A Symphony of Swords and Blood

Seeing how devoted the Yatan Zealots were only by meeting a Demonic Being, made Vecna scoff inwardly at their twisted faith. Yet, the fact those high-level NPCs weren't hostile to him, played as an advantage for him.

Signaling the Zealots with his Demonic Blade to be silent, he later shifted his attention to Arthur who was still inside his Aura Barrier along with his six companions who were confused and panicked when being faced by the large group of Yatan Members.

"I'll give you a chance to get out of here alive. Entertain me. It's been a while since I have fought against a worthy foe."

While saying that as a front, Vecna sent a telepathic message to Arthur.

- Just have a spar with me, I want to test my gear and sword.

Receiving that message, Arthur accepted the sparring request, since he was too interested in finding out why his Uncle held Vecna in such high regard. His 'old man' only told him that Vecna was a Vampire Lord whose aspirations far overshadowed the whole Empire.

'Uncle told me to be respectful around this Vampire. From his black Mana, there's for sure some claim to Uncle's words even though he likes to exaggerate things.'

"If you want Entertainment, let me give you a cruel awakening, you Demon."

"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK WITH THAT TONE WITH HIS EXCELLENCY!" screamed Deacon Jamol, his black eyes almost turning Demonic when looking at Arthur.

"Faithful Spawn, don't lower yourself to his words. Let me put this lowly human in his place."

As he was calming down the battlefield, he did a final distribution of his Available Stats while also chugging onto some Strength and Intelligence Potions to boost his already monstrous stats.

[Status Window]

[User: Vecna / Class: Caine's Reincarnate / Race: Low-Grade Vampire]

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[Level: 134(146,852/508,545) / Title: The Fallen One | Archdemon Vanquisher | +6 Titles]

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[Health: 20,549/20,549 | Mana: 13,250/15,655]

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[Strength: 973 | Stamina: 608 | Agility: 780 | Persistence: 241 (From Lumberjack)

Intelligence: 1354 | Charm: 650| Dignity: 378 | Composure: 286 (Novice Adventurer) 

Regeneration: 268| Indomitable: 344 | Insight: 320 (Avid Explorer)]

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Available Stat Points: 0

.

'Mhm, it's better to invest in my Mana, since I will not have to worry about firepower for a while.'

'Good. Shall we begin, Lamech?'

{"Let's roll over this kid, his face annoys me."}

'Yeah, he is quite handsome. And has the Heroes Syndrome.'

"Knight, I will not be merciful." 

The silence that followed was broken by Vecna's emotionless proclamation, his words laced with a cold indifference that sent shivers down the spines of those present. 

The Demonic Sword, Zytherion, glowed with sinister energy, and the crimson eyes of Vecna narrowed as he focused his attention solely on Arthur.

'Activate 'Searing Presence'.'

Vecna activated his skill, "Searing Presence," unleashing a flickering red aura that subtly diminished the physical and magical defenses of those in its radius. 

The Zealots felt a chill running down their spines when they saw the Demonic Power gushing out from Zytherion, and even Arthur, seasoned as he was, couldn't help but sense the threatening nature of Vecna's abilities.

'Shadowstrike.'

His crimson eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, and Zytherion, the Demonic Sword, hummed with dark energy.

Arthur, his Aura Shielding at the ready, focused intently on Vecna's movements. The air crackled with tension as the Vampire Lord lunged forward, his form blurred by the shadows that clung to him like loyal attendants.

In the blink of an eye, Vecna closed the distance between them. Shadows coiled around Zytherion, enhancing the demonic aura emanating from the blade. With a swift, almost ethereal movement, Vecna swung Zytherion, aiming for Arthur's flank.

The Shadowstrike unfolded like a dance of darkness. Zytherion sliced through the air with unparalleled precision, leaving behind wisps of shadow in its wake. The blade seemed to transcend the boundaries of mere physical matter as if tapping into the very essence of the void.

Arthur, relying on his Aura Mastery and heightened reflexes, sensed the impending strike. With a swift motion, he conjured an ethereal extension of his Aura Shielding to intercept Zytherion. The collision of forces created a burst of energy, accompanied by an otherworldly resonance that echoed through the ancient trees.

The impact sent ripples through the air, distorting the shadows momentarily. Arthur, though momentarily staggered by the sheer force of Vecna's attack, stood his ground. The ethereal extension of his Aura Shielding held against the demonic onslaught, showcasing the resilience forged through countless battles.

[You have dealt 14,790 damage]

[Enemy 'Aura Barrier' has absorbed the damage. Limit passed.]

[You have dealt 790 damage.]

