This Third Reincarnation Should Not Be Wasted Chapter 20-30

Chapter 20: Sombra (Part I)

For the next 10 years, Vlad traveled through Europe looking for places haunted whith soul echoes. He was not eager to try his luck with a sentient soul and even have some ethical issues to consider if he were to do so. He imagined that these souls were suffering and were a danger to others, so he should eliminated them if he could. But what if those souls could be guided to the afterlife? He was not willing to incur in such troubles without a careful research.

By now, the 190 years old Vlad had completely fused the dark attribute to his blood energy. The effect was better than he had expected, when using his blood projection technique his opponents would suffer from paralysing effect every time they were wounded and the effect was even more through when combining binding and piercing, this could be achieved by adding a spear head to his blood-chains. He was sure that anything below a family leader would not be able to escape from his piercing blood-chain.

He also found that his bloodbot was changing, the will attached to it during its creation was feeding and growing stronger by devouring the will contained on the soul echoes. He was happy to find that there was no mutation and everything seemed to be fine. He was now sure that the main ability of the bloodbot was to devour and provide beneficial energy to its host after the digesting process.

The things to be devoured were only those energies or substance that were dimmed to be dangerous or tried to influence its host in any way. Originally the bloodbot could only devour things that were inside his body. But the bloodbot have now changing into something more akin to a soul energy existence than the previous rune-based-nan.o.bot. Vlad was sure that his bloodbot was evolving into a true soul weapon.

This change had an important effect, the ability of his bloodbot could now be adhered to his blood projection weapons. He theoretically could use his blood projection weapons to devour his enemies... much similar to Frankenstein's Dark Spear, but whatever was devoured by his bloodbot would be processed and he would be strengthen along with the bloodbot, ignoring the difficulties that Frankenstein experienced every time his dark spear devoured someone.

He also found that he could control what to devour or ignore, for example he could take some sedative and will his bloodbot not to eat it or only devour part of it to make it harmless or less effective. This brough him an idea, if he used his blood projection weapons to bind a soul and use his bloodbot only to devour its hate, resentment and pain... this would count as a "rude" and forceful purification process. He would be freeing the said souls from their pain and bounds to the world of the living and while he would be gaining strength.

After he decided, he went looking for the weakest sentient soul he could find. 2 weeks later, on an abandoned orphanage, Vlad was facing a transparent looking girl, she was holding a rag doll one one hand and a knife on the other. There was no voice, but he could feel a maniac laughter in the air that echoed with his soul. He was scared and decide to wait no more, he immediately used his now dark blood energy to project a piercing-blood-chain that moved directly to the ghost girl. She did not react, as she had no memory of anything that could hurt her, but she found to her terror that she could not escape from the chain once she was pierced and bounded by this estrange weapon.

Wasting no time he willed his bloodbot to devour her negative emotions hopping to break her bounds with the world of the living. It was a terrifying process, as the ghost girl screamed in pain and hate. After 15 minutes she stopped resisting and the process continued as the ghost girl watched him calmly.

His bloodbot stopped devouring after another 5 minutes and Vlad released the ghost girl, that now looked calm but confused. He asked with a little apprehension, "how are you feeling? Are you in pain?"

The confused ghost girl focussed her eyes on him but he got no answer other than a smile before the ghost girl slowly dissipated in the air. He could feel that the environment in the room seemed cleaner and for some reason he felt peace and grat.i.tude from that smile, he was sure now that he have not being mistaken. After releasing a sight, Vlad started to focus on what improvements this adventure will brought him. His bloodbot did not take much time digesting its food and started to release a refreshing energy on his body.

Vlad felt that the improvement gained today was equal to his hard work of the past 10 years.

Chapter 21: Sombra (Part II)

Vlad spent the next 5 years purifying ghost and evil spirits on Central Europe, it was surprising how many places full of despair he had found through his travels. He felt that his bloodbot have reached a crucial point and need it time to complete its evolution.

It was a lucky coincidence, as the Union had already noticed the estrange events and the tales of a young saint exorcising ghosts and evil spirits. He avoided meeting them and waited with expectations, he was hopping that his soul weapon embryo would evolve into a true soul weapon.

After a couple of weeks, Vlad was resting near a lake on France, the same lake his parents took as inspiration for their family name. It was cloudy night without moon, he was enjoying the cold air as he was thinking of home. He missed his parents, he missed Seira and Regis, they should look like 10 year-old human children by now.

suddenly he felt his soul resonate with clouds on the sky, he was confused but expectant. He felt someone was calling to him, asking him to say a name. He closed his eyes and got rid of any distracting though on his mind, and waited... a few moments later he knew the name, the name that he was expected to call.

Vlad stood up and said, with a happy smile on his face, "come forth Sombra!" In that moment, black lightening felt from the clouds and hit him, he was surprised but felt no fear. At this moment he only felt expectation.

Vlad stood proudly covered with a hooded black coat that seemed made of dark energy, it had red blood patterns on it, the hood obscured his face but his eyes glowed with red light producing an eerie effect. Two 2 meters long crow like wings had growth on his back, the feathers were made from the same dark energy as his coat.

Finally, there were 2 dark red swords floating on each side of him, as if waiting for instructions but ready to move on his defence by instinct. If someone were to witness this moment, they would be surprised to realize that despite the eerie look, there was almost no presence at all. The only thing one could feel after paying attention to the Sombra wielding Vlad, was peace and goodwill.

