Bloodline Transition

"Lord Leylin, back so soon? How did the afternoon find you?" Crew's voice, laced with a playful undertone, reverberated beneath the flickering lamps that adorned the cobblestone pathway.

Leylin, a mere shadow among the darker hues of twilight, offered a vague murmur in response as he neared the old man's villa. The evening breeze was a gentle caress, infused with the fragrance of jasmine and the subtle moisture from the man-made lake nearby.

His path had led him to once again encounter Crew, the red-haired elder Magus, who reclined on a lavishly decorated divan, conspicuously positioned within his garden. Crew beckoned to Leylin, compelling him to muster a courteous grin and divert his course to engage the old man within the confines of his villa.

Crew's visage radiated satisfaction, a vivid contrast against the tranquil dusk. He was encircled by attendants, their garments scant, as they presented him with rare treats and fine wines.

Leylin couldn't help but observe the scene with a critical eye. 'Despite his eccentricities, Crew knows how to indulge in life's pleasures without a care,' he thought. Leylin himself wasn't averse to the company of beautiful women, but he preferred subtlety and discretion. Flaunting such escapades in public was distasteful to him, a display of vulgarity he wouldn't stoop to. His own dalliances were private affairs, not spectacles for the masses. Reputation was a currency Leylin wasn't willing to squander—not without significant gain.

On the surface, however, Leylin's smile was affable, his demeanor relaxed as he leaned against the wrought-iron fence. "My afternoon was quite productive, Lord Crew," he replied vaguely, his words shrouded in mystery, revealing nothing of the transactions he had orchestrated.

Crew's laughter resonated robustly, piercing the stillness of the street. "Ah, Leylin, you will come to realize that Nightless City caters to every whim and desire—for the right price! It's a haven for those seeking the delights of the flesh and the thrill of the forbidden. Listen here, my friend. For the likes of us, there's nothing to fear here, no consequences... Only sheer, unbridled joy!"

With an exaggerated gesture, Crew emptied his goblet, the wine shimmering like crimson jewels under the lamplight. He then shifted his focus to a maidservant close by, his hands audaciously exploring her form. The other domestics tittered at the scene, well-versed in their master's overt appetites.

Leylin's countenance remained inscrutable. He was aware that certain Magi, upon attaining formidable power, forsook their scholarly quests in favor of sensual distractions. Nevertheless, being confronted with such licentiousness served as a stark reminder of the moral decline some succumbed to. 'A fool is still an fool, irrespective of their might.' Leylin concluded.

After exchanging a handful of cordial words, Leylin took his leave, the vision of Crew's revelry etched in his thoughts as he withdrew to the refuge of his villa.

The witch's crystals, pulsating with an ancient power, now lay secure in his possession. With time still his ally, Leylin descended into his basement, where his sanctum of alchemy awaited.

Before that, he had entrusted Sean with a handful of shimmering magic crystals, along with a directive to post a notice at the bustling trade center. The request was clear: to acquire more of the enigmatic Darkness crystals. Sean, now bound to Leylin by a servant ring—a symbol of fealty and service—could traverse the restricted Fourth Zone to fulfill his master's bidding.

Once in the solitude of his laboratory, Leylin summoned Aralis, his A.I. assistant, with a mere thought. 'Display my current attributes and devise the optimal method for integrating the Darkness crystals,' he commanded silently.

[Task established. Compiling data... Commencing simulation model...]

Aralis, ever the obedient construct, set to work, her calculations a blur of numbers and arcane symbols that danced before Leylin's eyes.

The villa's basement, once a mere alchemy lab, had been transformed by Leylin's hand into a sanctum of sorcery. At its heart lay a grand spell formation, meticulously etched into the stone floor, awaiting the touch of magic to awaken.

With reverent precision, Leylin positioned the newly acquired Darkness crystals at the formation's nucleus.

'Aralis' projections suggest an absorption efficiency of 94.7% within this configuration,' Leylin pondered, stepping into the formation's embrace.

"Activate!" The command, spoken in the ancient Byron language, set the spell into motion.

The formation hummed to life, its glow a beacon in the shadowed room.

At the formation's core, the Darkness crystals underwent a metamorphosis. Solidity gave way to liquidity as they filled an intricate rune, and then, with a flare of crimson, they vaporized into a swirling miasma of black smoke.

