Chapter 47 - The Gambit

[ALERT]

[MP: 5000/1705800]

As Bong's inquiries continued about the forces of the Kingdom, another alert from the System reminded him of his dwindling MP and the urgent need to replenish it.

"Seraphina, I'm facing a problem. I have an overpowering urge to drink all that blood, the scent is driving me mad, and there's an urgent matter I need to address. We must drive these individuals away from here," Bong communicated telepathically to Seraphina.

Seraphina nodded and silently signaled to Bong after receiving his command.

"Well then, shall we continue this discussion inside, Captain Alistair?" Seraphina suggested politely.

"Pardon me, I will see you later. I have some urgent matters to attend to and need to send a message to my Kingdom," Bong explained.

"I would like to express my gratitude once again for your great work, and rest assured, I will keep your true identity as a prince a secret. However, if you would be willing, I'd like to extend an invitation to you to meet with our King, to whom we owe our loyalty," Captain Alistair added.

Bong extended his gratitude and then slowly moved backward, walking towards the forest. As he approached the dense trees, he carefully concealed himself in the shadows. His intention was to wait for Captain Alistair and Seraphina to enter the tent before proceeding with his plan.

However, there was a challenge to overcome - the patrolling soldiers. Bong devised a clever strategy. While concealed in the shadows, he extended his hand toward the ground. With a focused command.

"Hemokinesis ," The blood moved like a secret, winding river, snaking its way through the earth beneath the forest ground. It flowed silently, following the hidden channels of the soil, collecting in tiny rivulets. These rivulets converged, gradually forming a larger stream beneath Bong's feet. The crimson fluid crept along, almost as if it had a life of its own, responding to his silent command.

Bong extended his palm, and the blood converged there, pooling like a dark, glistening jewel in his hand. It clung to his skin, seemingly eager to fulfill his craving. With a careful motion, he redirected the gathered blood towards his mouth. It flowed slowly, like a viscous, dark syrup, disappearing between his lips as he drank it in. The entire process was almost imperceptible, hidden in the shadows of the forest, away from prying eyes.

[ALERT]

[LEVEL UP]

[LEVEL UP]

.. x10

[Skill 'Gluttony' activated. Obtained new Skill: 'Bloodshade Shroud']

[Skill 'Gluttony' activated. Obtained new Skill: 'Abyssal Infusion']

[Skill 'Gluttony' activated. Obtained new Skill: 'Ephemeral Bloodbond']

"Combined these new skill and add to Cursed Wraithstrike, " Bong commanded to System.

[Combining Bloodshade Shroud+ Abyssal Infusion + Ephemeral Bloodbond]

[Skill Acquired to Bow : Ephemeral Bloodshade Infusion Arrow ]

[Desc : This arrow is enveloped in an eerie crimson mist, enhancing its lethality and making it harder for enemies to perceive its approach, upon striking a target, this arrow establishes a temporary but potent Bloodbond. It drains the HP and MP of the target, inflicting damage and transferring it back to you, replenishing your HP and MP ]

[The recovery of MP and HP with the Ephemeral Bloodshade Infusion Arrow will depend on the target's HP and MP levels, as well as their resistance to the arrow's effects]

"Intriguing. This shall replenish my MP and HP if I mix the Soul Hunt and Ephemeral Bloodshade Infusion arrows," Bong chuckled with a sinister smile, contemplating the possibilities of endless massacre without worrying about his MP.

"Now, let's proceed to fulfill my initial goal for coming here: gathering souls. It's time to venture into the dungeon once more," Bong declared with determination in his voice.

With renewed determination, Bong transformed once more, sprouting his wings and soaring back into the sky. His eyes held a spark of hope and eagerness as he accelerated toward the Dungeon. Upon reaching the Dungeon's location, he descended to the ground and entered the entrance. As he journeyed through the dungeon's depths, he finally arrived at the room where the Boss had been kept bound.

"Master, Welcome," Eclipse greeted him, his voice resonating with a mix of loyalty and anticipation.

"Was there any trouble while I was absent?" Bong inquired, his voice carrying a tone of authority and concern as he addressed Eclipse.

"No, Master, everything was fine," Eclipse replied obediently, his tone subservient and respectful.

Bong's expression was focused and determined as he summoned the Cursed Wraithstrike. He drew the bowstring with a fluid, practiced motion, his crimson eyes locked onto the target. With a sense of purpose, he released the arrow, sending it hurtling toward the chain with precision and control.

[ALERT]

[Consumed 400 souls, one chain broke, five still remaining]

"Wait, What? You did not tell me earlier that it was the cost of one chain, not the whole," Bong exclaimed in frustration.

[ALERT]

[Master, umm... um... I ask for forgiveness. It was my mistake not to inform you. Please forgive me]

"You, darn System! If you weren't here to support me, I would have destroyed you right this instant!"

"I am warning you for the first and last time; I don't like to repeat myself," Bong stated firmly.

Bong's frustration boiled over as he addressed the System, his voice tinged with anger.

As Bong released the Cursebane arrows, each one struck its target, and one by one, the cursed chains shattered. The last chain broke, and the boss, who had been held in cursed chain for so long, fell into Bong's waiting arms. She was weak, unable to speak or move, drained from her imprisonment.

[ALERT]

[Total Souls Consumed: 2500]

[Souls Remaining: 110]

Bong tenderly held her in his arms, and with a signal to Eclipse, they readied themselves to depart from the Dungeon. However, just as they approached the exit, an enigmatic force halted their progress.

[ALERT]

[Final Boss cannot escape from the Dungeon; they must be defeated]

"Wait? What," Bong was surprised by the alert from Dungeon.

Bong and Eclipse found themselves in a state of shock and confusion, utterly surprised by the unexpected alert from the Dungeon. It was a situation they had not foreseen, and they were at a loss for what to do next.

Bong turned to the System, desperately seeking a way out of the dire situation.

[ALERT]

[Only one way to escape this situation: you must follow the same process you used for Eclipse, make the Boss your servant, and deceive the Dungeon into believing that the Boss has been defeated.]

"Wait, but this is a risky process for the weak. They could die instantly with my skill to convert them into my Vampire servants. There is always a chance they may like Eclipse did, but I cannot say the same for her. If she dies, my whole effort will be in vain," Bong muttered to himself.

Bong weighed the risk of the situation, realizing that using his power to convert the Boss into a Vampire servant was a perilous process. The chance of failure was high, and if she were to die during the transformation, it would jeopardize all of his efforts.

Bong sighed in resignation, realizing that he had no other option. He gently placed her on the ground and prepared himself for the risky gamble that could either save her or result in her death. As he contemplated the potential consequences, he couldn't help but think that if he failed, it might be a mercy for her to find release from a lifetime of suffering by his hand instead of at the hands of pathetic humans. If she were to die, at least he could offer her a dignified farewell to the next world, where she could finally rest in peace.