Vlad was not aware of his appearance, now he was communicating with Sombra. He felt that Sombra was like a new-born and its only purpose was to protect him and aid him, he felt the touch of family. He felt the will he had fused on Sombra when he was crafting the bloodbot many years ago, the will to grow stronger to protect his family and his home.

After coming to his senses, Vlad calmed down a retrieved Sombra. He had cause a little of a commotion and need to leave. Vlad was smiling, he have accomplished something that he did not dare to expect when he started this journey. He still had too much work to be done, but now he had a chance to protect his family, to protect Lukedonia.

During the following days, he learned that the flashy summon was not needed. He could summon Sombra calmly and it will slowly manifest around him, but it took half a minute to do so. While wielding Sombra, he was 2 times faster and stronger but the main feature of Sombra was the increase on his blood control and mind control abilities. It seamed that Sombra was tailored for him, improving his deficiencies slightly but focusing on his strengths.

He found that the devouring property was still contained on the dark red swords and his blood projection techniques, but he felt another property on his blood energy. He could not believed it, he had dreamed with an ability like this but never expected to actually obtain it.

He felt that his soul energy had the s.p.a.ce attribute, not strong enough to ever allow him to teleport in battle as the family leader Rossaria. This s.p.a.ce attribute only complemented his binding and devouring techniques, his enemies would be under s.p.a.ce constrain while pierced by his blood projection weapons.

He felt that with research and perhaps a 100 years of hard work, he would be able to use his blood energy to create runes that would work as a slow teleportation. Not useful for battle, but very useful for traveling... he imagined himself teleporting: a blood-rune-arc rotating slowly around him as he walked away calmly and disappeared after the blood-rune-arc completed its revolution. He had watched, on his soul memory palace, as some warlock named Karion teleported himself and others in that fashion.

He also felt that he could use runes to create a s.p.a.ce within Sombra and use it for storage, he did not knew if he could store living beings on it, but either way it was incredibly useful. That was called "inventory" on those novels, right? His eyes were sparkling as he started to practice and research, he had little more than 4 years before returning to Lukedonia. He will not expect to achieve anything on his s.p.a.ce-rune projects, but he would get proficient in battle while wielding Sombra.

Chapter 22: Meeting the Lord

Vlad was happy to return to Lukedonia. He was already 200 years old, the awakening experience was so fast that he felt it was anticlimactic. It only lasted for a few seconds in wich his soul and blood resonated with his soul weapon and as soon as the feeling has come, it was gone.

He felt no different, but knew that his abilities had grown at least 2 times. Although he was glad for the instant power-up, he knew it was unlikely to ever experience something like that again.

He spent a month to get used to his new powers and felt that he had obtained a certain degree of proficiency while wielding this soul weapon. The feeling of speed and the cold air on his face was exhilarating and he could help but smile as soon as he arrived at Lukedonia.

The arrival procedures did not take much time, and he was soon on his way home. He found his parents reading quietly on the library and waited a moment before greeting them, this was the feeling of family, his soul had not felt so calm for a long time...

"Mother, Father, I have miss you both a lot!" both Thalia and Reias were startled as they did not feel their son arriving, perhaps on another moment they would have realized that Vlad was stronger that them, but for now the were happy to see their son coming back.

They happily chatted on the library forgetting the time, "so how do you find the world outside Lukedonia Vlad" asked his father. Vlad was a little embarra.s.sed as he answered, "well, It was not what I was expecting, to be honest. I think now of Lukedonia as a paradise and I have never truly appreciate as much as I do now".

His mother was smiling and asked, "you did not even found a place worth remembering". Vlad smiled and said. "Well, you were right about that lake on France. It was not difficult to find it and I did get why you both would choose that place as an inspiration for our family name".

They kept talking until late just happy to be reunited again. The next day, Vlad started preparing a report on his research and travels. He figured it was important to share this with his people, perhaps there would be another happy accident and he may get couching from family leaders on how to improve his fighting style while wielding Sombra.

He had no much trouble to compile the reports, "Purifying Blood Methods for n.o.bles" and "Soul Weapon: Sombra". He delivered both tomes hoping that the Lord will receive them, he did not mind been questioned but he though that it would be nice if he could answer the questions one time only instead of going through a series of interviews.

After seen to the reports, he spent time with Seira and Regis. He was happy to see them and told them of this travels, especially the food and the beautiful natural sceneries he met on his way. He felt a little guilty when he found out that Rael had tried to spend time with them, only to be compared to a certain dog with curly blond hair from the book he wrote for Seira some years ago. Perhaps that was too much, even for Rael. Anyway, Vlad was a child at the time and nothing could be done.

A few months after his return to Lukedonia, Vlad received summons from the Lord. He was a little nervious, but this was an important step for him to be able to help protecting this beautiful place he loved so much.

As he walked into the palace hall, Vlad was surprised to see that all current family leaders were present only helping him in to feeling his nerves escaping his control. He made his way and according with the etiquette he bowed while keeping his right hand over his hearth. "Du Lac Alexandre Vlad paid his respect to the Lord and the family leaders". He managed to keep his voice even as he saw that all of them locked at him with curiosity.

Chapter 23: A Bright Future

The Lord was a beautiful woman with long black hair and looked calm as ice, she looked at him for a moment before speaking. "Du Lac Alexandre Vlad, congratulations on your coming of age ceremony. The reason of asking you here is to due to the reports that you delivered." She looked a little bored, perhaps one would look like that after you lived for a millenium, though Vlad.