From the smoke, seven serpentine forms with glowing crimson eyes coiled around Leylin, their presence chilling yet oddly familiar.

Leylin inhaled, drawing two of the ethereal serpents into himself. A sensation of expansion washed over him, intoxicating and heady, like the finest of wines.

The remaining five serpents, sensing their impending fate, wailed in despair, their efforts to flee futile. With a voracious breath, Leylin consumed them, feeling the surge of power as they dissolved within him.

Below, the spell formation pulsed with an obsidian light, casting the basement into an abyssal night. Enveloped in this darkness, Leylin found tranquility, a peace reminiscent of a primordial return to the womb.

Amidst the enveloping shadows, only Aralis' voice persisted, a litany of progress and power.

[Substantial influx of core substances detected, Doctor. Release of the Dark energy particles has been confirmed. Absorption underway...]

[Darkness rites amplifying absorption. Crystal efficacy maximized.]

[Integration successful. Elemental Essence Conversion has significantly increased, now at thirty-five percent! Congratulations on increasing your power, Doctor.]

As the last of the notifications faded, the darkness coalesced, forming the silhouette of a figure at the formation's heart, heralding the birth of newfound might.

Leylin's awakening was a silent affair, marked by the merest flicker of onyx light that danced across his vision. At this point, he still had his transfigured appearance as he was not required to be in his true form to cultivate.

"This sensation…" A smirk played upon his lips, barely more than a whisper, as if sharing a secret with the shadows themselves.

The surge in his Elemental Essence Conversion to 35% was an exhilarating anomaly. The void around him seemed alive, teeming with minuscule particles of Darkness element, each one a luminescent speck akin to a swarm of nocturnal fireflies.

For Leylin, a mage with an innate affinity for the dark, this newfound clarity was unprecedented. It was as though a veil had been lifted, and the energy that once eluded his grasp now beckoned to him, requiring a mere thought to bend to his will.

"Latent Fireball!" The incantation rolled off his tongue with practiced ease, and the basement's gloom was punctuated by a barrage of ebony flames.

In Leylin's palm, the flames coalesced, swelling to quintuple their size in the span of a heartbeat. The corrosive inferno danced wildly, its hunger insatiable, and the very stones of the basement glowed ominously, threatening to succumb to the spell's voracious heat.

'Aralis, compute the augmentation in potency for this spell,' Leylin commanded inwardly, his thoughts reaching out to the sentient matrix that aided his magical endeavors.

[Rank 1 spell: Latent Fireball. Attack potency: 40.5 degrees. Bonus damage via Elemental Essence Conversion: 10.5 degrees.]

'Just as I surmised. The Latent Fireball's force has escalated dramatically, inversely proportional to the Spiritual Force and Mana Energy expended in its casting,' Leylin mused, his smile now tinged with malevolence.

With Elemental Essence Conversion at 35%, his mastery over Darkness spells had soared, and the energy particles, resonating with his elemental nature, demanded less of him than ever before.

'What zenith might I reach, should my Elemental Essence Conversion attain the one hundred percent?' Wonder flickered in Leylin's gaze, a rare glimpse into his boundless ambition.

At a mere 35%, the benefits were palpable. Should he achieve complete elemental conversion, he might well stand shoulder to shoulder with the mythical beings of yore.

Yet, Leylin harbored no illusions. Humanity's essence was distinct from that of the elements; a full conversion was a dream at best.

For many Magi, 80% was the threshold to ascend to a Rank 2 Magus. Those who surpassed 90% were the prodigies, nurtured by the most formidable of guilds.

"A hundred percent is a fool's errand," Leylin conceded, "but with the bounty of advantages at my disposal, nothing less than 90% shall suffice before I seek the mantle of Rank 2."

The foundations he laid now would determine the heights he could reach later—a truth Leylin had internalized during his earliest days as an acolyte.

"Crystallized energy particles… Only with a substantial reservoir of crystallized Darkness energy particles can I aspire to approach 80%." His eyes blazed with the fervor of his quest.

He allowed the minutes to slip by, a brief interlude before he approached the spiral staircase, each step resonating with the promise of arcane secrets yet to be unveiled.

"Aralis, give me a comprehensive update on my current stats. Additionally, conduct a thorough examination for any lingering effects or injuries that may be present. Following this, estimate the requisite recovery period before I can safely harness energy particles once more."

