Chapter 33 - Duo in action

"Hmm, so I need to think like... Seraphina, I choose you!" Bong said with a playful expression, pretending to summon her.

"Master, is there anything else you'd like to share or discuss?" Seraphina asked with a respectful tone, her anticipation evident in her expression.

"Woah, it worked! cough cough No, um... I was just going to say, best of luck..." Bong stammered, trying to play off his earlier attempt at telepathy as he cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Master. I won't let you down," Seraphina responded with determination and respect.

Eclipse and Seraphina took their positions, carefully planning their strategy for the fight, Seraphina, being a shapeshifter vampire, decided to transform herself into a human to avoid suspicion. This way, she could infiltrate the scene without revealing their true nature. On the other hand, Eclipse, with his affinity for shadows, would stealthily move through the darkness, eliminating the soldiers one by one.

Seraphina acquired the skill of shapeshifting when Bong had bitten her. Similarly, when Bong bit and turned other individuals into Vampires, they would gain a single random skill from Bong's repertoire. This skill would align with their newly transformed nature, allowing them to join the same Vampire race and contribute to the growing abilities of the Twilight Sanctum.

Their plan was to gradually reduce the enemy's numbers until they were vulnerable, then convert the remaining potential soldiers into vampires to strengthen their ranks.

Seraphina skillfully shifted her form into that of a vulnerable and innocent young girl, her clothes torn and disheveled. She lay on the ground, pretending to be in distress, her eyes filled with tears as she cried out for help. Her acting was convincing, as she portrayed the image of a helpless girl in need of assistance.

"Hey, check that out! What a beauty," One of the soldiers remarked, his eyes betraying a clear sense of lust and desire.

Blinded by his lust, he approached with slow, deliberate steps. Just as he reached her and attempted to forcefully grab her but his neck was swiftly slit and his head fell to the ground. From the shadows behind, Eclipse had struck, ending his life in an instant.

The remaining soldiers were struck with shock and horror as they witnessed their comrade's head fall to the ground. In a state of panic, they rushed towards him one by one, unaware of the danger that awaited them. Eclipse continued to strike from behind, taking down each soldier silently and efficiently. The soldiers in the front had no idea of the fate that had befallen their comrades behind them.

With only five soldiers remaining, Seraphina swiftly utilized her impressive maneuvering skills. Employing lightning-fast speed and a masterful display of hand-to-hand combat, she struck each of them on the head, making them unconscious.

Now immobilized and defenseless, Eclipse proceeded to bite them one by one, transforming them into their own specialized race of Vampires, destined to become part of the assassination and intelligence unit of the Twilight Sanctum.

[ALERT]

[LEVEL UP]

[LEVEL UP]

.. x4

[Skill Acquired: Hemokinesis]

[Description: Enables the control and manipulation of blood outside the body. This skill can be utilized to create sharp blades, lethal projectiles, or intricate constructs by solidifying blood.]

[Blood source can be either your own or that of your enemies.]

"Wow, look at that! Free level ups! They must have succeeded in their fight against the Baron's soldiers," Bong exclaimed, clearly impressed by their progress.

"System, show my status," Bong requested of the system.

[ALERT]

[Name: Bong Jum]

[Species: Immortal Bat]

[Class: Shape Shadow Bat]

[Level: 40]

[Health: 10800/10800]

[Mana: 9000/9000]

[Innate Skill: Immortality, Gluttony]

[Skills: Shadow Stealth (Proficiency : Masterful), Sonic Sense (Proficiency : Masterful), Shadow Manipulation (Proficiency: Masterful), Dark Flight (Proficiency: Masterful), Nightmare Illusion (Proficiency: Beginner), Spectral Form (Proficiency: Beginner), Mimicry Mastery (Proficiency: Masterful), Hemokinesis (Proficiency: Beginner)]

[Passive Skill: Nyxian Blood Eclipse (Proficiency: Masterful)]

After the remaining soldiers had been turned into vampires, they formed a row and knelt before Eclipse, displaying their unwavering loyalty and respect.

Eclipse stood there, gazing at the newly transformed vampires before him, a smile of satisfaction playing on his lips. He felt a profound sense of accomplishment and happiness, as if a missing piece of his heart had been filled.

This newfound purpose, bestowed upon him by his master, had given him a sense of direction and fulfillment that he had long yearned for.

"You are now dismissed. Scatter around and let us know if you come across anything suspicious," Eclipse commanded, his tone firm but not devoid of the gratitude he felt for their loyalty.

"Yes, Master," the newly transformed soldiers replied in unison, their voices carrying a mix of respect and determination. With that, they dispersed, each disappearing into the shadows to carry out their assigned tasks.

"Pardon my question, but why didn't we turn the entire army into Vampires? We could have gained more strength," Eclipse inquired of Seraphina, expressing his curiosity about the decision to transform only five soldiers into Vampires.

"I understand that you're thrilled to have gained your followers and to finally receive recognition. However, let's not forget who granted you this power. We must tread cautiously and avoid drawing undue attention. So, remain grounded and focused," Seraphina cautioned Eclipse, reminding him of the need to proceed cautiously.

"I apologize wholeheartedly. Please forgive my intrusion," Eclipse knelt down, displaying his humility and respect.

"We can't afford to attract unnecessary attention. Let's devise a plan to cover up their deaths and continue our mission discreetly," Seraphina suggested, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

Seraphina's mind raced as she think of a ways to divert suspicion and create a believable cover story. She considered the idea of staging the scene to appear as though it was the work of rival humans, leaving behind false evidence that would lead the Baron's army to believe that a local conflict had occurred.

Additionally, she thought about planting misinformation that pointed towards a different direction, away from the Dark Forest. She knew that the success of their mission depended on their ability to mislead and manipulate, all while ensuring that their true identities and intentions remained concealed.

"If you have permission, I have an idea to divert the direction towards human territory instead of the nearby Dark forest," Eclipse suggested with a thoughtful expression.

Eclipse's idea caught Seraphina's attention. She turned to him, her curiosity piqued, and nodded for him to continue, granting him permission to share his plan.