The Lord continued. "The most learned people on scientific endeavours at Lukedonia have already reviewed your report on blood purification. After several experiments, they found that your ideas are most like true, they even found those 'impurities' on my blood."

She looked at Vlad strictly and asked. "What drove you to pursue such research". Vlad took a moment to collect his ideas and tried to remain calm while saying. "Lord, it was a childish curiosity. A 100 years ago I suffered an encounter with Kertias Rael, who claimed the superiority of the purebloods and I soon found myself on a losing battle against him." He released a sight and continued. "After that I was more confused and curious than angry and I took his words in a literal way, so I decided to understand how different was his pure blood from my own. My training swords were stained with his blood and with that I started my research."

The family leader of House Kertia looked a little annoyed, Vlad did not knew if that annoyance was directed at him or his brother. The cold voice of the Lord interrupted his musings. "So you started your research as a child?"

Vlad smiled and returned. "Well, I find that my hypothesis was practically correct in just a couple of days. From that it took me close to 10 years to find a feasible method to purify my blood. Now I realize that it was a dangerous thing what I did, but I was blessed by luck more times that I deserve I think". "It took 50 years to purify my blood to what my bloodbot recognized as the most adequate proportion."

The Lord seemed to want to criticize him, but he already admitted his childish mistake. "This is the 'bloodbot' that have evolved to a soul weapon? Show me."

Vlad then again took a moment to calm himself, then he willed his soul weapon to manifest and they watched as Sombra slowly appeared covering Vlad. The oldest person in the room, an old man with gray hair and beard looked dubiously at Vlad, perhaps remembering his past interactions with Frankenstein. But he could not feel the hate, hunger and corrosive energy that were the traits of the infamous Dark Spear. This new soul weapon gave him a feeling of peace like an eager new-born, even the eerie image could not take that away.

The Lord looked at the old man and asked: "Gejutel?". The old man bowed and said, "Lord, this soul weapon looks similar to the Dark Spear, but the feeling it emits shows that their natures are completely different from each other." He paused for a moment and said. "I feel that what young Vlad explained is probably true... he has been more lucky than one should count for. A new soul weapon indeed, I think this is good for Lukedonia."

The meeting continued without much trouble and Vlad was arranged to train with the family leaders for the next few decades, he would become a family leader himself when he reached his 300th birthday. His soul weapon was very versatile, but not as powerful in pure destruction as their own soul weapons, this might be because their soul weapons have been inherited though several generations and Sombra was newly born. Regardless, with Vlad's talent in mental and blood energies he would be able to keep his dignity against any family leader and he even could restrain some of them due to the traits of the soul weapons.

His parents were delighted when they learnt of his bright future, but they were also very angry when they found out that he had experimented on his own body when he was a child. This also affected Seira and Regis, as both of them were under constant observation to avoid another thing like this to happen again. He had been lucky, but the dangers of this unsupervised experiments were to great. n.o.body was willing to put children in danger.

Vlad could only smile in guilt when Seira and Regis looked accusingly at him demanding their lost freedom back, he will surely be forced to some unfair agreements to make them forget about this. Still, Vlad was busy wondering how would Rael react after finding out that his bullying made a peasant into a pureblood and even secure him the rank of a family leader...

Chapter 24: The House of Du Lac (Part I)

The next few decades were fulfilling for Vlad, he spent most of his free time researching s.p.a.ce related runes and in long conversation with Rossaria about the traits and uses of s.p.a.ce. It took him 30 years to master the inventory-type ability that allow him to even contain living beings without endangering their lives. He was not able to add time runes to include conservation traits on his inventory as he did not understand time related skills at all, this make it impossible for him to engrave the wanted runes on Sombra. This reduced the usefulness of this new ability to normal storage, temporary prison or shelter.

When Seira saw him a little frustrated for his lack of ability to engrave time runes on Sombra, she provided him with a genius idea. "If you want to storage food, why not seal the food on a container engraved with time runes? You can have big sister Rossaria to help engrave the time runes on a container and keep it on Sombra to store food when you need it" Vlad stared at her like a stupid for a few moments before smiling a promising to buy her with anything she may want as reward for her fantastic idea.

He practiced mock battle with Kei and Rajak, Kei was a master of martial arts and Rajak was a master of a.s.sa.s.sination and speed. Both helped him find out that he didn't lack close combat power, but both were surprised at how powerful his defence was. Either his blood projected weapons or his pair of dark red swords that were always floating around Sombra, will move to block incoming attacks out of instinct and added with the paralysing and s.p.a.ce restrained effects of his blood energy, he transformed his initial disadvantage into an overall bullying given enough time, that is.

For long raged attacks, his defence consisted on rune-shields and blood-projected-shields. Both Rossaria and Karias bully him for months until he learned in a moment of enlightenment to use angles on his shields to redirect the incoming attack and avoid most of the damage. Later he also managed to add a little of the devour trait on his shields to absorb part of the kinethic energy generated by the impact and restore his shields reducing his consumption. He was extremely happy as both Karias and Rossaria looked depressed as if they had lost their favorite toy.

Finally, it took him 80 years with the help of Rossaria and the rune masters of Lukedonia to manage his Blood Dimensional Rune Arc. This technique lacked direct usefulness in combat as he had expected, but allowed him to travel great distances to provided beacons or places he have traveled before, Sombra could remember the coördinates of every place they have used de Blood Dimensional Rune Arc. The beacons could be any object which have a rune engraved with his soul energy.

