Grandmaster

Vecna's expression remained stoic as he faced the enigmatic Empress, taking his time before replying as if studying his prey.

His steps resounded in the Workshop while his voice was cold, resonating with a chilling calmness. "I'm here to prove my dominance and claim whatever power that old human has left at the end of this Dungeon."

"You might think I'm here to challenge myself, but it would just be a waste of my time facing that junk trash you've thrown at me."

"..."

"Were those some defects from your work?"

He stopped as he asked sarcastically, staring at the red-haired beauty, using his keen senses to sniff her essence, which didn't coincide with anything a humanoid should smell like. His sense of smell became so acute that it made the abilities of a tracking dog laughable.

Once he allowed his Vampiric Senses to be free, a torrent of sensations would flood into his brain, enough to make one's brain get overwhelmed, yet for Vecna, it was just a sharp head pain that lasted seconds.

'She's not a human… This smell is too artificial.'

'Also, why isn't her name red like the mobs I've faced so far? Instead, it's like a neutral NPC. She's a Golden Plate one.

'This would make her a Named NPC with importance over the World Building of Satisfy's Main Story.'

Vecna wasn't the only one analyzing their target. The same could be said for the red-haired woman.

Maribel's lips curved into a knowing smile as she circled around Vecna, her movements as graceful as a dancer's. "Dominance, you say? A lofty ambition indeed. But power is not easily obtained. You must prove your worth. Are you prepared to face the trials that await within my workshop?"

Vecna's gaze never wavered as he responded casually. "Let's excuse ourselves for pleasantries. You should be aware that the fact I'm here is synonymous with me being prepared."

Maribel's laughter filled the chamber, a melodic sound that would send shivers down to any other human, but for Vecna it was just the voice of a mature lady that was rather pleasant to his ears.

"Very well. Let us see if you can withstand the trials I have prepared for you. But remember, darkness cannot thrive without a spark of light."

With a wave of her hand, the surroundings shifted, and the room transformed into a vast workshop filled with intricate machinery and alchemical apparatuses. The air crackled with energy, and Vecna could sense the presence of formidable obstacles awaiting him.

At the center of the workshop was a chess table which was far too strange for what Vecna expected in his mind.

Vecna's confusion was evident as he stared at the chess table, a deviation from his expectations. He turned his gaze to Maribel, a mix of intrigue and wariness in his eyes.

"A chess table? Is this your idea of a challenge, Maribel? I must admit, I didn't anticipate such a game in our confrontation."

"Aren't you supposed to be the Administrator of this Dungeon? The one to vanquish this great evil?"

Maribel's smile widened, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. "Ah, my Vampire Lord, do not be deceived by appearances. Chess is a game of strategy, a battle of wits and foresight.

It mirrors the conflicts we face in our own lives. Consider it a test of your tactical acumen, a chance to showcase the depth of your cunning."

[Ding!]

[You have gained a quest, 'A War of Wits (S)']

[A War of Wits(S)]

Rating: S

[The Administrator entrusted with overseeing the challenges for future generations of Knights who try to claim the Legacy of the Destruction Sword has a change of mind with the apparition of a challenger of mysterious origins who she can't comprehend.

Not knowing how to proceed further with the challenge, and with a preservative approach, Maribel uses her Authority to modify the conditions of the 3rd trial, originally supposed to be a battle against the Empress of Battle Gear where the challenger would improve further for the last and final trial.

Your trial now is to defeat Maribel in a game of Chess.

Quest Clear Condition: Defeat Maribel at her own games.

Clear Rewards: +6 Levels, +20 Affinity Points with Maribel, 'Maribel's Request' Event will Commence.

Quest Failure: Lose all possible Quests with the Hidden NPC Maribel]

.

Vecna's lips curled into a smirk as he walked toward the chess table, his movements deliberate and calculated.

"Maybe I shouldn't have bullied those Automatons that hard. It's clear that you're avoiding a direct confrontation because of my fighting abilities."

"A shame. Now, am I supposed to play your games?"

The woman had a shrewd smile, as if daring the Vampire to accept her Trial.

"You can always turn around, but this will mean failing the Trial, and no power for you."

[Will you accept the quest?]

"Are you not supposed to fight me?"

"..."

"Define the meaning of fight for me, Demon." responded Maribel calmly, confident in her own strategy of avoiding an actual confrontation that would put her in danger.

'Curse you Ziegfried, I did accept placing trials on weak humans trying to claim your family's legacy for the help you've offered me in the past.'

'I haven't signed up to face this monster.'

'Besides? How can those demons roam freely? Aren't Vampires supposed to be afflicted by a Curse that keeps them in Slumber?'

Her inner thoughts were in turmoil, but the front was cool. Clearly, she was an experienced, calculative lady that could keep herself together even under stress.

