"Yeah," Loris replied.
"Wow, now I'm the one in shock," Alexa said, walking to the bed and sitting on it.
Loris watched her and then decided to copy, sitting down on the surprisingly comfortable surface.
"So, this place is for sitting? Then why do you have chairs in the room again?" Loris asked, confused.
"No, silly. This is for sleeping," Alexa explained.
"Wait, humans don't sleep on rock?" Loris asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
"Hell no, we don't," Alexa replied.
"Well, at least do you bathe with lava?" Loris asked.
"F*cking no! If we tried that, we'd all be dead!" Alexa exclaimed. "Anyways, let's go see Hazel's room. It's right next to yours."
"Wait, why am I next to that monster?" Loris asked, fear creeping into her voice as she remembered his terrifying gaze.
Like seriously, I think you're the monster here, Alexa thought to herself, rolling her eyes inwardly.
"Anyways, let's go," Alexa said aloud.
"No, please! Don't take me there!" Loris begged.
"I think you're being a little too dramatic," Alexa said.
"Well, it's okay if she doesn't want to see me," Hazel said, leaning against the doorframe of Loris's room.
"Hazel!" Alexa called out, a blush spreading across her cheeks.
Loris gulped audibly. "A... I... Ha..." She froze, words failing her.
"Don't worry, I won't eat you," Hazel said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Yeah, you won't, but your eye might, Loris thought nervously.
"Enjoy your stay. I'm leaving," Hazel said, turning and walking away.
Grrrrrrrrgrrrrrr.
Loris snored peacefully in her bed, oblivious to the world outside.
Knock knock.
A voice echoed from beyond the door. "I guess she's really enjoying her sleep, but if she doesn't get up now, Hazel might just punish her." The voice belonged to Mia, who then entered Loris's room and advanced towards the sleeping demon.
With a swift movement, Mia brought down her sword, aiming to strike Loris. However, Loris's heightened senses and battle instincts allowed her to react in time, catching the blade between her hands.
"How dare you attack me while I'm sleeping?!" Loris exclaimed, looking up in surprise to see Mia's face. Confusion washed over her, as she couldn't recall any wrongdoing towards Mia. Her initial thought had been that it was Alexa.
"I guess I'm strong enough to even catch you off guard," Mia said, retracting her sword. "Hazel wants to see everyone regarding the new system message."
"What system message?" Loris asked, bewildered.
"Can't you see the system message?" Mia asked curiously.
"We don't share the same system," Loris stated flatly.
"Whatever, let's just go," Mia said impatiently.
"Ahhh, okay," Loris replied with a hint of annoyance.
Mia turned and left Loris's room, a subtle clenching of her jaw betraying her lingering anger over Alexa's earlier attack on Loris.
"Good morning, everyone. You must have seen the system message," Hazel announced to the assembled group in a large, unfinished hall – a space created by merging parts of the damaged school.
The system message displayed before them read:
{Good day everyone, good to see you are all doing well and you have defeated the demon lord without destroying most of his people, this is a new achievement in history}
{Every solo player out there it's time to find yourself a Guild to join and survive together, for harder times are coming}
{Of course if you still wish to stay alone you can}
{Guild platforms are now available on system screen}
{You can either join or create a guild}
{Guild leaders can create rules and add punishment for those rules}
{To join a guild you will have to go to the platform and select whichever guild you wanna join but you will have to be accepted by the guild leader to join, of course before joining you will see the rules and regulations including punishments for breaking any rules}
{Due to Guild creation different events will start to take place, events like guild wars, leader overthrowing and so one}
{You will also be able to see the ranking top 200 guild}
{You can also post on Guild platforms website which will be publicly seen among everyone world wide}
{I hope you enjoy the new update}
{Try your beast to stay alive}.
"So, I want to let you all know that I will be creating a Guild, and I will not be forcing anyone to join. It is your choice," Hazel said, his tone reassuring.
"Don't be an idiot. Who is the fool that won't join in?" Ashton exclaimed.
"Yeah, I will go wherever with you, even to the pits of hell," Alexa declared, her gaze fixed on Hazel.
"Of course, you would," Mia muttered under her breath, mocking Alexa's obvious affection. Alexa blushed, unable to retort.
