Blood Sense

The sun began to rise, casting a soft golden glow over the city of Summit's Crest. The air crackled with a mixture of excitement and unease as the impending Orc War approached. 

Vecna, known for his enigmatic confidence, entered Mayor Reginald Thornfield's office with his usual air of poise. The room, filled with administrative documents and an undercurrent of urgency, stood in stark contrast to Vecna's composed demeanor.

Vecna gracefully walked into Reginald's office, his presence commanding attention. The atmosphere shifted subtly, the air tinged with an otherworldly energy. Mayor Thornfield, aware of Vecna's arrival, rose from his seat and greeted him with a respectful nod.

"Ah, Sir Vecna, it is good to see you," Mayor Thornfield greeted, trying to maintain a composed demeanor.

Vecna's crimson eyes locked onto the mayor, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Mayor Thornfield, I trust you have the latest report on the guilds' response to the 'Heroes Call.' I am keen to hear the current state of affairs."

The mayor motioned for Vecna to step closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "The Guilds have shown remarkable initiative. They've rallied their forces and are already preparing their strategies for the upcoming conflict."

"Unnecessary, but continue."

"Yeah, it seems the call to arms has struck a chord within our town."

Vecna chuckled softly, his voice like a velvet whisper. "That's what some honeyed words can do for a broken individual. Give them work, and they will answer your calls."

"Would you like a report? I've specifically asked that the bureaucrats make each Guild and Squad leader sign contracts as accepting the call for our Quest. I have everything here ready, as you can see," Mayor Thornfield offered, presenting a neatly arranged stack of documents.

Vecna's smile widened, an almost predatory gleam in his eyes. "Excellent maneuver, Mayor. Let me see how many of those proud individuals joined our cause."

Vecna's piercing crimson eyes scanned the report, the numbers sparking his interest. A sly smile played on his lips, exposing the sharp fangs that marked him as a vampire. His excitement was palpable, a sign of the cunning strategy brewing in his mind.

"It seems the tide may be turning in our favor. By night I would want you to assemble the Guild Leaders and Squad Leaders. Without a doubt we can proceed with the next phase of the War Campaign."

"Already?" Mayor Thornfield questioned, surprised by the urgency.

"That's right, but for that we shall decide on a comprehensive plan to tackle the Orcs head-on. Don't forget to have Eldric participate in this meeting, so those Guilds and Adventurers know who is the one in charge."

"Aren't you the one leading this fight?" Mayor Thornfield inquired, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Me? I'm but a Shadow. I'll let Eldric take on the spotlight and showcase his leadership and charisma. While, I'll make sure that my plan doesn't fail because of those idiots thinking they are the protagonists to their story."

Impressed, Vecna commented in satisfaction, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. Mayor Thornfield, noticing the ominous glint in Vecna's eyes, couldn't help but feel a sliver of concern. "Is everything in order, Sir Vecna?"

Chuckling softly, Vecna's eerie laughter reverberated through the room. "Oh no, Mayor Thornfield. Quite the contrary. The response has exceeded my expectations."

Mayor Thornfield nodded, his gaze reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination.

Vecna, having concluded his conversation with Mayor Reginald Thornfield, gracefully exited the office. The sunlit corridors of Summit's Crest Town Hall seemed to bend around him, shadows conspiring to elongate his silhouette as he moved with ethereal grace. The atmosphere seemed to shiver with his departure.

As he reached the threshold of the Mayor's office, Vecna paused, his head turning ever so slightly toward the closed door. 

Though his eyes were obscured by the brim of his hat, the intent behind his gaze was palpable. It was as if he could sense the lingering doubts that clung to Mayor Thornfield, doubts that echoed in the very air of the room.

'What do you think, Lamech? Will they backstab me in the end? Rat me out to their Duchess as some monster wanting to take over their punny little Town?'