Vecna, too, had his persona mask on, the one of a Vampire Monster, which by far was the worst one to wear for his enemies.

Looking at the chess pieces, then at Maribel, he smiled briefly at her, but it was a menacing one.

'You're playing with the wrong person.'

[You have accepted the quest.]

"Very well, Empress. If it is a battle of wits you seek, then I shall oblige. But do not underestimate me."

He took a seat across from Maribel. His eyes were fixed on the chessboard.

The pieces gleamed in the dim light, their carved figures representing an army of possibilities.

"Unfortunately for you, Vampire. I'm undefeated at this game, not a single being was capable of defeating me in chess."

"Only … that Cursed Immortal. Pagma. Damn him. Screw him, I'm already annoyed that I remember his mutt."

Vecna ignored on the surface whatever Maribel was spewing, but he made sure to note down those remarks, being hints about the background of this woman, Maribel.

"Sorry to break it for you, but I'm not bad at chess myself."

With a flick of his fingers, he made his first move, a calculated maneuver designed to test Maribel's own strategic prowess.

As the game progressed, each move became a subtle dance of strategy and anticipation. Vecna's mind worked tirelessly, analyzing every possible outcome, while Maribel countered with her own clever moves, her presence radiating an air of confidence and intelligence.

'This ghoul… he isn't stupid at all. That's what to expect from the one who has suppressed my Elite Automatons.' thought Maribel, wearing a poker face, as she moved her white piece.

Pausing as he analyzed Maribel's move, he responded in kind, thinking to himself.

'Her ability should be equivalent to an International Master. She's not bad per se, in fact the way she plays is reminiscent of how the previous generations of Chess Masters were doing.'

'Sorry my dear, but in the current age, thanks to AI's improvement, Chess has become far more advanced and easy to understand for people.'

'My highest Rating on Chess when I played in Highschool is 2538. I would have been a Grandmaster if I pursued that path… However I didn't have the money to have such leisure.'

Vecna's eyes gleamed with intensity as he contemplated his next move. His fingers hovered above the chessboard, considering every possibility, every potential outcome.

Maribel, the mastermind behind the workshop, had proven to be a formidable opponent, but Vecna was determined to demonstrate his prowess as an unfulfilled grandmaster.

The pieces on the board seemed to come to life, their significance magnified in the face of this intellectual battle. Black against white, a clash of contrasting forces, each move carrying the weight of Vecna's strategy.

With a calculated stroke, Vecna moved his pawn forward, initiating a series of maneuvers designed to establish control over the center of the board. Maribel responded with a subtle smile, her own fingers dancing gracefully across the pieces.

'Heh, I know what you're trying to do. It will not work on me.' thought Maribel, beyond impressed by the skills Vecna showcased.

Their gameplay was a dance of foresight, with each move unraveling new layers of strategy. Vecna's mind worked tirelessly, analyzing the board state, predicting Maribel's moves, and devising counterplays.

'I caught her.'

Soon, as the game progressed, it became evident that Vecna had gained the upper hand. His maneuvers were met with subtle nods of acknowledgment from the observing developers, who were captivated by the strategic brilliance displayed before them.

With each move, Vecna chipped away at Maribel's defenses, skillfully exploiting weaknesses and creating openings. He meticulously crafted an intricate web of tactics, luring Maribel into seemingly advantageous positions only to unravel her plans with his cunning.

Maribel, though formidable, found herself on the defensive, her options narrowing with each passing turn. Vecna's assault was relentless, his calculated sacrifices and positional maneuvers leading to a gradual but undeniable advantage.

The tension in the room heightened as the game approached its climax. Vecna's black pieces seemed to exert a magnetic pull, drawing Maribel's white army into a seemingly inescapable trap.

And then, with a masterstroke, Vecna unleashed his final gambit. His queen swooped down, positioning herself in a devastating attack that threatened Maribel's king from multiple angles.

'Let's see how you react to this.'

"Not bad at all. Who would think that Vampires know how to play Chess. Aren't you folk supposed to sleep most of the time?"

"Where do you find time to study chess?"

Vecna remained unimpressed, locking eyes with Maribel, showing his cold predatory eyes.

"Make your move. I'm not supposed to explain myself to anyone. Besides, stop making it seem like I'm the only monster here. You think I can't feel it?"

Maribel's composure faltered for a moment as if she was hiding something that was too secret to be found out, yet, she still asked calmly.

"Is that so? But the appearance tells the opposite. I don't have fangs or claws like how you do. Or have the need to sink my fangs into someone's neck and drink blood."

Vecna took his eyes off the chessboard, and instead looked around the workshop, a constant sightseeing being the high density of runes that he memorized from all of the chambers, which reminded him of his precious Pickaxe, [Miner's Resolve].