"Hey, just because I'm joining your Guild doesn't mean I admit you're stronger than me," Darwin said to Hazel, a hint of his usual defiance in his voice.
"We are all willing to be a part of your guild, sir, and we hope to help however we can," a man from the crowd said to Hazel, speaking for the group.
"Thank you, everyone," Hazel said, a hint of gratitude in his voice. "Loris, aren't you joining?"
"I wish I could, but we're not using the same system, so I don't know if it will work," Loris replied honestly, a touch of fear in her voice.
"Hmmmmm, we'll try that later after the guild has been created. But firstly, what should we name our guild?" Hazel pondered aloud.
"Hmmmmm, what do you think of 'Savagers'? It's cool, right?" Darwin suggested, standing up.
"You seriously come up with the worst ideas," Ashton groaned.
"No way! My ideas are always the best!" Darwin protested loudly. "Let's hear yours then," he challenged Ashton.
"I don't think I have anything in mind actually," Ashton admitted.
"Well, isn't something better than nothing?" Darwin retorted.
"Why don't we use 'Hazel's Paradise'?" Alexa suggested softly, a hopeful look on her face.
"Shut up, Alexa," Mia snapped.
"Why should I shut up? Do you have anything better in mind?" Alexa countered, a slight blush returning.
"Enough of the noise," Hazel said, his voice carrying a hint of authority, instantly silencing the room. "Any more ideas?"
"Emm, sir, I do," a woman from the crowd said, one of the strongest individuals after the titleholders.
"Okay, let's hear it," Hazel said.
"If you think it's okay, why not name the guild 'Legion Empire'?" she proposed.
"Hmmmmmmm, any objections?" Hazel asked, scanning the silent hall. The lack of response indicated unanimous agreement.
"Then it's decided. The name of our guild is Legion Empire," Hazel declared.
After the decision, Hazel officially created the guild, Legion Empire. The rules he set were simple: fighting amongst guild members was prohibited unless it was a duel or competition, and killing fellow members was strictly forbidden. The punishment for disobedience was severe – death, personally administered by Hazel. He also designated their current region as the guild's territory.
Hazel posted on the guild platform website, declaring that any unauthorized entry into Legion Empire territory by members of other guilds would be considered an act of war.
As Hazel explored the guild platform, he suddenly received a notification:
{Free Runners Guild has been overthrown by Fang Guild}
{Fang Guild now has Free Runners Guild, and everything and every member now belong to the Fang Guild}
"What? Seriously? Some people just can't wait to start overthrowing. I guess they're heading to the top," Hazel murmured, a smirk playing on his lips. The top spot belongs to the Legion Empire, he thought confidently
"It's strange we haven't come across any other guild", Hazel said disappointed.
"I wonder why thou", Hazel said to himself.
{Warning there is a tress passer in your region}
{Fang guild have tress passed, war will now begin between legion guild and fang guild}
"Finally", Hazel said excitedly.
Hazel who was sitting of the hotels which was 11 stories jumped down but he didn't land on the ground instead he levitated on the air and used one of his skill (spatial awareness).
Spatial awareness gives a person the ability to see every where within a certain range and space.
"There you are", Hazel said as he spotted the person.
When Hazel got there by flite he discovered something surprising.
The guy walked in through the gate and he definitely seem confident as it showed with the way he walked.
"Hey, do you know that tress passing is an act of war", Hazel said to the guy. Hazel said this as he remained in the air.
"If it isn't war I came here for I wouldn't be here", the guy replied confidently and arrogantly.
"Good, I hope you will last long cause I haven't seen a battle or even partake in a battle for a while now", Hazel said.
"Then I guess you most be really weak, go get me your leader and let's have this over with", The guy spoke arrogantly once again.
"Alexa come out, I know you are there", Hazel said.
Then Alexa came out of Hazel's shadow which was reflected to the ground by the sun.
"Uhn, who are you", The guy asked.
Alexa did not reply him and turned to Hazel and said "should I dispose of him".
"No, just teach him a lesson for me", Hazel said.
"Ok". Not even one second after Alexa replied ok, she was already at the guys back and she kicked him at the back of the neck, but the guy used his hand to block the attack.
Immediately the guy blocked the attack he gripped Alexa's leg and hit her on the ground.
