137 – The Day I Became a Vampire – 2

The moment Gi-jun pulled himself away from the corpse of the vampire, which had turned to ash and scattered after he finished drinking its blood, a series of rather unfamiliar messages appeared one after another.

―You have absorbed the blood of a Legendary-grade vampire and fully obtained its essence. After managing the overflowing blood power, Anti-Blood Power (U) has skyrocketed to 35!

―You have stolen a portion of the karma of the vampire who reached the realm of legend and made it your own. Strength (U) has transcended its limit and grown to Legendary grade. Strength (L) has become 1. Charm (L) has increased by 3.

―Your level has risen by 5 to become 89! Strength (L) increased by 4, Dexterity (L) by 3, Endurance (L) by 4, Light Mana (L) by 3, and Spiritual Power (L) by 2.

―You have defeated a vampire who reached the realm of legend together with one companion! A positive modifier is given to [The Last Hero (L)] title!

―[Vampire Hunter (R)] title has transcended its limit and grown to Unique grade. When fighting vampires, all abilities increase by 20%. Charm (L) has increased by 3.

―You have achieved one of the quest objectives, and the Grand Quest’s rewards are amplified. You have obtained 35,000 points as an objective achievement reward.

―You have absorbed the blood of a Legendary-grade vampire and fully obtained its essence. After managing the overflowing blood power, Anti-Blood Power (U) has skyrocketed to 35!

―You have stolen a portion of the karma of the vampire who reached the realm of legend and made it your own. Strength (U) has transcended its limit and grown to Legendary grade. Strength (L) has become 1. Charm (L) has increased by 3.

―Your level has risen by 5 to become 89! Strength (L) increased by 4, Dexterity (L) by 3, Endurance (L) by 4, Light Mana (L) by 3, and Spiritual Power (L) by 2.

―You have defeated a vampire who reached the realm of legend together with one companion! A positive modifier is given to [The Last Hero (L)] title!

―[Vampire Hunter (R)] title has transcended its limit and grown to Unique grade. When fighting vampires, all abilities increase by 20%. Charm (L) has increased by 3.

―You have achieved one of the quest objectives, and the Grand Quest’s rewards are amplified. You have obtained 35,000 points as an objective achievement reward.

‘Strength?!’

Gi-jun, who was frowning in pain from the memories and emotions of the vampire rushing into his head, likely a side effect of the blood absorption, felt his body’s muscles surge and was so astounded that he even forgot the pain.

Since he already possessed the endurance to withstand legend, the change in his strength took place much more easily.

In the process where every single one of his muscles repeatedly expanded and contracted, tearing and restructuring, they far transcended human limits and reached a realm where they could dare speak of legend.

‘Certainly, looking through the memories of this vampire—Mircea—it seems he was strong.’

However, when they clashed with physical force, he could not overcome Gi-jun, who was plastered in all kinds of buffs—and in the end, he ended up dying after relying on the authority of his bloodline.

Gi-jun had vaguely thought that if his strength were to transcend its limit, it would probably be during the final battle with the Lord of Thorns.

However, fate was much kinder to him.

Of course, fighting and winning against a Legendary-grade enemy head-on must have helped, but thanks to stealing the vampire’s karma, he had met the requirements more simply and easily reached the Legendary grade.

‘It’s good, but it feels a bit… empty.’

While Gi-jun was indulging in such spoiled thoughts, Ji-hye, whose robe was riddled with holes and smeared with blood all over, approached with both arms wide open.

“We did it, Oppa! A complete victory!”

“Complete victory my foot. Just how serious were your wounds?”

Since Ji-hye must have experienced an even greater level-up than Gi-jun, her wounds had already vanished as if washed clean, but even so, she could not hide the traces of where the wounds had been.

Only then did Ji-hye realize the state of her robe, and after grumbling, she pulled a hood out from her inventory and threw it over herself.

“This was Unique-grade, so I don’t know if it can be repaired… Well, anyway, we won, so that’s all that matters! Even though I don’t know if I was of any help.”

“You were of great help. If he hadn’t kept trying to keep you in check until the very end, I would have been in danger.”

Especially that thorn attack that filled the entire area at the last moment.

That was clearly an attack launched with not just Gi-jun, but also Ji-hye in mind.

Presumably, either the lightning Ji-hye produced had been quite fierce—or her picking a fight with her words had gotten on his nerves quite a bit.

“My, this Oppa keeps praising me based on facts, making me embarrassed.”

It would be nice if they did just one of the two, being humble or arrogant, but unable to do so and swaying back and forth between them was a characteristic of ordinary people like Ji-hye and Gi-jun.

However, Ji-hye, who had been grinning and basking in the praise, suddenly hardened her expression and asked him.

“By the way, Oppa, what was that earlier? Did you drink a vampire’s blood?”

“It’s the ability of the mask. It’s quite useful in that it sucks out the vampire’s karma as is—but if it weren’t for me, it would have been a highly perilous ability.”

Stealing the opponent’s karma meant accepting everything: the years they had accumulated, their abilities, and even the existence they had built through them.

