Evolution

Zell wanted to visit the town to maybe get some new servants but since the attack had occurred in broad daylight, he thought better of it.

Instead, he spent his days practicing magic under the instruction of Janae. When he tired of that, he explored the surrounding woods looking for herbs and plants that might prove beneficial to his studies.

He also visited the local library every few weeks searching among the dusty shelves for any ancient texts regarding magic. Though he rarely came across anything worthwhile, he continued doing it nonetheless. At least partly due to the fact that he enjoyed exploring such places.

In truth, Zell never really expected to find much. The vast majority of the books stored therein were either useless or outdated. Even so, Zell persevered in his search regardless. If there was any chance that he might stumble upon something interesting, Zell refused to give up easily.

Despite his efforts, however, Zell still failed to locate any particularly noteworthy pieces of literature. Eventually, he gave up entirely and returned to reading the books that were valid. These included books on elementalism, alchemy, healing potions and poisons. Additionally, he read numerous volumes on the history of the kingdom.

Although he hadn't yet succeeded in learning everything he desired, Zell had improved tremendously in his understanding of the basics of magic.

It was time to test a magic spell Janae had thought him.

He focused and created a mental picture of a blade soaring through the sky and then applied mana.

—Spell Learned: Wind Blade—

—Description: Create a wind blade of desired shape—

—System Bonus: Able to combine the spell with another mana element—

"Hmm..." muttered Zell to himself.

Wind blades are weapons used by mages capable of manipulating wind currents. In essence, they're simply swords that fly into combat. This ability is unique to sorcerers and mages alike. While a normal sword would require physical strength to wield properly, a mage could summon a flying weapon using only their willpower alone. Of course, there were limitations to the size of a single object that could be summoned.

Nevertheless, Zell found the idea of summoning a blade fascinating and if he could make it stronger by combining it with another type of energy, the possibilities seemed endless.

Having completed his experiment, Zell smiled broadly at his success. It wasn't perfect but it showed promise. Now he just needed to refine it further.

At first glance, it looked like he had achieved something truly impressive. However, closer inspection revealed that the spell lacked power. Its range was limited to short distances only. Furthermore, its speed was far below average. Only when combined with another form of energy could the results become significantly greater.

Still, the concept itself was intriguing enough to warrant further experimentation. Perhaps someday, Zell mused as he closed his book and turned off the lantern hanging from the ceiling. Maybe I can discover a method of creating a real sword made entirely of wind. A blade that flies faster and farther than any other known substance. Or perhaps one that has the same properties as steel and cuts deeper than anything else.

Such ideas filled Zell with excitement and anticipation.

If possible, he hoped to achieve such a feat within the coming year. Otherwise, he feared his quest might remain unfinished forever.

***

Zell entered his room and he wondered what a breakthrough pill was.

"Only one way to figure it out." He said as he downed it.

Afterward, he fainted almost instantly.

***

—You have evolved—

—You are now a vampire—

—Blood Skill Gained: Kin—

—Kin—

—Description: Turn people into vampires, due to your bond they will be unable to defy you.—

"That's a lot more than just a breakthrough!" He said as he woke up in the middle of the night.

His body felt different somehow. His senses became sharper and his sight grew clearer.

A surge of newfound confidence coursed through his veins. With this, he knew he'd finally overcome his weaknesses. No longer did he fear his own bloodlust. Instead, he embraced it and even sought it out.

Now he no longer worried about being caught unaware. Blood lust had always been a problem for him before but not anymore. As long as he didn't feed too often, he wouldn't go insane. And he planned to take advantage of that.

As Zell rose from bed and walked toward the door, he noticed how well-rested he suddenly felt. After years of feeling lethargic and sluggish, he couldn't help but smile widely at his newfound vigor.

With renewed determination in hand, Zell decided to put an end to his old ways once and for all. There was nothing left holding him back. Not his past nor anyone else.

All that remained between Zell and victory was the next step. That meant finding those who attacked the village. But where should he begin?

Since it was nighttime, Zell headed towards the forest outside of town.

There must be somewhere the bandits hid after attacking the settlement earlier today. Surely they've taken refuge elsewhere in hopes of avoiding pursuit.

Zell's feet moved quickly beneath him. Each step brought him nearer to the edge of the woodlands. All around, the darkness enveloped the land without mercy. It was impossible to tell whether it was day or night. Nighttime in the forests was hardly distinguishable from daytime.

Zell kept moving forward. The sounds of animals rustled in the distance. Some sounded like deer while others resembled birds. Occasionally, he heard the hoot of owls hidden among the trees.

The air was cool despite the warmth from the rising summer heat. The breeze blowing over the plains carried hints of rain in its direction. An occasional gust of wind ruffled his hair. One moment it would blow straight; the next moment it whipped wildly about.

For all these reasons and many more, Zell loved nights like this. Everything about them reminded him of freedom and adventure.

Eventually, Zell arrived at a small clearing. Trees surrounded the perimeter but there was no sign of the bandits anywhere.

Perhaps they ran away, he speculated. Then again…perhaps they took shelter somewhere else instead. Either way, he intended to look for clues.

Walking slowly along the outskirts of the forest, Zell searched for signs of recent passage. He picked up twigs and leaves that had blown onto the ground. Anything suspicious caught his attention and he examined each item carefully.

Within moments, Zell spotted footprints in the dirt. Four sets of bootprints led away from the clearing and disappeared into the woods beyond.

Four! Was that all?

Of course not, thought Zell. Most likely, whoever made those tracks had gone hunting nearby. They probably killed some prey and ate it right here. Which means they'll return soon enough.

Thoughts raced through his mind. How best to approach the situation? Should I wait till they come back?

Zell thought it through and decided to climb a tree and wait for the raiders, he was going to strike them with wind blades.

Not wanting to leave any evidence behind, Zell climbed higher until he reached a branch near the top. From there, he rested comfortably atop a thick oak leaf.

He waited patiently for the bandits to arrive.

***

Several dozen minutes later, four men appeared around the corner of the nearest building. Three were armed with bows and arrows while the fourth wore leather armor and wielded two swords.

Zell wasn't fully sure this was the raiders but he didn't care much about whoever they were, he would get a meal and some EXP even if they weren't the ones who attacked.

When they arrived at their camp they sat down on a log and began talking.

"We got lucky." said one man in black clothing. "Didn't see any guards or patrols."

"Yeah…" replied another bandit wearing brown attire.

—Task Generated: Kill the raiders—

—150 EXP, Strenght Pill—