Vecna, his eyes betraying no emotion, withdrew Zytherion with a fluid grace. The shadows seemed to retreat, leaving the Vampire Lord poised for the next move. The Forest of Gloom, witness to the clash of supernatural prowess, retained an eerie stillness.

A sly grin crept across Vecna's pale visage. "Impressive, Knight. But you've only glimpsed the surface of my abilities."

With a subtle movement, Vecna shifted his stance, preparing for the next onslaught. The shadows, now under his command, coiled around Zytherion once more. 

"Likewise, I only used 50% of my powers against the Black Magician. This time, I can finally grasp my limits."

"I wonder for how long you'll think this way."

As the battle between Vecna and Arthur escalated, both warriors displayed their advanced swordsmanship and unique abilities. Vecna, despite his limited repertoire of sword skills, utilized them with great precision and combined them with his Vampiric Discipline abilities. 

His strikes were swift and calculated, delivering powerful combos to Arthur while utilizing techniques such as Swift Strike and Blade Dance.

Arthur, initially confident in his own Aura-based Swordplay, found himself on the defensive. Vecna's restricted repertoire of advanced skills showcased a mastery that approached Arthur's level. 

In response to Vecna's relentless assault, Arthur employed Aura Manipulation to enhance his sword strikes. The clash of blades echoed through the forest as the two adversaries tested each other's limits. But Vecna's proficiency with the sword was undeniable, and Arthur couldn't shake the feeling that he was facing a formidable opponent.

'It's lacking compared to his. My Swordsmanship requires abilities that I lack. Since I already got my answers regarding Swordsmanship, Arthur should be in his LV.3-5 based on his precision striking.'

"What's wrong, Vampire? Have you noticed the difference in our skills?" taunted Arthur who was having the time of his life while fighting against Vecna.

"I'll give you that. You're better at using the sword in it's raw form, but mixing it up? You're bellow me."

Saying that, Vecna shifted the tempo of the fight as he seamlessly transitioned from his basic swordsmanship to a more intricate display of combat. His crimson eyes glinted with a predatory awareness, and Zytherion became an extension of his will.

'Activate. Crimson Shadowguard.'

The air around him shimmered with a subtle crimson hue as an invisible barrier enveloped his form. 

[Increases the user's defense by 20% for a duration of 60 seconds]

Vecna, now shrouded in the protective embrace of Crimson Shadowguard, shifted his stance. His movements became more calculated, anticipating the counters and retaliations that Arthur might unleash in response. 

Arthur, sensing the change in Vecna's approach, adjusted his own stance. The Knight's eyes, filled with the determination of one well-versed in the art of combat, focused on the enigmatic figure before him.

As Arthur braced for the next exchange, Vecna's movements became quite chaotic, where he was mixing up his Sword Techniques with his Vampiric Discipline Skills. 

Swift Strike and Blade Dance, though basic in form, took on an almost hypnotic quality as Vecna blended them with supernatural finesse as he activated 'Lighting Strikes'. His every movement exuded an unsettling grace, leaving afterimages that lingered in the air like transient echoes.

'Earthshock.'

In the midst of their dance, Vecna unleashed Earthshock. The ground beneath Arthur quivered as an invisible force surged through it. The shockwave disrupted Arthur's footing, momentarily unbalancing him. 

[You have dealt 3,166 damage.]

It was a strategic move by Vecna, exploiting the elemental aspect of his Vampiric Discipline to create openings in Arthur's defense.

"Cheap tricks."

"Really, now?"

However, Arthur, seasoned by battles against formidable foes, swiftly recovered. His Aura Mastery granted him enhanced stability, allowing him to adapt to the unexpected assault. The forest floor, now marked by the aftermath of Earthshock, bore witness to the clash of unearthly powers.

Vecna didn't relent. He flowed seamlessly from Earthshock into a series of intricate sword maneuvers, creating a dazzling display of martial prowess. 

For the spectators inside the Forest of Gloom it became a stage for these powerful individuals to showcase their skills, and watching the fight from the start, the Black Magician Player was deeply impressed.

'I could only hang in there for a few minutes before he defeated me. And yet? It's already been 6 minutes since they started their fight.'

'How much HP does he have to not fear the attrition from a Boss Mob?'

Yura could see Arthur's Health Gauge slowly dropping, but couldn't see the information on Vecna because they weren't into a party.

[Arthur Vinespine - LV. 220] (Boss) [111,255/186,000 HP]

For a human NPC, the amount that Arthur had was massive, akin to a monster, but the fact it was dropping against Vecna was an eyeopener for Yura who could only cause a drop in his HP to about 15-20%, while this current opponent took 40% of Arthur's Massive Health Pool.

