Chapter 14 - Clash of Faiths (3)
As night descended over the Old Town, the three Vampire Squads each counting three individuals in them moved under the cover of darkness and shadows, their senses attuned with even the slightest disturbance in the City.
In a place brimming with so much prey, so much blood and vitality in one place, the temptation of quenching their inexistent thirst was up there for one of the Scout Squads who explored around the limits of the Holy Ward for the scent of their target which was in the form of a accessory that contained his scent, a ring.
To avoid unnecessary distractions, the Squad of Vampires moved like phantoms, displaying their supernatural agility and strength by pushing their bodies long distances.
"Captain, are you sure that ring will bring us to that Krassius?" inquired a young vampire, wearing a sleek black leather jacket that hugged his form, accentuating his lithe frame. His piercing red eyes flickered with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as he addressed an individual who seemed to be in charge of this operation, their captain.
"I'm certain of him while holding on to this ring. However, what's intriguing is that there are two points that are being triggered by the ring, but the one we're onto matches with the ring."
"Mhm, maybe that guy turned one of his prey into a Thrall?"
"Probably."
"Still, Captain Erik, how do you have that ring? Was something the Lord given you before we departed for Graz?"
"This one? I heard Lord Schrekt acquired this ring from Karnstein himself. Isn't it ironic that an old dog of Carmillas without even batting an eye sold some of Krassius's artifacts. Whatsmore amusing is the fact that wench didn't even care about her son."
"So? This ring, does it have an interesting effect?"
"This junk? Pfff, nein. It's a sealing artifact meant to keep Krassius's Demonic Power sealed. That stupid kid even went along with whatever the Lasombra Clan told him, maybe it was the Witch's idea to not terrorize her spoiled brat with the presence of a true monster."
Erik ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, a smirk playing on his lips as he considered the current Drama that threw the Blood Court into disarray, the attempt at Prince Lotharius' life at his own birthday banquet.
"Alright guys, break time is done. Listen up," Erik said, his voice low but commanding as he addressed his fellow scouts. "Remember the objective. Tonight we must make contact with our foolish 'Blood Prince' and make sure he joins the Tremere Clan, hence becoming our future puppet for taking over the Blood Court."
"We need to convince him that we can offer him protection against the Lasombra Clan and give him promises for his desires, such as killing Lotharius and Carmilla."
His scouts nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with anticipation at the prospect of gaining an advantage over their rival clan, Lasombra and Tzimisce.
"It would be easy, if the rumors about Krassius being a little bitch, with a weak mental world." the young Vampire who first opened the point of discussion, Nikolai, remarked with arrogance and proudness in his tone.
One of the scouts, this time a gorgeous vampire woman, Mara, raised a hand, a smirk playing on her lips. "And what if he refuses our offer? What then?"
"Unlikely."
They knew that Krassius was vulnerable, his mind weakened by the abuse he had endured at the hands of the Council of Thorns. Exploiting that weakness would be key to gaining his allegiance.
Eric knew some background information that was shared directly by Tremere's Vampire Lord, Johan Schrekt regarding the past incident in the Blood Court where Krassius almost succeeded in killing his younger brother, Lotharius. As a Middle-Rank Vampire, even priding himself for his pureblood status, he was a trusted man for the Lord.
This was a God-sent opportunity for the Tremere Clan who was sandwiched between the other two leading factions of the Vampire World in Austria. If they could acquire Krassius without a fight that was marvelous, and it was true, from his perspective being unlikely for the young Vampire to decline such an offer.
The Tremere Clan's full support for toppling the Carmilla Bloodriver if he so chooses to take revenge for her blatant punishment and favoritism over her 'Pureblooded' spawn. They were willing to offer Krassius whatever support he needed to exact his revenge, knowing that their own interests aligned with his desire for self-justice.
As for Carl, being the firstborn son of Queen Carmilla should have granted him a position of privilege and power within the Vampire World. However, his status as a Dhampir, a half-vampire, meant he was always viewed with disdain and suspicion by his fellow vampires.