[Of course, Doctor.]

As Leylin's command resonated through the lab, a crimson luminescence burst forth, merging into a radiant display before his eyes.

//

Dr. Fang Ming (Leylin Farlier's body)

<Power Scaling>

Rank 1 Warlock || Grand Knight

<Ancient Bloodline>

Giant Kemoyin Serpent 

<Physical Stats>

Strength - 12.50

Agility - 13.20

Vitality - 22.14

<Mystical Stats>

Spiritual Force - 37.03/37.03

Mana Energy - 37.03/37.03

<Elemental Essence Conversion>

Darkness - 35% (INCREASE OF 34%)

<Innate Abilities>

Mitotic Regeneration || Advanced Dark Absorption || Advanced Illusory Aura 

<Perks >

Enhanced Plant & Darkness elemental affinities || Boosted illusion resistance || Reptile-class Mysterious Entities of ≤ power are positively biased

<General Skills>

Hybrid Farlier-Jackson Blade Technique (master) || Potioneering (master) || Grand Master Secret Skill (++AGI +STR --VIT) || Various Rank 0 & Rank 1 spells

<Innate Spells>

Kemoyin's Scales || Eye of Petrification

<STATUS >

Elemental impurities in cells. Currently being purged by the body. Estimated time needed to purify cells: 4 months, 21 days.

//

Aralis's calculations revealed a remarkable enhancement in Leylin's capabilities post-crystal usage. His Elemental Essence Conversion surged to an impressive 35%, and his Spiritual Force experienced a significant boost.

However, the presence of elemental impurities within his cells was a cause for concern. These residual substances, a byproduct of his recent absorption of the Darkness particles, were now being purged from his system, a testament to his body's remarkable Mitotic Regeneration capabilities. The estimated time for complete purification stood at 4 months and 21 days.

The prognosis was unexpected, leaving Leylin astounded. It was common knowledge among Magi that utilizing external aids for advancement often came with its share of complications. Yet, the repercussions Leylin faced were far less severe than anticipated.

Doubts clouded his mind. The meditation techniques and the revered Book of the Giant Serpent had forewarned of potential adverse effects, such as the infiltration of chaotic Negative Energy and diminished sensitivity to the surrounding energy particles. The reality, however, painted a different picture.

If the crystals indeed yielded such favorable results, their value would have skyrocketed. Leylin surmised that the peculiar turn of events was likely linked to his unique physiology.

"Aralis, detect the underlying cause. Make this your utmost priority," Leylin instructed, his tone laced with urgency.

He had a hunch that his Warlock lineage played a pivotal role. Since the integration of the Mankestre Snake and Giant Tree Demon blood, his body had been in a state of perpetual evolution, enhancing his physical form.

The transformation that accompanied his ascension to a Rank 1 Warlock was profound. Moreover, the continuous fusion of potent blood within him bestowed great advantages, unbeknownst to Leylin.

[Task established. Initiating microscopic analysis. Scanning underway...] Aralis announced, projecting a vivid red diagram before Leylin.

The display showcased a human DNA helix, but Leylin's was adorned with distinctive barbs that coalesced into a cryptic rune. This rune bore a resemblance to those encountered during his bloodline transplantation and seemed intent on enveloping his entire genetic blueprint.

[A deviation in your genetic makeup has been detected, Doctor. Your endocrine output diverges from that of an average human. Enhanced cellular activity is facilitating a more efficient expulsion of toxins,] Aralis concluded.

The analysis indicated that the ancient Giant Kemoyin Serpent bloodline coursing through Leylin's veins was not only fortifying his constitution but also preparing for a significant metamorphosis. The anticipated timeline for this bloodline transition was 1 year and 9 months.

The term 'bloodline transition' triggered a cascade of memories in Leylin, specifically the chronicles within the Book of the Giant Serpent.

In this world, the potency of a Warlock's bloodline was not merely a measure of their power, but also the very essence of their arcane potential. For those like Leylin, whose lineage was of an exceedingly rare and concentrated kind, the bloodline's might would not flow freely. Instead, it would lie dormant, a slumbering giant within, amassing its strength for the momentous event known as the 'bloodline transition'.