Hazel signed and said "I guess I must have underestimated you", and Hazel went down and he landed on the ground.
Alexa got up immediately and said "Noo, I can handle him, I just underestimated him".
'if you say so, just be careful with him", Hazel said to Alexa.
Immediately Alexa released her aura and started to attack him with all she as. She threw strong punches at him same with kicks but this guy without breaking a sweat he easily blocked them all.
"Is this really all you got", The guy said to Alexa.
Alexa#s attacks were made useless by that guy, and he said "I will go easy on you because you are beautiful", the guy said as he smirked.
Immediately he punched Alexa in the stomach, and Alexa coughed out in pain as she fell to the ground.
Hazel used immense speed to catch her before she hit the ground.
"This guy might be as powerful as Loris or stronger, well that's not a problem", Hazel thought to himself.
"Hey, how did you get strong", Hazel asked the guy.
"Oh you wanna know how I got strong, hahahah you must have lost all hope right, I love it", the guy laughed and said.
"If you really want to know how I got stronger let me show you" the guy said as he unleashed his aura and he said to activate his skill "rampage traunt".
Suddenly monsters started rushing towards the legion empire guild base which is also their region.
The guy laughed and said "this is my skill, i can make monsters within 200 and more kilometers from me run rampage on a certain target and what ever kill they make I get the credit". The guy said as he laughed once more hahahahahahahaha hahahahah.
"Just to make it clear to you, I have been killing humans instead of monster to level up", The guy said.
"What happened to your guild mates", Hazel asked.
"I am the only guild member", the guy said.
"You took over the free runners guild didn't you, so where are they now", Hazel asked him.
"Ohh them I killed every f"cking one of them, you should have seen their faces, it was a sight to behold", The guy said.
"So you are fang", Hazel asked.
"The one and only", fang said.
Fang laughed even louder and he said "don't worry you will meet the same fate".
Fang was still laughing and Hazel also begin to laugh.
Fang was confused on what is happening.
"You are about to die and you are laughing, you are quite a funny one aren't you", Fang said.
"Alexa enough of the drama, get up", Hazel said.
Alexa suddenly stood up and was smiling like nothing happened.
"Hey what's going on", Fang asked for he was confused
"Come out guys", Hazel said and immediately All title bearers came out and Loris, and they all started laughing.
Fang was completely confused and he said "Calling for back up, doesn't matter, you will all die". Fang said this only before he spotted Loris.
Immediately he spotted her he shouted as he was shocked "A demon, a human demon for that matter, they are f*cking high rank demons", Fang said.
"How as she not killed you all already", Fang said as he was still cought in shock.
The sight of Loris sent a shiver down Fangs spine, and Fang said to Loris "miss demon lady, please don't kill me, am on your side, we can work together to kill these pests".
Loris then said with a her aura unleashed combined with a monstrous tone "how dare you say you will kill my master".
Fang became very scared as he peed on his body, this made them laugh even more.
"F*ck, what have I gotten myself into, I can't die here", Fang thought to himself in fear.
"It doesn't matter anyways, dozens of monsters are headed here, you are all done for", Fang said with a shaking tone filled with fear.
Hazel then said "Shadow go get the low rankers, so they can go level up.
Shadow obeyed and he went to get the low rankers to the front of the legion empire base to protect it and also us that opportunity to level up.
"Don't fool yourself dose monsters are high level monsters, they can't be easily delt with", Fang said.
"Hey idiot see for yourself", Darwin said.
Fang could not believe his eyes when he saw them already at the battle field fighting the monsters and defeating them easily.
"What is going on", Fang shouted.
Alexa walked up and said "well isn't it obvious we toyed with you, we just bored and had nothing to do".
"That's not possible I defeated you", Fang shouted.
Immediately Fang tried attacking Alexa and he was surprised to meet himself on the ground as the floor round him was broken, and he started coughing blood.
"What happened", Fang asked himself in thoughts
"Was it that demon, no it was her, that girl, she moved too fast my eyes couldn't see it at all", Fang said to himself.
"Is this how it all ended, am finally dying", Fang thought
"Uhn, am still alive," Fang mumbled, his eyelids fluttering open.
"He's finally awake," Oscar announced.