{"Unlikely. Their reaction of being almost vigilant around you is normal. As a Vampiris, you're the natural predator of Humans. Imagine a predator cooperating with their prey, a wolf among sheeps, obviously the sheep will go crazy in panic and fear."}

'Makes sense. It happened to me at times that people would get scared of me without even doing a thing.'

The mayor's administrative staff, going about their duties in adjacent rooms, couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines. 

The ominous aura that enveloped Vecna seemed to seep through the walls, leaving an indelible mark on the atmosphere. Even those who hadn't witnessed the exchange between Vecna and the mayor could sense that something otherworldly had transpired.

'See. Just like this.'

{"Get used to it. What's with that sour expression?"}

'... I wanted to be a Hero.'

{"Bah, you? A Hero? That's some nonsense you just sprouted. You're not destined for such nonsensical callings. Your path will be carved by many bodies that you will have to slay and step upon."}

'What you just said is turning around corners, instead of saying 'Get used to being a Villain.'.'

{"Amusing. You think you're a Villain?"}

'Am I not?'

{"Relax, young thrall. You haven't even plunged in Madness. You haven't wiped out millions of lives, or sacrificed that many for a mad desire for power. Besides, the concept of Good and Evil is nonsense in itself. It's just something human minds use as a consciousness compass to lead you based on the beliefs of others."}

{"Evil? Good? Bullshit. Don't you think this world is Cruel? Homo Vampiris are so superior to Sapiens yet, looks at us being required to lower our position."}

'What do you mean?'

{"There's only one truth that I know. That I, as a Vampiris, also have to survive, and this implies I have to feed on humanoids. That's only because of the Curse that Master hadn't broken at that time which restricts our survivability."}

{"As Vampiris, the reason we need to feed on humanoids is because our body can't create by itself an enzyme detrimental to our survival."}

'That's something I haven't heard before. So, that Hunger I feel? Is the level of that enzyme declining?'

{"Exactly. Thankfully, you're not a maggot and can comprehend what I tell you. This Enzyme found from extensive research under Master Caine resulted in being called 'Crutchfield Factor"}

{"This 'Crutchfield Factor' is an essential component for our Vampiris survival and functioning. It acts as a crucial catalyst in our neurophysiology, enabling complex cognitive and perceptual abilities that by far surpass those of humans."}

 'And this enzyme can only be found in humanoids?'

{"That's right. These genes, are found exclusively on the hominid Y chromosome"}

'Interesting situation. Besides, this sounds taken out from a Sci-Fi. But since I'm in the same camp, let me bounce some ideas with you. I don't have a PHD or something fancy, however, wouldn't it be possible to synthesize this protein artificially?'

{"Good question. We thought of doing that, we even started some research in that direction, but because of lacking resources and our Race being attacked from all directions, we didn't see the reason to put resources into the research."}

'Heh, you had too much food throwing itself at you guys, so you abandoned all logic into clearing this problem. Calling me lazy, you guys might be chronically lazy.'

{"Yeah, sure. At least, did you understood our Vampiris plight?"}

'The gist of it. Ultimately, the concept of good and evil for you guys is a complex matter. You… We view ourselves as predators driven by a primal need, however, this still possesses opportunities for introspection and moral contemplation.'

'Whether we choose to embrace this predatory nature or transcend it, our understanding of good and evil remains intertwined with the inherent essence of what we are. Vampires.'

While Vecna was having a serious discussion with Lamech, one of the first Vampires in this World, he could feel instinctively the fearful glances of the administrative staff passing past.

'It's time, I take my leave and proceed with my plans.' 

With a final, enigmatic glance at the Mayor's office, Vecna's form seemed to waver, and in the blink of an eye, he was no longer there. The space he occupied moments ago now hung vacant, leaving the staff to exchange uneasy glances.

Unbeknownst to them, Vecna had reappeared just beyond the exterior of the Town Hall Building. 

Positioned in the shadows cast by the grand structure, he surveyed the surroundings with an almost predatory awareness. The bustling activities of the town square continued, oblivious to the mysterious figure that lurked nearby.