Each transition was akin to a rebirth, a metamorphosis that would bestow upon the Warlock new and formidable abilities. Leylin's own bloodline was a legacy of the primordial beast, the Giant Kemoyin Serpent, a creature of such ancient and formidable lineage that its power was said to rival that of a Rank 4 Morning Star Magus.

Yet, Leylin himself was but a Rank 1 Warlock. The disparity between his current capabilities and the dormant potential within was vast. The bloodline's concentration was so intense that it could only bide its time within him, awaiting the day when Leylin's Elemental Essence Conversion and Spiritual Force would reach the critical threshold to unlock a deeper symbiosis.

As Leylin ascended the spiraling tower of his sanctum, his thoughts were a whirlwind of contemplation. 'The bloodlines of ancient creatures are enigmatic and formidable, far surpassing the wildest of my predictions…' His stride faltered, a rare moment of hesitation. 'Yet, I am bound by time, with 1 year and 9 months till the next phase.'

The impending bloodline transition promised to be a boon of unprecedented scale. The most palpable benefit would be a surge in his magical might, a leap towards the echelons of power that few could dream of.

Such a prospect necessitated a recalibration of his long-laid schemes. 'With this revelation, I must adapt my plans…'

Leylin's gaze gleamed with the sharpness of a honed blade, reflecting the cogs of strategy turning in his mind. 'Aralis, is there a way to expedite the second transition?'

The task was set, and Aralis, his ever-faithful assistant, sprang into action. [Commencing search within the archives…]

Aralis's calculations were swift, yet she was met with the void of the unknown. [Data insufficient. Initiating theoretical modeling…]

[Proposed solutions — 1: Utilization of Bloodline crystals. 2: Acquisition of an arcane matrix to fortify the bloodline…]

This was the advantage of Aralis' recent enhancements. In the absence of concrete data, she could weave hypotheses, offering Leylin a scenario with the greatest likelihood of success.

Leylin's lips curled into a wry smile. 'To think that these relics have vanished from the South Coast eons ago…' He mused, a touch of irony in his voice. 'Am I to be a prisoner of time, then?'

As Leylin ascended the final step of the spiral staircase, the creak of the aged wood beneath his feet echoed through the silence. He pushed open the wooden door, its metal hoop cold to the touch.

As he stepped into the hallway, the air was thick with an acrid scent that clawed at the senses. It was a pungent mixture of brimstone and charred flesh, a signature left behind by dark magic.

He couldn't help but let a smirk curl the edges of his lips, amusement twinkling in his eyes.

The villa, now a mausoleum of his unintended victims, lay in disarray. Several dead maids, once vibrant with life and beauty, were strewn across the entire property. Their final moments were etched in agony upon their faces. Their charred flesh a grim testament to the indiscriminate wrath of Darkness energy unleashed without the appropriate safeguard.

Leylin's gaze swept over the carnage with a detached air. 'That was my fault, I suppose. Didn't even think about the safety of these weaklings. Sean, that mongrel, can deal with this aftermath once he gets back," he mused.

As for Leylin's original plan, a grand design of expeditions and resource gathering within the enigmatic bounds of Nightless City, now seemed trivial in the wake of his newfound patience. With the impending surge in his powers, a mere two years was a pittance. Time was a river, and Leylin, bearing the bloodline of the Giant Kemoyin Serpent, was its master.

"Idle hands are a Magus' bane," Leylin declared, his voice cutting through the stillness. "Potions to brew, guilds to join, secrets to uncover—all shall be woven into the tapestry of my stay in Teljose City."

A sudden recollection of his neighbor, the red-haired elder with eyes like smoldering coals, sparked a notion. An ally, perhaps, in his quest for knowledge and dominion.

Aralis's voice, ever the embodiment of reason, pierced his contemplations. [By the way, Doctor... you might want to fortify your laboratory's defenses. Unless your intention was slaughtering your maids all along.]

A wry smile tugged at Leylin's lips. 'True enough, the constant replacement of my servants would be a tedious affair. Moreover, in Light Magi territory they are not so lax when it comes to killing mortals...'

With a nonchalant step over a fallen maid, he made a mental note. 'Improvements shall be made to the radiation barriers—after all, even a Warlock must tend to the mundane.'

In the heart of the villa, amidst the echoes of lost souls and the promise of dark arts, Leylin's ambition unfurled like the wings of the night. The transition within his bloodline was not just a change—it was an ascension, and Nightless City would likely bear witness to his rise.