Despite his royal lineage, he was treated as an outsider, subjected to ignorance, distaste, and even outright hatred from those around him, including his own mother.
Erik and his squad continue to chit-chat a bit more, discussing their plan for compelling Carl to join their side, and all arguments colluded to the fact the 'Blood Prince' was known for having a weak mentality, easily manipulated by those around him, and the root of the cause was the so-called family of his, the ones who should have protected him, allowing him to grow into a 'normal' environment.
While engrossed in their own ideas, they failed to notice that a sinister presence was listening to all of their discussion, even their schemes and plans, and while they were arrogant and confident in their abilities, a blood pool was created under their shadow.
Suddenly, all three of the younger vampires along with their experienced Captain felt a sense of foreboding sweeping over them, as if the Reaper's Scythe was drawn next to their necks. Their body got goosebumps in their sense of dread, as a bloody figure emerged from the Blood Pool that they just now noticed.
Even the confident Captain couldn't help but tremble a bit as he spoke, feeling that such Blood Magic was something only the High-Class Vampires could pull off, mainly the Rulers of the Vampire Class. "This Demonic Power… Such Blood Magic… It's High-Class Type…"
The younger Vampires were even worse then Erik, the only woman of the group, Mara, felt her breath caught in her throat. The signs of panic flooded over her like a tidal wave, as the sense of impending doom hung in the air.
"Oh, no…, please, no. It's him… The Blood Monster." Mara's voice quivered with fear as she caught sight of Carl's chilling arrival, her heart sinking at the sight of the ominous figure emerging from the blood pool.
Erik, who was a Middle-Class Vampire and was stronger, could at least face Carl's Demonic Power, but the Lower-Class Vampire felt the dreadful pressure a thousand fold.
The darkness seemed to coalesce and take shape, morphing into the figure of a black-haired young man. His presence was commanding, exuding a raw and primal power that sent a chill down the spines of the Vampire Scouts.
'This is the true appearance of a Final Boss. Shake in your boots puny bats.'
Carl emerged from the blood pool with an otherworldly grace, his movements fluid, while the aura he was giving off passively was similar to that of a predator stalking its prey. The crimson liquid clung to his form, accentuating his ethereal appearance and lending him an aura of menacing allure. His eyes, a piercing shade of dark red that seemed to glow with hellfire, bore into the souls of those who dared to meet his gaze.
Nikolai's bravado crumbled in the face of Carl's overwhelming presence, his voice quivering as he addressed the Blood Prince with a tone of forced deference. "M-My lord, it is an honor to be in your presence," he stammered, his eyes darting nervously between Carl and his fellow scouts.
'Hmm? Wasn't he the rat who mocked me for being a 'little bitch'? Well, forget it. I think I get the whole idea about their plot. Based on what I can remember, the Tremere Clan don't have any blood debts to me.'
'Ahh, and I wanted to kill them so badly. It's a shame. Should I taunt them a little bit and make them stumble to give me a reason to kill them and drink their blood?'
Mara, feeling that bloodthirsty gaze that told her that he didn't mind drinking their blood, even if they were Kindred, made her unable to contain her fear any longer. She took a step back, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she struggled to maintain her composure. "P-Please, mercy, my lord. We didn't know you were watching us. It's our fault for believing in empty rumors about you." she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at Carl with wide, terrified eyes.
'The fuck is wrong with this bitch? Was Krassius's reputation that terrible? I know he did some killing out of frenzy, but you lot are Vampires, not 'sensible' humans.'
Erik, though shaken, tried to maintain a semblance of composure as he stepped forward to address Carl. "Forgive us, my lord, for our intrusion, even though you suffered a lot under the Tzimisce and Lasombra and are recuperating your power." he said, his voice wavering slightly despite his efforts to sound authoritative. "We...we meant no disrespect. We were simply searching for you on behalf of the Tremere Clan."