Facing her so closely, having her exposed to his Vampiric senses, made it so easy for him to pill layers of secrecy with simple questions that had a double meaning.

"You have the wrong idea about Vampires. At least for me. Drinking blood from necks is just a stereotype. Who would waste their food by endangering their cattle? Only imbeciles would do such an act."

"Hah, impressive. Your maneuvers have left me in a precarious position. But do not underestimate my skills." commented Maribel, digesting the information Vecna was sharing regarding his race, which he didn't know much about inside the Game.

With a calm yet resolute expression, Vecna locked eyes with Maribel. "I would expect nothing less, Maribel. I know you possess the strength and wit to make a worthy final stand. Afterall, you're the Empress of the Dwarfs."

"Still, I can't wrap my head around this question. Are you a machine in human skin?"

Maribel's hand hovered over the board, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as she deliberated her next move. Time seemed to stand still in the room.

"I'll invite you to test if I'm a machine by sinking your fangs into my neck."

"An invitation to a free meal? I'll accept it even if I bite into metal gears."

And then, with a decisive gesture, she made her play, her white piece clashing against Vecna's dark forces.

But it was not enough. Vecna's calculations had been meticulous, his strategy flawless even when talking to her. He seized the opportunity and executed a masterful combination, employing a series of sacrifices and tactical finesse that left Maribel with no recourse.

With a resigned yet gracious smile, Maribel extended her hand in a gesture of acknowledgment. "Best of three. I'll not give you my pass, until I'm fully satisfied that your skills are legit."

"Also, you've taken me unprepared. Your skill surpasses even my expectations."

Vecna's eyes narrowed as he listened to Maribel's proposal. He had anticipated that their match would not end with a single victory.

He smiled back at her, and instead of talking down to her, he began arranging the pieces, this time picking whites, having a rotation.

"I'll not say anything else until you're satisfied, Empress. However, you making me work extra hard to clear this trial will also fork a higher price from you."

"You'll learn about my price when you know your place."

.

..

…

Vecna agreed, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his lips.

Maribel's expression flickered with a mix of curiosity as she prepared for the next match. Vecna, now playing as white, demonstrated a profound understanding of the game, his moves exhibiting a level of mastery that exceeded all expectations.

With each precise maneuver, he dismantled Maribel's defenses, leaving her with no choice but to yield to his strategic brilliance.

"HOW?"

"Vampires shouldn't be capable of this much. And you don't look like an Direct Descendant of Beriache."

"You seem to know something about Vampires. However, I'm not one of them. In fact, I'm their God."

"Pffff. Yeah, sure. You don't seem to resemble Beriache at all. She wasn't arrogant at all when she requested my services to build her Base."

Vecna crossed his arms, not offended by this woman thinking he was a scammer. He let his abilities speak for himself, crushing Maribel so badly that she wouldn't dare to boast of being "Greatest" at Chess.

Magnus would be proud of him as he was squashing Maribel at her own game.

Match after match, Vecna emerged victorious, his dark forces overpowering Maribel's valiant attempts to regain the upper hand. Despite her growing frustration, she couldn't help but be captivated by Vecna's skill and intellect.

With each defeat, Maribel's composure faltered, and she couldn't resist but voice her bewilderment. "How can a vampire possess such mastery over chess? It defies all logic."

Vecna, seemingly unaffected by her astonishment, calmly rearranged the pieces on the board. "Satisfied?" he asked, his tone laced with a subtle challenge.

She made the move, clearly unwilling to give up, until she was once again crushed.

"What about now?"

"Not yet!"

He wasn't bothered at all, having plenty of time to tackle this lady if he wasn't supposed to fight against hordes of Automatons. He was on schedule, and to not waste all of his time only on Maribel, he took out the Book of Night, reading the contents that were available to him.

'Since I we're not using a clock … she's sure taking all the time in the world to think. Well, at least I have something to do in the meantime.'

[Chapter 3: Traditions of the Night]

I, Caine, a soul that was damned by an unfair world, impart my accumulated wisdom to those who possess the audacity to seek the depths of their own existence.

In this chapter, I unravel the ancient codes that govern our cursed kind, guiding you on the path toward mastery and dominance over the lesser races.

★ The First Tradition - Masquerade

In the realm of shadows, where the night reigns eternal, unblemished by the Parasitic Touch of the monsters calling themselves Gods, discretion becomes our most potent weapon.

The First Tradition, Masquerade, commands you, my progeny, to conceal your true nature from the uninitiated. Let not the mortal eyes perceive the immortality that courses through your veins nor the hunger that lingers within your being.

Until you are ready to face the attention of the 'Gods' continue to abide by the first tradition. Masquerade yourself, delve deeper into human society until you gain enough power to affect the influence of the parasites.

