]
[You have obtained: 150,000 realm coins, 56 maximum energy, and Blood of the Original One]
[Blood of The Original One]
Rating: Legendary
Effect: Upon use, become an Original Vampire and awaken a prince-level bloodline with a matching Ultimate. As an Original Vampire, you possess no fatal weaknesses and resistance against multiple elements.
Description: The blood of a demonic god. Residues of his powers still exist as a contract inside it. Should you use it, you agree to all the conditions laid out by the god with the previous user.
Note 1: Since you managed to kill my envoy candidate, you have the right to replace him. If not, sell the blood to a worthy bearer and I will forgive this act. -Azoloth, the Horned One.
Note 2: This is only the base form of this power. There is still a lot of untapped potential.
As Genji was tending to his wounds, he checked the reward for killing the king. Seeing the weird description, Genji immediately discarded the idea of using it. While the abilities are very powerful, Genji abhorred the idea of associating with a demonic god. No matter how he thought about it, it sounded like more trouble than it was worth.
Genji had experienced enough for this moment and he would rather not make his life more complicated like this. Plus, it was not like he needed that power considering his recently developed Shadow Devour could easily kill such a being.
Appreciate what he has and don't covet things he couldn't use. Otherwise, it would be too late for regret after he ruined all the hard work he spent developing his talent. Like this, two days passed quickly and Genji found himself in the familiar void again.
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Settlement: Evernight
Achievements:
1. Killed a Barron in your hunter initiation
2. Attacked a vampire coven and contributed against a count(2)
3. Explored the case of missing townspeople(2)
4. Killed Count Dracula and exterminated his coven(2)
5. Cleaned up the violators in the world(4)
6. Killed a marquis(3)
7. Participated in numerous vampire exterminations(10)
8. Killed Champion Daucer(3)
9. Killed a Duke(3)
10. Reduced casualties among the hunters massively(2)
11. Contributed to the Hunter's medical advancement(3)
12. Assisted with the deaths of countless vampires with your poison(4)
13. Killed many vampires in the war(3)
14. Assisted against Prince Macass(4, achievements split with Zepher)
15. Forced the other Realms to pay massive compensations (40, 10 for each realm)
16. Exterminated Prince Kulo's clan(13)
17. Killed Prince Kulo (6)
18. Killed Prince Roragen(6)
19. Passed the Trial of Insanity
20. Passed the Trial of Despair
21. Passed the Trial of Tenacity
22. Killed the Original Vampire(8)
23. Ended the Era of Vampires(10)
Total Achievements: 132
Total World Time: 3 months, 6 days
Rating: Nightmare
Note: If it wasn't for EverRealm already creating a new rank because of you, this would be worthy of it
Note 2: EverRealm is very surprised at your survival.
Coins rewarded: 1,890,000
Stat Points: 36 (This is the maximum of this world)
Other rewards are being calculated...
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[Initiate healing?]
"Yes."
[Error. It has been detected that the cost of this operation far exceeds your ability to pay.]
[High status detected. Emergency options added. Please choose one.]
1. Normal: 32,0984,728 coins
2. Full body rebirth: 20 privilege tokens
3. Cancel healing
"I might have overdone it," Genji said, grimacing at the cost.
He could understand why EverRealm presented him with these options. If anyone was hit with such absurd healing costs, they had no choice but to be demoted. But even then, there was no guarantee of debt relief, potentially resulting in chronic death.
Of course, Genji was the exception since he was confident his total income could cover this, but he would rather not. After everything, he needed to craft more potions to ensure his income in the next world and continue snowballing. Otherwise, his combat effectiveness would experience a huge drop as every injury would be impairing.
With how uncertain his mission durations were, persistent injuries would be a death sentence. Even if it wasn't, he would have to give up on lots of opportunities and lose all the advantages he had built so far.
Since even Genji found it hard to pay this debt, it made sense why EverRealm presented him with this option. After all, not all champions were like him, and losing one of its strongest fighters like this would be a huge waste.
Of course, Genji could reject the healing, but that had its own slew of problems, especially with his monstrous appearance.
"I guess I don't have a choice," Genji said and took out Duacer's Champion scarlet card.
When he killed the werewolf, Genji obtained 10 tokens, and by handing this to EverRealm, he would get another 10. It was a wasteful way to use the card, but he needed to recover.
Despite how many violators he massacred, none of them were particularly strong. In fact, all of them were on the verge of demotion. This explained why they had to resort to such risky practices in the first place. That was why only Duacer provided him with tokens on kill.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Genji made the payment, and an extreme burning sensation spread across his body as EverRealm purified his cursed being. Mutated flesh peeled off and dissipated to ash, causing his muscles to curl in bone-piercing agony.
His blood also boiled, and his dead organs twitched, doing everything to force out the poison. Sensations that he never believed were possible attacked his mind and pushed him harder than anything.