Carl's gaze swept over the trembling vampires before him, his expression unreadable as he assessed the trio before him along with their Leader. For a long moment, he said nothing, allowing the weight of his silence to speak for itself.
'I don't really care about this Tremere Clan, they could be good fodder in case I would go into conflict with "moms" Clan. The fact I was the one to spend one year in confinement and serve a punishment I didn't commit doesn't sit well with me, so this time, I'll have to clean-up after Krassius's butt, and kill that asshole for good.'
'There's also the Karnstein's who have kept me in the Cellar. They also need to be punished regardless of what past connection 'I' had with that lolita, Elmenhilde .'
Carl's eyes narrowed at Erik's words, his expression unreadable as he assessed the vampire before him. "The Tremere Clan, you say?" he mused, a dangerous glint entering his eyes. "And what business does the Tremere have with me? Could it be that you guys are also 'Hunting' for me, like I'm some high-prize game?"
Erik hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "We… The Tremere Clan seek your allegiance, my lord," he explained, his voice trembling slightly. "We wish to offer you our support in your...endeavors, in exchange for your assistance in...toppling the Blood Court, and when you become our King, to not forget our friendship and assistance."
Carl's lips curled into a sardonic smile at Erik's words, a cold laugh escaping his lips. "Lord Johan Schrekt is even willing to collude with a 'Traitor' like myself? Isn't he afraid that I might do some confession to wash my own sin, and be forgiven by the Queen?"
"Lord Krassius…" he began, his words carefully chosen, "You should be upset at the Queen for imprisoning you, for taking away your birthright as the firstborn, the True Blood King. She has treated you unjustly, denying you the power and respect that is rightfully yours."
Carl listened calmly to whatever Erik prepared for him, but it turned out to be some cheap manipulation tactic that he used to stir up whatever hatred he had against his mother, but to the current him it felt just ironic and maybe stinging a bit when thinking about those sad memories of parent negligence and outright ignorance.
He didn't even consider Carmilla Bloodriver his mother, from his observant lenses she was just a woman drunk on power, fearful of her own son's powers, or maybe she was just reminded of Krassius's father, for all he could care.
The honey smeared words of revenge and the plea for his case didn't move him, his crimson eyes shifting according to his mental state, as he narrowed them, regarding Erik with a mix of amusement and disdain.
"What makes you, the Tremere Clan, not be the same as the rest who have betrayed me? Aren't I just a lowly half-blood? Aren't you a mighty and proud Pureblood not disgusted, indignant at lowering your head at this lowly being?"
"Besides, stop with that cheap attempt at winning me. If I wanted to take revenge against Carmilla, I could do it without your Clan's help." he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Always seeking to manipulate others for your own gain, always looking for an advantage. But tell me, Captain, why should I trust you? Why should I align myself with a clan that would turn on me at the first sign of trouble?"
Erik's expression faltered for a moment, his confidence waning as he struggled to find an adequate response. "W-We...we only seek to offer our assistance, my lord," he stammered, his voice wavering under Carl's piercing gaze. "We wish to see the Blood Court overthrown, to see justice served for all those who have suffered at their hands."
Carl's gaze hardened as he regarded Erik with a steely glance. "And yet, I find it difficult to believe that your clan's intentions are entirely altruistic. A thief calling out thieves? Isn't it ironic?" he countered, his voice cold and calculating. "After all, what guarantee do I have that once I help you topple the Blood Court, you won't simply discard me like a pawn on a chessboard?"
"Ahh, right, I forgot that I'm in control."
Erik opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Carl held up a hand to silence him. "Save your excuses, Captain," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "I have heard enough. You may inform Lord Johan Schrekt that I will consider his offer in a positive manner since he actually extended an olive branch instead of pulling guns at me, threatening me with a non-existing threat."
"But make it clear that should he cross me, I will also target the Tremere Clan in my future Cleansing of the Vampire World."
