New generation vampires

　　In the ancestral land of the Blood Clan, in the city of Seidamir, a vast underground palace lay shrouded in dim light. Flickering torches cast shadows that revealed a gathering of nearly a hundred individuals, all cloaked in voluminous black robes, their postures stiff with deference.

　　At the forefront stood three figures draped in red robes, exuding an air of superiority. It was clear that the crowd's reverence was directed at these three, who basked in the awe they commanded. After all, in the city of Seidamir, only the "nobility" had the right to wear red.

　　Without a doubt, noble blood flowed through the veins of these three.

　　"You were once the common folk of Poshia, the lowest of the last vampires," one of the nobles proclaimed, his tone dripping with arrogance. "If not for the fact that the lords of Seidamir are in need of attendants, you would never have had the chance to step into this sacred place. Do you understand?"

　　His expression and tone were infuriating, yet none among the gathered dared to speak up.

　　"Now, let us proceed to assign you to the lords you will serve. We will go in order, one by one."

　　...

　　"Your name is Caesar, correct? You have been assigned to Count Stephen. Someone will escort you to the Count's residence shortly, and you'll receive specific instructions on your duties when you arrive."

　　Caesar paused for a moment, processing the information. Caesar Douglas was the name he had taken after traversing into this world. He quickly bowed and replied, "Yes, thank you, my lord!"

　　The man in red shot him a sidelong glance, a smirk playing on his lips. "Consider yourself lucky, kid. Count Stephen is known for his good temper. Once you arrive, remember to serve your master well and fulfill your duties."

　　Caesar had no idea who this Count Stephen was, but he instinctively nodded in agreement.

　　Once the assignments were complete, the group was led away through a nearby passage. Though the last vampires were considered the lowest of their kind, they had now become servants of the nobility, significantly elevating their status. At the very least, they would be referred to as "new generation vampires" rather than "last generation vampires."

　　...

　　At this moment, the sun was well above the horizon, casting its bright rays across the land. The vampire trait of "burning in sunlight" compelled all blood clan members to don heavy, concealing robes.

　　After emerging from the underground, Caesar soon found himself aboard a carriage, en route to his "master's" residence. Alongside him were three other young individuals, also chosen to serve as noble attendants. Yet, there was an unspoken understanding among them, and no words were exchanged during the journey.

　　In silence, they arrived at the opulent estate of Count Stephen. As the grand iron gates swung open, an elderly butler stepped out, exchanging a few words with the guide before shifting his gaze to Caesar and the others.

　　"Please, come inside," he beckoned.

　　"You will be responsible for tending to the garden and cleaning the Count's study daily—twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening…" 

　　As the elderly butler continued outlining Caesar's duties and compensation—two meals of ordinary fare, one blood meal each day, three silver coins a month, and two sets of clothing annually—Caesar followed him in a daze, absorbing the enormity of the estate.

　　Finally, they arrived at a small room.

　　"This will be your living quarters. Aside from your duties, do not wander about. The Count may be good-natured, but if you make a serious mistake, you could still face execution!" 

　　With that warning, the butler turned and left, granting Caesar his first moment of solitude.

　　Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open. Inside, the furnishings were sparse—a bed, a table, a chair, and a cabinet. Though it was bare, it was tidy.

　　After locking the door, Caesar's demeanor shifted dramatically. The earlier façade of confusion faded away, replaced by a flicker of determination. He had played the part of the obedient servant to protect himself; beneath it all, he was quite clever.

　　"I need to find a way out of this cursed place and into a human city or kingdom…" 

　　But as that thought blossomed, a wave of discouragement washed over him. "With my current frailty, if I leave Seidamir, I might not survive three minutes!"

　　This world is perilous!

　　The Blood Clan is merely the tip of the iceberg. From the information he had gathered thus far, he knew that beyond the vampires, there existed powerful races such as the Demon Clan, Beast Clan, Faerie Clan, Giant Clan, and Angelic Deities—all of whom regarded each other as outsiders.

　　Even among humans, knights and mages would ruthlessly slaughter vampires upon discovery.

　　In comparison, staying within the confines of the Blood Clan's ancestral land seemed a more viable option for survival.

　　"In short, this is a world where strength reigns supreme, a brutal cycle of the strong devouring the weak."

　　Caesar clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. "For a weakling like me, a last-generation vampire, the best outcome is to become someone else's servant. I can only survive by serving the powerful…"

　　He felt an intense bitterness welling up inside him. But with no background and no noble bloodline, what could he do? 

　　Tomorrow morning, he would have to swallow his pride and dutifully clean the garden and the study for his "master."

　　The Blood Clan operated under a strict hierarchy. Here, lineage dictated everything; nobility and servitude were decided at birth. The most despised were the "last generation vampires," the lowest of the low. Above them were the "traditional vampires," considered mere commoners.

　　Yet even they were still only commoners. In Seidamir, true power and status belonged to the lofty "nobility"—barons, viscounts, earls, marquises, dukes, and princes. Even the lowest-ranking baron enjoyed a level of prestige beyond the imagination of commoners!

　　"Damn it! Am I destined to be a lowly servant for the rest of my life?"

　　Caesar wanted to unleash his frustration, but fearing that walls had ears, he could only mutter quietly to himself. If the butler caught wind of his discontent, he would be doomed!

　　Suddenly, a notification chimed in his mind. 

　　"Ding! The sign-in system has successfully awakened!"

　　"The system has successfully bound with the host. Would you like to sign in here? Yes/No."