Fang's blurry vision focused on Oscar and two others in the room, their hands glowing with healing energy. "But why?" Fang asked, confused as to why he was still alive.
"Well, for some reason, Hazel wants you alive," Oscar replied.
"Alive, but why...?" Fang started, his words cut short by a system notification.
~Fangs notification~
{Player, you are now a subordinate of the player called Hazel}
{Your leveling up will be slowed, for whatever EXP you gain will be shared between you and your master}
{Obey your master, for he has the power to kill you with just a word}
{Legion Guild has defeated the Fang Guild}
{Legion Guild now owns Fang Guild}
"What? How?" Fang exclaimed in bewilderment.
"I guess you must have received the notification. Well, yeah, you're now Hazel's subordinate, or rather, slave," Oscar explained matter-of-factly.
"Are you able to stand?" Oscar asked.
"Yeah," Fang replied, pushing himself up.
"Good. Let's go meet Hazel. He said he wants to see you once you're awake," Oscar said, leading Fang towards the hotel's roof.
They found Hazel standing alone, though Oscar knew Alexa was likely nearby, keeping watch. "Oh, I can see you're doing well and better," Hazel said to Fang.
"Hey, why did you let me live?" Fang demanded.
"That's quite simple," Hazel replied calmly. "We need our people to level up as fast as possible, but due to the constant leveling, we've killed all the monsters around this area. But since you can bring them to us, we want you to do just that."
"So, you left me to live just so you can use me as a tool? I'd rather die," Fang spat out.
"Yeah, and I know you'll do your work perfectly," Hazel said, a hint of a smile on his face.
"Whatever," Fang muttered, turning and walking away.
Hazel remained on the roof, knowing Alexa was observing him from the shadows. "Hmmm, I wonder what our guild ranking is now," he mused, opening the guild platform.
Legion Empire Guild was ranked number 7 out of the top ten. "7th? Not a good number. Doesn't sound right in my mouth. I think 1st sounds better," Hazel declared to himself.
~System notification~
{Warning, warning}
{A deadly virus is leaking into your world}
{This virus, once it infects you, some changes may occur}
{Watch out for this virus}
~End of System notification~
"Ahh, the system just can't stop bringing up new things," Hazel sighed. "No matter, I will battle everything in sight to protect my people."
"Who would think there could be a pandemic in an apocalypse world?" Hazel wondered aloud. "Alexa, you know what to do," he said, fully aware of her presence.
Alexa, surprised he noticed her again, simply replied, "Yes," and disappeared into the shadows.
She gathered everyone, including those still out fighting monsters, for a meeting regarding the ominous message. They assembled in the nearly completed hall.
"Have you all seen the notification?" Hazel asked. A chorus of "yeah" and "yes" echoed through the hall.
"Good. You know what that means, right? Everyone will be staying inside the guild's region, and the safety barrier will always be up, set to keep humans out as well," Hazel announced. "This virus that is leaking in... we don't know exactly what it is, so it's better for us to be careful."
Everyone focused on the remaining construction, and thanks to the imposed isolation, it was completed quickly within a week. The hall, the mansion, and the expanded hotel were all finished.
With their tasks complete, everyone settled into their new accommodations. Hazel was in his luxurious room, sitting on the bed and browsing the system platform. "Wait a minute, I don't think I've seen this guild before," he muttered. "Is this the virus? This is dangerous." The guild's name was "Vampire Guild."
~Boooom~
~Booom~
"Someone is trying to break the barrier," Hazel said, leaping out of his window and flying towards the source of the explosions.
He arrived to find two figures – a man and a woman. "Hey, leave here at once! This place is off-limits!" Hazel commanded.
The man laughed, and then Hazel received a notification:
{The Vampire Guild has declared war on Legion Empire Guild}
"Shit," Hazel cursed under his breath, his face contorted in a frown as he looked at the vampires.
The titleholders arrived, having also received the war declaration. Hazel landed before them. "I will take them alone. No matter what, don't come out of this barrier."
They tried to dissuade him, but Hazel could sense the intense auras emanating from the vampires outside the barrier. Thankfully, the barrier creators were high-level, their constant use of their abilities making the defense strong.
Hazel flew through the barrier to confront the intruders. "Please leave now," he urged the vampires.
"Make us," the female vampire sneered.