With that, Carl turned away from the trembling vampires, his form beginning to fade into the shadows. "Now leave me," he commanded, his voice echoing ominously in the darkness, but then as if remembering something, he stopped in his tracks, giving another order to Erik. "Ohh, and if you mind, return back my belongings."
"Pardon?"
"The ring. Return it."
Erik hesitated, feeling the weight of Carl's words bearing down on him like a crushing weight.
His attempt to sway the Blood Prince had failed miserably, and now he found himself standing before the very creature he had hoped to manipulate.
As Carl's gaze bore into him, Erik couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping over him. The Blood Prince's crimson eyes seemed to pierce through his very soul.
"I...I understand, my lord," Erik murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached into his pocket and retrieved Carl's ring. He held it out to him with trembling hands, careful not to make any sudden movements that might provoke the fearsome vampire before him.
Carl's expression softened slightly as he accepted the ring from Erik's outstretched hand, his crimson eyes flickering with a hint of amusement at the vampire captain's obvious discomfort. "Thanks, Captain," he said, his voice devoid of warmth but tinged with a mocking edge. "You may leave now. We've finished our business. Ohh, and don't kill humans randomly just to feed yourself while the Holy Ward is still active. I'll deal with them in two days from now on."
Holding onto the magical red-gold ring with a ruby stone engraved on its socket, he couldn't help but marvel at its allure. While he understood the backstory of this ring, and its usage, he could use it to suppress his demonic power if he wanted or use it to contain his demonic mana for future clashes that might tax him.
Yet he couldn't hold long on this moment of silent badassery, just as the Tremere Vampire Scouts along with their Captain were preparing to leave, from out of nowhere Carl sensed a sudden influx of hostile energy.
'Heak? Assassination? Who is it? Was I fooled by Tremere?'
"Death to the Abomination!" one of the Assassins shouted, his voice filled with venom as he lunged forward with a gleaming sword held high.
'Bloodbound Dominion Activation!'
'Awaken Ability - Blood Manipulation'
With his will transmitted to his Sacred Gear, the air around him crackled with dark energy as the Crimson Amulet adorning his neck glowed with an eerie crimson light. A surge of power coursed through his veins, strengthening his Vampiric Abilities bestowed upon him by the Longinus Sacred Gear.
The air itself seemed to pulse with malevolence as Carl tapped into his unique "Blood Manipulation" ability, allowing him to bend the very essence of blood at his will.
'Blood Mist'
His instincts kicked into overdrive as he swiftly dodged the first wave of attacks. Carl transformed himself into a swirling mass of crimson mist, his form dispersing into the air like a wisp of smoke.
The attackers, caught off guard by his sudden disappearance, faltered for a moment, their weapons slicing through the empty space where he had stood just moments before.
As Carl evaded the initial strike and reformed from the crimson mist, his eyes flashed with a murderous hint. While in the process of reshaping his body from the intangible state of his Blood Mist, he brought out another item that he wanted to create in his battle.
In his hand materialized a longsword formed from coalesced blood, its crimson hue matching the intensity of his piercing eyes. With a mastered ease, he swung the blade in a lethal arc, cleaving through the air while leaving out in his path a Blood-shaped slash that cleaved the body of an unsuspecting Assassin with otherworldly precision.
With one of the five dead, Carl who gauged their powers sensed them to be around the same level as the Vampire Captain, Erik Blackwood, who was stunned by what he was seeing. As Vampires they were only blessed with a Supernatural Body and a larger pool of mana that humans couldn't compare, but the abilities he was seeing from Carl were mindblowing for him.
"Could it be that he awakened a Sacred Gear? He is a Dhampir afterall… This might be the case."
Contemplating about Carl's source of power, he frowned following the next action of Carls.
With a gesture of his hand, Carl summoned forth a tendril of blood that snaked its way toward the fallen Assassin's body. The tendril wrapped around the corpse in an eerie fashion, reminiscent of Horror Movies, and right in front of all the Vampires, he began draining the life force from its veins with ruthlessness.