Genji almost fainted from the pain, but his will of steel refused to give in and strived to endure this. He got himself into this mess, and he would see the end of it. Only that way could Genji learn from his mistakes and carve this lesson into his memory as a warning for future repetitions.
Plus, what was a little pain worth when it would only temper his will and make him stronger? After this, Genji wouldn't be the one in pain, but his future enemies. And what better feeling is there than improving and stepping on the severed heads of his foes?
But despite Genji comforting himself through this process, EverRealm didn't relent in the treatment; instead, it strengthened it. Genji's body jerked harshly, but he simply laughed it off with a crazy look in his eyes.
"Hahahahahaha yes. Bring on the pain. Just know every ounce of suffering I feel now, I will dish to others. Hahahaha."
Then Genji's body broke down from the pain, but EverRealm infused him with more power and preserved his life. Another round began, but Genji hardly twitched, having become used to everything.
Now that this feeling had disappeared, Genji could easily distinguish the difference and gained a newfound appreciation for EverRealm's healing.
[World Accomplishment detected: End of Darkness]
Description: Due to you killing so many vampires, you have brought the vampire era to an early end. For this amazing accomplishment, a piece of equipment will be condensed in your honor.
[Since you surpassed 100 achievements, you have the chance to custom forge a piece of equipment.]
[Please describe your ideal traits.]
[Note: EverRealm reserves the right to reject cases that exceed the worth of your achievements.]
"Before that, can you heal Bruce and return him to his world?"
[The target in question has died in his original world and won't be allowed to return due to certain cosmic rules.]
"I'll settle for healing then."
[The target does not possess a physical body to repair.]
"What's the point of preserving his spirit then?" Genji asked with a frown, annoyed at this turn of events.
[The spirit can be infused with equipment to give it sentience.]
"What did I expect?" Genji said with an exasperated sigh. "Fine, use my opportunity to forge him a new body."
[Commencing...]
[It has been detected that you possess a compatible material for the request. Use the Blood of The Oringal One?]
[Note: Doing so would greatly boost the powers of the resulting equipment, but you will thoroughly offend Azoloth, The Horned One.]
"Do it!" Genji said decisively, unfazed by the warning. He might not want to associate with a demonic god, but that didn't mean he would back down from it. After all, EverRealm was a place that could grant him immense strength if he survived.
At his agreement, the vial of blood manifested before him and shattered, unleashing its contents for EverRealm to sculpt with. Then the marble containing Bruce's spirit also appeared and floated into the swirls of blood, melting and merging with it.
This mixture of materials flowed and condensed under EverRealm's control before solidifying into a cocoon. After all the essence was condensed, the process continued away from Genji's sight behind this protective shell. As time passed, the presence of the cocoon intensified, astounding Genji with its powers.
Were all equipment with spirits this powerful, or was it just this one? Genji couldn't say for certain, but he looked forward to the results. Eventually, the process finished, and the cocoon broke, allowing a horse with a bright crimson mane to emerge like a caterpillar finishing its metamorphosis.
This horse had the lushest of manes and the most defined of muscles, making it the definition of an ideal mount. Streams of warm air flushed out its nostrils and coiled into itself, demonstrating the majesty of a legendary beast.
The horse pulled itself from its bloody encasement and admired its new body. During this process, the cocoon collapsed and turned into a stream of energy that coursed into the horse's mouth.
Acting on pure instinct, Bruce opened up and devoured the energy, absorbing every part of it with no waste. After finishing his meal, Bruce glowed again before his body turned transparent, becoming clearer with each moment.
When this translucency reached its peak, Bruce shone with a bloody light before his body morphed and shrunk, becoming a stream of blood that collapsed into itself.
Then the light faded, revealing a crimson-red sheath wrapped by coarse twine.
[Sheath of Original Blood]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 120/120
Requirements: Killer of The Original Vampire
Effects: Sheath Form
1. Blood Attraction (Active): Suck up all the blood in the area and store it for later
2. Flexible Molding (Passive): This sheath can take on any form to cover your weapons
3. Repair (Passive): Slowly repair the durability of the covered weapon by consuming the stored blood
4. Transform (Active): Change into Horse Form
Effects: Horse Form
1. Blood Evolution (Passive): When enough blood vitality is stored, the sheath will upgrade in power
2. Swiftness (Passive): Can run at high speeds
Description: Bruce was a normal nightbane until he met a certain weirdo who spared no costs to fuse him with the blood of a demonic god. Now, he possesses a body beyond his limits and another chance at life.
"Worth it!"
[Equipment forging has finished. Please specify an upgrade direction for Lethal Opportunity]
"Spirit for both legacies."