This increased his value in the eyes of the family leaders, as he could act as rescue unit for emergencies, the only problem is that he could only take two people with him. This could be solved with his inventory skill, but even that have a limit of 5 people.

The only sad experience during this years was the death of Seiras's father and the destruction her whole clan, he was not allowed to partic.i.p.ated on the rescue her clan led due to his young age and lack of real combat experience. At the moment he have yet to master his Blood Dimensional Rune Arc and have no way to prevent the tragedy, he realized he was still too weak and increased his efforts managing to obtain this skill 20 years before his previous expectations. He was late, but he vowed to himself that there would be no more sacrifices from the people of Lukedonia.

Seira was terribly depressed, Vlad stayed by her side providing silent support and company. She was only 120 years old when she became the sole survivor of her family but she did not lose hope and even found strength on this tragedy, as she joined Vlad on the cruel training provided by Rossaria, Karias, Kei and Rajak. Gejutel was opposed to this, but Seira need the workout to let the frustration and anger out of her system, so Vlad confronted Gejutel and promised that she would not be hurt.

Rossaria's eyes sparkled at this and muttered something about getting back his toy. This brough shivers to Vlad as he feared the worst, indeed Rossaria kept attacking Seira forcing Vlad to take the hits for a few more months until his skill improved again. Karias got angry at Rossaria for targeting Seira, but he never lost a change to attack when Vlad was occupied protecting Seira. Vlad vowed that one day he would have his revenge, he had no idea how or when... but one day.

Vlad decided to take another visit to world of humans on his 290th year of life, he wanted to see the now well stablished technological era. The year was 1990 and he was curious of the computers that were changing the human world, perhaps there would be an opportunity on this. This time Seira traveled with him as the tradition required for her "coming of age ceremony".

Chapter 25: The House of Du Lac (Part II)

For this travel Vlad had only two goals: Silicon Valley, that was the cradle of programmers, and a visit to the lake where Sombra was born. He had no hurry, so he was happy to accommodate Seira's own plans. She wanted to visit the place where her father, her brother and the rest of her clan had died, that would be their first stop.

She wanted to see France, England, Italy and was curious about the natural conservation lands of Canada, she have heard of the gigantic trees and wanted to see them.

Their first stop was saddening, there was no trace of battle on the place and Vlad told her that her family went on without regrets as Sombra could not feel either soul echoes or souls anch.o.r.ed to this place. They stayed for a few hours a keep traveling on silence.

They first went to England, where she was curious at the ever rainy island and distressed by their food. Next was Italy, Seira was fascinated by both the food and the many works of art to be found on Italy, they spent a couple of years exploring this country before moving on to France.

Although France was impressive, they only truly value the food. The Louvre was fantastic, but they have enjoyed more looking for hidden churches, each of them filled with unknown artworks, while exploring Italy. After a couple of months they arrived at the lake that Vlad's parents loved, the same lake that witnessed the birth of Sombra.

They spent 2 years just enjoying each other company on that small village, taking walks along the lake, reading and talking to each other. It was at this place that they got closer to each other and crossed the subtle line between friends and lovers. They just felt comfortable with each other, and enjoyed their walks while holding hands. There was no hurry, they have centuries ahead of them. But Vlad was sure that he had the same feeling of peace while talking with Seira, or even just by spending time silently with her, as his parents had while sitting together on their little library. He was content and happy.

Their travel to Canada was relaxing, but they enjoyed it more because each other company than from the scenery itself. After another 3 years, they finally arrived at their last stop on this trip, they bought books of programing and computers as it was obvious that this trend of human technology will affect even Lukedonia in the future, while the human world would not be able to take notice of Lukedonia, the n.o.bles could learn and monitor the human world through this new devices. Lukedonia will be needing to have its own research and considerations on this matter.

Seira turned 200 years old during they travel and Vlad helped her adjust to her new strength by sparring and sharing his experience. Seira was already proficient battle wise as she had trained with family leaders from early age, her close combat skills were superb and Vlad was forced onto a pa.s.sive stance for a whole 10 minutes before the properties of his blood energy started to affect Seira, at this point it was already his victory.

They arrived at Lukedonia and were both granted their status as family leaders, they did not have much responsibilities as neither of them had clan members, so they took short missions together and kept their respective trainings. The Lord and the family leaders recognized the importance of the computer on this technological era and started their own research and countermeasures.

Vlad had no hurry at this time, he knew that the plot will start in 17 years. He would not be able to increase his strength on the time he had so he could only prepare and enjoy his time with Seira and his parents, By the way, his parents were delighted with Seira and Vlad was left suspecting at times that Seira was the daughter and he was the in-law.

The next 7 years were calm and happy, now Seira was preparing to take Regis for his travel to the human world. He knew that they would be safe, but he made a point into crafting a pendant for Seira in which he engraved his beacon runes and a communication rune. This last rune would not allow them to talk with each other, but if she activated the rune or if she lost consciousness abruptly, a corresponding rune on his bracelet will activate warning him that she needed help.

She was blushing as he gave her the pendant and explained its functions, Rossaria on the other hand was delighted and could not stop laughing at him, while the rest of the family leaders only smiled as they send Seira and Regis on their way.

Chapter 26: The Plot Begins

During the next few years, Vlad asked the Lord to allow him to upgrade the runes that protected Lukedonia. Reminding her that the traitors may enter as they wished and the fact that it was one of the traitors who destroyed the Loyard clan nearly a 100 year ago.

