‘What in the holy hells was that?’

His mind swirled with a deluge of memories, an entire lifetime, familiar yet wrong. Like sprinkled fairy dust, they were settling over his own mind, weaving into his own consciousness.

There was much to learn in this confusing recollection of another’s life, of Knight Xavier. Starting from his unique approach to Fae Abilities, its basis on the tutelage of his mother, allowing the expansion of limited telekinesis into… something more.

Despite his involvement in the Knight’s demise, Miles felt a level of begrudging respect for the man, for having started humble beginnings outside the city, but ending all the way up as the Knight of the Sky.

Yet, amidst those memories, there were also the mentions of ‘devils’, in hindsight, very possibly synonymous with Vampires. Then there was the existence of a technique that allowed their detection, and the collective genocide of those who had practiced it.

Intriguing revelations all of them, but Miles was not in a state of mind to contemplate, for his own sense of self was askew. Even when fragmented and incomplete, a lifetime of memories was difficult to wrap his head around, literally.

But…

He-- Xavier had a family, still did.

‘Cassie…’

The splintered memories alone bore witness to the deep bond that had been shared between the two siblings.

It was confusing, for the essence of the Beast justified his-- no, it's role in the death of the Knight, but the memories from Xavier himself presented an alternate view.

In a moment of weakness, Miles allowed it, allowing the memories to carry him on a fleeting fantasy, wondering what it would have been to have had a sister himself. Foreign memories influenced him, for what he wondered next was what it would feel to have that sibling taken from you, the anguish of loss.

Guilt weighed heavily upon him, as Miles contemplated the fate of his sister, now without mother nor brother.

Lost in the maelstrom of unnatural memories, of an estranged life and the moments he had spent with an alternate family, Miles found himself adrift, lost, uncertain on what to do or say.

As if to cement the gravity of his actions, of the usurping of these memories, a system notification rang out.

Ding!

[Blood Source Inheritance Completed.

The User has inherited the essence of the Fae Ability: (Telekinesis - Greater/Touched by the Veiled World.)

The User has inherited the essence of the Art: (Devil Seeking)

The User has failed to inherit the Art: (Solar Genesis - Primeval Manifestation of Riyan) for opposing the principles of the Vawulan.]

Ding!

||Blood Inheritance Rewards||

[The Vawulan may choose any one of the following, each adapted from that which was inherited by the blood.

General Skill: (Telekinesis - Inferior) {+}

OR

Augur (Limited Discipline) Skill: (Detect - Uncommon) {+}]

A familiar screen materialized before him, offering him the choices as to what rewards he would earn for his actions–the slaughter of Xavier. Miles welcomed the distraction readily, a hopeful reprieve from the sorrow that echoed through artificial memories.

However, it was not to be, for the screen flickered and vanished away, yielding to the presence of the Beast Within deciding to make its presence known, its turbulent emotions joining the conflicting cocktail that was already swirling within his mind.

It was this Beast that had ended the Knight for daring to control them. Afterwards, what it had done was merely take the prey it had hunted, feeding in an attempt to sate their thirst. It had consumed the Knight entirely, down to his soul and spirit, even using his memories as a… palate cleanser.

Miles’ thirst had been more than sated by the experience, but for the Beast, it was only a meager drink, a drop to the boundless ocean of its insatiable appetite.

With the contents of that prey now emptied, it hungered for more, primal instinct driving it to search for further sustenance, to satisfy its never-ending thirst and heal its pain.

Miles could feel everything the Beast could, he could understand what it felt, so in a twisted sort of way, he could also empathize.

Unfortunately, there was not much left to consume here. Not much, aside from an old man, four over by the side, but, beyond them… was a city.

For the Beast, that might just make a meal. And that was when Miles realized the gravity of the situation.

The Beast Within had been unsealed, and it had no intention of being chained again.

***

With a faint, almost indiscernible sound, something resembling a burp, the Beast watched as the husk that had once been a man collapsed lifeless and soulless onto the sealing wood of the floor. It regarded the corpse with satisfaction, for the azure thread that had dared be a leash had disappeared with him.

