Chapter No.11 Menu

A flurry of emotions and thoughts crowded my mind as I tried to make sense of the new information. The Heavenly Destiny System, Liliana's bond, and the implications of my new existence as a dhampir were overwhelming.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Liliana's voice cut through my thoughts, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to keep the system a secret for now. "Just trying to process everything," I admitted. "Becoming a dhampir... it's a lot to take in."

Liliana nodded, her eyes softening. "I understand. It's not an easy transition. But you're strong, Samael. Stronger than you realize."

Her words were comforting, and I felt a renewed sense of determination. To navigate this new reality, I needed to understand the Heavenly Destiny System and how it could help us. I mentally commanded the system to open the menu.

[Heavenly Destiny System Menu]

[1. Status]

[2. Skills]

[3. Inventory]

[4. Missions]

[5. Shop]

I focused on the "Status" option, eager to see what it entailed.

[Status]

[Name: Samael Ashwood]

[Race: Dhampir, Royal?, Royal Elf]

[Magic: First Circle (Top)]

[Strength: 7]

[Agility: 8]

[Endurance: 6]

[Intelligence: 8]

[Charisma: 7]

[Destiny Points: 500]

[Affinities: Star (Unlocked), Shadow (Locked), Nature (Locked), Lightning (Locked), ???]

[Note: 1-3 Normal Person, 3-5 First Circle Mage (Low), 5-7 First Circle Mage (Mid), 7-9 First Circle Mage (Top), 10 First Circle Mage (Peak)]

The information displayed in the system menu was a lot to process, but it provided valuable insights into my current state. As a dhampir, it seemed I possessed a blend of human and vampire traits, including enhanced strength, agility, and heightened senses. The mention of "Royal Elf" piqued my curiosity, suggesting a lineage I had yet to understand fully.

The listing of my magic abilities as "First Circle (Top)" indicated a significant level of proficiency in magic, something I hadn't realized before. It was reassuring to know that I had some means of defending myself against the dangers that lay ahead.

The distribution of my attributes—strength, agility, endurance, intelligence, and charisma—highlighted a well-rounded skill set, each contributing to my overall capabilities. It was a reminder that I had the potential to adapt to various situations and challenges.

The mention of "Destiny Points" intrigued me. It seemed to be a currency of sorts within the system, perhaps allowing me to unlock new abilities or acquire powerful items. I made a mental note to explore this aspect further when the opportunity arose.

As for the affinities listed in the system, they hinted at potential elemental or magical alignments that I could develop over time. The fact that "Shadow," "Nature," and "Lightning" were currently locked suggested that there were paths of mastery waiting to be unlocked.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned my attention to the other options in the Heavenly Destiny System Menu. "Skills" and "Inventory" both seemed crucial for understanding my capabilities and resources, while "Missions" and "Shop" held the promise of opportunities and rewards.

But before I could delve deeper into the menu, a sense of urgency washed over me.

"We have to get moving," I said, interrupting my own train of thought. "We can't stay here for long. The Rutherford family will eventually find us."

Liliana nodded in agreement, her expression grave. "You're right. We need to find a safer place to regroup and plan our next move."

As my hand reached for the mask covering my face, a sudden idea struck me. Perhaps it was time to reveal myself fully to Liliana, to trust her with my true identity. After all, we had already shared so much, and our bond seemed to deepen with each passing moment.

"Liliana," I began, my voice steady but determined. "There's something I need to show you."

Liliana looked at me, her eyes curious but cautious. "What is it?"

I hesitated for a moment, then reached up and slowly removed the mask, revealing my face for the first time since we met. The cool air of the cave brushed against my skin, and I felt a sense of vulnerability wash over me.

Liliana's hand reached out, her fingers brushing gently against my cheek as she studied my face. Her touch was soft, yet filled with unspoken emotion. I met her gaze, feeling a sense of connection that transcended words.

"You're...beautiful," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just as I imagined."

Her words took me by surprise, and a flush of warmth spread across my cheeks. I had never thought of myself in such terms, but coming from Liliana, they held a deeper meaning.

"Your name is not Atom right?"