This project took him almost 8 years, Rossaria and the rune masters where present and worked together to improve their defences. This proved quite educational for Vlad and his skill on runes deployment improved slightly.

Now that the plot was about to begin, Vlad decided that he would strike first. He would search for the island where Roctis and Ignes Kravei were performing their experiments. He would use Sombra to observe unnoticed and wait for an opportunity to capture them,hopefully he would obtain evidence of the events of 800 year age and capture/rescue the sleeping Muzaka.

He would do this while Seira and Regis met with the n.o.blesse and Frankenstein to avoid altering the plot too much. He figured that if he finds a journal with records of the events that occurred 800 years ago, both the Lord and Muzaka would lose their animosity against the n.o.blesse. This would not only be an advantage for Lukedonia, but it will repay the House of Cadis from his early transgressions.

Most importantly, Seira wont be tortured by Ignes. He would not allow that.

He needed to plan things right, he expected that if he managed to quietly capture Roctis and Ignes, the Union will take a long time to take interest on their disappearance as n.o.bles could go missing for long periods of time. He was not worried about the Union noticing the disappearance of Muzaka, because they will not admit using Musaka for experiments during centuries to avoid conflict with the 2nd Elder, Maduke lord of the werewolves. They were not ready for open confrontation with the werewolf clan yet.

Two years before the beginning of the plot, Vlad left Lukedonia to start looking for Roctis. Finding a member of the Union was not difficult, but finding the whereabouts of the Elders was whole new level of difficulty. But patience and his mental control skills proved helpful as it only took him a year and a half to find the island.

He spent the next 2 months observing and waiting for an opportunity. Ideally circ.u.mstances would align to his needs, the 9th Elder would leave and Vlad would find a valid reason to be there. Perhaps a new shipment of experimental subjects, he could say that he saw people being transported as prisoners and went to investigate.

His luck did not abandon him and after 3 months the opportunity arrived. The 9th Elder had been gone for a couple of weeks and Ignes, with two humanoid machines, went out to capture lab subjects. He did not follow her, just waited for her return while preparing a few runes on her lab that would help him capture the Kravei duo.

Two days later, she came back with an unconscious man and she asked her father to come to see her new toy. Apparently, this unconscious man was a werewolf warrior with body modifications. She was excited to learn the level that the werewolves body modification technology had achieved, and her father only released a sigh filled with guilt as he approached his daughter.

Vlad could not believe his luck, after capturing the Kravei duo, he would leave the werewolf to wake up on his own. He didn't know if this would cause confrontation between the werewolves and the Union, but his traces would be removed completely.

Without waiting anymore, Vlad released his aura as he appeared in front of the surprised duo, he immediately released his most powerful mental attack paralysing them for a second, this second was enough for him to activate the prepared runes and at the same time piercing them with his dark red swords.

As they both felt into a stupor due to the paralysing effect of the swords, his piercing-blood-chains arrived sealed them both. To be sure to avoid unexpected situations, he willed Sombra to devour their energy and placed them on his prison s.p.a.ce, this scene was eerie... his shadow extended on the floor and blood runes were activated around the duo as they slowly sinked into the shadow as if they were being swallowed by it.

Smiling at his success he went looking for the journals that he hopped Roctis and Ignes should have, he was not curious about their research and he did not have time to indulge on anything. He was lucky, Roctis did keep several journals, it was his therapy exercise to deal with the guilt from his daughter's wrongdoings and the things he had done to protect her.

There was a complete entry on how they forced the n.o.blesse to fight Muzaka, his suspicions that Drosia Edian had become a puppet under the control of Tradio Lagus, but he did not know how or why. This was beyond what he dared to expected, now he should find Muzaka as he could not leave him to the werewolves or the Union.

It took him a couple of hours to find Muzaka, Sombra could feel the despair and anger on him. Vlad used his piercing-blood-chains on him and willed Sombra to start devouring his negative emotions. Muzaka body was in bad state, but it will not suffer much for the few weeks that it would take for him to find the n.o.blesse and Frankenstein.

After making sure that he had left no evidence of his visit, he used his Dimensional Blood Rune Arc to travel back to Lukedonia and he happily made his way towards the Lord.

Chapter 27: Raskreia's Rage

When Vlad entered the throne hall, he felt the almost physical tension on the air as the Lord was ordering Rajak to summon Seira back to Lukedonia to clarify her report on two unknown men.

Before Rajak could leave, Vlad took this opportunity to avoid complicating things. "Please wait a moment Rajak, Du Lac Alexandre Vlad greets the Lord and the family leaders" say Vlad as bowing according to the etiquette. The Lord was getting angry, but still decided to indulge him for a moment. "Du Lac Alexandre Vlad, do you have anything to report that would change my order to Kertia Rajak?"

Vlad was getting nervous, this woman was truly imposing and cold he could not help but think that it was no wonder she was single, trying to focus on the topic ahead, he said. "I think so Lord, please bear with me for a moment" then he proceed to release the Kravei duo from his portable prison. His shadow extended to the center of the room and blood red runes appeared as the Kravei duo, restrained by dark red chains, seemed to be growing out of his shadow. The Lord was surprised and her aura was released out of pure anger, this almost awaken the Kravei duo and the family leaders were tense and ready for battle.

