21 Ithigia

[Vlad POV]

As I consume it, a strong wave of energy washes over me. My mind, body, and especially soul get a significant boost. I as well feel more connected to the element of light. More towards the light.

I flex my hands, tensing my muscles. I can feel how strong I have become. Incredibly strong. If before I can throw a 30 tons boulder with only both hands, now I can throw a 30 tons boulder with a single hand. Albeit with a little more effort.

So I am guessing my strength in tons would be around 60 to 80. Most likely around 70. As for how fast... I am always fast. I am faster than I am stronger. I also feel more in tune with magic, with the energy that is mana.

Grinning, dark shadows with streaks of crimson red consume me as I teleport to my workshop and start working on a couple of things I have in mind.

[Kingdom of Ithigia POV]

In a gloomy room, you can see a man who looks to be in his 60s sitting on a chair, looking out the window. His facial expression dark, showing a defeated look. Resting his head on his right hand, as his elbow is resting on the arm rest of the chair.

'Our once glorious and prosperous Ithigia was a pinnacle of society, trade, agriculture, entertainment and much more... now it is nothing... consumed by the Holy Church, majority of our land taken by it, tricked by it, made to fight for it. And now... now the end comes. Defeated we are by a man... No, a legendary figure we thought dead.' thinks King Reymond of Ithigia.

Sighing, he stands up straight, walks towards the window and suddenly punches it, cracking it signifyingly. He then gains a look of determination and anger on his face. 'NO! This can't be it, I won't go down because of the Holy Church and their puppet the kingdom of Abalon. After what King Edward did.... he and his kingdom and the damned Holy Church, all of them deserve to perish in the most painful way!' King Reymond thinks.

King Reymond turns around and walks out of the room, then turns right and keeps walking at steady pace. Soon he reaches a door on his left, he enters and you can see a big hall, a meeting hall.

In the middle are three men and two women, the advisors, consultants, and friends of the King.

"I heard a rumor that Dracula's forces have taken over the underworld of the Confederation... if it is true, get me an audience with who ever is the leader of the underworld here. Now, no matter the cost!" says King Reymond, with the utmost urgency, as if his life depends on it.

[Vlad POV]

Two days I have been in the workshop and today the special unit, compromised of 1,000 powerful soldiers only loyal to me is complete and ready.

Esmeralda contacted me about this and also about an interesting subject... that's how she said it. That it was "interesting and quite intriguing".

Thankfully I at least finished the blueprints of the armor and weapons for them, as well as making a prototype for testing. I also made a "Serum", they'll take it and it will enhance them completely, physically mostly. When they've consumed it I will trigger a mutation within them to enhance them even further.

These guys will be a powerhouse of a unit, trained in everything that is necessary for war and for the protection of me and the empire. The ways of weapons and unarmed combat, espionage, stealth, alchemy, magic, strategy and so much more.

Teleporting to the village I first went to. I see how far it has changed and evolved, no longer is it a village, but more of a town, a giant town. The old houses have either been rebuilt or renovated, new houses are being build as well, from stone mostly, but they have wood added as a "design" and for other purposes. Blacksmiths, markets, clinics and much more are being built to aid the town in its growth and prosperity. The houses now have chimneys and they are two stories tall, instead of a single story. The town is surrounded by stone walls with a big gate that has guard towers on each side of it. There are ten watch towers in total surrounding the town, as well as a big tower located in the middle of the town.

There are even patrol guards within the town. Looking to my right, I see a little far from the town a gathering of people... well monsters to be honest, if you look at their aura that is. Heavier and stronger than the Soldiers, Vanguards, and Assassins combined.

Wanting to test my speed, I step my right foot forward and immediately dash. I reach their in less than a second... I would say the distance was around 300 meters. I didn't even put my all into it.

"That was fast..." speaks Hendriksen, as the rest nod.

"Yeah I got a tad bit stronger..." I say, scratching my chin.

"Anyways, so these monsters are the ones who will "protect" me... not bad." I say, grinning.

Before I do anything I use mind manipulation to make them completely 100% loyal to me. Not even a single fault or any errors. Complete and utter loyalty to me. For extra insurance, you never know.

I then tap into my space dimension(inventory) and drop the armors and weapons from my space in front of each one of them, as well as a little vial containing a glowing crimson red liquid, with blackish swirls.

They gear up, strap their weapons and open the vial and drink it, as soon as they finish drinking it I trigger the mutation and they evolve right there in front of us. Their veins bulge and turn a dark color. I can feel their pain, but they are keeping it hidden, not even a flinch.

