4 Duel ( Part 1)

Inside the dimly lit chamber, the blood pool enveloped Keith's body like a crimson cocoon. The thick, metallic scent of the blood filled the air, creating an eerie atmosphere that seemed to resonate with the ancient power of the Ennes family. The young vampire's heart pounded in his chest as he felt the surge of energy coursing through his veins.

"I can feel the power flowing through me, Grandpa," Keith responded, his voice echoing in the enclosed space. "It's like my blood is alive and pulsating with newfound strength."

Lex's eyes sparkled with anticipation, witnessing a sight he had never before encountered in all his years as an elder. He understood the significance of this moment and what it could mean for the Ennes family. If Keith's blood condensation were to advance exponentially, he might become the most powerful vampire the family had seen in generations.

As the minutes passed, Keith's body glowed with a faint purple hue, his aura radiating otherworldly energy. The blood pool seemed to respond to his presence, its crimson surface rippling with an ethereal light that danced like playful spirits.

"I've never seen anything like this," Lex murmured, awe-struck by the spectacle before him. "It's as if the blood pool is recognizing your potential."

The process felt both empowering and overwhelming. Keith's senses heightened, and he became acutely aware of every nuance of the blood qi flowing through him. He could almost perceive the individual cells in his body resonating with each other, forging a stronger connection between them.

DING! 

A soft chime resonated in Keith's mind, interrupting his reverie. A message appeared as if projected onto an invisible screen:

[ Absorbing life essence….]

[ Progress.. 1% ]

[ Progress.. 2%]

The progress indicators started climbing steadily, marking the advancement of Keith's blood condensation. It was as if the blood pool itself was assisting him, accelerating his evolution.

"Stay focused, Keith," Lex advised, his voice steady and encouraging. "Let the blood qi guide you. You are on the cusp of a breakthrough."

With his grandfather's words echoing in his mind, Keith closed his eyes, allowing himself to be immersed in the experience. He surrendered to the sensation of his blood condensation, embracing the connection with the pool's power.

The blood qi surged and swirled within him, gathering at the center of his body. It felt like an orchestra of life forces, each element harmoniously combining to form something greater.

"Progress.. 70%," the voice in Keith's mind announced, startling him. The advancement had been astonishingly rapid, surpassing all expectations.

His body felt like a vessel filled with boundless potential, ready to unleash its might upon the world. But there was something else—a whisper of a presence that lingered at the edge of his consciousness, beckoning him to explore further.

What was this mysterious force guiding him? It felt both familiar and enigmatic, like a long-lost memory calling him home. Was it the influence of the purple butterfly, the enigmatic being that had brought him here?

As he contemplated, a faint purple light flickered before his closed eyes. It danced like a playful spirit, teasing him with fleeting glimpses.

"Keith, you are on the verge of a significant breakthrough. Embrace it, let it flow through you," Lex urged, sensing the change in the atmosphere.

Feeling a sense of trust in his grandfather's guidance, Keith delved deeper into the experience. The purple light grew brighter, and its energy merged with the blood qi coursing through him.

Suddenly, the world around him blurred, and he felt a profound connection with the past. Images and memories flashed before his eyes—a tapestry of ancient battles, forgotten rituals, and the echoes of a powerful lineage.

DING!

[ Keith Ennes ]

[ Progress complete ]

[ Body detected: Vampire ??? Hybrid ]

[ Path detected: Blood condensation]

[ Blood Core: Baron ]

[ Level detected: 1.01 ]

As the progress indicator reached 100%, Keith's eyes snapped open, and the purple light seemed to materialize before him, enveloping his body like an iridescent cocoon.

The voice in his mind seemed to resonate with ancient wisdom.

[ You have evolved beyond your previous limitations. You are a Vampire baron now. ]

"I… I've evolved," Keith stammered, his heart pounding with exhilaration.

Lex's eyes widened in amazement, a mix of pride and wonder shining in his gaze. "Keith, you are now a Baron! This is a momentous occasion for our family!"

Feeling the surge of strength and confidence within him, Keith couldn't help but smile. This was just the beginning of his journey—an odyssey that would push the boundaries of vampire society, unveil long-lost secrets, and unlock the true potential of his mixed-blood heritage.

