Chapter 17

Feeling the surge of powerful energy within him, John's body underwent a transformation. The struggling force beneath his foot grew weaker while his aura grew stronger.

"You dare to steal my power!"

The Master's crimson eyes glared at the Asian man standing on his chest, his voice a mix of growls and roars.

"Steal? This is deprivation! This is your punishment for devouring countless lives over the ages!"

John's eyes gleamed with a faint golden light. His presence was so overwhelming that the vampires summoned by the Master dared not approach.

Thunk!

A spear pierced through a vampire's head, and Vasiliy appeared in front of John, followed by Abraham, who was supported by Ephraim and Nora.

Abraham's expression was one of shock as he looked at the Master beneath John's foot. His face flushed with excitement as he drew his silver sword from his cane, and John did nothing to stop him.

He watched as Abraham beheaded the Master.

Roar!

With a dull roar, all the vampires charged forward, frenzied despite the UV lights wielded by Vasiliy and the others.

The steaming vapor filled the tunnel as John slowly lifted his foot. With his extraordinary perception, he knew the Master was dead.

Abraham stared at the beheaded Master, then quickly noticed that the surrounding vampires were not dying.

John glanced briefly at the Master's severed head, his eyes flashing. The next moment, under the watchful eyes of Vasiliy and the others, he disappeared.

"Where did he go?" Ephraim shouted in disbelief, while Nora frantically looked around but saw no trace of John.

Abraham's gaze was fixed on the Master's broken body. He plunged his sword through the monstrous head again, listening to the sizzle of burning flesh.

"This is impossible!" Abraham murmured, disheartened, as Ephraim and Nora snapped back to reality.

"Why didn't the vampires die when the Master was killed?" Ephraim asked.

As gasoline was poured over the Master's remains and the fire consumed them, Abraham, feeling defeated, was helped out by Ephraim and the others.

After a while, a sound echoed in the cave. Eichhorst staggered to where the Master had turned to ashes, his eyes glowing red.

He approached a wall, gently inserting his fingers. A blood-red worm crawled onto his hand. Transforming into a blur, Eichhorst disappeared from the cave.

...

Dimensional node changed, returning to the main world!

In a silent bar, John stood up from the couch. All his wounds had healed, and he looked rejuvenated.

Emily, observing him, couldn't help but gasp. In her view, John trembled slightly, then appeared invigorated and energetic.

"I'm fine now, Emily."

John smiled confidently. He had changed significantly, and a transparent screen appeared before him.

John Black

Dimensional Points: 130 (earned by altering the plot)

Innate Ability: Dimensional Deprivation

Abilities: Immortality, Primordial Body (Archangel, Fragmented)

Frowning slightly, John recalled details from the vampire series he had overlooked.

Archangel?

Instinctively, he summoned a crimson cover of the series, appearing like a dimensional door in front of him.

The eerie cover prompted a rapid flow of information in his mind.

He realized he could return to the vampire world, where more secrets awaited.

His eyes flashed as he decided not to return immediately. He needed to accumulate energy through judging evil to re-enter other dimensions.

Another transparent list appeared before him. At the top was a bottle of white liquid.

Angel's Blood: Contains unparalleled vitality, can quickly repair bodily damage and extend lifespan.

Exchange Points: 50

This bottle was a result of John's rampage through the sewers, killing vampires. He had given some to Eldritch, with the rest appearing on his exchange list.

The experiment failed; he couldn't bring it into the real world directly.

Looking at the second item on the list.

Pure Silver Sword: High-purity silver sword.

Exchange Value: 10

John didn't look at the rest, all items prepared in the vampire world.

He closed the list with a thought, realizing the white blood had little use for him. Spending 50 points on it seemed wasteful. His first exchange, an anti-worm body, cost only 30 points. Plus, his own white blood was far more effective.

John reviewed his altered plot, sensing the Master couldn't be killed. Even if the Master revived, he would be weak, unable to match Quinlan, the Master's offspring.

With his new abilities, including immortality and the Primordial Body's enhancements, John felt powerful. His immortality didn't require changing hosts like the Master.

John's strength had nearly doubled with the complete deprivation of the Primordial Body.

"John?"

Emily's voice brought him back from his thoughts.

"You hired me, so I'll guard your father's bar for you."

John looked at the youthful Emily, smiling confidently.

...

The next morning.

Sunshine bathed the cobblestone streets of Warril Street, where hurried passersby walked.

John suddenly opened the bar's curtains. Wearing a bartender's uniform, he moved swiftly behind the bar, organizing items.

"John? Why are you up so early? And what's with the uniform?"

Emily, descending the stairs, looked at John, surprised.

"You gave me a month's advance salary and accommodation. I should start working early!"

John smiled, exuding energy. The sunlight highlighted his handsome face, creating a bright, warm scene.

Emily, suppressing her excitement, rushed to change into her work clothes.

As the bar owner, she couldn't be less efficient than her employee.

Soon, the bar was ready, and the doors opened to the waiting neighbors.

Laughter and chatter filled the bar. Emily, no longer overwhelmed, worked efficiently with John's help.

"Wow! John, you're working at Emily's bar now?"

A bearded man looked surprised at John, who was serving drinks.

John nodded and smiled at the man he had helped before.

(End of Chapter)