Be aware.

The world of humans must remain oblivious to our existence, for their ignorance safeguards the delicate balance upon which our survival hinges.

…

The air around Vecna shifted, growing heavier, while his body started to release crimson-red mana, fragmenting all over the Workshop and entering the attention of Maribel.

In his nonchalance, the one to stop him from doing anything was the red-haired woman, whose green eyes locked with the Malicious Artifact.

She trembled for the first time in the interaction she had with Vecna, and unable to contain the question and desire to get closer to this Artifact, she asked shamelessly.

"Can you let me have a look at that Divine Artifact? I can feel the strands of an Ego imbued inside. A powerful one. Where have you got your hands on such an artifact?"

"I'll ignore what you requested. However, a warning, don't make ideas about my belongings if you wish to stay alive." warned Vecna as he stopped reading, closing the book, and later on having the book vanish back in his inventory as he crossed his arms to stare at Maribel.

Maribel's lips tightened, a mixture of annoyance and admiration evident in her gaze. "Fine. You have proven your worth, Vampire. Your skills surpass even my initial expectations."

As their final match concluded, Maribel conceded defeat, her usual confidence replaced by a sense of acceptance.

[Ding!]

[You have cleared the quest 'A War of Wits(S)', gaining the following rewards: +6 Levels; +20 Affinity with Maribel; 'Maribel's Request' will commence.]

[You have leveled up!] …

[You have reached level 45.]

It was then that she made an unexpected proposition.

"I'm the type of person to keep to my words. Here, you can take a bite and satiate your thirst. You should be quite hungry from all the fight you've had against my Automatons."

She invites Vecna to sink his fangs into her neck while Vecna recoils slightly, a trace of repulsion crossing his features.

[Hunger Meter: 34/100]

"I don't drink any type of blood that is being thrown at my face. I have my own standards."

"Are you backing off, you, the Vampire Lord? Scared of this poor Empress chained down to this Dungeon?"

Even if he was repulsed, he didn't deny her request since it worked with his intent of refilling his Hunger Meter. As such, Marbeil got enveloped by his darkness.

"I never experienced this in my life." commented Maribel as she stared at the shadow this blonde man was creating.

She invited Vecna, fully aware of what would happen, and without waiting for her to be ready, he sank his fangs into her tender neck.

[Skill 'Blood Sucking' has activated automatically]

His fang sunk into her tender flesh with overwhelming sadism, planting his lips in such a cold fashion that he felt nothing, totally different from how he approached his Elven Princess in a courtship manner.

Puncturing her skin with a mixture of pain and ecstasy, a pain that subsidized considerably and it mainly brought her pleasure.

--Moan--

'What are you moaning for, lady? Is not as if you're a virgin.'

'Also, her flesh feels unnatural, but it has the same touch like a humans. While her blood…'

When he took his first scoop of the blood, his crimson eyes sharpened, and he couldn't help but feel disgusted by such blood. It had a rotten taste.

'Bleh! What is this sulfuric taste?'

[Hunger Meter: 54/100]

'This bitch, is doing it on porpouse.'

Annoyed by this disgusting taste but having no choice but to fill his hunger with some dejected good, he bites down harder on Maribel's neck.

--Moan--

Maribel gasped, looking at Vecna with a charmed expression, almost ecstasy drunk, and as the blonde Vampire drew from her crimson elixir, she got lost in the sensation of pleasure, making her desire more of this pleasure.

"Unbelievable! No wonder, I heard so much about Vampires being the best male partners."

"ARGHH! What are you doing? That was painful!"

Vecna, while drinking blood, snapped and sealed her mouth shut, not feeling like listening to any of her perverted comments in the situation where her blood tasted so rotten, far from the life essence he got adjusted with Elysia.

Nevertheless, obliged by the circumstances, he sank his fangs into her tender flesh.

'She's too unnatural. Her reactions are forced too, as if my saliva has a lower efficiency at turning her switch on.'

'She's some fantasy construct. It fits with the description of the item, where 'M' is someone from a past generation.'

At that moment, Maribel's poor acting confirmed what Vecna had suspected all along.

"That would be all." --Spit-- "I'll have to rinse my mouth with Elven Blood for days after this traumatic experience." said Vecna as he let Maribel sink to the ground, only for her to stand like a statue when she was about to hit the floor.

"Awww, that's so hurtful. When I even allowed you to drink my precious blood."

"More like engine oil. You're not human at all. What are you? Some Homunculus?"

She was an artificial being—a homunculus. The revelation did little to disturb Vecna, who had long accustomed himself to the peculiarities of the world.

Maribel, unaffected by the act, calmly confirmed her nature. "Yes, this body is a homunculus. Created to fulfill a purpose."