[Lethal Opportunity]
Rating: High Legendary (no change)
Damage: 37 (up 1)
Durability: 410/410 (up 10)
Effects:
1. Growth (passive): After every world, this set will grow with you
2. Effortless Cutting (passive): +42 sharpness (up 2)
3. Nigh Unbreakable (passive): +190 durability (up 10)
Legacy Liberation: ??? (Please discover this ability yourself)
Description: Two deadly daggers that have developed an initial spirit, but their exact liberation is still unknown.
[Shroud of Terror]
Rating: High Legendary (no change)
Defense: 41 (up 1)
Durability: 255/255 (up 5)
Effects: no changes
Legacy Liberation: ??? (Please discover this ability yourself)
Description: A dark cloak that has formed an initial spirit under the careful nurturing of its master, but its exact liberation is still unknown.
Next, Genji found himself in his room again. Holding up his new sheath, Genji activated the transformation ability and allowed it to dissolve into blood that shaped into a small pony.
"You won't be able to return to your original world, but at least you're alive."
Despite this off-putting news, Genji detected no traces of sadness. However, that could be due to Bruce's lack of understanding, or he simply didn't care. Genji didn't know which one it was, but he was relieved at the calmness.
"However you're taking this, know that this is a safe place. Feel free to enjoy yourself. Just don't destroy anything."
With the briefing over, Genji threw himself into bed and instantly fell asleep, exhausted from the healing. Bruce tilted his head at Genji's demeanor and curiously explored his new environment. Since this Genji said so, then it should be true. After all, Bruce had never seen Genji relax so much during their time together.
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*Yaaawwwnnn*
Genji woke up from his slumber, completely refreshed by the well-needed rest. After a quick stretch, he got up and walked downstairs, ready to convert the income to new strength.
On his way down, he heard the sound of clanging of pans and a peculiar scream.
"Bad horsey! Give that back!!!!"
'How lively. I wonder what she's up to.' The next moment, his footsteps paused as he recalled the prior events. "Oh, that must be Bruce," Genji said, facepalming.
In his rush to sleep, he had forgotten to mention his house friend. As such, Genji wouldn't be surprised if Bruce mistook her for an intruder and tried to fight her. After all, Cake was weaker than him even before he obtained his new body.
'Let's hope he didn't traumatize her too much...'
As Genji walked into view, he spotted an annoyed Cake wrestling with a red pony, trying to pry a piece of roast meat from his mouth.
"Come on, horsey. Don't be like this. I finally spent something to treat myself, and then you steal it. Do you know how hard I worked to cook that? At least give me a bite!"
But Bruce didn't relent and quickly swallowed the chunk under Cake's tearful stare. Then he gave her a smug look, proud of his triumphant victory.
*Ahem ahem*
Genji cleared his throat and drew their attention.
"Bruce, don't bully her. She's a friend."
Hearing his explanation, Bruce gave Cake a second look. A friend? This weak lady?
"Don't look at her like that. You're going to be seeing her for a long time. Let's not form a grudge, okay?"
Although Bruce didn't want to acknowledge someone so bulliable, he still lowered his head in apology under Genji's insistence. Then he swaggered off to find a spot to sunbathe, something he had never done in EverNight, the world of permanent darkness.
"Sorry about that. He's a new companion and doesn't know the rules of EverRealm yet."
"It's fine. Other than some minor annoyances, he's honestly pretty cute. That being said, since when can we get companions? I thought EverRealm doesn't allow that."
"Well, his situation is a little special."
"Then I won't ask. How about I tell you about the sales?"
"Sure." With that, they walked to the makeshift potion closet, and Cake took out a record of transactions.
"I don't know how, but your stuff was a massive hit. In just the first month, the entire stock was sold, leaving me with people who kept bothering me about the restock date. You're really something, you know?"
"I told you so," Genji said with a light chuckle. "What about 7156's package? Did he return yet?"
"Yeah. He paid off the debt a couple of days back. He seemed pretty eager for more of whatever you sold him, but you weren't back yet. I think he had a hard time finding a different potion dealer for his next world."
"Can't help it. Lots of stuff happened, and I only made it back."
"Yeah, I can see," Cake replied, raising her chin at the peeking Bruce in the doorway.
At her gesture, the nightbane retracted his head, pretending he wasn't just caught spying on them.
"You can come in if you want," Genji called out, and a happy Bruce trudged in to observe the unfamiliar room.
"Thanks for managing everything in my absence. If everything goes well, you will have more work, so you better take advantage of your pay to select some good potions."
"Since you insist, I will. They were massively helpful in the last world."
"You better. I don't want you dying on me after everything."
"I won't. I still want to act smug to all your drug addicts," Cake joked with a light smile.
"Haha. If you say so. Hey Bruce. Come along. Let me show you around EverRealm."
At his mention, the nightbane followed Genji out, eager to explore the new world he found himself in.