Let's Make a Deal

Whoosh!

Keith's figure disappeared from the spot and appeared right in front of Draco. He didn't even use half of his power as his warrior frame was at the viscount level. He was holding back his blood-qi fluctuations so others couldn't detect his blood core level within the baron stage. 

They could only tell that he was at the baron stage but determining his exact level needed more power or aura to be released. Keith kept a low profile with his aura and didn't let it leak. Now that he was inside the arena and had the opportunity to test his strength, he didn't hesitate to show his powers.

Even then, it was just a fraction of his full strength. He used his blood core to circulate blood-qi and kept the warrior frame idle. His blood core was at the final stage of baron so it was two minor stages higher than the opponent.

As Keith moved closer, the young vampire couldn't dodge the attack. Keith used his blood-qi enforced hand to hit Draco's neck and he passed out immediately.

Ack!

The limp body of the early stage vampire rolled up on the ground and Keith stepped on his chest. He glanced at the old man to see his expression and expected, his eyes were bulging and there were red veins stretching across his forehead.

"What a disappointment. I thought he would be able to block my first attack, but he can't even withstand half of my power." Keith looked at the young vampire in pity.

"Look here old man, your grandson is out cold. I can do whatever I want with him right. Like you said, once you lose consciousness, you are basically screwed." 

His uncle, the elders, and the old man were looking at the scene with disbelief and couldn't utter a word. After some time, they came to their senses and a horrified look replaced their disbelief.

"Kieth? How did you reach the final stage baron? You just became a baron. This doesn't make any sense." Rufus was sweating profusely and looking at the old man with an apologetic face.

"Didn't I tell you your information was a bit outdated? Well, you can thank me later." Keith replied with a chuckle.

"Boy! You showed your strength and defeated my grandson fair and square. Let him go and I will compensate you with 1000 gold blood coins." The old man spoke for the first time after the trance.

"That is a tempting offer, but I don't need your money. I have a much better deal right in front of me." Keith looked at Draco.

After he heard that they could do anything if the opponent was conscious, he knew that they were setting him up. If they knew he was more powerful, they would have never enforced this kind of rule. 

Keith decided at that moment to use this opportunity to drain as much blood as possible before the runes detect Draco's dire situation. He grabbed Draco's neck and cut it slightly for the blood to flow out slowly. 

"You dare! Even if you won, doing this to him while he is unconscious is not forgivable." The old man stood up and moved towards the arena.

"Chill. I can't kill him here. I am just having a little bit of fun. The runes will keep him alive, so enjoy the show." Keith didn't bother to listen to the old man's rant.

"I will kill you if you don't let him go." The old man threatened.

"Is that so? I may be weaker than you in terms of strength, but I'm sure I can escape this place unscathed. I have friends in this place also, do you think you can leave without any consequences?" Keith glared at the old man.

"Enough! What do you want?" The old man asked, seething with anger.

"Why did you arrange this fight? And how do you know my uncle?" Keith asked, holding the young vampire's neck.

"Hmph! I wanted to test your strength, that's it. You exceeded all of my expectations. I invested a lot of resources in making sure your family comes under me. Why don't you come over to my side? I can offer you a lot more than your grandpa ever could."  The old man tried to tempt Keith

"Are you for real? You want me to go under you. How about you and your family come under the Ennes family. I won't treat you unfairly. Keith counter-offered.

"You! My family is a higher ranking descendant family, and you dare to ask such degrading questions, you are just like your grandfather…" The old man bellowed.

"I will take that as a compliment." Keith nodded his head.

As this conversation was taking place, the blood dripping from Draco's wound formed a small puddle. Keith noticed  Draco's life force declining faster and the runes would be activated at any moment now.

"If you want me to let him go, then you have to get me a spot at the tournament. Look how much blood he's losing. If you don't get me a spot, I will cripple him and you can say goodbye to your heir." Keith threatened the old man.

"What? The participants are already decided. I can't get a spot for you right now." The old man said with frustration.

"If you don't try, how would you know? Find a way to get it done or I will make sure your grandson never condenses blood-qi again." Keith stared furiously into the old man's eyes.

The old man didn't argue and quickly left the chamber. The blood was dripping fast so Keith used his blood-qi to suppress the bleeding and let it heal. Keith waited for ten minutes before the door was opened again.

"What do we have here… Oh! It's a mess." A fine-looking gentleman entered the chamber with the old man.