Right in front of their eyes, a forbidden act was committed, or what it seemed to be. Diablerie.
"Blood Absorption." Carl whispered coldly, his voice barely audible over the din of battle. With each passing moment, the Assassin's body withered and shrank, reduced to little more than a mummified husk.
Like a nightmarish monster, he drew all of the attention on him, and the impact of his first actions had a clear effect on the mental fortitude of the assassins who choose to recklessly abandon their lives by throwing themselves at the Blood Prince.
Carl stood before them like a nightmare clad in blood, his eyes peering into the depths of each Vampire Assassin's soul. There was a confident smirk that could give the impression he was looking down on Death itself by using it to funnel his never ending bloodthirst.
"That was good. Truly. You fools managed to stir a tingle in my dead heart."
His gaze struck terror into the hearts of the attackers as they watched the Blood Prince execute one of their companions with ruthless efficiency.
They jumped into the mix once more, believing that with only a chance to wound Carl, they could do their job in injecting a potent agent that would put him into a temporary slumber, just enough for their Lord to pick him up and suppress the Monster.
Reacting to their suicidal attempt at harming him, as if smelling that something was up in their plot, he didn't allow them any satisfaction at seeing his skin being opened. His crimson eyes had an icy touch as blood began to gush out from his body as if he suffered a hidden laceration.
In an instant, the crimson liquid pooling beneath the feet of his attackers began to churn and writhe as if alive. The blood responded to Carl's will, twisting and contorting into razor-sharp Blood Spears that lashed out at the oncoming Assassins.
The would-be attackers faltered in their advance as they felt terror at the large Blood Spears surging forth in their direction, and while at it from underneath their footing, tendrils of blood pushed forth, ensnaring them in their deadly grip.
With a swift motion of his hand, Carl directed the blood to strike with lethal force, impaling his assailants with unnerving accuracy. Yet, those Middle-Class Vampires still had some surprises left for him, as they fought off the tendrils and readied themselves to block the incoming Blood Spears.
Despite the odds stacked against them, they refused to yield, their determination evident in the way they clashed with the Blood Prince.
The Vampire Assassin #1, seeing Carl's blade coming towards him, raises his own weapon in a desperate attempt to parry the attack. While his face contracted with a twisted desperation, the Blood Prince who could for once experience his own powers while his state was optimal for combat, couldn't help but marvel deep down.
'Yeah, man. Now I understand my situation. I probably might be a Final Boss for the Highschool DxD in this Timeline.'
'How could I be weak when I have a Longinus by my side?'
[Boy, I told you from the beginning that you aren't weak. Yet, I didn't bother to continue patting your fragile Ego, and just let you find out yourself. Now, are you happy? Is your Ego in a better state?]
'Fuck. Of course, when I'm toying with those Middle-Class level threats as if they are my pets.'
'Whatsmore, I think I started getting proficient with the activation of the Sacred Gear's abilities.'
[You're doing well. Don't kill them too fast and let them be your target dummies.]
'Hah, aren't you cruel, mister? Calling people who are after my life, target dummies?'
[They are ants from my perspective, not even worth breathing.]
'Hey, don't you know they are your descendants?'
[Huh? They are not. They are just rats turned on by my sons. However, you are different. I can feel a direct bloodline connection with you.]
'...'
'How come? Is there more to Krassius's backstory than I got it from his memories?'
'Well, whatever. I'll discover it little by little, no need rushing.'
His speed and precision felt unmatched for the night, and the blood longsword sliced through the air similar to the techniques shown by Nosferatu in their Swordsmanship Training, bypassing the Assassin's feeble defense and landing a deep gash across his chest, and while at that he used again his Blood Manipulation to create a malevolent creature that latches onto the Vampire's body.
Meanwhile, the other two Assassins react quickly to Carl's maneuver. One of them lunges forward, aiming to strike at Carl's exposed flank while he's engaged with their wounded comrade.