Thanks to the Unfailing Body Clock, Gi-jun could protect himself from all physical as well as mental influences, but otherwise, one’s mind would quickly be contaminated by the flood of emotions and memories pouring from the enemy.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher whom Gi-jun respected, had left a very famous quote in his book, ‘Beyond Good and Evil.’

‘He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.’

The ability of Sanguis—no, the ability of the vampire hunter Krat van Helsing was exactly like that.

Once again, he admired the mental strength of the man who had operated as a hunter for so long without being consumed by that ability.

‘Teacher Nietzsche, are you watching? Thanks to your constant worries, I am immune to the abyss.’

This ability was truly made for him.

While Gi-jun was marveling anew at Krat van Helsing’s arrangement, and further at the foresight of Ruthven who had handed him the key to the ruins where Krat’s power lay buried, he was reminded of the current situation by a groaning sound heard from over there.

“Suicide squad member!”

“Right!”

The two hurried over and let out a low groan upon finding the suicide squad member lying on the floor and groaning.

Judging by the horn on his head, they could tell he was a member of the Draconian party led by Fatum; fortunately, he did not seem to be heavily affected by their fierce battle earlier as his body was relatively fine—but there were two holes pierced side by side on his neck.

“Oppa, this…”

“Just because one’s blood is sucked doesn’t mean they turn into a vampire, but this… wait.”

Before he knew it, Gi-jun realized that he was checking the suicide squad member’s condition with extreme precision.

Why, when Lucy, who possessed healing abilities, was not by his side?

There was no need to ask; it was naturally because he was currently manifesting the Persona—Sanguis.

‘…It might be different if he had completely turned into a vampire, but right now, it’s still…’

It could be reverted.

Sensing this, Gi-jun approached the suicide squad member and channeled Anti-Blood Power into the wounds on his neck.

At that moment, parts of his body began to burst, making popping sounds.

It was the process of the Anti-Blood Power seizing and annihilating the blood power that was spreading through his body.

“Kuaack!”

Seeing that, Ji-hye, without a shred of shame, screeched like a pterodactyl once again.

“Put him out of his misery instead, Oppa!”

“I am saving him.”

“If you save him twice, the castle will collapse!”

However, the explosions that kept ringing out like popping popcorn soon subsided; as the blood flowing out of the suicide squad member’s body instantly vaporized and scattered, and his unstable breathing calmed down, Ji-hye’s eyes widened in surprise as she watched.

“No way… did you really save him?”

“I told you I did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner that you had this kind of ability?”

“Because I only found out just now too.”

If Gi-jun had possessed Anti-Blood Power when Lora was bitten by Carmilla, she wouldn’t have had to suffer like she was doing now.

Thinking that the timing was truly ironic, Gi-jun wore a bitter smile.

“Ugh… Hm?”

Just then, the suicide squad member was seen regaining consciousness.

Right after Gi-jun hurriedly switched the Persona back to Ignis, his gaze met the wide-open eyes of the suicide squad member.

“You’re awake. How is your body?”

“T-This is impossible.”

The eyes of the suicide squad member, who was looking at Gi-jun in astonishment, were filled with vitality, showing that he had escaped from the vampire’s influence.

He felt his own neck and replied in surprise.

“I thought I was bitten… but I am fine. Did you save me? That vampire…”

“I killed it.”

“Amazing. I didn’t even dare think of resisting, yet how did you…”

“Didn’t Fatum tell you about me?”

“Ah, he always wants us to experience and realize things on our own. I have realized it now. You possess the qualifications of a Hero.”

The suicide squad member took the hand Gi-jun offered and stood up, then took a deep breath and spoke.

“I am Evander, the marksman in the Light Hero’s party. I will follow you just as I follow the Hero, so I hope you will lead me to him.”

“He will be heading to the top floor. Let’s go together. Ur!”

―Kieeeee!

Receiving Gi-jun’s will, Ur grew even larger and this time took all three of them—Gi-jun, Ji-hye, and the suicide squad member Evander—on his back at once.

Gi-jun once again spread his Light Mana widely to search for enemies—and soon succeeded in making his presence known to another enemy.

“Ur, let’s go up.”

―Kieeeee!

Ur melted the ceiling with high heat and soared above it.

Around where in the castle were they now? Had they reached the middle floors?

Gi-jun prayed that he would not be late for the final battle, but also that he could meet as many enemies as possible along the way.

His current level was 89.

He still had to grow 10 more levels to reach his limit.

* * *

Inside the huge tent where the commander of the expedition stayed.

The vampires leading the expedition had all gathered in one place.

They had all, in some way, anticipated that things would turn out like this.

Indeed, it was because an insolent human, who was merely extremely beautiful, had forgotten the fact that she was prey and played tricks on them.

Many had realized that she—who was nothing but livestock, or a slave at best—was using her charms, but they stood by and watched anyway.

It was because it was true that they coveted her.

Every vampire who came to know her—wanted to have her all to themselves.

Fine, if you want to act cheeky, we will play along.

In return, you will have to pay a terribly harsh price—.

“―I suppose I wasn’t the only one who thought that way.”

The highest-ranking vampire in charge of the expedition—a Unique-grade monster who had personally received and drunk the true blood of the Lord of Thorns and had been recognized as his kin—spoke, holding his throbbing head.