"With pleasure," Hazel replied, transforming into his lemon form, his most powerful state. His aura erupted like wildfire.
"Ohh, we have a strong one," the male vampire commented.
The vampires also released their auras, a thick, crimson energy that felt like raw blood. The male vampire launched the first attack, appearing with incredible speed behind Hazel and delivering a powerful kick. Hazel couldn't react fast enough.
Watching this display, the other titleholders realized this was a battle far beyond their current capabilities.
Hazel was sent crashing towards the ground but managed to right himself just before impact. "You are definitely strong. I will give you that," Hazel acknowledged the vampire who attacked him.
"Don't forget about me," the female vampire said, appearing behind Hazel. But he was ready this time.
Hazel grabbed her leg and slammed her into the ground. She coughed, winded by the impact. The male vampire immediately moved to intercept any follow-up attack.
"Let's get this over with," Hazel declared, summoning his scythe.
"I will kill you," the female vampire hissed, lunging towards Hazel.
"You can try," Hazel retorted, bracing himself. But in a flash, the male vampire reappeared behind him.
The coordinated assault trapped Hazel, making it difficult to defend against both simultaneous attacks. The male vampire's hand, sharpened like a blade, pierced Hazel's shoulder.
Hazel gasped, dropping to one knee as blood gushed from the deep wound. "Let me help," a voice whispered from his shadow.
"Alexa, go back immediately," Hazel said quietly, gritting his teeth.
"Oh, does a beauty wanna play?" the male vampire sneered.
Alexa emerged fully from the shadows, drawing her twin blades. "You will pay for what you have done to Master Hazel," she declared, her voice filled with cold fury.
While the vampires focused on Alexa, Shadow subtly brought healers through the shadows to begin treating Hazel's wound. Alexa intended to serve as a vital distraction. Although others could have joined the fight, only Alexa possessed the heightened senses and agility to potentially evade their attacks. Ashton knew his precognition wouldn't be enough if he couldn't outmaneuver them.
~The battle field
Hazel was receiving covert treatment, the shadow concealing the healers, as Alexa prepared to engage the vampires. She adjusted a mask that was part of her assassin's attire and unleashed her full aura.
"Oh, you wanna be feisty? I've got you covered," the male vampire taunted, vanishing in a burst of speed. Alexa remained unfazed, her senses on high alert.
The vampire reappeared suddenly in front of her, aiming a lethal strike at her head with his clawed hand. Alexa dodged with practiced ease. Just as she evaded his attack, the female vampire lunged from behind, aiming for Alexa's heart. But Hazel, his bleeding somewhat controlled though the wound remained, इंटरसेप्टेड, severing the female vampire's hand.
"Ahhh, my hand! It's not healing!" she shrieked in agony.
"What do you mean it's not healing?" the male vampire asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Let me introduce you to my weapon," Hazel said, his voice grim. "Anything it cuts dies permanently, and healing can't help."
"I will kill you!" the female vampire screamed, leaping to attack Hazel with renewed fury.
Hazel saw her clumsy attack coming and was about to decapitate her when she abruptly vanished.
Simultaneously, Alexa was expertly evading the male vampire's swift attacks. But then, the female vampire reappeared silently behind Alexa.
Hazel saw the impending danger and shouted, "Noooooo!"
Although Alexa sensed the vampire's presence behind her, it was too late to react. She had prioritized dodging the male vampire's immediate threat. Attempting to phase into the shadows was too risky, as they were too close and would likely follow instantly. Alexa was trapped. Hazel couldn't reach her in time.
Then, something unexpected happened. Instead of killing Alexa, the female vampire bit her neck.
"Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh!" Alexa screamed in excruciating pain, clutching her bitten neck. She collapsed, but Hazel caught her before she hit the ground.
"Alexa! Alexa! Come on, open your eyes, Alexa!" Hazel pleaded, tears streaming down his face. "Ahhhhhhhh! I will kill you!" he roared in anguish, his aura flaring as he entered his rainbow form.
Suddenly, Alexa, her eyes now crimson, bit Hazel's neck while he held her. Hazel reverted to his normal form, shock etched on his face.
What? Hazel thought in disbelief.