"Lord, when I was returning home from my latest travel I happened to witness a battle between this woman and 2 humanoid machines against an Union-like modified werewolf warrior. She captured him and starting muttering happily about getting a new lab subject to play. I followed after her while keeping myself hidden and found that their destination was an island under the control of the Union, where she met Kravei Roctis and old man they both addressed as 9th Elder. After observing for a while, with the departure of the 9th Elder, I prepared a trap and proceed to capture them. I was lucky as they were completely unprepared, perhaps they had never expected to be attacked by an unknown person on their on lab."

He took a moment to breathe under the impatient look of the Lord and continued. "I also found a journal that could serve as Roctis's confession on the events, on which he and the other traitors forced someone they refered as the n.o.blesse to battle a werewolf called Muzaka causing their mutual destruction. Although I do not understand, who these people were; but it appears that the traitors, along with an unknown faction of the werewolf clan, did something to manipulate Muzaka into wiping out the entire human race, thus causing the battle with the n.o.blesse".

At this point the Lord looked dull and confused, Vlad took his chance to continue before the already achieved effect dissipated, "the journal also mentions Roctis's suspicions that Drosia Edian had been turned into a puppet under the control of Tradio Lagus before the betrayal" Vlad ended his tale while delivering the diary.

The Lord was enraged at the last comment, feeling that she had failed to protect her people. "Du Lac Alexandre Vlad, do the Union knows of the capture of these traitors?" Vlad was impressed, even in her anger she had managed to keep her head. "Lord, I was careful to erase any evidence of my presence there and I think is unlikely that the Union will care about them for a few months at least as there as no battle at all".

The Lord stood, she took a deep breath to calm her fury, and said in a commanding tone. "The Union is sheltering our enemies, we must prepare for the war that will come in the near future. Our priority, is to find traces of the traitors now that we know that they are hidden within the Union, but most importantly we must find the truth about Drosia Edian and rescue her in case she is been controlled."

"Du Lac Alexandre Vlad, I need you to create warning beacons like the one that you gave Seira. The first one should be given to Kartia Rajak immediately, as his mission will be locating Drosia Edian and to organize a possible rescue in which your abilities will come to good use". Both Rajak and Vlad bowed accepting the orders.

"As soon as you provide the first beacon, you will go to Seira and bring her back to Lukedonia. We need to clarify the recent events as we cannot forget our duties". The Lord finished her speech while leaving the throne room. The prisoners were delivered into the care of Mergas Ludis. Freed from this issue and feeling victorious, Vlad approached Rajak. "Rajak, do you have anything on you that I could use to engrave the runes?"

Rajak thought for a moment and gave him a gold pocket watch, Vlad was surprissed by his choise but decided to make no comment. It only took him half an hour to engrave the runes and both of them were ready to go on their a.s.signments. But before they left the throne hall a knight approached Rajak and told him that Rael have left his confinement and went to look for Seira to challenge her to make her understand that she should marry him and give him her family leader status.

Vlad was speechless for a second, it seems that the plot was fixing itself, at least on the important details, If Rael did not battle Frankenstein and caused destruction on the city, Cerberus would not be making an appearance and the following battles would have become unknown.

Vlad laughed and say on his most sincere tone to Rajak, "do not worry Rajak, I will not hurt Rael too much. Well, that is if Seira is not hurt... but I promise you that I would do no lasting damage to him".

A blood-rune-arc started to revolved around him as he walked away and disappeared as the blood-rune-arc completed a revolution. Rajak was left looking dejected after watching Vlad's pompous disappearance.

Chapter 28: Frankenstein

After the blood-rune-arc completed a revolution, Vlad found himself next to Seira and Regis who were witnessing a battle which had already destroyed a few buildings. The place looked more like a "Grand Canyon" escenery than what one would expect of a city.

Seira felt Vlad aura next to her and extended her hand to pinch his coat, it was a simple gesture but it warmed Vlad's hearth. Regis was not aware yet of his arrival as he was watching the battle and muttering on how Rael could be using a soul weapon.

He smiled and said calmly. "Well, n.o.body knows a soul weapon more than its own user. Each soul weapon is different so I cannot be sure. But if I were to take an educated guess, I would said that the pervious family leader of House Kertia divided his soul weapon before pa.s.sing it to his children. I feel like Rael only got 20% of the soul weapon, this would allow him to surpa.s.s every high-ranking n.o.ble below the family leader level. His power should be a little higher that Seiras's because he has been alive for more than 500 years, but Seira should surpa.s.s him in less than a century."

Now Regis was less confused on the soul weapon issue, but he was startled by the sudden appearance of his friend and it seemed that he was the only one who did not realize he was there as Seira was holding into his coat giving the impression that it was a natural occurrence between them.

Seira said. "We should stop them, the damage to the city is already appalling." Vlad looked at Seira in a searching way and was relieved to find no wounds or even battle signs on her, Rael was not as impulsive it seemed. "I will do it" said Vlad while turning his eyes to the battle.

At this moment Frankenstein and Rael were about to crash again but, as if in agreement, they both jumped backwards as they saw a giant dark blood sword piercing the ground where they would have been standing a moment ago and a calm voice reached them, making the tall man curious while provoking a scowl on Rael.

"This battle has already created enough damage to the city, Rael it seems that you left Lukedonia without permission and started a battle with humans. Your brother and, more importantly, the Lord are not in a good mood at the moment and I think that you better start looking for a way out of this situation or you will likely spend the next 50 years in confinement. Seriously thou, it seems to me that you have already spent a third of your life in confinement, why is it that you like confinement so much? I have never been able to understand the way your head works..."

