Angelus Obscurus
"The process..." he began, clearing his throat. "The process involves a male vampire and a human woman, as female vampires cannot conceive due to their inability to change their bodies. The vampire impregnates the human woman, and she then gives birth to a hybrid baby." He paused and then added.
"The first problem, as you know, is the issue of self-control on the part of the vampire. Many of these encounters always end in tragedy for the people involved, so until Joham, such a thing had never been known."
Knowing little about supernatural biology, I had a feeling that this wasn't going to end well, and it seemed I wasn't wrong.
"The second problem, Gonzalo, is that the hybrid baby, having genes from the vampire parent, develops much faster than a normal baby and quickly begins to attempt to feed, which is exhausting for the mother. Humans are not designed to bear such a creature. Finally, unable to exit in the usual way due to the difference in the baby's growth and the mother's ability to adapt, the baby breaks free on its own when it feels ready."
"Oh my God, Dr. Petrov, it's horrifying," I thought to myself. It sounds like something out of an Alien movie, what a horrible fate for the mother.
"Dr. Petrov, did this man, Joham, carry out these kinds of experiments?"
"Well, Gonzalo, Joham and I had a few things in common and shared certain knowledge. We were both seeking a new species, to create a super being, each in our own way, but the idea was there. We kept in touch, and I promised him, in exchange for his knowledge, to provide him with material for his experiments."
"Doc! Were you planning to give him women for his horrifying experiments in exchange for his knowledge?"
"The deal was made, we had everything prepared and even had several candidates, but I couldn't go through with it. When I reflected on it, I remembered my own daughter and thought about the women this man, this monster, was experimenting on. Unfortunately, I had already made the pact, and there was no turning back. So I hid in this bunker, like a rat."
I could see fear and agony in his eyes. His face clearly reflected the expression of someone who had done and seen things that few people could, all in the name of science. This man had sold his soul in exchange for progress and knowledge.
"So, Doc, this vampire Joham is after you because you couldn't fulfill your promise. Is that why you have me here, because you want me to protect you?"
"Gonzalo, sooner or later, he, his daughters, or the Volturi will come for me, I can assure you of that. What I desire is not to live, but to make amends for my mistakes by giving humanity a chance and doing things right this time."
After a pause, I understood it all. This man had messed up everything, and probably even his daughter was already in the vampires' sights, but he could only give me everything he knew and, in a way, make me into what he desired to create for himself.
After two months of preparations, amidst my training with the scent of blood, we finally finished everything to start studying the dagger again and seeking improvements.
While I put the final touches on my new AI using machine learning techniques I obtained from the API based on what my friend Juan had done, Dr. Petrov brought a mysterious box from which a tooth was protruding.
"What is that, Doc?" I asked.
"This, my friend, is the last remaining sample of a werewolf fang."
"The 'Children of the Moon,'" I muttered to myself, the same ones who caused terror among the vampires before their extinction.
"I brought it because I have studied it, and I'm quite sure it could be useful in creating your next weapon."
The analysis of the dagger revealed results that I had somewhat predicted.
The alloy exhibited a perfect synchronization of the organic components of the assimilated vampire tooth with the Cubic Boron Nitride, making the new element incredibly hard and, at the same time, possessing unparalleled heat conductivity.
"Only a vampire's tooth can harm another vampire's body," I murmured as I looked at the analysis. Dr. Petrov carefully examined the sample of the werewolf fang, searching for unique characteristics that could be utilized in the creation of the saber. He discovered that these fangs possessed an extremely dense and sturdy internal structure, as well as a unique molecular composition that made them ideal for enhancing the dagger's capabilities.
"Gonzalo, it appears that the properties of the fang, unlike those of the vampire tooth, make them even more flexible. We could create a larger, more malleable material while retaining the same properties."
"A saber, Doc?"
"That's right, my friend. The vampire tooth is much stiffer. It allowed you to create the dagger, but for something larger, it might not be sufficient, and it's not very resistant to impact."
Building on the previous success with Cubic Boron Nitride in the dagger, Dr. Petrov decides to use it again as the main material for the saber blade. Cubic Boron Nitride is known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material for creating combat weapons.
Using advanced synthesis techniques, Dr. Petrov manages to combine the unique properties of the werewolf fangs with the Cubic Boron Nitride matrix structure. This fusion allows the saber blade to acquire the strength, sharpness, and supernatural characteristics of true werewolf fangs, further enhancing its ability to confront vampire creatures.
Given the focus on fighting vampires, Dr. Petrov decides to enhance the properties of the saber to increase its ability to inflict damage through heat. He introduces nano-scale metallic particles with excellent thermal conductivity, enabling the saber to efficiently transfer the heat generated during combat through the blade. Additionally, these metallic elements provide greater fire resistance, preventing the saber from being damaged by extreme heat during use.