~System notification~
{You have been infected}
{You might undergo changes}
{Vampire Lord is trying to make you his subordinate}
{Your class prevents you from becoming another person's subordinate}
{The Vampire Lord has failed in making you his subordinate}
{The Vampire Lord is angry, his eyes are on you}
{You have become the Vampire Lord's target}
{You are now a vampire}
{Your system has been updated}
{Achievement obtained [Stray Vampire]}
~End of system notification~
Hazel, who had briefly lost consciousness, awoke. "Well, welcome to the group," the male vampire said with a smirk.
Hazel saw Alexa standing beside them, her clothes now a deep red, her eyes glowing with the same crimson light.
I am a vampire now, Hazel thought, a sense of disbelief washing over him. He touched his teeth, confirming the transformation – they were now sharp and pointed fangs.
"You bastard! I will kill you!" the female vampire shrieked at Hazel, still enraged about her severed hand.
"Calm down. He's one of us now," the male vampire said to her.
"Master, I'm so happy you could join us," Alexa said, her voice strangely devoid of her usual warmth.
Her mind must be polluted by the vampire lord, Hazel realized grimly.
Hazel rose to his feet and used his skill 'Soul Affliction'. "Alexa, I am your master. Hear me and come back to me immediately!" The skill was meant to inflict mental pain, breaking the vampire lord's influence. But it didn't work.
"What are you saying? We are now on the same side," the male vampire said to Hazel, a hint of confusion in his voice.
~System notification~
{Your subordinate is under the deep control of the Vampire Lord. Would you like to bring her back to you? [Warning: she will remain a vampire even if you bring her back]}
"Bring her back," Hazel commanded the system.
"Ahhh! Ahhh!" Alexa screamed, clutching her head in agony. The other vampires watched in bewilderment.
"Hey, what happened?" the male vampire asked her, concern in his voice.
Alexa gave no reply, still groaning in pain. Suddenly, the pain stopped, and her screams ceased.
"Alexa, are you back?" Hazel asked, his voice filled with hope.
"Master Hazel," Alexa said, her usual warmth returning as she ran and embraced him tightly.
"Good to see you are doing well," Hazel said, relief washing over him.
After the hug, Alexa looked up at Hazel's face, noticing his fangs. "You... you have become a vampire," she said, her eyes wide.
"Well, I can say the same to you," Hazel replied, a wry smile on his face.
"Uhn," Alexa murmured, touching her own mouth. "Whhhhaaaatttt?!" she shrieked, her eyes widening in horror.
"Yeah, we are both vampires now," Hazel confirmed. "But we are not subordinates of the vampire lord."
"Hey, what's going on?" the male vampire asked, utterly confused by the unfolding events.
"Hey, what is going on?" the vampire guy asked, utterly bewildered.
Hazel's gaze locked onto the vampire, his eyes flashing crimson. "Simple. You die."
"Hey, we are on the same side now!" the vampire protested.
Suddenly, Alexa vanished from sight. The vampire guy scanned his surroundings, unable to locate her. He turned just in time to see Alexa's hand pierce through the female vampire's chest, her heart clutched in Alexa's grasp on the other side.
"Stop! We are on the same side!" the vampire guy repeated desperately.
"Sorry, but I think you're mistaken," Hazel said coldly.
"Release my heart at once!" the female vampire demanded of Alexa.
"Just as I thought, ripping out your heart isn't enough to kill you when you're a vampire," Alexa observed.
The vampire guy lunged to help the female vampire, but Hazel instantly appeared before him, causing the vampire to jump back to avoid an attack. As he landed, he looked down in confusion, his legs unresponsive.
"Wait, what happened? I can't feel my limbs," the vampire guy thought in panic.
"Oh, sorry. I think I might have mistakenly taken your legs and hands," Hazel said with a chillingly casual smile.
"What the f*ck do you mean by 'mistakenly,' you demon?!" the vampire guy shrieked.
"Oh, now I'm the devil? Well, I guess I am," Hazel said, unleashing the oppressive aura of the Demon Lord within him.
"You're the one that killed the Demon Lord?!" the vampire exclaimed in shock.
"Surprise," Hazel said with a dark chuckle. "I really appreciate the upgrade you came to give me. I will enjoy using it."