Back inside the Mayor's Office, with Vecna's departure, Reginald slumped back into his chair, his fingers tapping nervously on the polished surface of his desk. "I can't help but feel a sense of unease, Aldred. Are we doing the right thing in allying with a Devil?"

Aldred Norwood cleared his throat, his calm and composed demeanor contrasting sharply with the Mayor's visible distress. He approached Reginald and stood by his side, trying to offer some reassurance.

"Reginald, I understand your concern, but we have weighed all the possibilities and the consequences of our actions," Aldred replied, his voice steady. "We have chosen the lesser of two evils, Mayor. Despite granting him control over Summit's Crest, there haven't been any reports of him abusing his temporary authority."

Reginald sighed heavily, a mix of weariness and doubt etched across his face "I understand that, old friend. But you must also understand the risks involved. Vecna is a Vampire, you might not know it, but I do have some information from my predecessors."

"My great grandfather, the First Patriarch of the Thornfield house was a renowned Vampire Hunter when the Vampire Race brought Chaos upon the Lands."

"From what it looks like, people have already forgotten their terrifying nature. They only see humans as food, and nothing else. And Vecna? He clearly is someone of a High Status as a Vampire based on his appearance and demeanor."

Norwood, slightly older than his friend, allowed Reginald to spoke his mind, before he felt like chuckling, as if his worries were brought from something ingrained in his bloodline. "You bring some prejudice in this conversation, old friend. From what I observed, the Vampire isn't interested in turning Summit's Crest into his feeding ground."

"Two months have passed since their arrival, and no cases of people being hunted by a monster have reached you."

Reginald looked down while tapping nervously on his desk, as he continued to speak to Aldred. "How can we trust a being that preys upon humans? How can we be sure they won't turn against us?"

Aldred gave Reginald a sympathetic look, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I admit, Reginald, that this is uncharted territory for all of us. But we have been in dire straits for far too long to complain about suspicions. The Orc's attacks have ravaged our lands, and the people look for us for leadership. Vecna comes as an assurance for us as Leaders of the Township."

"We shouldn't act against Vecna and create divergences in his plans, since they are sound. Proof is the diminishing attacks of the Orcs and Goblins at our borders. The situation reached a stalemate, for how long? I don't know."

Reginald straightened his shoulders, a newfound determination emanating from within after listening to the sound mind of his advisor and friend. "Very well, Aldred. Let's proceed by planning the meeting with the 'Cursed' Leaders."

"It should be easy, just issue the Messengers to deliver letters to them. However, once the gather up, don't give them too much attention. I've seen them and you'll only get annoyed."

"What do you mean, Aldred?"

"Most of them are ignorant and fools to their status in society… Sigh. Just know that you might get insulted by some maggot. Yet… We need every capable hand in this war. Sir Vecna likely sees them as pawns to weaken the Orcs," Norwood advised, his voice carrying a sense of wisdom and practicality.

Reginald offered a small smile, relieved a bit on the shift in atmosphere, but he couldn't help lamenting, "My reputation will be tainted when news reaches the Court of Her Grace. Once the war is over, I fear I may be stripped of my mayoral position."

"We can't predict what the future holds, my old friend," Norwood reassured, his words offering a steady reminder that in times of war, alliances with the most unconventional figures might hold the key to survival.

As they continued on with their work, a shadowy figure was moving with an outstanding speed toward the rugged elevated terrain of the Travian Sierra.

Vecna moved with unmatched speed, effortlessly gliding across the rugged terrain of the Travian Sierra. His black cloak billowed behind him, creating an eerie spectacle against cloudy sky at the high altitude. Each step levitated him above the ground, leaving no trace of his presence as he raced towards the Orc Camp.

'Open World Map.'