I blinked in surprise at Liliana's question, realizing that she had sensed something beyond the surface. It was true—I hadn't been entirely forthcoming about my identity, but now seemed like the right time to reveal the truth.

"You're right," I admitted, meeting her gaze with honesty. "My name is not Atom. It's Samael Ashwood."

Liliana's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't seem shocked. Instead, there was a sense of understanding in her expression, as if she had already suspected as much.

"Samael..." she repeated, testing the name on her lips. "It suits you."

A weight lifted off my shoulders as I revealed my true name to Liliana, knowing that I could trust her with this part of myself. The bond between us felt stronger than ever, forged through shared trials and moments of vulnerability.

"I trust you, Samael," Liliana said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm grateful that you've chosen to trust me in return."

I handed my mask and cloak to her, "You should wear this, They don't know my identity as Atom so we can move more freely if you wear them. And I don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

Liliana nodded, accepting the mask and cloak with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Samael," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I'll make sure to keep us hidden until we find a safer place."

"You don't have to worry, I already know where to go," I said, a sense of determination in my voice. "My home is not far from here. It's at the end of Ashwood territory, And only my mother and little sister live there, so we should be safe."

Liliana's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Your home?" she repeated, her tone curious. "Are you sure it's safe to go there?"

I nodded, a sense of conviction guiding my words. "Yes, I'm sure," I replied. "My family's estate is secluded, hidden from prying eyes. We'll be able to rest and regroup there without fear of discovery."

With a newfound sense of purpose, we set out from the cave, our steps light but determined. The forest enveloped us in its embrace, its ancient trees offering shelter and protection. As we journeyed deeper into the wilderness, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were intertwined by more than mere chance.

Liliana walked beside me, her presence a source of strength and comfort. Together, we faced the unknown, our destinies intertwined in ways we were only beginning to understand.

As we approached the edge of Ashwood territory, a sense of anticipation welled up inside me. My family's estate loomed in the distance, its towering spires a beacon of safety amid uncertainty.

"We're almost there," I said, a note of excitement in my voice.

Liliana nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Let's make haste," she said. "I'm eager to see this place you call home."

But now, as we approached the grand entrance of the Ashwood manor, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness.

Oh! Shit!

When I left, I said would be back soon but it's been more than 16 hours since I left the manor. My mother and sister must be worried sick about me. I quickened my pace, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

I don't have to worry about others in the Ashwood Family as we are the outcasts and live at the edge of the territory.

As we reached the gates of the Ashwood manor, a sense of urgency drove me forward. I knew my absence must have caused concern for my mother and sister, despite our family's secluded lifestyle. It had been more than sixteen hours since I left, far longer than I had anticipated.

With each step, my heart pounded in my chest, the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. I had to reassure my family and let them know that I was safe.

As the gates swung open, revealing the grandeur of the Ashwood estate, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The familiar sights and sounds of home offered a sense of comfort amid the chaos of our circumstances.

But as we entered the courtyard, I sensed that something was amiss. The air was heavy with tension, and the usually tranquil atmosphere was tinged with unease.

"Samael, what's wrong?" Liliana asked, her voice filled with concern.

I shook my head, trying to push aside my growing sense of dread. "I'm not sure," I replied, scanning the courtyard for any signs of trouble. "But something doesn't feel right."

As we approached the main entrance of the manor, I quickened my pace, my senses on high alert. The door stood slightly ajar, a faint light spilling out from within.

Without hesitation, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my heart pounding in my chest. What I saw inside sent a chill down my spine.

The interior of the manor was in disarray, furniture overturned and belongings scattered across the floor. My mother and sister were nowhere to be seen, their absence a haunting echo in the empty halls.

"Liliana, stay close," I said, my voice tense with worry. "We need to find out what happened here."

Together, we searched the manor, scouring every room for any clue as to my family's whereabouts. But the answers eluded us, leaving only silence and uncertainty in their wake.

As we reached the study, a glimmer of hope flickered in my chest. Perhaps my mother had left a message, a sign of her survival amid the chaos.

I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room for any sign of disturbance. And then I saw it—a piece of parchment lying on the desk, a single word scrawled across its surface.

"Outsiders."

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..

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[To Be Continued]

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Thanks For Reading.

Peace Out✌️