The Vampire Assassin #2 as a Middle-Rank Vampire had extraordinary attributes, with a supernatural body that made him arrogant against the mortal creatures of the World. His movements are swift and aggressive, his blade gleaming as it arcs through the air towards Carl's vulnerable side, but against the Blood Prince his movements felt just like a normal human.
Assassin #3 sensing an opportunity to gain the upper hand that would allow Assassin #2 to inflict a wound on Carl, began conjuring a burst of dark energy, channeling it into a powerful demonic spell directly aimed at the Blood Lord.
The spell, a darkness sphere, crackles with malevolent energy as it hurtles towards its target, intending to immobilize and incapacitate Carl long enough for the Assassins to regroup and mount a more coordinated attack.
With moonlight casting an ethereal glow upon Carl's features as he stood amidst the chaos of battle, his handsome face illuminated by a sinister smirk that sent shivers down the spines of his foes, and even the spectators couldn't help but tremble in fear. His crimson eyes gleamed with a predatory light, their intensity piercing through the darkness like twin beacons of malevolence.
The smirk that curved his lips was not one of amusement or satisfaction, but rather one of cold, calculated malice. It was the smirk of a predator toying with its prey, relishing in the thrill of the hunt and the anticipation of the kill.
Following the attack of Assassin #2, he was timing the strike in his mind, and just when he was about to be hacked, spilling blood, he swiftly countered the attack with eerie flexibility and agility.
The parried blow of the Assassin, sent the Vampire into a spasmed recess as he felt his strength overpowered by Carl who continued to look down on the Middle-Ranked Vampire with contempt in his crimson eyes.
He got outmaneuvered and overpowered, as Carl continued after his counter by switching sword stances, anticipating the Assassin's lunging strike.
As the Assassin's blade comes within striking distance, Carl's Blood Longsword meets it with precision, deflecting the attack and landing a devastating blow on his opponent.
The force of Carl's counterattack sent the second Assassin stumbling backward, his grip on his weapon faltering as he struggled to maintain his balance. Continuing with his unbreakable momentum, with a well-placed kick to the midsection, Carl sends him tumbling to the ground, giving him space to deal with the remaining assassin.
Not stopping from channeling his spell, the third Assassin's dark energy burst hurtles towards Carl with lethal intent.
'Good man. Good man. Now I can also test my Blood Magic.'
Sensing the impending danger, Carl reacts swiftly, a surge of crimson energy erupted from his palm, coalescing into a large Blood Projectile that crackled with malevolent intent. The projectile pulsed with an ominous crimson glow, its surface swirling with dark, roiling currents of blood magic.
As the dark energy burst of the third Assassin hurtled closer, Carl's Blood Projectile met it head-on, the two opposing forces colliding in a spectacular clash of power.
The opposing forces clashed in a spectacular display of power, each seeking to overwhelm the other with its sheer might. Following the initial clash, once the impact was made between the opposing powers, a shockwave was sent off, rippling through the air, while some buildings felt as if being targeted by an earthquake.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the two opposing energies waged war against each other, but it didn't last long. With a deafening roar, the dark energy burst was overwhelmed by the sheer force of Carl's Blood Projectile, dissipating into nothingness as if it had never existed.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded into the night, Carl stood there unfazed, his Blood Magic augmented by his Longinus Sacred Gear proved to be too great for a measly Middle-Rank Vampire to handle.
With a sense of grim satisfaction, he turned his attention back to the remaining Assassins who were left in a precarious state, his gaze cold and unwavering as he prepared to finish what he had started.
With a cold and calculated demeanor, Carl turned his attention to the first Assassin, who lay wounded, while on his chest laceration a large tumor like bump that wasn't there initially developed fully.
"K-Kill me! Remember that you'll never escape from us, you Abomination."
Hearing that, it didn't faze Carl's sinister grin as he approached the fallen Assassin, his eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.