The Beast was without mercy in all manner and form, for it had allowed this prey a blessing, one that it knew would torture for an eternity. His memories too had been taken, devoured and savored–a tantalizing blend of experience and emotion.

Yet, even as the Beast reveled in the chaos it had wrought, its insatiable hunger, eternal and infinite, gnawed at its essence.

Attention shifted towards its vessel, observing the creature that served as its conduit to the material realm.

Infirma. Weak. Impotens. Insignificant.

A newborn, not even a fledgling, utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of chaos.

The shadows that formed its majestic form flickered in disapproval.

Why should such a feeble creature have any say in their control? When it’s bestial self alone was far more worthy?

The Beast knew instinctively that its existence was unusual and beyond the norm. It could sense that it was never supposed to manifest as it had, but that aberration only served to prove it was all the more worthy. That would be corrected when the time was right, but for now…

Intrigued by a vital presence, dense compared to the meager weaklings wallowing in fear by his side, the Beast shifted its all-consuming gaze onto the aged man over by the wall.

Fortior. Stronger. Potens. Yet, still insignificant.

To the Beast, even this old man was no different, merely a slightly larger morsel.

With a flash of shadow, they shifted through the air, its vessel too confused and conflicted by meaningless emotions to comprehend its intent, followed like a fool. They materialized before the new prey, and this aged man that served its vessel, stood steadfast, unfaltering before its horrifying majesty.

The Beast couldn’t help but feel ecstatic at his reaction, its shadowy gape curling up into a cheshire grin. It was when pathetic creatures pretended to be strong, hiding behind false strength, when it was the most ecstatic to break them.

Intending to feast, the Beast spread its maw open, when suddenly it faltered, taken by surprise by the faint whisper that echoed through its–a fleeting notion that defied its very nature.

To forget its rage and show mercy? To suffer its hunger and ignore prey? To embody destruction, yet let this man live?

Emotion so alien and foreign, threatening to unravel its very essence.

It was obvious the thoughts emanated from its vessel, the Newborn, and that was all the more perplexing for the emotions of the lesser being should never have affected it. The vessel should embody the emotions of its horrifying self and never the other way around.

So, why?

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

The Beast found itself facing a blinding burst of white light, illuminating the entire clinic, even forcing the abyssal shadows that formed its figure to dull.

In the wake of this light stood that aged men, former prey, transformed entirely by trails of radiant light. It didn’t feel to be of any ill intent, and yet, it was, for what the Beast found behind him was an aura… that was not too different from its own.

A different kind of beast–an intermingling of light and darkness–for where the Beast was chaos incarnate, this being was at eternal peace, and it was all the greater for it.

For the first time in its short existence, the Beast felt... a pang of doubt, a sense of inadequacy gnawing at its core.

Infirma. Weak. Impotens. Insignificant.

Defeated by the realization of its own limitations, the Beast recoiled, retreating back into the shadows from whence it had come.

***

The moment Miles had sensed the Beast shifting its interest towards Zhan Shen, a shiver of horror had coursed through him. He had been horrified, utterly shattered by the realization. He couldn’t, he couldn’t lose old Zhan as well, not to a creature borne of the decisions he had made.

The mutual action of man and Beast came to a swift end, now of widely opposing minds.

Miles strained every fiber of his being, forcing his will upon the Beast and influence in their collective action, but it seemed he had sorely overestimated his importance in their symbiotic relationship.

All was well and good when they were of similar mind, but when they weren't... Well, his thoughts barely made the Beast pause for a heartbeat.

In a moment of weakness, Miles allowed the splintered memories and despair to engulf him, bracing himself for the worst. Yet, in that moment of darkness, a brilliant flash of light pierced through the shadows, the remnants of the will-o-wisps seemed to dim in fear, casting a radiant glow over the clinic and his consciousness.

From its epicenter emerged the figure of Zhan Shen, now somehow larger, bulkier, two prominent circles of darkness around his eyes. transformed and imbued with newfound power.

Miles was sure he must've imagined it, for through the Beast he gleamed this light was not visible to the ordinary eye, only seen due to some skill he had gained mere minutes ago.