As he reached a vantage point, Vecna's hand moved to his side, fingers deftly manipulating an unseen interface. The air around him shimmered momentarily as the System's Interface materialized before him, projecting the expansive World Map of the Western Continent.

The map sprawled out with intricate details, showcasing the diverse landscapes and territories. 

Vecna's crimson eyes narrowed as he focused on the region of Travian Sierra. His gaze penetrated the digital representation, seeking the specific location of the Orc Horde Camp, a piece of information garnered from Arthur Vinespine.

In the cold winds of the Mountains, Vecna observed the topography of the terrain, analyzing potential routes, chokepoints, and advantageous positions. His strategic mind worked tirelessly, calculating the best approach to strike at the heart of the Orc threat.

'Before they reach Summit's Crest, I can organize the Elite Guilds into forming parties and ganking on the Orcs.'

'Mhm. Guerrilla Tactics is a sound choice in this circumstance.'

"Show me the Orc Horde Camp location," Vecna commanded, his voice a low murmur that only the virtual interface could register.

A marker blinked into existence, indicating the approximate location of the Orc Horde Camp. Vecna's eyes gleamed with a predatory glint as he committed the information to memory. 

The contours of the landscape and the position of the camp became etched in his mind, forming the basis of his tactical considerations.

Vecna descended the rugged terrain with a grace that defied the harshness of the landscape. The Travian Sierra echoed with the distant growls and roars of the Orc Horde, unaware of the impending threat that glided silently towards them.

Approaching the outskirts of the Orc Horde Camp, Vecna melded seamlessly with the shadows, his dark cloak blending with the natural dimness of the surroundings. 

He crouched low, keenly observing the movements and patterns of the Orcs within the camp. The crude structures, bonfires, and the constant hustle and bustle of the Orcish horde painted a chaotic yet organized picture.

'They're not bad. High numbers of heads for certain. It is as Arthur mentioned in his report.'

{"What are you thinking? Don't tell me you're intent on attacking head-on the Orcs?"}

'As if. Don't take me for some suicidal maniac. I have some class while conducting my destabilization acts.'

{"Okay, but how do you get inside? Soaring Leap will leak your presence. The New Ability you got from that autonomous system implemented in the Artifact, is used as Sensory Ability, not Movement Type."}

'Blood Sense? Nah, I got something else to play it safe. It's exactly in this cloak I'm wearing.'

{"Mhm, does it contain another Shadow-Type Spell? That Archdemon probably is cursing you to Heaven for the losses he incurred."}

'I guess, he should be still petty about it since he showed up when Maribel crafted Zytherion.'

Approaching a little closer to the camp, just enough so the Orcs could enter into his sensing field.

{"Are you using that Ability? Don't overextend yourself, or your presence might be felt by the Casters."}

'That wasn't mentioned in its description… Why are you guys leaving out so many important infos related to skills?'

Vecna, positioned at the edge of the Orc Horde Camp, decided to activate his formidable skill, 'Blood Sense.' 

As he channeled the dark energies within him, a surge of power emanated from his core. The air crackled with an otherworldly intensity, and Vecna's senses expanded, reaching out like tendrils into the surroundings.

The world transformed before Vecna's eyes. A crimson hue bathed his vision as the 'Blood Sense' skill unfurled its capabilities. The camp, once shrouded in shadows and mystery, now revealed itself in intricate detail. Every living being with blood coursing through their veins became a beacon on Vecna's mental map.

The outlines of Orc warriors, shamans, and leaders materialized in his mind, each marked with a pulsating red glow indicating their life force. It was a surreal sight, as if Vecna could perceive the very life essence that fueled the Orc Horde.

'Unravel yourself. Show me their Health Gauges.'

The skill not only granted him the ability to sense the presence of beings within a 500-meter radius but also provided valuable information. Numerical indicators representing the health values of the Orcs hovered above their spectral forms. This visual representation allowed Vecna to gauge the strength and vitality of each individual within the camp.