“It’s out of the question for us to fall out over a single human, isn’t it?”

The vampire who could be considered next in rank grinned and spoke.

“So, yield her to me. I will personally train her.”

“Nonsense! Are you planning to settle this matter simply in order of rank?”

“I was the one who laid eyes on that bitch first!”

“Quiet!”

The kin of the Lord of Thorns growled, silencing the crowd.

His gaze was fixed on Ye-min, who was surrounded by all the vampires and wore a sly smile.

“This is mine. I will not tolerate any more discord.”

“In the end, you’re the same!”

“That’s unfair! Even if we succeed in this mission, aren’t you the one who will receive the reward from the Lord of Thorns! You must share this kind of side income with us!”

“Just who on earth is the one causing discord!”

―Crunch!

A thorn of blood that soared from the floor pierced the vampire who had been shouting, from his crotch all the way to his head.

The true blood of the vampire, which melted without turning into ash, was absorbed by the thorn, and through the vampires who froze at the sight, the threatening voice of the Lord of Thorns’ kin spread.

“Do you intend to challenge the authority of the Lord of Thorns? I will not say it twice. I will make this human my slave.”

“Ha, hahahaha!”

The vampire who had first asked for Ye-min burst into laughter.

“You are right, we have no intention of challenging the authority of the Lord of Thorns! However—.”

The next moment.

“But you are not the Lord of Thorns!”

A powerful blood power ran wild and swept over the Lord of Thorns’ kin!

“To trample on the pride of the nobles of the night and assert authority!”

“Kill him! I shall be reborn as the new kin of the Lord of Thorns!”

In an instant, a storm of blood swept through the area.

Surprisingly, the foolish vampires—truly to claim Ye-min, even though they knew how stupid it was, unable to overcome their greed and pride—began to slaughter their own kind!

Of course, even in the midst of this, there were those who tried to secure Ye-min without joining the fight, but instead of confronting them while suppressing her disgust for the bastards, Ye-min chose to evade.

The weaker she looked at that moment, the better, and anyway, the other vampires were dealing with them on her behalf.

“Argh!”

“How dare a bastard like you be greedy!”

“Kill that bastard first!”

“Sacrifice is bound to accompany operations—I will report to the Lord of Thorns that the mission was successful thanks to your sacrifices!”

In an instant, the number of vampires in the tent was halved, and then halved again.

Even though she had expected one or two to die, Ye-min, who had not expected the vampires to make such a foolish choice, let out a dumbfounded laugh.

“To think they were this stupid.”

―Just because they are strong doesn’t mean they are all wise. Rather, the higher the position, the harder it is to see what is beneath one’s feet, so they all trip over their own feet.

Ye-min’s existence, shining like a gem, had excessively stimulated the vampires’ greed.

If they wanted to claim a gem that could never be handed over to anyone else, they had no choice but to eliminate their competitors.

On top of that, since Ye-min had intentionally lured the vampires and gathered them in one place, it was a foregone conclusion that the vampires, forced to act, would end up slaughtering each other.

Eun-shin, who had been hiding all this time, also realized that the time had finally come and began assassinating while hiding in the midst of the chaos.

On the condition of launching a surprise attack on humanoid monsters with vital points, he was outstanding enough to kill even a Unique-grade enemy in a single blow, and as the number of vampires rapidly decreased with his intervention, the vampires finally realized that something was amiss.

“Wait—there is someone else! Someone is annihilating the true blood!”

“Impossible, just who on earth is here—”

“Me.”

After a long, long wait, the sword Ye-min finally drew and swung took off a vampire’s head.

Her Legendary-grade skill, Nike’s Twin Wings, manifested, wrapping the blade in a dazzling sword energy.

―I’m here too.

“Kuaaaak!”

Lucy, who filled the inside of the tent with a brilliant light, made her presence known by adding the power of light to Ye-min’s sword.

“T-That hateful light! Unbelievable, to think you were hiding this much light—Keh!”

In the instant they were distracted by Ye-min’s sword, another vampire lost his life to Eun-shin’s sword flying from behind.

The surviving vampires finally regained their composure and looked around—but the number of vampires, which had been close to thirty, had already dwindled to five or fewer.

Realizing that everything had been a trap, the vampires nevertheless glared at Ye-min with eyes that still could not let go of their greed.

“It can’t be helped. First, we neutralize her.”

“Deciding who gets to keep her comes after that.”

“Hmph.”

Ye-min snorted, swinging her sword imbued with the light spirit power.

“The only one who can have me is Jun-i Oppa.”

―Though he wouldn’t take you even if you were handed to him.

Lucy, who coldly retorted, bound the surviving vampires with chains of light.

After about five minutes had passed, Ye-min shook the ash off her blade and declared.

“Now then, let’s begin the real operation.”

―Right, the march to the Vampire Kingdom.

“…What? A march?”

Eun-shin questioned back, his eyes widening.

Ye-min and Lucy did not bother to answer those words and left the tent.

Because they had to move as quickly as possible to hold back the vampires, who had rushed out of the castle to trap the expedition, so they could not return.