Meanwhile in the center of the battlefield, sensing an opportunity, Vecna executed Soaring Leap. 

In an instant, he defied gravity, soaring through the air with an uncanny grace that seemed to defy the natural laws. The distance between him and Arthur closed rapidly, leaving the Knight momentarily caught off guard.

Arthur, however, anticipated the move. With a deft twirl of his Aura-infused blade, he intercepted Vecna mid-leap. The clash reverberated through the forest, the collision of Aura and Demonic power creating a visual spectacle. 

Leaves rustled in the wake of their exchanged blows, and the ancient trees bore witness to the ebb and flow of this supernatural contest.

"You're hanging on, Knight. I like that about you, but let's increase the difficulty of this fight."

"That's not something for you to say, Demon."

As the fight intensified, Vecna decided to transition into his second phase, incorporating his Blood Spells into his swordsmanship. His crimson eyes flickered with a malevolent glint as he delved into his deep reservoir of Blood Magic.

Channeling the dark energies within himself, while slashing with Zytherion in a one-hand hold, he conjures a malevolent force using his left hand —a Blood Missile. The atmosphere quivered with sinister power as the elongated projectile shot forth, streaking through the air like a crimson comet.

"Dark Magic… No wonder. That's why my instincts told me to be careful."

Arthur, ever vigilant, raised his Aura-infused sword to intercept the incoming Blood Missile. 

However, just as he anticipated a straightforward clash, the arcane nature of Vecna's Blood Magic unfolded. The Bloodburst Effect, a hidden facet of the spell, triggered upon impact, turning the missile into a torrent of volatile blood.

[You have dealt 7,208 damage.]

['Blood Missile' has triggered the effect 'Bloodburst']

[You have dealt an additional 10,589.]

'Mhm, the chance has increased a bit since having it at level 3. I should take into account the 'Bloodburst's triggers.'

The explosion was not a mere eruption of gore; it was a chaotic burst of arcane power that cascaded in all directions. 

The Forest of Gloom shuddered as the shockwave echoed through the ancient trees. The crimson aftermath lingered in the air, staining the verdant surroundings with an otherworldly hue.

Arthur, caught off guard by the unexpected detonation, found himself entangled in the tendrils of the Bloodburst Effect. The arcane blood clung to his Aura, sizzling with a malevolent intent. The Knight gritted his teeth, resisting the corrosive influence of the Blood Magic as it sought to seep through the protective layers of his Aura.

Vecna, observing the unfolding chaos, moved with predatory grace. Closing the distance with an agility that made him transition like a phantom. Taking a long jump while preparing another strike, he descended upon Arthur, who struggled with the residual effects of the Bloodburst. 

The Vampire Lord's Demonic Sword, Zytherion, danced with malevolence as he aimed a Swift Strike at the momentarily disoriented Knight.

As the enchanted blade descended, Arthur's instincts kicked in. Channeling the energy of his Aura, he summoned a protective Aura Shield to ward off the impending strike. 

[Attack has been blocked.]

"You resemble a cockroach."

The collision between Zytherion and the Aura Shield sent ripples of ethereal energy through the immediate vicinity, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.

"I'm flattered. But Defense could also be used as Offensive."

The turning point came with Vecna's unexpected use of Blood Spells. The first sign was the ominous Blood Projectile that blasted against Arthur's Aura Barrier. The force of the spell, seemingly simple yet potent, pushed him back and created a space between the combatants.

'I need to be careful against those Blood Arrows, they will explode on contact with my Barrier.'

'But, I can't just fight passively, my Aura will be exhausted if I stay passive.'

Blood Missile, a swift and piercing attack, forced Arthur to dodge and weave, but when the Aura Master thought he got accustomed to Vecna's Blood Missile, and decided to counter him, he suddenly felt another chill when noticing Vecna's malicious grin.

'Blood Shard.'

Three crimson projectiles materialized, streaking through the air in erratic patterns that defied prediction, as the shards arced towards different targets, leaving a crimson trail in their wake.

'He tricked me into believing this was all he had.'

Arthur, the Aura Master, narrowed his focus, anticipating the impending onslaught. The first Blood Shard surged towards him with blinding speed, and with a deft maneuver, he managed to deflect it with his Aura-infused sword. 

"Phew."

"Where are you looking, Knight? This isn't over."

However, the true challenge lay in the unpredictable trajectory of the remaining shards as Vecna used his Blood Mastery to influence their trajectory pathway.

The second Blood Shard veered towards Arthur's left flank, forcing him into a swift sidestep. 