Meanwhile, Alexa slowly crushed the female vampire's heart in her hand, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
"We surrender! You win! We will leave!" the vampire guy pleaded.
"Sorry, but there is no surrendering," Hazel said flatly. "Enough of the play; it's time for you to die. Oh, and remember one thing: if you meet me wherever you're going, RUN." With that, Hazel swiftly slit the vampire's throat, the effect of his scythe ensuring a permanent death.
"Alexa, end her already, and let's head home to the others," Hazel commanded.
Alexa finished crushing the female vampire's heart, ending her life.
{You have killed a vampire, you have gained 100,000 EXP}
{You have leveled up}
{Your level has been reset}
{You are now at level 10}
{You have obtained skill Blood Scythe}
{Your subordinate has killed a vampire and has gained 100,000 EXP}
{Your subordinate has leveled up}
{Your subordinate is now at level 10}
{Your subordinate has obtained skill Twin Blood Blade}
"Come on, let's go," Hazel said to Alexa.
They returned safely via Alexa's shadow travel, but their changed appearance upon arrival shocked the others.
"You are vampires now," Oscar stated, his eyes wide.
"Yeah, I guess," Hazel replied nonchalantly.
"Wait a minute, won't you try draining our blood?" Darwin asked nervously.
"We aren't exact vampires, and according to the system, we don't need blood to survive, so we're all good," Hazel reassured him.
"That's a relief. If you try sucking my blood, I will kill you," Mia declared firmly.
"Hey, Hazel, turn me into a vamp," Ashton said eagerly.
"Are you crazy?" Darwin exclaimed.
"Don't be a fool. You can feel it too, right? The increase in both their auras. They became stronger when they became vamps," Ashton argued.
"Hazel, turn me too," Darwin echoed.
"Don't leave me out of this. I want to get stronger also," Mia added.
Hazel sighed. "I can't believe we're doing this."
"If this is what you want, then fine. We still have to eradicate the other vamps, including their lord," Hazel conceded.
Hazel vampirized them.
Oscar's burning flames now had a bloody hue. Darwin's clothes and hair gained a striking red and yellow pattern. Ashton's usual monochrome turned completely red, with a watch symbol appearing on his coat. Mia gained a beautiful red tattoo. Shadow's fur became a mix of red and black, with bloody flames flickering above his paws.
Loris remained the only one unwilling, finding the idea of becoming a vampire repulsive compared to her demon heritage.
~System notification~
{You have obtained an achievement 'Young Lord'}
{You have now gained the ability to conceal your vampire side, and you can also do the same for your subordinate}
"Nice, right on time," Hazel commented.
He used vampire concealment on everyone, including himself. Their vampire traits vanished, and they appeared as they always had.
Hazel went to his favorite spot on the rooftop, gazing at the stars.
"I know you're there, Alexa," Hazel said softly.
Alexa emerged from his shadow. "I know you knew."
"Hazel, I want to tell you something," Alexa said, her voice hesitant.
"What might that be?" Hazel asked, turning to her.
"Hazel, I... I... I... love you," Alexa confessed, her face flushed as she covered it with her hands.
Hazel stood up and walked towards Alexa. "I know," he said gently. He took her by the waist, pulling her close, placed his hand on her cheek, and kissed her.
"Come out, guys. I know you're there," Hazel said into the night air after the kiss.
"Who knew there would be someone playing love in the apocalypse world?" Mia said, stepping out of the shadows.
"Nice to see the lovebirds are finally together," Ashton added, emerging from the same spot.
"Too bad I don't have a love, 'cause I would really love to show her off like Hazel did," Oscar said, appearing from another direction.
"Ahh," Alexa sighed, her face still flushed. She covered it with her hands and asked, "What are you guys doing here?"
"Oh, come on, you didn't expect us to miss it, right?" Ashton teased Alexa.
"Oh, come on, don't start acting all shy now," Mia chimed in, trying to embarrass her.
"Shut uppp!" Alexa exclaimed at Mia, her face even pinker, though a smile peeked through her fingers.
"Darwin, I know you're there, so why not come out already?" Hazel called out to the still-hidden Darwin.
Darwin finally emerged, his expression a mix of disgust and hurt. "Whatever," he muttered, casting one last glance at Alexa before leaping off the roof. But instead of a normal landing, his newfound vampire abilities allowed him to take flight, soaring away into the night.