To ensure the structural integrity of the saber, Dr. Petrov utilizes nanofiber and reinforcement technologies within the Cubic Boron Nitride matrix. This ensures that the blade is extremely strong and capable of withstanding the forces and stresses generated during combat against supernatural creatures.
Dr. Petrov pays special attention to the design of the saber's handle and guard to provide a secure and comfortable grip. He uses materials like lightweight yet sturdy alloys, reinforced with nanomaterials, to create an ergonomic and well-balanced handle that allows for precise and efficient handling in the fight against vampiric enemies.
"We have the analysis, perfect, my boy. Now let's take everything and start witnessing the magic of assembling our nanotechnology printer."
As the blade took shape, something within me started to ignite, an emotion I had never felt before. The dagger, at that moment, represented my thirst for vengeance and justice for the murder of my wife, my daughter. The irony was that the dagger contained Arthur's tooth, that vampire who had been executed by Od after trying to thwart the plan to turn me. Somehow, through that dagger, he had claimed his revenge against his executioner.
This saber reflected something else. It reflected the soul of an entire species extinguished by vampires, which, in some way, had come back to life in the form of a weapon. A weapon that would be used to eliminate the very species that had driven it to extinction.
"It's ready," said Dr. Petrov, with
the same look I had as I gazed at our new creation.
The blade has a total length of approximately 70 centimeters. It has a sharp edge on both sides, extending to about two-thirds of the total length of the blade. The tip is narrow and sharp, allowing for precise penetration of vampires' weak points. The blade has a slight curvature along its length, similar to that of a katana.
This curvature allows the blade to glide smoothly through the skin and tissues, maximizing its cutting and penetration capacity. The blade material is a metallic silver color, with a shiny and polished finish. This gives it an elegant and futuristic appearance, reflecting the combination of technology and ancestral skill that the Gonzalo saber represents.
"It's beautiful... I never thought something like this could be made. In terms of engineering, my boy, you're brilliant."
"Doc, without your knowledge of biology and the nature of my species, I could have never created something like this. Even with the tools, I wouldn't have been able to assemble the components so well."
"Don't celebrate just yet, my boy. We need to find something to test it on. Would you mind using your arm?"
"Doc! How am I supposed to kill vampires with one less arm?"
"No, silly. Put it in the scanner to create a replica! Hahaha, and here I thought you were the genius," Mr. Petrov laughed.
"How am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?" I replied with a smile.
I placed my arm in the scanner and then went to the blood bank in the other room. Slowly, I was adapting to the smell of human blood, but I was worried that the samples would run out.
"Doc, I think I'm drinking up all the remaining blood, and I haven't really achieved my goal."
"You'll have to go hunting, my boy. I'll come up with some ideas for you to continue training."
"Alright, Doc," I reassured him, somewhat worried.
"Just leave me a couple of samples, my boy. I have a few ideas for them," he added.
"Alright, Doc. From now on, I'll alternate my diet."
The next day, once again armed with the dagger since we weren't sure if the saber would work, I thought it would be a precaution to have something with me.
"Wait, Gonzalo," Mr. Petrov said. "Take this device. I think it would be a good idea for us to stay in contact while you're away. You never know when you might need help, either you or me. And if we discover something, it would be good for you to report it."
"Good idea, Doc," I responded. "I'll keep in touch while I'm out and keep you informed of everything."
I began to focus, and I could detect the presence of a bear relatively close by. I pounced on the animal and managed to subdue it. Since it was quite large, I figured it would be a good choice as it would keep me satisfied for a while. I had gone several months without feeding on animals; I needed to stay agile and reduce my consumption of human blood as much as possible to perform well in my training.
As I was ready and walking through the forest, I caught the scent of a vampire and a human. Upon arriving at the scene, I saw a dead farmer, and the scent of the vampire was closer. But I could also perceive something else, albeit very faintly. I recognized the unmistakable scent of Anastasia. Was she with another vampire? I had the dagger with me and could track it until I found one of them...
*Interference sounds* "Gon... Gonzalo... Gonzalo, do you copy?"
"Ah, yes, yes, I hear you, Doc, a bit better now."
"Gonzalo, if you have time, I request that you return to the bunker. I have the final touches almost ready, and I think we can start testing the saber soon," the excited Dr. Petrov said.
"Excellent, Doc..."
There was a pause. I was contemplating whether I should follow the trail; I could sense it. Part of me wanted to go back, but the flame in my heart called for revenge, urged me to continue.
"Gonzalo... Gonzalo... Are you still there? Are you okay? Over and out."
"Yes, yes, Doc. I'm ready. I'm coming back right now. Over and out."
As I walked away in the opposite direction of the faint scent of Anastasia, part of me regretted not following it, but I wasn't ready yet. I had much to investigate, to train, and I had to fulfill the promise of reuniting Doc with his daughter once again.