The blood projectile grazed the edge of his Aura Barrier, leaving a faint trail of ethereal energy in its wake. The third shard, a malevolent wraith in flight, homed in on Arthur's right, challenging him to maintain his defensive stance.

However, the true nature of Blood Shard unfolded upon impact. The shards struck their targets with pinpoint precision, unleashing a surge of arcane power that rippled through the air

As the shards struck and the blood magic mingled, Vecna's aura radiated with a malevolent glow. 

['Siphon' effect has been triggered.]

[You have healed for 4,268 HP]

"You… actually look better than before."

"Thanks to you."

Arthur, realizing the gravity of the situation, intensified his own Aura Manipulation. 

Recognizing the need to shift the momentum, Arthur decided to showcase one of his signature techniques—Aura Rain. With a focused mind and a swift gesture, he raised his sword high, calling upon the ambient energy that permeated the forest. 

The very air seemed to respond to his command, and ethereal droplets of aura descended like a gentle rain.

[User has been slowed by 25% for the duration of 'Aura Rain'.]

[User's defense has been lowered by 15% for the duration of 'Aura Rain'.]

[Each second the user will suffer 85 HP loss for the duration of 'Aura Rain'.]

'This spell resembles a Field Spell. No, I guess it is something his teacher imitated after fighting against a Higher Being.'

'Now it explains why Yura looked so sluggish and pathetic against Arthur.'

'Drained by MP while casting spells and at the same time losing your Health without doing much damage. Sucks being a Caster against an Aura Master.'

The Aura Rain served multiple purposes for Arthur. It wasn't just a visual spectacle but a tactical move to disrupt Vecna's concentration and limit his mobility. The droplets shimmered with the essence of aura, creating an ephemeral barrier that, while not impenetrable, would offer some resistance against Vecna's attacks.

However, Vecna, ever the tactician, observed Arthur's maneuvers with a calculating gaze. 

He acknowledged the strategic nature of Aura Rain, recognizing its potential to impede his movements. As the droplets cascaded around him, Vecna's silhouette flickered in and out of view, as if melding with the shadows themselves.

Arthur maintained a vigilant stance since he saw that Vecna's agility still remained higher than his. 

Whatsmore, thanks to the 'Aura Rain' his senses attuned to the subtle shifts in the environment. 

Despite the protective nature of the aura rain, he understood that the true challenge lay in Vecna's unpredictable and deadly swordplay.

Aura Rain cascaded from above, creating a dazzling display of light that clashed with the darkness of Vecna's Blood Spells. 

'This is good, he has slowed considerably. I can maintain the Aura Rain for 5 minutes before my Mana will be depleted.'

With the Aura Rain surrounding him like a shimmering fortress, Arthur believed he had gained the upper hand. 

The razor-sharp droplets danced through the air, a manifestation of his Aura Rain turned into a lethal weapon. However, Vecna, undeterred by the storm of Aura needle-like blades, revealed another facet of his Blood Magic without expressing much of his emotions.

'How can someone be so strong at only level 134? He's actually equal with a Boss Monster in a solo fight.'

'Why? Why after sacrificing so much time, and spending so much money on great items, I can't take on a Boss Monster by myself?'

'Where am I wrong? Is the fact I have a Normal Class limiting my growth?'

Yura's finely manicured nails dug into the fabric of her dark robe as she bit her lower lip, the taste of black lipstick mingling with a cocktail of conflicting emotions. 

Her gaze flitted between Vecna's and Arthur's swordsmanship clash, a silent observer caught in the crossfire of doubt.

The Yatan Zealots around her, their fervent eyes fixed on Vecna, whispered praises for their dark lord. Vecna's performance, a symphony of malevolence and finesse, elicited awe and reverence from the devout followers of the Dark Faith. Yet, for Yura, the emotions were not as straightforward.

She had witnessed Arthur's prowess firsthand, having faced him in battle just moments ago. The memory of her defeat still lingered, a bitter taste on her tongue. 

The fact that Arthur Vinespine, the one who had bested her, now faced Vecna in a seemingly even match sparked a cocktail of conflicting sentiments within her.

'He'll soon run out of Mana. There's limitations for the players that NPCs don't have.'

'That's how it should be. But... I really want to clear that quest. Win, Vecna. Show this cockroach who is better.'

Part of her yearned for Vecna's victory, not only for the sake of clearing her quest with the Yatan Church but to validate herself as someone equal to Vecna. She was one of the best players Worldwide, known far and wide for her pristine talent and intellect, and yet, an obscure individual sprouting from nowhere was about to take on the World Stage. 

Yet, as she watched Vecna's unyielding stance, his vampiric grace in combat, she couldn't help but think this blonde man was resonating with her darker inclinations.