"What's up with him?" Hazel asked the others, confused by Darwin's uncharacteristic behavior.
"Wait, don't tell me you don't know," Oscar said to Hazel, surprised.
"Know what?" Hazel replied, genuinely puzzled.
"What? He doesn't know?" Mia said to Oscar, equally surprised.
Oscar nodded in response. "It would seem so."
"Wow, a love triangle in the apocalypse world," Ashton said, bursting into laughter.
"What do you mean by love triangle?" Hazel asked Ashton, still clueless.
"He really doesn't know? Wow," Ashton repeated, amused.
"Darwin has a crush on Alexa," Oscar finally revealed to Hazel.
"Wait, what!" Hazel exclaimed, taken aback.
"Yeah, you heard him right," Mia confirmed.
"You knew, didn't you?" Ashton said to Alexa.
"I... I... I..." Alexa stammered, her face a mix of surprise and guilt. Ashton interrupted her. "No need to be worried. You did nothing wrong."
"But I... I..." Alexa tried again. Hazel gently patted her head, looking into her eyes. "As Ashton said, don't worry."
"I think I'm going to bed," Hazel said, turning towards the door leading inside the mansion.
"I'm also leaving," Ashton said, following Hazel inside.
"I need to go too," Mia said before jumping off the roof.
Only Oscar and Alexa remained. "Don't think about it. You did nothing wrong," Oscar reassured her.
"Thanks, Oscar. I really appreciate it," Alexa said before disappearing into the shadows.
Oscar also went inside.
Meanwhile, Mia had found Darwin on the roof of the hotel. "Sorry about that," she said softly.
Darwin, his jaw tight, replied, "Nothing wrong was done."
"Darwin, I... I also have feelings for you," Mia confessed, her voice sincere.
"Mia, there's no need to do that just to make me feel better. Thank you, but I will be leaving now," Darwin said, his voice strained before he flew away.
"But I meant it," Mia whispered to his retreating figure, a look of sadness washing over her face.
The next morning dawned. Everyone awoke, some with joy, some with lingering sadness, and some having not slept at all.
Darwin had spent the entire night hunting monsters, channeling his anger into each kill. Hazel, though unseen, had been watching him.
"Is he trying to relieve his anger, or does he want to level up as much as he can?" Hazel wondered, observing Darwin's soul. "Well, either way, he's going to keep me leveling up too," he mused.
Hazel also noticed Mia, awake and hunting with a palpable anger radiating from her soul. "But she was smiling just yesterday night," he thought, confused. "Hmmm, what if I search her soul for the answer?"
Focusing his senses, Hazel delved into Mia's soul. "So, this must be her mind space," he observed, floating in a vast expanse filled with drifting memories. "Okay, let's get searching."
He sifted through Mia's memories, and a wave of shock washed over him. "What? Mia is in love with Darwin?" He continued his search. "Wow, no wonder she's angry. She confessed to Darwin, but he was clouded by anger." A sense of understanding settled over Hazel.
Suddenly, Hazel felt a hostile presence. He whirled around, facing a disturbing sight.
"What have you come to find here?" a loud, malevolent voice echoed.
"You... you're that demon," Hazel realized, seeing a caged demonic entity within Mia's soul.
"Oh, I see. You're that person who always keeps me locked up," the demon snarled. "I want to destroy you so bad."
"Why do you torment Mia?" Hazel demanded.
"She craves power, and I desire a plaything. But because of you, I'm stuck behind bars."
"Well, I can't have you tormenting my subordinate, can I?" Hazel retorted.
"Hear me, mortal! I will destroy you if it's the last thing I do!" the demon threatened.
"Come anytime. I will gladly show you shame," Hazel countered.
"Hahahahaha, I think I might like you," the demon said, a chilling amusement in its voice. "Here is a gift from me."
Abruptly, Hazel was yanked from Mia's mind, finding himself in an unfamiliar place. "F*ck! Where am I? I shouldn't have pissed him off," he cursed.
"Who are you? What are you doing in the realms of gods?" A voice boomed in Hazel's head, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Who is that? Who are you?" Hazel asked, fear gripping him.
"I am a goddess. They call me Freyja, the goddess of love and war