The mutation gives the boost in their physique, making them physically stronger and faster. They gained a couple of powers, some similar to mine. Not as strong. The major one is the Shadow/Darkness Manipulation. As well as an extra one, called Adrenaline Rush/Boost. which will give them a great boost in speed and strength.

{Dracula's Wrath} {A/N: Please do give me a better name for this unit, an original name would be better. Also the picture is in this paragraphs comment.}

I turn towards Esmeralda and say "Tell me this intriguing thing you wanted to talk about."

She smiles and says "Firstly, the underworld within the countries of the confederation haven been completely taken over. The confederation and the countries are in chaos, the people are afraid and some are fleeing to the western countries, specifically the Echelux Kingdom and Lorke. We've also destroyed or captured any ships trying to leave from any of the confederations countries, as well as securely implementing the artifacts you gave us called "magic jammers" within the countries to destroy any magical messages. Secondly, more and more people are arriving to the City of Transylvania(The city, where the previous capital of the Traj Kingdom is and where the Elder Council resides.), from the beginning of the renovation of the city and till now, in total over 180,000 have arrived, of which over 80,000 are vampires and the rest are werewolves and some demi-humans as well." she pauses, as I nod at her in a manner saying I am happy with what she said.

She then takes a breath and grins, saying "Lastly, the king of Ithigia, Reymond, has managed to come in contact with Ithigia's underworld branch in full force, almost compromising the branch in Ithigia. Instead of a big fight breaking out, he only asked for a meeting with you."

I give a surprised look and say "Now this is truly interesting.", I scratch my chin, contemplating about what does the king intend to do.

"My Lord, this could be a ploy... a trap even..." says Remus, he then bows apologetically and says "Not that they could do anything."

I dismiss that with a wave and Esmeralda says "He asked you to choose where the meeting is... I don't think this is a trap or a ploy. The branch manager said he looked desperate."

"Alright, choose the place and time, preferably not today." I say and Esmeralda, Meredith, Remus and Hendriksen nod.

I make a hand gesture for Dragan and Volrais to stay as the rest disappear, as well as my "protectors", but I can still sense them, waiting to slaughter anyone who dares try anything funny.

Walking towards Volrais, I say "It has been awhile my friend." he nods, bows his head and say "Yes my lord, it has been awhile since we have spoken."

As we both look towards the town I say "Tell me, what have you decided to do with the bodies and souls or what you have done."

"Not much my lord. I started an experiment of mine." he says and I raise a brow, intrigued.

He sees that I am intrigued and continues "I figured that there should not be a limit to my power as a Fornaxers. And so I decided to test the limits and I was right, I have you could say... I have become enlightened by what I am capable of. I am sure I am able to forge Dark Creatures (previously known as night creatures) of a higher grade. More intelligent, stronger, smarter, and even capable of speech."

I smile and say "That is great. I did tell you before, wielding the power of a Fornaxeres is a wonderful thing. Capable of accomplishing quite the amazing feats." I pause and look towards him and continue "Keep doing what you are doing. Search the limits and eliminate them, and thus you will accomplish greatness."

He bows his head and bids his farewell as he vanishes.

Looking at the town and the busy townspeople, Dragan approaches me, bows and says "My Lord." I nod and say "So, did you find those suitable for my little experiment?"

He nods and says "Exactly 8,000." I look at him and say "I asked for 5,000..."

Dragan immediately bows apologetically and says "I didn't mean any wrong by it Lord it jus-"

I cut him of by saying "It is fine. The more the merrier. Isn't that what they say?", Dragan stands straight and nods weakly.

I turn towards him and throw him a stone with a rune carved on it and say "Break it and 10 boxes will appear, each containing 1,000 vials. Make sure that only 8,000 are used and the rest are safe. It wasn't east to make these." he nods and I continue "For those with families pay them 100 gold each month and for them 200. As for those without families, give them 250 gold. Train them well... don't go easy on them. And once they are ready I will start." I pause and grin, continuing by saying "A new and powerful race... not a mutation necessarily... no, a new and evolved vampire race. This will be wonderous Dragan."

Dragan grins and says "It indeed will be my Lord."

[?????? POV]

A tall and devilishly handsome man walks towards the city gates of Transylvania. Hair of silver, eyes of dark gold.

The man grins and says "So... this is where you have been all this time... Vlad."