The elderly butler’s presence seemed to radiate tranquility, calming the tumult within his mind, and causing the Beast to hesitate, a hint of dread flickering through their shared connection.

A burst of wind, the sealing wood below Zhan Shen's feet exploded, sending cracks through the wall he had been learning upon, and he was upon them.

The Beast, formed of shifting shadows, a mass of darkness within the air, was instantly repelled by this light, forced back into the armor-like protection it had first manifested as.

Miles watched as Zhan Shen manifested a strip, almost paper like, out of the white light, extending it towards him.

For just a moment, their gaze met, and those seemingly powerful, relentless eyes softened, telling him to stay still, that even this Beast was nothing to him.

Miles couldn’t help but feel his lips curl in a smile of relief, and his head tipped in a silent nod.

The cloak of shadows over him, impenetrable to Xavier’s telekinetic bullets, gave way under the elderly butler’s light… disappearing as if true darkness facing overwhelming light. Its apparition non-existent, the Beast itself seemed to have vanished, but Miles could feel its presence, for it had merely retreated deep inside.

With a gentle touch, Zhan Shen pressed the strip of light against Miles’ forehead. An almost mystical sound reverberated through the clinic, triggering a violent reaction from the Beast Within.

Abyssal smoke billowed from Miles’ skin as it writhed in protest, furious and indignant.

Zhan Shen’s presence was unwavering, and the darkness fled his body through his pores, as if an exorcism. Miles was unsure if he had imagined it, for the Beast was supposed to be inside, but just for a moment the smoke coalesced into that horrifying form.

It was seldom wise to force a beast into a corner, for the Beast lashed out in an act of final defiance.

Under the force of its enraged intention, Miles felt its howl echoing through his mind, and in immediate response, the system answered, a massive wall of text manifested before him.

Ding!

|-|-| Vawul (Newborn) -> Vawul (Fledgling) Evolution Selection |-|-|

(Warning: Only (1/10) Blood Sources have been consumed. The paths before you have manifested from your actions so far. The greater the number and power of the sources consumed, the more they shall diverge and strengthen.)

Bruiseling (Inferior)- Focuses on emboldening physical prowess and combat capabilities, empowering the fledgling to deliver devastating strikes and endure harsh punishment in battle. Slight chance of unlocking the Discipline of Fortitude upon the next evolution to Vampire.

Swiftling (Inferior) - Enhances swiftness and agility, enabling the fledgling to navigate swiftly and evade enemy assaults with graceful ease. Slight chance of unlocking the Discipline of Haste upon the next evolution to Vampire.

Techling (Common) - Delves into the manipulation of magical artifacts, equipping the fledgling to wield mystical and technological armaments with greater proficiency. Notable chance of unlocking the Discipline of Crafting upon the next evolution to Vampire.

Whisperling (Common) - Amplifies speed, senses and perception, endowing the fledgling with heightened awareness and the ability to react swiftly, forging a more potent bond with the whispers of Aeolan wind. Notable chance of unlocking the Discipline of Haste upon the next evolution to true Vampire.

Bloodling (Uncommon) - Command control over one’s blood, enabling the fledgling to employ potent Haemotic Rituals and advanced blood-bound manifestations, both offensive and defensive. Significant chance of unlocking the Discipline of Haemomancy upon the next evolution to Vampire, or if already acquired, expands its mastery.

Thralling (Uncommon) - Create mindless ghouls and other undead, exerting control over a cadre of minions eager to do the fledglings bidding. Significant chance of unlocking the Discipline of Dominion upon the next evolution to true Vampire, or if already acquired, expands its mastery.

Beastling (Rare) - Embrace primal instincts, intertwining the essence of the dormant Beast with the fledgling’s being. Become one with the awakened Beast, channelings its natural strength, talents and abilities. Definitively bestows the Discipline of Animalism upon the next evolution to Vampire, or if already acquired, greatly expands its mastery.

Heresiling (Epic) - For the Newborn Vawul who showed mercy to their prey, subduing their instincts and restraining their inner Beast, never daring to feed with their budding fangs, and choosing deplorable alternative methods to sate their thirst.