"Ohh, I feel so afraid. Look, I even got goosebumps. Tsk, I was sarcastic, you dumbfuck." Carl taunted, his voice dripping with disdain
"Do you think I give a fuck about who you people work for?" Carl continued, his tone mocking "I can guess who you belong to by your devotion to kill me? I tend to believe your lot was sent by that parasite, Lotharius."
"Hmm, your BPM increased a bit. Flustered. Panicked. I think I can guess who you are working for."
"Of course I could just torture you and find the answer, but it would be a waste of time, and to be honest, I enjoy surprises. The feeling of surprise when you do not expect to get hit, that's a great thrill." Carl remarked, his voice dripping with malice
Reaching out with his hand, Carl summoned forth the Blood Parasite he implanted on the Vampire Assassin after incapacitating him, and before the eyes of the spectators belonging to the Tremere Clan, a malevolent creature born from the depths of his dark power surged forth.
The Parasite latched onto the Assassin's body with ravenous greed, devouring his blood with insatiable hunger. It was as if it was a creature born from one of the Deadly Sins, Gluttony. As the Vampire writhed in agony, Carl watched with grim satisfaction, his lips curling into a cruel smile.
Carl extracted the Blood Parasites from the Assassin's body, his movements eerily reminiscent of a nightmarish monster feasting on its prey. Holding the Blood Parasite that got quite fat from the copious feast, he squeezed the creature in a cruel manner, releasing a screech that would send countless humans living in this neighborhood in constant Nightmares.
Allowing the blood to flow into his maw, later on even eating the creature born from his own twisted mind, that's when Carl felt a surge of blood energy coursing through his veins, invigorated and even absorbing some of the strength of the Middle-Class Vampire. Insignificant as it was, akin to a droplet of water into a body of water, it would still collect in this staleness.
Once he had drained the Assassin of his life essence, Carl cast aside the now lifeless body, it was the exact expression you would give to a toy you got bored of playing with. That's when Carl turned his attention to the remaining two Assassins, who watched in horror as their comrade met his grisly fate. With a sense of grim determination, Carl advanced towards them, his Blood Longsword gleaming in the moonlight
"Since we're in the Domain of Vatican? Shall I perform a Rite of Passage for you two insects? But instead of reaching the Hell of the Devils, you shall remain trapped in my Domain for eternity."
The Assassins, realizing that their end was near, hurled curses and insults at Carl, their voices filled with fear and desperation. But their words fell on deaf ears as Carl delivered the final blows with ruthless efficiency, his movements swift and precise.
With each strike of his Blood Longsword, the Assassins faltered and fell, their bodies crumbling to the ground in a heap of blood and bones. As the echoes of battle faded into the night, Carl stood victorious, his enemies vanquished and his power unquestioned.
The Assassins, realizing the futility of their situation, hurled curses and insults at Carl, their voices trembling with fear. But their words fell on deaf ears as Carl closed the distance between them with swift and precise movements.
With a series of deadly strikes, Carl delivered the final blows to the remaining Assassins, his Blood Longsword cutting through their defenses with ruthless efficiency. The Assassins faltered and fell, their bodies crumbling to the ground in a heap of blood and bones.
As their life essence began to dissipate into the air, Carl used his Blood Absorption to retrieve the remainder, ensuring that not a drop of their power went to waste. Standing amidst the carnage, he exuded a stoic aura unlike the bloodthirsty demeanor he had displayed at the start of the battle.
Turning to face the Vampire Squad of the Tremere Clan, who stood as silent spectators to the gruesome spectacle, Carl's eyes gleamed with intrigue.
"You're still here? Do you want me to see you off?"
The scene they witnessed unfold was a spectacle of brutality that transcended their understanding of a Vampire's abilities.
Erik could barely control his tremble, as he recognized one of the faces of an Assassin, who like him, was a Middle-Rank Vampire. Yet in the hands of Carl, those middle-ranks were turned into ragdolls, nothing but firewood to funnel Carl's thirst for power and blood.