As he observed the Orcs' health values, a grin played on Vecna's lips. The intricacies of their hierarchy and the potential weak points in their defenses became apparent. It was a tactical advantage that he intended to exploit fully.

This feature turned the skill into a multifaceted tool, not just for reconnaissance but for swift and strategic maneuvering.

With his newfound insights, Vecna's mind became a mental map of the Orc Horde Camp. He traced the pathways, identified key figures, and calculated the most advantageous route to achieve his objectives. 

As Vecna prepared to step deeper into the Orc Horde Camp, his eyes glowed with a malevolent gleam. The dance of shadows had evolved into a symphony of blood, and Vecna, the orchestrator, moved with calculated steps, guided by the unholy rhythm of his 'Blood Sense.'

.

[Blood Sense – LV.1]

Rating: Epic

[Allow the caster to sense and accurately detect all beings with blood in 500 meters radius

*Allows the caster to view the health value of an enemy

* Allows the caster to gain bonus movement speed when an enemy's health in nearby vicinity falls below 60%, with the bonuses increasing as their health falls further.

* Does not apply to the undead

Skill Mana Cost: 100 per second

Skill Cooldown Time: None]

.

A sly smile played on Vecna's lips as he contemplated his next move. He decided to linger at the border of the camp, his form shrouded by the Cloak of Shadows. The time was ripe for reconnaissance, and Vecna intended to exploit every advantage.

Taking to an obscure location shrouded in shadows, he reached behind his back, unveiling the unique cloak known as the 'Cloak of Shadows.' This dark, ethereal garment exuded an aura of secrecy, and as he donned it, a surge of otherworldly power enveloped him.

'Let's have some fun. This ability can fuck with people's mind so badly. I had fun messing around with the peasants in Summit's Crest.'

'Activate Phantasm.'

Taking a deep breath and focusing his gaze, Vecna activated the 'Phantasm' skill embedded within the cloak. As he did, a subtle distortion in the air surrounded him, and suddenly, illusory duplicates of Vecna materialized around his form. 

These phantasmal clones mimicked his every movement, creating a mesmerizing display of ethereal doppelgangers.

{"If you weren't a Vampiris, you couldn't use three Doppelgangers since your mind would be taxed."}

'True, it is hard to describe it, but it feels normal to have so many views stuck inside one central screen. It's as if I'm playing multiple characters at the same time.'

{"I'm not aware with your analogy, but you seem to get what I mean."}

The Orc Horde Camp, unaware of the intrusion, continued its chaotic routine. Vecna, now concealed by the illusions, seamlessly blended into the shadows. 

His agility surged as the cloak responded to his intent, allowing him to move with an unmatched grace that defied the laws of perception.

The illusory Vecnas weaved through the camp, drawing little attention as they moved like specters in the shadows. The 'Phantasm' skill proved invaluable, creating confusion among any Orc who happened to catch a glimpse of the elusive infiltrator.

Vecna, with his real form concealed among the illusions, approached clusters of Orcs engaged in conversation. The illusory copies dispersed, spreading throughout the camp to eavesdrop on various discussions. Vecna's keen intelligence and intuition guided the illusions to key points where valuable information might be exchanged.

As the illusory Vecnas gathered intel, the real Vecna remained in the periphery, absorbing the conversations like a silent observer. The 'Phantasm' skill granted him the advantage of being virtually undetectable, allowing him to gather information that might escape even Arthur Vinespine's keen ears.

.

[Phantasm]

Rating: Unique

Phantasm is a powerful illusionary skill that allows the user to create convincing phantasmal duplicates of themselves. 

These illusory copies mimic the user's movements and actions, making it incredibly challenging for enemies to discern the real user from the fakes. The skill is best employed during combat or when evading pursuit, providing a versatile advantage to the user.

* The Phantasm can't deal damage to enemies.

Skill Consumption: 45 MP/sec (once the Skill is Canceled, the Cooldown will begin)

Skill Cooldown: 15 minutes