******

The anticipation hung heavily in the air as word spread throughout the Bergzen territory. A summons had been sent out, beckoning all members of the Ennes family and esteemed figures from the realm to converge in the majestic hall, a place steeped in history and tradition. Rumors whispered of an important announcement, and the excitement and curiosity were palpable as everyone took their seats, their eyes darting around the hall, searching for any hints that might reveal the impending revelation.

At the head of a polished long table sat Lex, the current figurehead of the Ennes family. The room's atmosphere seemed to intensify, and even the flickering candles cast eerie shadows, giving the setting an otherworldly aura. As the attendees settled into their positions, the ancient tapestries adorning the walls seemed to come to life, depicting the legendary leaders of the Ennes lineage that had ruled over the territory for countless generations. The weight of the family's legacy bore down on Lex's shoulders, the responsibility immense and awe-inspiring.

After a brief moment of hushed murmurs, Lex cleared their throat, silencing the room. "Thank you all for coming. Your presence here today is a testament to the significance of this occasion. We are gathered to discuss the inheritance of the Ennes family, a matter of great consequence to each one of us."

An eager voice chimed in from the other side of the table, "Finally!"

A sharp glance from Lex quelled the interruption. "I have not concluded my address yet, Rufus," Lex warned.

Rufus, who was known for his impatience, sheepishly apologized, realizing his outburst. The suspense in the room tightened like a coiled spring, each person hanging on Lex's every word.

"The Ennes family's history is deeply intertwined with the Bergzen territory. Our forebears have guided these lands for countless millennia, and it is our duty to ensure that this legacy endures for generations to come."

The hall seemed to echo with the gravity of Lex's words, and the flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the ancient carvings on the ceiling. 

"Therefore," Lex continued, their voice resonating with authority, "after meticulous contemplation and the guidance of our ancestors, I have chosen a successor to carry the torch forward."

Tension mounted, and all eyes were fixed upon Lex, waiting with bated breath for the name to be spoken. The hall felt suspended in time, as if the walls themselves held their breath, waiting for the revelation to unfold.

"I wish to appoint Keith as the next head of the Ennes family and bestow upon him the distinguished title of count."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, silence enveloped the hall like a shroud. Then, like a crack of thunder breaking through a storm, the room erupted with gasps, whispers, and exclamations.

"What...? Have you lost your mind?" Rufus erupted, his voice reverberating through the hall, breaking the spell of suspense that had gripped everyone.

"Keep your voice down, Rufus!" Lex's stern command cut through the heated exchange, attempting to rein in the escalating tension.

"Why? Don't you know that boy can't even use blood condensation and will stay crippled for the rest of his life? You want to make him our leader instead of Marvin, who is a young genius and surpasses anyone of his age. He's already at the seventh phase of blood condensation; give him a couple of years, and he can easily reach the baron level," Rufus retorted loudly, not bothering to hide his disapproval.

Lex interjected, attempting to mediate the situation. "What is said about Marvin is true, but Keith is a Baron now. His disability has vanished, and I must say, I have never witnessed such remarkable talent in our family's history." Lex praised Keith, attempting to highlight the young man's abilities while subtly addressing Marvin's actions and their consequences.

The room was divided, with murmurs and gasps echoing through the hall. Marvin's exceptional talent was undeniable, and many believed he was the natural choice to lead the family. On the other hand, Keith's newfound abilities baffled and intrigued everyone. He had supposedly been plagued by a disability, but now Rufus claimed it had vanished, and Keith had risen to the rank of a Baron.

"That's not possible! I refuse to believe that runt can become a Baron," Rufus retorted defiantly, unwilling to accept the reality.

Unperturbed, Lex proposed a resolution. "So, do you want proof?"

"Yes, let's settle this right now," Rufus declared, ready to put the matter to rest.

"Then, let's have a duel. If you don't believe Keith has reached the baron level, then let Marvin test his skills against him," Lex suggested, taking a calculated approach to the situation. By allowing Marvin to showcase Keith's newfound power, Lex hoped to win support for Keith's leadership in a more convincing manner.

Rufus hesitated for a moment, weighing the options, then agreed. "So be it."

Lex, secretly pleased with the outcome, decided not to reveal Keith's abilities immediately. Instead, he intended to let the duel unfold, allowing everyone to witness Keith's strength firsthand. Only then would he reveal the truth and prove that Keith was indeed capable of leading the Ennes family with honor and distinction. The suspense in the room was palpable, as all eyes turned to the upcoming duel, unaware of the hidden depths of power that lay within Keith, waiting to be unveiled.