With this showcase, he finally understood why Carl was feared even amongst his Kindred, from Elders, Vampire Princes and Vampire Lords alike.
All of the squad got tense after hearing Carl's words, except one particular member of the team was not as ceased as the others. Mara had been silently observing and contemplating Carl's abilities since the beginning of the confrontation.
She had read about certain Dhampirs that possessed Sacred Gears and unique abilities, but she had never witnessed anything like this before.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the breaking of her peers' frightened silence. 'I heard that Sacred Gears have their own category, the rarest are the most destructive of their kind. Could it be that Prince Krassius awakened one of the Mythical Types? The Longinus?'
"He's just too powerful, even for us Purebloods!" whispers from her colleagues turned her attention on them.
Erik turned to his fellow vampires, his expression grim as he made sure they didn't offen Carl "It seems Lord Johan's plan may have backfired on us. At this point we can only lower our head and do as he commands us if we want to stay alive."
"The rumors in the end were just baseless rumors. To think this was Prince Krassius's true persona. He's not naive or easily manipulated, nor does he crumble against aversion. We're fucked."
As the Scout's fearful eyes burned into him, yet having to react to his words, giving the impression they were almost guilty of something, he couldn't help but smirk a bit.
This feeling of dominance was truly intoxicating, a drug he could easily grow addicted to.
Carl turned to Mara, his gaze not wavering. Despite the terrifying display of power, something within her flickered. Fear? Lust? Or maybe something else entirely? There was a spark in her eyes that he hadn't seen before, and it intrigued him.
'Is this Vampire chick interested in some smash with old me? Doing a Vampire would be a first for me. Maybe I should maintain myself for an Aristocrat slut? That would be a game for sure.'
Continuing to stare at Mara, judging her looks in his mind, an honest 8/10 considering the Supernatural and whatnot, he pushed the Squad of the Tremere with a probing question.
Carl's gaze bore into Mara, searching for any signs of deception, well, he was mainly taking in the pleasure of bullying the once arrogant looking Vampire gal. "Was this a scheme of the Tremere?" he questioned, his tone sharp and accusatory.
Mara met his gaze with unwavering determination. "Never!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with sincerity. "We're sincere in our approach to you, my Prince."
A flicker of doubt crossed Carl's features, but he held his composure. "Then do you know who those maggots belong to?" he pressed, his voice low and dangerous.
"..." She didn't know for sure, since she didn't have much contact with the upper echelons of the Karnstein Family.
"I recognize one of the faces. They are from Karnstein House," Erik's voice tinged with disdain over the deceased. "They are devout supporters of the Lasombra Clan. If I may speculate, they made their move thinking that you would still be weakened after almost entering Slumber."
"So, they viewed our negotiations as you leaving yourself exposed."
Erik, the Captain of the Tremere Squad, exchanged a nervous glance with Mara, knowing that the situation had taken a dangerous turn. "However, my Lord, we had no knowledge of their involvement," he insisted, his voice betraying a hint of desperation. "We are at your mercy, and we pledge our loyalty to you."
Carl's gaze lingered on Mara for a moment longer, sensing something stirring beneath the surface. There was a fire in her eyes, a spark of defiance that intrigued him. "Is that so?" he mused, his tone thoughtful.
Just as Carl's demeanor softened slightly, a sudden shift overcame him. His features contorted into a mixture of anger and frustration, catching the other Tremere vampires off guard. It was as if a storm had suddenly descended upon them, darkening the atmosphere with its intensity.
"Alright, whoever you are messing with me, I vow to fucking end your Clan."
Erik, thinking that maybe one of the other two squads stumbled on the woman that Carl marked, and went down sour with her, was quick to react, almost reassuring that it wasn't them. "My Prince!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with concern.
Carl's response was sharp and decisive, his words cutting through the air like a knife. "I know, it's not a Tremere Vampire that crossed me. You bunch are too timid to touch the one I've marked. At worst, you would just coerce her into reaching out to me. Which would still lead you to your death."