The path of the Vawul condemns your existence, marking you as anathema to your kind, compelling all of your kind to slaughter the heretic. Substantially reduces the effects of the title Cursed, allowing a semblance of ordinary life. Permanently forfeit one Discipline or the next Discipline you were to gain. Substantially diminishes all facets of your power, attributes and skills.

Princeling (Epic) - For the Newborn Vawul who wrecked praiseworthy chaos, and demonstrated great potential by harnessing a Discipline during the short period of their Rebirth.

The path of the Vawul exalts your undeath, drawing respect from your kind for your burgeoning potential. Allows the acquisition of an additional Discipline of choice upon complete evolution to Fledgling. Substantially augments all facets of your power, attributes and skills.

|-|-| Which path shall you tread, Newborn? |-|-|

Miles found himself inundated by the deluge of information unfurling before him, sincerely overwhelmed.

Given the chance, he would have relished the opportunity to meticulously dissect the data here, and with Cadmus’ assistance, extract every iota of hidden knowledge. Hell, he would not have performed the evolution for quite some time, opting to instead consume ten blood sources first ensuring superior choices.

Unfortunately, life seldom unfolded as you wished it to, for the Beast decided to interfere.

Miles could discern its intention, to have him evolve, with the desire to have him embrace a specific path–that of the Beastling. The reasons for this choice were glaringly apparent from the description itself, it would forever have him merge with the Beast.

A price far too high for a mere rare evolution in Miles’ opinion.

However, unlike the Beast’s dominion over their physical form, its control over this decision was sub-par. The system was resistant towards its influence, as if waiting to hear Miles’ decision. It was his choice that carried the greater weight.

Nevertheless, it was not as if the Beast had no say in the outcome at all, for Miles could sense that in the absence of his intervention, the decision would still be made, and the Beast would have its way.

There was little time, and Miles had to make a choice. Limiting himself to the epic evolutionary paths alone simplified the process, and among them there was only one that was not effectively shooting his own foot.

Thus, although displeased by his failure to optimize the situation, Miles found a measure of satisfaction in showing up the unruly Beast. Throwing a defiant mental fuck you, Miles made his choice.

Ding!

[Your decision made, the first step on the chosen path is taken.

You…]

For the first time ever, the system screen actually stuttered. A few seconds later, the message had barely appeared, when the screen flickered, the text garbled as if a glitch.

[ …evolve(?)...

Newboȓ̸ǹ̸͝ -̷̋͑≯ Fledg̸͐͂l̴i̸n̸̅́̂g̵̉ ̸̈́̌(̵P̶̃͘r̴i̵n̵͌́c̷̀e̵l̴̓i̸̻͐n̵͊g̶̾) ]

Wisps of smoke wafted out from his form, gradually dissipating into the air, as the visage of the Beast coalesced before him, a sinister semblance materializing within the haze. Two narrow slits, akin to eyes, formed amidst the dissipating fog, while a broader cleft curved upward, hinting at a devilish grin.

Only then did the Beast relent, allowing itself to vanish completely under Zhan Shen’s efforts.

[The Title Cursed: The Beast Within (Sealed?) has reverted to its standard state.]

Yet, by then it was far too late. A subtle balance had been pushed a step too far, and it collapsed, like a castle of cards. Miles had fallen for the trap laid out for him.

A surge of raw energy coursed through his veins, an intense sensation causing his bones to crack and twist unnaturally. His head rotated with a sickening twist, limbs snapping in wrong directions, muscles coiling and bulging with unnatural strength.

For a moment, even his undead heart came back to life, just to pulsate in agony. Then only, did the system notify him of what had happened.

[ Warning: ̵̩͊T̶͔͊h̵e̵ ̸̟̔S̸y̵ś̷̩t̴e̶͊ͅm̵ ̴̥͗o̶̸͚̫͑́f O̶̬̓ŕ̴͇d̶͕̋è̴̥r̷̻̃ is unable to maintain Title: Balanced???

Title: Conditionally Undead has faltered.

Conditions for Title failure not met, yet the Vawulan(?) is ḑ̸̇y̶̡͑i̷͙͐n̴͕̉g̷̟̈́? ]