Rael looked as if he were about to jump at Vlad, even more when he noticed that Seira's hand was holding to his coat giving a sense of possessive aura with that simple gesture. Vlad spoke again.

"Rael, Rajak is about to leave Lukedonia in a dangerous and long mission. You should return immediately, your brother might have instructions for you regarding House Kertia. He cannot wait for you, go now."

Rael was surprised but asked no more, he gave a simple nod to the 3 n.o.bles and directed an unwilling look at the blond-haired man before turning around and disappearing. Frankenstein did not interrupt the exchange, he was curious as he could feel his Dark Spear seemed angry at this unknown n.o.ble. There was a feeling of familiarity to him that the could not identify completely. It was as if something within this n.o.ble was the complete opposite to his Dark Spear, not a nemesis, just something similar but essentially different wich confused his Dark Spear.

After noticing that Frankenstein was looking at him, Vlad smiled and with a practiced confused face he asked. "Hmm... are you a combat b.u.t.tler?" While he was laughing inside for his fantastic joke, the other three seemed to be considering that it was a good description and failed to notice that he could barely keep himself from laughing.

Seira introduced him "He is the owner of the house we are staying and also the princ.i.p.al of Yeran Highschool that we are attending during our stay. His name is Frankenstein." She then looked at Frankenstein and said. "This is Du Lac Alexandre Vlad, family leader of House Du Lac."

Frankenstein said. "I have not visited Lukedonia in a long time, but I dont remember a pureblood family with the name Du Lac, is it french? How unusual... I think I like this 'combat butler' description you mentioned."

Vlad presented his best practiced thoughtful expression and said. "Well House Du Lac was recognized as a pureblood family, when I was granted the family leader status by the Lord, around 20 years ago so it is not strange for you to not know about it. You said that you have visited Lukedonia? but there have been no such visit on the past 250 years at least...". Then with an expression that screamed sudden realization he said. "Are you that Frankenstein? The one who used to serve the n.o.blesse?"

Frankenstein hesitated for a second, but thinking that Gejutel had already met his master, he said. "I am still serving the n.o.blesse".

Chapter 29: The n.o.blesse

Vlad smiled triumphantly and said. "I came here to take Seira back to Lukedonia under the command of the Lord, but I would like to met with the n.o.blesse before taking my leave. Would you be kind enough to take me to him?" Frankenstein already knew that Lukedonia will look for them, but it was faster that he had expected. "Very well" he said and start leading the way.

There was no much conversation on the way back, Seira and Vlad seemed to be on their own small world ignoring everything around them, this make the other two a little uncomfortable a take the lead together leaving the couple to follow them a few meters behind.

Vlad was a little dissapointed as he did not meet the children that often put the n.o.blesse on funny situations, but he was able to see the three modified humans that lived with them. He smiled politely and with curiosity but did not said anything. He wanted to ask Frankenstein if they were his children, but decided that he should not press his luck so often, not when it was needed for more important performances.

The n.o.blesse was sitting in the living room holding a cup of tea and his presence seemed to ignore the world around him, but his aura had a feeling of melancology if one paid enough attention. Frankenstein bowed and placing his right hand over his hearth while greeting his master.

Vlad repeated the gesture and said. "Cadis Etrama Di Raziel, I am Du Lac Alexandre Vlad leader of House Du Lac. I am happy to learn that you still walk among us, I am sure the Lord would be as well. I suppose that you will start attending to your duties soon, so I thought to share some of the information we have with you."

Raizel looked curiously at Vlad, listening to his words. "Yesterday, Kravei Roctis and his daughter Ignes were captured on an island property of the Union. Roctis had the rank of an Elder of the Union and was allowing his daughter to conduct experiments on humans, n.o.bles and werewolves. After their capture, we found that Roctis kept a journal. There were records on how the leaders of the Kravei, Agvain, Siriana, Tradio, Gradious and Drosia families, along with a unknown faction of the werewolf clan, were responsible for the events that took place 800 years ago."

Raizel did not interrupt him but he looked sad, while Frankenstein was having trouble holding his aura.

Seira's eyes turned sharp when he heard he name Siriana, that was the one who slaughtered her entire clan, but she waited quietly.

"Apparently, Roctis believed that Edian was not acting on her free will. She seemed to have become a slave puppet under the control of Lagus. Thus, her situation had become the first priority for the Lord."

He hesitated for a moment and then said. "Gejutel failed to report that he met with you, creating some problems that led to me being here to escort Seira to Lukedonia to clarify her report. But before leaving I think, I should give you a gift for taking care of Seira and Regis during these days, should'nt I?"

Suddenly a shadow seemed to extend itself from Vlad into the open s.p.a.ce on the living room, a few blood red runes shined and a cylindrical crystal capsule started to grow from the floor. Several dark blood chains surrounded the capsule and seem to be piercing whatever was inside it.

Raizel stood and looked at the capsule, by now Muzaka was visible on it.

"I found him on Kravei Ignes' lab, it seems that his body was used for countless experiments through the centuries and its on the point of breaking down. My blood chains are constantly devouring the negative emotions that are drowning his soul and keeping him slept. He is your friend, perhaps a victim of the events 800 years ago, so I though that you may want to help him. By the way, I might have forgotten to mentioned him to the Lord as I was quite focussed on the Kravei duo, so dont attach my name on this business if you would. " Raziel seemed sad and melancholic, he only said "thank you" before instructing Frankenstein to start treatment for Muzaka.

