Chapter 28 - First Step

"Seraphina, let's go and find some humans. Those goblins won't be enough to defend our castle. We need to seek out strong individuals to make our sanctuary truly worthy of its name," Bong said, a determined look in his eyes and a sense of urgency in his tone.

"Yes, My Master. We need to strengthen our defenses and gradually build our forces without arousing suspicion. Humans can be treacherous and will stop at nothing to thwart our plans if they catch wind of them," Seraphina added, her tone serious and her loyalty unwavering.

Bong nodded in agreement, fully aware of the challenges they would face in their endeavor to revive the Vampire race.

With that, they embarked on their journey to locate a human village, their purpose clear: to find suitable candidates to be turned into Vampires and bolster their forces.

A young boy sprinting through a thick forest, his rapid movements blending with the trees around him. Close behind, a pack of wolves chases him relentlessly, their predatory gaze locked onto their target. Each labored breath he takes echoes his desperation, and his expression is a mix of fear and determination. He's fully aware of the urgency and his own physical constraints.

His little legs keep moving, but fatigue starts to take over, causing his pace to gradually decrease. Labored breaths turn into painful wheezes, punctuating the air with his struggle. Desperation drives him on, and he steals a glance back, his eyes wide with fear. The wolves draw nearer, their menacing growls intensifying, a reminder of the danger that's closing in.

"Why am I so powerless? Why was I born like this?"

"Is there really no hope for me in this world? Am I destined to always be like this?"

"Mother, why did you leave me alone in this cursed world? Where is my own family's love? Mother, where are you?"

He pleaded, his words a heart-wrenching cry for salvation.

But despite his efforts, his body betrays him. His legs give out, and he crumples to the ground, his chest heaving and tears streaming down his cheeks. His will to fight remains strong, but his body can no longer match the ruthless pace of the wolves that surround him.

With one last, powerful cry of refusal, he falls to the ground, giving in to the darkness that swallows him.

As Bong and Seraphina ventured through the dark forest in search of an exit and the human village, they stumbled upon the boy lying on the ground. Just then, the howls of wolves reached their ears, growing louder as the predators closed in. Instantly alert, Bong and Seraphina prepared themselves, ready to defend against them.

As the wolves drew near, they assumed defensive positions, their growls rumbling low and threatening. The air was charged with tension as they eyed Bong and Seraphina, ready to launch their attack at any moment.

"My Master, allow me to fight those wolves who dare to cross our path," Seraphina requested, her voice determined and her eyes gleaming with resolve.

"Relax, no need to get your fur all ruffled. I've got this," Bong responded, his tone confident as he prepared to confront the approaching wolves.

"Well, I need the EXP to level up, you're already pretty strong," Bong mumbled to himself, a determined look in his eyes as he prepared to take on the wolves for the sake of experience points.

With a swift and practiced motion of his wings, Bong summoned spiky thorns from the ground, piercing the stomach of one wolf after another. The wolves fell in rapid succession, their demise swift and seemingly out of nowhere, their shadows becoming their silent demise.

"Ha ha, did you wolves expect to meet your end like this? Life is full of surprises," Bong remarked with a mixture of dark humor and satisfaction.

"Hmm.. but who is he? and why wolves were chasing him, and what he is doing here alone? "

Bong instructed Seraphina to turn his head, and as she did, Bong's eyes widened in shock. In that moment, a flood of memories rushed back to him, reminding him of his true identity - a young servant he had once saved.

"What's he doing here? Meeting him once again, and even saving him again. Truly, the world works in mysterious ways," Bong mused, a mixture of surprise and reflection in his tone.

"Is he dead?" Bong Asked.

"No, Master. He's still breathing. It seems he fell unconscious, likely exhausted from running away from those wolves," Seraphina replied with a concerned tone.

"What should we do with him? I can't just let him die here after saving him twice."

"Oh well, I guess we'll have to take him to our sanctuary for now. We can figure out what to do with him later."

Bong sighed in contemplation, his brow furrowing.

"Yes, my Master. Your wish is my command," Seraphina replied, her tone respectful and obedient.

"Hmm, what's with her suddenly?" He mused to himself.

Bong found himself curious about Seraphina's sudden change in tone and formality.

[ALERT]

[It's the effect of your enslavement skill; they will show their utmost obedience when you suggest or command them. For them, you will be their King]

"Well, well, looks like I've got myself a real servant now. Enslavement skill, huh? Who knew it came with a side of extreme politeness?" Bong scratched his head and mumbled to himself, he chuckled, amused by the unexpected outcome of his actions.

They paused their journey to find a human village and instead brought the young boy to their Sanctuary. Seraphina carefully held him in her arms as they made their way back. Upon reaching the Sanctuary, they entered the throne room, waiting for him to regain consciousness.

After a period of waiting, the boy slowly regained consciousness, his eyes fluttering open to a completely unfamiliar environment.

"Wh-What? Where am I? Who are you? You kidnapped me, you won't get a single penny from my father! Leave me at once!" he stammered, his voice a mix of panic and defiance, as he awkwardly huddled in a corner of the room.

"Hey, hey, do I look like a kidnapper with a fashion sense? We're not after your father's pennies, kid. We actually saved you from becoming a wolf's snack," Bong retorted with a playful tone, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh no, you, a bat, and a vampire saved me? This is crazy! I don't know what you're talking about. Monsters helping humans? I'm the son of Duke Everhart, you better let me go right now!" He exclaimed in a panicked and fearful tone.

"Gosh, do I have to put up a 'Saved Twice' stamp on my wing? First from the Duke's son's antics, and now from the wolves' dinner plans?" Bong retorted with a mix of exasperation and humor.

"Wait, you're the son of a Duke, not a servant?" He exclaimed, his confusion evident in his voice.

"Wait, you were the one who saved me from my brother?" He asked, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"Wait, was it your brother who was tormenting you then?" Bong asked, his expression one of genuine confusion.

"Wait, you thought I am a servant?" He's expression shifted from confusion to amusement.

"Wait a bat minute, you mean to tell me you're not some lowly servant, but actually a noble Duke's son?" Bong exclaimed with a mix of surprise and amusement.

As they talked about Bong saving the boy, mistakenly believing he was a servant, it became clear that the boy was a Duke's son. Seraphina stood beside Bong, getting more and more frustrated by the confusing conversation. Eventually, she stepped between them and raised her hands in a stopping motion, trying to make them understand that the discussion needed to end.