Vlad looked at Regis and asked. "Regis, I have to take Seira back, do you want to come with us? You can stay here if you want as well." Regis was worried and asked. "You said grandfather failed to report he had met the n.o.blesse and it had created some problems, is he alright?"

Vlad hesitated for a moment and released a sigh. "I think Gejutel forgot that he is an advisor and its trying to manipulate the Lord as he would a child. I do not know what his intentions are, but I would guess he wants the Lord and the n.o.blesse to fight each other to help the Lord on her growth or to help her release the negative emotions she had acc.u.mulated for the betrayal centuries ago, I do not know... Nothing has happened yet, but I dont think the Lord will be happy by his decisions."

After listen to this, Regis was worried and decided to return with them. Then, with a mischievous smile, Vlad appeared next to Regis with a confused Seira on his arms, in the legendary princess-hold, as a blood-rune-arc started to rotate around the three of them.

Chapter 30: Educating Gejutel

Since Vlad had obtained the status of a family leader he was given a mansion to serve as foundation for House Du Lac. The mansion did not appear ostentatious, but had a simple beauty out of its practicality and clean environment. The garden, that surrounded the mansion, took the form of a labyrinth with big open areas with small fountains or orchards.

The mansion has been inhabited for 20 years by now, but the areas that have more development were obviously the garden and a medium-sized library. This was the hard work of Thalia who seemed to have found her reason for living on taking care of this two areas.

At the hall at the entrance of the mansion, a blood-rune-arc suddenly appeared and after a whole revolution revealed a surprised Regis, a shy surprised Seira and a proud smiling Vlad. Without letting go of Seira, Vlad looked kindly at Regis and say. "Regis, perhaps you would like to visit your grandfather and mention tp him that I brough you both back and that I already met with the n.o.blesse. I dont know what he is planning, but I dont think he had harmful intentions. It might just be that he thinks of us all as children".

Regis bowed in grat.i.tude and leaved the two alone, only then did Seira reacted and escaped his embrace looking half angry. Without waiting for her to say anything, he said with a concerned expression and a little apprehension. "My beautiful and non-violent Seira, we should go to the Lord to clarify the situation and letting her know that the n.o.blesse is alive and that he may start his hunt for traitors soon" Seira released a sigh and started walking away while ignoring him.

By the time they reached the throne hall, the Lord have just summoned the family leaders so they just had to wait for a few minutes. It seemed that the time given to Regis was enough to find his grandfather and warn him of the situation, as Gejutel seemed a little frustrated and half lost as he approached in meditation.

They all bowed according to the etiquette as the Lord walked her way to the throne. "At ease" she said and with her usual expression, showing a mixture of boredom and solemnity, focused on Seira. "Loyard J. Seira, on your report you mentioned that you met with 2 men that seemed n.o.bles but you could not be certain of it. Care to explain?"

Seira hesitated a second while Vlad pressed her hand gently for a moment. She bowed and said. "Lord, the reason that I could not be sure if they were n.o.bles or not, at the time of my report, was that both of them are stronger than me".

She took a moment to breathe and continue. "By now, I have a slight idea of who they are due to the conversation they had with Vlad. Vlad addressed Cadis Etrama Di Raziel as the n.o.blesse, though I am not familiar with either of those names as I have never hear them mentioned during my life on Lukedonia".

The Lord looked at her with a bit of apology as what she had said was true, the mentioning of the n.o.blesse had become taboo in Lukedonia to avoid her anger, and the new generation may not have any knowledge of him. This could have proved dangerous to Seira and Regis if the n.o.blesse had been an enemy and at the very least they would have known to avoid him if they were informed. She then focused on Gejutel and with a disappointed expression said.

"Landegre K. Gejutel, you met with the n.o.blesse but lied to me about it. Why? If Kravei Roctis had not been captured by Du Lac Alexander Vlad and obtained the journal describing his crimes and the names of the traitors, as well as the information that the n.o.blesse was not involved on their betrayal, I would have though that you are one of them. Care to explain yourself?"

Gejutel was startled and even a little panicked, he had not known that Roctis was captured with evidence of his crimes. Regis had only been able to tell him that Vlad had met the n.o.blesse, his plans had no where to go by now. So he decided that sincerity was the best way out.

"Lord, I did met the n.o.blesse and learned that he had just recently awakened after sleeping for 800 years. I dont know why he had to sleep for so long, but I was hopping to create a confrontation between the two of you as you have had no guidance on developing the blood field. Knowing that Lord have always been reluctant to interact with him and that you would not request for his help even if he is the only one who could help you develop the blood field".

The Lord took a moment to digest this information and her eyes showed a mixture of amus.e.m.e.nt and anger, Vlad could tell the anger was the main ingredient, as she addressed Gejutel. "Landegre K. Gejutel, do you think of me as a CHILD?! OR PERHAPS YOU THINK THAT I DO NOT QUALIFY AS THE LORD?!"

At this point, Gejutel seemed half awake half ashamed. "It seems... that I am too old and forgot myself for a moment, I was indeed trying to teach instead of providing advice as my duty requires...".

Vlad was happy, the unnecessary battle between the Lord and the n.o.blesse would not happen this time and, besides a little shame, there would not be trouble for Gejutel. Seira and Regis will have no conflict with the family leaders and could return to their trip... or it may be more accurate to say, to their stay at Korea.